IE86622B1 - Fire assemblies - Google Patents

Abstract

A fire assembly (10) comprising fire apparatus (12), an outer fire surround (14) which when in position extends around the fire apparatus (12) to be spaced therefrom and an inner fire surround (16) which in use extends to hold the fire apparatus (12) and the outer fire surround (14) in said spaced arrangement. A fire surround arrangement and a method of installing a fire assembly are also provided. The arrangements of the present invention are particularly suitable for use with gas fire apparatus (12) of conventional design and provide a traditional appearance around the fire apparatus, such as that of a Victorian-style fireplace. <Figure 1>

Description

Fire Assemblies The present invention relations to fire assemblies, and in particular but not exclusively to fire assemblies having cast iron surrounds.

Cast iron fire surrounds have been known for many years. Typical examples are traditional Victorian-style fire surrounds that provide decorative cast iron backplates and ornate surrounds for open fire grates or fire baskets.

More recently, open fire grates or fire baskets of such arrangements have been replaced with gas fire technology for simplicity of use. Modern gas fire technology offers generally enclosed gas fire units that provide for efficient and effective fuel burning and heat output, but installing these within fire assemblies that retain the appearance of traditional surrounds has proved difficult.

Open fire grates or fire baskets can be replaced with more generally enclosed wood burning or multifuel fires or stoves which offer considerable improvements in energy efficiency and emissions, but again accommodating such fires or stoves within fire assemblies that retain the appearance of traditional surrounds such as Victorian-style fire surrounds has proved difficult.

According to the present invention there is provided a fire assembly comprising fire apparatus, an outer surround extending around the fire apparatus to be spaced therefrom, an inner surround extending to hold the fire apparatus and the outer surround in said spaced arrangement, first fixing means extending to secure the inner surround to the fire apparatus and second fixing means extending to secure the inner surround to the outer surround, the second fixing means being selectively releasable when the assembly is in position for use, to enable selective removal of the fire apparatus.

S 8 6 6 2 2 The inner surround may extend over the space between the fire apparatus and the outer surround to overlap each of the fire apparatus and the outer surround. The outer surround may be spaced from the fire apparatus to such a small extent that they could almost be touching, and may indeed touch in part, although it is preferred that they are spaced by at least a few millimetres. The spacing between the outer surround and the fire apparatus may be adjustable.

The first and second fixing means may comprise threadedly engagable fasteners such as nut and bolt arrangements and/or threaded fastener and threaded bore arrangements. The fixing means may be selectively releasable.

The fixing means holding the inner surround to the outer surround is selectively releasable from a front aspect of the assembly when the assembly is in position for use, whereby to enable selective removal of the fire apparatus for servicing, maintenance and suchlike.

A seal may be provided to seal the inner surround against the fire apparatus, and may seal around the fire apparatus, along the region of overlap with the fire apparatus.

A seal may be provided to seal the outer surround, in use, to a structure, such as a wall or chimney breast which may define an opening to receive the fire apparatus. The outer surround may seal substantially all around the said opening.

The outer surround may comprise two upstanding side portions and an upper bridging portion extending between the side portions. The outer surround preferably provides a seal surface for the seal. The seal surface may extend down the length of each of the side portions and across the width of the bridge portion.

The outer surround may have a decorative front and may comprise cast iron.

The inner surround may comprise two upstanding side portions and an upper bridging portion extending between the side portions. The inner surround preferably provides a seal surface for the seal to seal against. The seal surface may extend down the length of each of the side portions and across the width of the bridging portion. The inner surround may have a decorative front and may comprise cast iron.

The fire apparatus may comprise one or more external projections, which may be in the form of one or more flanges, against which the inner surround seals.

The fire apparatus may comprise gas fire apparatus, such as generally enclosed gas fire apparatus that may have a radiant or convector box arrangement.

Alternatively, the fire apparatus may comprise a generally enclosed solid fuel fire or stove, such as a wood burning or multifuel stove.

The assembly may further comprise a third surround which extends around the outer surround, and which may retain the outer surround in sealed location against a structure. The third surround may be secured to the structure by fixing means, such as threaded fasteners and the like.

The third surround may comprise two upstanding portions and an upper bridging portion extending between the side portions. The third surround may comprise a decorative appearance.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a fire surround arrangement comprising an outer surround locatable around fire apparatus to be spaced therefrom, an inner surround locatable over the fire apparatus and the outer surround to hold the fire apparatus and the outer surround in relative spaced location, first fixing means that extends to secure the inner surround to the fire apparatus and second fixing means that extends to secure the inner surround to the outer surround, the second fixing means being selectively releasable when the assembly is in position for use, to enable selective removal of the fire apparatus.

The outer surround may be as substantially described above. The inner surround may be substantially as described above. The arrangement comprises first and second fixings to hold the inner surround to the fire apparatus and the outer surround respectively.

The inner surround may be sealed against the fire apparatus as described above. The outer surround may be sealed against a structure as described above.

The arrangement may comprise a third surround which extends around the outer surround, and which may retain the outer surround in sealed location against a structure.

The arrangement may be for use with fire apparatus as described above, such as gas fire apparatus and/or solid fuel fire/stove apparatus.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing a fire assembly to a structure defining an opening to receive fire apparatus, the method including securing an inner surround to the fire apparatus with first fixing means, securing the inner surround to an outer surround with second fixing means to hold the fire apparatus and the outer surround in a mutually spaced configuration and offering the assembly up to the structure for the fire apparatus to be received within the opening and the outer surround to seal against the structure, the second fixing means being selectively releasable when the fire assembly is in position for use, to enable the selective removal of the fire apparatus.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a further method of installing a fire assembly comprising sealing an outer surround to a structure defining an opening, securing an inner surround to fire apparatus with first fixing means, offering the fire apparatus and inner surround to the structure to locate the fire apparatus into the opening and then securing the inner surround to the outer surround using second fixing means to hold the outer fire surround and the fire apparatus in spaced configuration, the second fixing means being selectively releasable when the assembly is in position for use, to enable selective removal of the fire apparatus.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig 1 is an exploded perspective view of a fire surround arrangement according to the present invention; Fig 2 is a diagrammatic side view of a fire assembly according to the present invention; Fig 3 is a diagrammatic front view of a fire assembly according to the present invention; Fig 4 is a diagrammatic and exploded cross-sectional view of the assembly of Fig 3 through the line IV-IV; Fig 5 is a diagrammatic perspective view from behind of a fire assembly of the invention; Fig 6 is a diagrammatic generally horizontal cross-sectional view of a fire assembly of the present invention; Fig 7 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the assembly of Fig 4 in position for use; and Fig 8 is an enlarged view of the portion XIII of Fig 7.

Referring to the drawings there is provided a fire assembly 10 comprising fire apparatus 12, an outer fire surround 14 which when in position extends around the fire apparatus 12 to be spaced therefrom and an inner fire surround 16 which in use extends to hold the fire apparatus 12 and the outer fire surround 14 in said spaced arrangement.

The invention further provides a fire surround arrangement, a method of installing a fire assembly and a method of installing a fire surround arrangement.

In more detail the fire surround arrangements of the present invention are particularly intended for use with gas fire apparatus 12 of known design, and preferably substantially enclosed gas fire units or appliances that incorporate a radiant or convector box arrangement. The fire assemblies 10 according to the present invention comprise such gas fire apparatus 12.

The fire surround arrangements of the present invention can also be used with solid fuel burning fires and stoves, such as wood burning fires and multifuel burning stoves. The fire assemblies 10 according to the present invention can also comprise such solid fuel burning fires. The advantages offered by the present invention and as discussed herein in relation to gas fire apparatus will also be realised in relation to assemblies using solid fuel burning fires and stoves.

The inner and outer fire surrounds 16, 14 are preferably of design and material(s) to provide a traditional appearance to the arrangement, such as that of a Victorian-style fireplace. The inner and outer surrounds 16, 14 can be constructed of any suitable material, but for authenticity it is preferred that they are manufactured of cast iron or materials resembling cast iron in appearance.

The outer surround 14 comprises two upstanding side portions 18, 20 and an upper bridging portion 22. The outer surround thereby defines an opening 24 in which the fire apparatus 12 can be received. The front surface(s) of the side portions 18, 20 and/or the bridging portion may be decorative in appearance.

A seal 26 (see particularly Fig 5) extends around a seal surface 28 on the rear of the outer fire surround 14 defining the opening to provide for a seal against a wall W or chimney breast, as will be described. The seal 26 can be of any conventional means, such as silicone sealant, gasket or similar form, but is generally fire-resistant.

The seal surface 28 of the outer fire surround 14 may be formed, machined or otherwise presented to provide a surface to facilitate sealing, which may extend up the length of each of the side portions 18, 20 and widthwise across the upper bridging portion 22.

The inner surround 16 comprises two generally upstanding side portions 30, 32 and an upper bridging portion 34 extending between the side portions 30, 32. An opening 36 is defined between the side portions 30, 32 and the bridging portion 34. A rear seal surface 38 of the inner fire surround 16 extends up the length of each of the side portions 30, 32 and across the bridging portion 34 to provide a sealing surface against which a generally gas tight seal can be made between the fire apparatus 12 and the inner surround 16.

The inner fire surround 16 has a decorative front. In the embodiment illustrated, this has a general arched appearance, typical of a traditional Victorian fireplace. It will be appreciated, however, that the front, external design can be of any suitable design, shape or configuration. Similarly with regard to the front decorative appearance of the outer fire surround.

As shown in Fig 1, a decorative canopy 40 may be provided, which can be secured to the front of the bridging portion 34 by securing means 42 in the form of threaded fasteners.

The assembly may further comprise decorative fret bars 44 and decorative ash pan door 46.

An advantage of the present invention is that the gas fire apparatus can be of conventional design. Conventional, closed gas fire units typically have an external flange 50 that extends outward from the front side in the general plane of the front of the apparatus 12. This flange 50 is conventionally provided to enable the gas fire apparatus 12 to be secured in position against a chimney breast, wall or other structure defining a flue opening or chimney into which the gas fire apparatus 12 is to be installed.

The present invention advantageously utilises the flange(s) of existing gas fire apparatus to seal directly against the inner fire surround 16, as will be explained.

Referring to Fig 6, this illustrates an assembly 10 in position within a chimney breast or wall W. For the sake of clarity of illustration the cross-sectional profiles of the inner and outer surrounds have been simplified relative to the profiles illustrated in other figures. The inner fire surround 16 is secured to the flange 50 around the gas fire apparatus 12 by a series of preferably four or more threaded nut and bolt arrangement 52. It will be appreciated, however, that as few as one or two such securing means could be used within the scope of the present invention. In the embodiment shown the inner fire surround 16 has a series of threaded bores 54 therethrough which correspond to and align, in use, with bores 56 (which may be threaded or not) within the flange 50. A bolt or pin 52 is tightened into the aligned bores 54, 56 to secure the inner surround 16 and the gas fire apparatus 12 together. The attachment of the inner surround 16 to the gas fire apparatus may be selectively releasable, simply by undoing the series of bolts or pins 52. A seal 58 such as a silicone seal, gasket or other suitable preferably fire-resistant seal is provided all around the region of contact between the inner fire surround 16 and the flange 50 to seal against the seal surface of the inner surround 16 and the flange 50. The flange 50 may have a surface against which the seal 58 locates treated or prepared to facilitate sealing.

The series of threaded bores 54 are located generally down the inner side of the side portions 30, 32 and if any are provided in the bridging portion they are preferably towards the lower edge of the bridging portion 34.

A further series of apertures 60 extends through the side portions 30, 32, generally down and toward an outer edge thereof. Similar apertures (not shown) may be provided in the bridging portion 34.

A corresponding series of apertures 62 is provided through the outer surround 14 to align with the apertures 60. Threaded fastening means 64, such as a bolt, pin or nut and bolt arrangement, are locatable to extend through the apertures 60, 62, to fasten the inner fire surround 16 to the outer fire surround 14. A releasable nut or similar arrangement 66 may be provided to be accessible from the front of the inner fire surround 16 to enable selective release and removal of the inner surround 16 and gas apparatus 12 from the secured position. The fastening arrangement 64 and bolt 66 may be hidden from view under the canopy 40 or other feature of the fire assembly 10.

The fire assembly and fire surround arrangements of the present invention will typically be used in a domestic residence, or possibly commercial residence, to provide heating to a room or other area. The gas fire apparatus 12 will be selected to have the appropriate characteristics, eg heat output, for the desired application. The gas fire apparatus 12 is to be located within an opening O within a structure against which the assembly is to be mounted, such as a chimney breast or wall W. The opening O will be in communication with a chimney or flue, so that gases expelled from the gas fire apparatus during use are appropriately exhausted.

When the gas fire apparatus 12 is located within an opening O, typically the flange would overlap, at least in part, the outer surface of the wall or chimney breast defining the opening O.

To assemble and install the fire assemblies and fire arrangements of the present invention, the following procedure can be followed.

Firstly, the inner fire surround 16 is secured around the front of the flange 50 of the gas fire apparatus 12, using the fastening arrangement 52. A gas tight seal is facilitated by the provision of the seal 58.

Particularly for first time installation, it is preferable that the outer fire surround 14 is mounted to the rear surface of the inner fire surround 16 using the fastening arrangement 64, 66. Pre-installation mounting of the outer fire surround 14 in this way will help to ensure appropriate positioning and alignment of all the components, in particular the outer fire surround 14, relative to the inner fire surround 16 and the gas fire apparatus 12.

The assembly 10 is then offered up to the structure so that the gas fire apparatus 12 locates appropriately within the opening O, and the outer fire surround 14 seals against the wall W or chimney breast via the seal 26 (see particularly Fig 6).

A third fire surround 68 can be used to retain the outer fire surround 14 in position against the wall W or chimney breast. The surround 68 may be secured to the wall W by appropriate fixings 70 which may be threaded fastenings. The fixings 70 may be recessed into the wall or otherwise obscured from view, as generally these will not need to be removed. The surround 68 retains the outer fire surround 14 in position by holding the outer fire surround 14 against the wall W behind an inwardly extending lip or flange 72. The relative positioning of the lip 72 and the shape or configuration of the outer fire surround 14 are such that the surround 68 sealingly holds the outer fire surround 14 against the wall W via the seal 26.

The configuration of the gas fire apparatus 12, inner fire surround 16 and outer fire surround 14 of the present invention offers a number of advantages. Firstly, the positioning of the outer fire surround 14, which is often a very heavy iron casting, in a spaced relationship to the flange 50 of the gas fire apparatus allows the use of relatively small, light fastening means 52 to hold the gas fire apparatus in position, rather than heavy duty larger fixings that would be required should the flange 50 be secured directly to the outer fire surround 14. This has advantages because the flange 50 of conventional gas fire apparatus 12 is typically relatively thin and weak and not particularly suitable to receive large heavy duty fixings and the relatively large holes that these require and this can distort the flange and provide sealing difficulties.

Secondly, the present arrangement does not require any direct sealing between the generally heavy, relatively rough cast outer fire surround 14 and the gas fire apparatus 12, thus obviating potential sealing difficulties of an arrangement that requires direct sealing between these two components.

Thirdly, the gas fire apparatus 12 and the inner fire surround 16 can be relatively easily selectively detached from the outer fire surround 14 for selective removal of the gas fire apparatus, without the need to dismantle the entire assembly from position, thus facilitating the replacement of parts, annual servicing, inspection and suchlike.

Fourthly, the absence of the need for a seal between the inner fire surround and the outer fire surround means that there are no problems of dismantling and reassembly, following such detachment.

As mentioned hereinbefore, the fire surround assemblies of the present invention can also be used with solid fuel burning fires and stoves and the same advantages as described hereinbefore can be realised. Where appropriate the solid fuel burning fires and stoves may have a flange corresponding to flange 50 cast into the structure or added subsequent to casting in fire designs not already incorporating such a flange.

Various embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The spacing of the outer surround from the fire apparatus is a key feature of the invention and typically the spacing would be a few millimetres at least. However, it is possible for the space to be smaller, such that the fire apparatus and outer surround are almost touching. The spacing may indeed be adjustable, which adjustment may be provided by one or more of the apertures or bores 60, 62, 54, 56 being elongate.

Claims (45)

Claims

1. A fire assembly comprising fire apparatus, an outer surround extending around the fire apparatus to be spaced therefrom, an inner surround extending to hold the fire apparatus and the outer surround in said spaced arrangement, first fixing means extending to secure the inner surround to the fire apparatus and second fixing means extending to secure the inner surround to the outer surround, the second fixing means being selectively releasable when the assembly is in position for use, to enable selective removal of the fire apparatus.

2. A fire assembly as claimed in claim 1, in which the inner surround extends over the space between the fire apparatus and the outer surround to overlap each of the fire apparatus and the outer surround.

3. A fire assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the outer surround and the fire apparatus are spaced by a few millimetres.

4. A fire assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the spacing between the outer surround and the fire apparatus is adjustable.

5. A fire assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first and second fixing means comprise threadedly engagable fasteners.

6. A fire assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the fixing means is selectively releasable.

7. A fire assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the fixing means is selectively releasable from a front aspect of the assembly.

8. A fire assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a seal is provided to seal the inner surround against the fire apparatus.

9. A fire assembly as claimed in claim 8, in which the seal seals around the fire apparatus along a region of overlap with the fire apparatus.

10. A fire assembly as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, in which the fire apparatus comprises one or more external projections against which the inner surround seals.

11. A fire assembly as claimed in claim 10, in which the external projections are in the form of one or more flanges.

12. A fire assembly as claimed in any of claims 8 to 11, in which the inner surround provides a seal surface for the seal to seal against.

13. A fire assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the inner surround comprises two upstanding side portions and an upper bridging portion extending between the side portions.

14. A fire assembly as claimed in claim 13, in which the seal surface extends down the length of each of the side portions and across the width of the upper bridging portion.

15. A fire assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a seal is provided to seal the outer surround, in use, to a structure.

16. A fire assembly as claimed in claim 15, in which the seal seals the outer surround substantially all around an opening defined in the structure to receive the fire apparatus.

17. A fire assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the outer surround comprises two upstanding side portions and an upper bridging portion extending between the side portions.

18. A fire assembly as claimed in any of claims 15 to 17, in which the outer surround provides a seal surface for the seal to seal the outer surround.

19. A fire assembly as claimed in claim 18, in which the seal surface extends down the length of each of the side portions and across the width of the bridging portion of the outer surround.

20. A fire assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the outer surround has a decorative front.

21. A fire assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the outer surround comprises cast iron.

22. A fire assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the inner surround has a decorative front.

23. A fire assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the inner surround comprises cast iron.

24. A fire assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the fire apparatus comprises gas fire apparatus.

25. A fire assembly as claimed in claim 24, in which the gas fire apparatus comprises a generally enclosed gas fire apparatus that has a radiant or convector box arrangement.

26. A fire assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 23, in which the fire apparatus comprises a generally enclosed solid fuel fire or stove.

27. A fire assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the assembly further comprises a third surround which extends around the outer surround.

28. A fire assembly as claimed in claim 27, in which the third surround retains the outer surround in sealed location against a structure.

29. A fire assembly as claimed in claim 28, in which the third surround is secured to the structure by fixing means.

30. A fire assembly as claimed in any of claims 27 to 29, in which the third surround comprises two upstanding portions and an upper bridging portion extending between the side portions.

31. A fire assembly as claimed in any of claims 27 to 30, in which the third surround comprises a decorative appearance.

32. A fire surround arrangement comprising an outer surround locatable around fire apparatus to be spaced therefrom, an inner surround locatable over the fire apparatus and the outer surround to hold the fire apparatus and the outer surround in relative spaced location, first fixing means that extends to secure the inner surround to the fire apparatus and second fixing means that extends to secure the inner surround to the outer surround, the second fixing means being selectively releasable when the assembly is in position for use, to enable selective removal of the fire apparatus.

33. A fire surround arrangement as claimed in claim 32, in which the outer surround is as defined in any of claims 1 to 31.

34. A fire surround arrangement as claimed in either of claims 32 or 33, in which the inner surround is as defined in any of claims 1 to 31.

35. A fire surround arrangement as claimed in any of claims 32 to 34, in which the first and second fixing means are as defined in any of claims 1 to 31.

36. A fire surround arrangement as claimed in any of claims 32 to 35, in which a seal seals the inner surround against the fire apparatus as defined in any of claims 8 to 31.

37. A fire surround arrangement as claimed in any of claims 32 to 36, in which a seal seals the outer surround against a structure as defined in any of claims 15 to 31.

38. A fire surround arrangement as claimed in any of claims 32 to 37, in which the arrangement comprises a third surround which extends around the outer surround.

39. A fire surround arrangement as claimed in any of claims 32 to 38, in which the arrangement comprises a third surround which retains the outer surround in sealed location against a structure.

40. A fire surround arrangement as claimed in any of claims 32 to 39, in which the arrangement is for use with fire apparatus as defined in any of claims 1 to 31.

41. A method of installing a fire assembly to a structure defining an opening to receive fire apparatus, the method including securing an inner surround to the fire apparatus with first fixing means, securing the inner surround to an outer surround with second fixing means to hold the fire apparatus and the outer surround in a mutually spaced configuration and offering the assembly up to the structure for the fire apparatus to be received within the opening and the outer surround to seal against the structure, the second fixing means being selectively releasable when the fire assembly is in position for use, to enable the selective removal of the fire apparatus.

42. A method of installing a fire assembly comprising sealing an outer surround to a structure defining an opening, securing an inner surround to fire apparatus with first fixing means, offering the fire apparatus and inner surround to the structure to locate the fire apparatus into the opening and then securing the inner surround to the outer surround using second fixing means to hold the outer fire surround and the fire apparatus in spaced configuration, the second fixing means being selectively releasable when the assembly is in position for use, to enable selective removal of the fire apparatus.

43. A fire assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

44. A fire surround arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

45. A method of installing a fire assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.