CA2537423A1 - Reconfigurable fireplace system and method - Google Patents

Reconfigurable fireplace system and method Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2537423A1
CA2537423A1 CA002537423A CA2537423A CA2537423A1 CA 2537423 A1 CA2537423 A1 CA 2537423A1 CA 002537423 A CA002537423 A CA 002537423A CA 2537423 A CA2537423 A CA 2537423A CA 2537423 A1 CA2537423 A1 CA 2537423A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
zones
fireplace
design
reconfigurable
elements
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA002537423A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Robert A. Little
Doug E. Hills
George H.K. Lau
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
FPI Fireplace Products International Ltd
Original Assignee
FPI Fireplace Products International Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by FPI Fireplace Products International Ltd filed Critical FPI Fireplace Products International Ltd
Publication of CA2537423A1 publication Critical patent/CA2537423A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24BDOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES FOR SOLID FUELS; IMPLEMENTS FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH STOVES OR RANGES
    • F24B1/00Stoves or ranges
    • F24B1/18Stoves with open fires, e.g. fireplaces
    • F24B1/191Component parts; Accessories
    • F24B1/198Surrounds-fronts

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)

Abstract

The invention provides a reconfigurable fireplace system and method for facilitating changes in appearance of a fireplace. A fireplace has a plurality of design zones which are readily configurable for changes in appearance, any one or more of the design zones being capable of design or appearance change through use of one or more similar and/or different accents or design elements. Subsequently, the design may be altered or modified without requiring replacement of the complete fireplace.

Description

Title: RECONFIGURABLE FIREPLACE SYSTEM AND METHOD
Inventors: Robert A. Little Doug E. Hills George H.K. Lau Cross-Reference to Related Applications [0001] This application claims benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/655,587, entitled "RECONFIGURABLE FIREPLACE SYSTEM AND METHOD" and filed on February 22, 2005.
Field of Invention [0002] The present invention relates to fireplace systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to reconfigurable fireplace system and method for facilitating changes in appearance of a fireplace.
Background of the Invention [0003] Conventional fireplace designs come in many styles and options, including various predetermined colors and sizes. Purchasers of such fireplaces will typically sort through the various designs and options and select a particular fireplace that best suits their current decor and style. However, as styles change or become outdated, the purchaser is limited to the purchased design without recourse to change the style and appearance unless a replacement fireplace is purchased. Further, while many such styles and options do exist, a purchaser's ability to customize with a desired personal touch is somewhat limited.
Attorney Docket 32699.4400 1796255.1 Summary of the Invention [0004] In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a reconfigurable fireplace system and method for facilitating changes in appearance of a fireplace are provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary reconfigurable fireplace system comprises a fireplace having a plurality of design zones that are readily configurable for changes in appearance, with any one or more of the design zones being capable of design or appearance changes through use of one or more similar and/or different accents or design elements. As a result, a user can suitably choose a particular design appearance for the fireplace, and then if desired, alter or modify that appearance in numerous ways without having to replace the complete fireplace.
(0005] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary fireplace comprises at least three zones, such as an upper front zone and two side front zones. Each such zone can be configured with one or more accents or design elements to alter the design appearance. Such accents and design elements can comprise a nearly infinite number of designs.
In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, one or more mounting components can be suitably configured with the at least three zones to further alter or modify the design appearance.
Moreover, such a mounting component can be configured in additional zones, such as top corner zones,. or any other zone or region.
Brief Descriution of the Drawings [0006] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in conjunction with the appended drawing figures in which like numerals denote like elements and:
Attorney Docket 32699.4400 !796255.1 Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary reconfigurable fireplace system in accordance with the present invention;
Figures 2A-2C illustrate front, side and top views of an exemplary reconfigurable fireplace system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and Figures 3-30 illustrate exemplary reconfigurable fireplace systems in accordance with additional exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Descriution [0007] The present invention may be described herein in terms of various functional components. It should be appreciated that such functional components may be realized by any number of structural and hardware components configured for operation with electrical, mechanical, gravitational, magnetic, and other actuating forces configured to perform the specified functions. In addition, the present invention may be practiced in any number of heating system contexts and that the fireplace systems described herein are merely a few of the exemplary applications for the invention.
[0008] In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a reconfigurable fireplace system and method for facilitating changes in appearance of a fireplace are provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary reconfigurable fireplace system comprises 'a fireplace having a plurality of design zones that are readily configurable for changes in appearance, with any one or more of the design zones being capable of design or appearance changes comprising one or more similar and/or different accents or design elements.
As a result, a user can suitably choose a particular design appearance for the fireplace, and then 3 . Attorney Docket 32699.4400 1796255.1 if desired, alter or modify that appearance in numerous ways without having to replace the complete fireplace.
[0009] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, an exemplary fireplace 100 comprises at least three zones, such as an upper zone 102 and two side zones 108 and l I0. Each such zone can be configured with one or more accents or design elements 122 to alter the design appearance through removable attachment to a selected zone. For example, a single zone can be configured with one accent/element 122, or any plurality of accents/elements 122. Such accents or design elements 122 can comprise a nearly infinite number of designs as illustrated herein. To facilitate the reconfigurable appearances, any such zones suitably comprise at least one display surface configured for mounting and/or display of one or more accents or design elements 122. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, such display surfaces comprise substantially flat regions that provide from approximately 2" by 2" surfaces upwards of 8" by 8" or more of surface area, in any shape or configuration.
[0010] In addition to zone 102, 108 and 110, an exemplary fireplace system can also be configured zones in other regions, such as comer zones 104 and 106. Moreover, any of zones 102, 104, 106, 108 and 110 can also further comprise subset zones, such as top left corner zones 112 and 116, front left corner zones 114 and 118, top center zone 120, or any other number of frontal, top, and/or side zone regions for reconfigurable accents and design elements 122. Thus, an exemplary embodiment can comprise, for example, three zones 102, 108 and 110, five zones 102, 104, 106, 108 and 110, a single zone 120, or in accordance with various other embodiments, any number of fewer or additional zones can also be suitably included depending upon the size and/or configuration of fireplace system 100.
4 Attorney Docket 32699.4400 1796255.1 [0011] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, one or more zones can also be configured with one or more additional mounting components 124 configured for adjustable placement within such one or more zones, as well as for mounting or displaying one or more accents or design elements 122 to alter the design appearance of mounting component 124. For example, with reference to FIG. 3, one or more mounting components can comprise keystones 324 that can be suitably configured with at least one zone, e.g., zone 120, to further alter or modify the design appearance. Moreover, such a keystone can be configured in additional zones, such as top corner zones, or any other zone within fireplace system 100.
[0012] Mounting component 124 can be configured in various manners to suitably attach or mount onto a particular zone through various grooves or other interlocking elements, e.g., the underlying portion of a keystone can have ridges, slots or other interlocking elements to enable positioning within a zone, such as on top of zone 120. In addition to such arrangements, mounting component 124 can be suitably attached or coupled through magnetic devices, e.g., magnetic components can be attached underneath and/or behind keystone or other mounting component, allowing for magnetic coupling to a metal or other magnetic-coupling region of zones 102-120, such as onto a substantially flat surface region of the zones.
[0013] Mounting component 124 can comprise various shapes, sizes and configurations for displaying one or more accents or design elements 122. For example, with reference again to FIG. 3, an exemplary mounting component 324 can provide a front surface 324A
configured for mounting and/or display of one or more accents or design elements 122. In other embodiments, mounting component can provide a plurality of mounting surfaces for mounting and/or display of one or more accents or design elements 122. Mounting component 124 can also comprise various alloys, woods, composites, or other materials suitably for use proximate to a fireplace.
$ Attorney Docket 32699.4400 1796255.1 [0014] Accents or design elements 122 can comprise a nearly infinite number of designs for facilitating reconfigurable appearances. For example, the various accents can further comprise finials, pendants or any other like accent or design element. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, FIGs. 3-30 illustrate just a few of the many designs, elements and/or accents that can be suitably implemented. Accents or elements 122 can also comprise various alloys, woods, composites, or other materials suitably for use proximate to a fireplace.
[0015] To enable such design accents and elements 122 to be reconfigurable, such elements and accents can suitably be mounted onto an exemplary fireplace 100 through various grooves or other interlocking elements, e.g., accents or elements 122 can have ridges, slots or other interlocking elements to enable positioning within one or more zones 102-120 and/or mounting component 124, such as by similar or mating interlocking components included within such one or more zones 102=120, like the ridges along a fireplace trim. In addition to such interlocking-type arrangements, elements and accents can also be suitably attached or coupled through magnetic devices, e.g., magnetic components can be attached underneath and/or behind any accent or element 122, allowing for magnetic coupling to a metal or other magnetic-coupling region of zones 102-120, such as onto a substantially flat surface region of the zones.
Moreover, any combination of interlocking and/or magnetic can also be utilized by accents or elements 122. Still fizrther, other mechanisms or configuration to facilitate reconfigurable coupling of a plurality of accents and elements to a plurality of zone regions can also be realized. However, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, having zones comprising substantially flat regions and with accents or elements 122 having magnetic coupling configurations can readily allow for such accents or elements 122 to be placed, moved, Attorney Docket 32699.4400 1796255.1 repositioned or otherwise swapped along any of zones 102-120, facilitating a highly reconfigurable appearance.
[0016] As a result of fireplace system 100 and the one or more zones 102-120 and accents/elements 122, a readily reconfigurable fireplace can be realized that can enable for the appearance to be changed from time to time as desired. For example, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary method for facilitating changes in appearance of a fireplace can comprise the providing of one or more zones 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118 and/or 120. A fireplace user can suitably have one or more accents or design elements 122 that are readily accessible, e.g., stored when not in use, and then retrieved when ready for use. One or more of accents or design elements 122 can be suitably selected, and then suitably attached, mounted or otherwise displayed on a surface of one or more zones 102, 104, 106, 108, I 10, 112, 114, 116, 118 and/or 120. In accordance with other exemplary embodiments, one or more mounting components 124, e.g., a keystone 324, can also be suitably mounted or otherwise coupled to any one or more zones 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118 and/or 120, with or without any accents/elements 122 suitably displayed on such mounting components 124. After a period of use with a selected design, one or more accents or design elements 122 can be suitably interchanged, replaced, removed or added to provide a new design appearance for fireplace 100, such as the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3-30, or any other like arrangement. As a result, a user can suitably choose a particular design appearance for fireplace 100, and then if desired, alter or modify that appearance in numerous ways without having to replace the complete fireplace.
(0017) The present invention sets forth a draft control system and method that are applicable to various heating system applications. It will be understood that the foregoing description is of 7 Attorney Docket 32699.4400 1796255.1 exemplary embodiments of the invention, and that the invention is not limited to the specific forms shown. Various modifications may be made in the design and arrangement of the elements set forth herein without departing from the scope of the invention.
For example, any one or more of the plurality of zones can be utilized any at time, and/or one or more accents or elements can be used, alone or combined, within any such zones. Moreover, the fireplace configuration, size and shape can comprise any arrangement now known or hereinafter devised.
These and other changes or~modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention, as set forth within the following claims.
$ Attorney Docket 32699.4400 1796255.1

Claims (21)

1. A reconfigurable fireplace for providing changes in appearance, the reconfigurable fireplace comprising:
at least three zones configured for facilitating changes in the appearance of the fireplace, each of said at least three zones comprising a display surface;
at least one design element configured for removable attachment to said display surface of a selected zone within said at least three zones.
2. The reconfigurable fireplace according to claim 1, wherein said fireplace comprises at least one design element mounted to each of said at least three zones.
3. The reconfigurable fireplace according to claim 2, wherein each of said design elements is configured for removable mounting and display on each of said at least three zones.
4. The reconfigurable fireplace according to claim 1, wherein said fireplace further comprises a mounting component configured for adjustable placement within a selected zone of said at least three zones, and for display of at least one design element.
5. The reconfigurable fireplace according to claim 1, wherein said at least one design element is configured for removable attachment to each of said at least three zones through an interlocking arrangement.
6. The reconfigurable fireplace according to claim 1, wherein said at least one design element is configured for removable attachment to each of said at least three zones through a magnetic coupling arrangement.
7. The reconfigurable fireplace according to claim 4, wherein said mounting component is configured for adjustable placement through at least one of an interlocking arrangement and a magnetic coupling arrangement.
8. The reconfigurable fireplace according to claim 7, wherein said mounting component comprises a keystone element.
9. The reconfigurable fireplace according to claim 1, wherein each of said display surfaces comprises a substantially flat portion configured for mounting of said at least one design elements.
10. A method for providing reconfigurable changes in appearance of a fireplace, said method comprising:
providing a fireplace having a plurality of zones each configured with a display surface;
selecting at least one design element configured for removable attachment to a display surface of a selected zone within said plurality of zones and mounting said selected design element on said selected zone; and removing said selected design element from said selected zone and replacing with another design element configured for removable attachment to said display surface of said selected zone.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein said providing a fireplace with a plurality of zones, each said zone having a display surface configured for removable attachment of at least one design element.
12. The method according to claim 10, wherein selecting at least one design element comprises selection from a plurality of different design elements.
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein selecting at least one design element comprises selection from a plurality of design elements, each of said plurality of design elements configured for removable attachment to any of said plurality of zones.
14. The method according to claim 10, wherein said method comprises selecting a plurality of design elements and removably attaching to separate zones of said plurality of zones.
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein said method comprises selecting at least five design elements and removably attaching to five separate zones of said plurality of zones.
16. The method according to claim 10, wherein said method further comprises selecting at least one mounting component configured for removable attachment to a selected zone within said plurality of zones, and selecting at least one design element configured for removable attachment to a display surface of said selected mounting component and mounting said selected design element on said selected mounting component.
17. The method according to claim 16, wherein said method further comprises removing said at least one design element from said selected mounting component and replacing with another design element configured for removable attachment to said display surface of said selected mounting component.
18. The method according to claim 16, wherein said method further comprises removing said selected mounting component from said selected zone and replacing with another mounting component configured for removable attachment to a selected zone of said plurality of zones.
19. The method according to claim 14, wherein said method further comprises removing a majority of said plurality of design elements from said plurality of zones and replacing with additional design elements configured for removable attachment to display surfaces of selected zones within said plurality of zones.
20. A reconfigurable fireplace system for providing changes in appearance to a fireplace, the reconfigurable fireplace system comprising:

a plurality of zones configured for facilitating changes in the appearance of the fireplace, each of said plurality of zones comprising a display surface configured for display and removable attachment of a design element;
a mounting component configured for adjustable placement within a selected zone of said plurality of zones, and for display and removable attachment of a design element, said mounting component having a display surface; and a plurality of design elements configured for selectively, removable attachment to each said display surface of said plurality of zones and said mounting component such that changes in appearance of said fireplace are substantially increased.
21. The reconfigurable fireplace according to claim 20, wherein each of said display surfaces comprise a substantially flat portion, and each of said plurality of design elements comprise a magnetic coupling configured for removable attachment to each said substantially flat portion of said display surfaces.
CA002537423A 2005-02-22 2006-02-22 Reconfigurable fireplace system and method Abandoned CA2537423A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US65558705P 2005-02-22 2005-02-22
US60/655,587 2005-02-22
US11/276,277 2006-02-22

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2537423A1 true CA2537423A1 (en) 2006-08-22

Family

ID=36930094

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002537423A Abandoned CA2537423A1 (en) 2005-02-22 2006-02-22 Reconfigurable fireplace system and method

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20070204859A1 (en)
CA (1) CA2537423A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE202007003443U1 (en) * 2007-03-06 2007-06-21 Esmart Group Pty Ltd. Chimney e.g. transportable fire place, has housing, where portion of surfaces of housing is applied on lining units, which are attached to housing in detachable manner through fastener
KR20130066283A (en) * 2011-12-12 2013-06-20 삼성에스디아이 주식회사 Apparatus for simulating battery system

Family Cites Families (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US418788A (en) * 1890-01-07 Ments
US419659A (en) * 1890-01-21 John graves
US625104A (en) * 1899-05-16 graves
US2210580A (en) * 1940-04-30 1940-08-06 Gersten William Fireplace
US5119603A (en) * 1989-09-07 1992-06-09 Jones Wayne J Fireplace surround assembly
US6463707B1 (en) * 1995-01-27 2002-10-15 Tapco International Inc. Decorative trim assemblies
US6029731A (en) * 1996-02-14 2000-02-29 Brazell; David O. Enhanced facing surround assembly
US6076329A (en) * 1998-08-24 2000-06-20 Thomson; Brian K. Decorative mirror frames
US6409870B1 (en) * 1999-01-27 2002-06-25 3D Design, Inc Decorative molding/casing
US6347469B1 (en) * 2000-03-22 2002-02-19 Magnet Llc Magnetic message display and method of selectively framing messages of same
GB0013307D0 (en) * 2000-06-02 2000-07-26 Stonier Christopher S Fire surround
US20020050107A1 (en) * 2000-06-21 2002-05-02 Backowski Marc W. Stone and ceramic trim units
US6643965B2 (en) * 2001-05-14 2003-11-11 Reza Toraby-Payhan Magnetic alphanumeric display system
CA2386671A1 (en) * 2001-05-15 2002-11-15 Andrea Sharon Behn Fireplace and decorative removable cover therefor
US6796088B2 (en) * 2002-01-29 2004-09-28 Yoder Stove And Supply, Inc. Fireplace installation assembly and method
US20050193613A1 (en) * 2004-03-04 2005-09-08 Faltesek Randall B. Method and device for displaying images in a collage
US20050198914A1 (en) * 2004-03-11 2005-09-15 Lyons David C. Adjustable decorative surround for a fireplace
US20050204645A1 (en) * 2004-03-17 2005-09-22 Bachinski Thomas J Surround entertainment system for a fireplace
US20050205567A1 (en) * 2004-03-18 2005-09-22 Guanwoo Yoon Decorative strip for kitchen appliances
US7114278B2 (en) * 2004-05-12 2006-10-03 Jeffrey Marks Personalized picture frame assembly
US7363739B2 (en) * 2005-02-22 2008-04-29 Dalsey Crystal A Display of pictures in decorative settings

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20070204859A1 (en) 2007-09-06

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
USD469413S1 (en) Headrest or seat back entertainment display
USD544389S1 (en) Metal crochet earring
USD521314S1 (en) Control knob for toaster
USD469893S1 (en) Candle holder
CA109283S (en) Coffee brewer
USD524105S1 (en) Flame distributor assembly for the cooking surface of a gas stove
USD568870S1 (en) Loudspeaker
US6502899B2 (en) Chair having an armrest with a detachable face panel
CA114369S (en) Slow cooker
CA2537423A1 (en) Reconfigurable fireplace system and method
USD594681S1 (en) Chair back
USD494182S1 (en) Tiltable support for touch screen controller
USD474920S1 (en) Computer table
CN101430982B (en) Combined knob
USD486969S1 (en) Chaise
USD501116S1 (en) Barbeque grill cooking apparatus
NL1035213C2 (en) BASE PLATE FOR BUILT-IN ELECTRICAL DEVICES.
USD519175S1 (en) Basketball
USD491738S1 (en) Cast outdoor chair
CA114652S (en) Point of sale terminal
USD499928S1 (en) Barbeque grill cooking apparatus
WO2003069214A3 (en) Support for appliances to be worn on the head
USD574903S1 (en) Paintball
USD488023S1 (en) Potbellied grill
EP2087806B1 (en) Jewellery element including a precious stone

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
EEER Examination request
FZDE Discontinued