GB2418984A

GB2418984A - Simulated flame effect fire

Info

Publication number: GB2418984A
Application number: GB0510205A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Leslie Watts
Original assignee: Flamerite Fires Ltd
Current assignee: Flamerite Fires Ltd
Priority date: 2004-10-06
Filing date: 2005-05-19
Publication date: 2006-04-12
Anticipated expiration: 2025-05-19
Also published as: GB2418984B; GB0510205D0; GB0422168D0

Abstract

An apparatus for simulating a flame effect and forming part of an electric fire comprises a light source (2), a filter means (3) provided with a flame pattern, a rotatable light-diffusing means (4), an actuating means (5) e.g. a motor, capable of moving said light-diffusing means (4), at least one magnifying means (7), and a screen (10). The apparatus is arranged in such a way that that in use the light-diffusing means (4) rotates, light from the light source passes through the filter means (3), the resulting flame pattern passes through the light-diffusing means (4), and then the resulting flame effect passes through the magnifying means (7) and onto the screen (10). A colour filter (6) may be included e.g. between the light-diffusing means (4) and the magnifying means (7). The flame pattern passing through the magnifying means (7) may be reflected by a mirror (8). More than one mirror of differing colours may be used giving depth to the resulting flame pattern. The filter means may comprise a disc with a cut-out of a flame pattern.

Description

This invention relates to an apparatus and method for simulating a

realistic flame effect e.g. in an electric fire.

There are many designs of electric fire on the market which include some form of flame effect picture, usually behind or in front of a fuel effect e.g. coal or wood, or a decorative fuel effect e.g. pebbles or glass spheres.

Unfortunately these flame effects are often not very realistic and can spoil the appearance of an otherwise good fire design. The aim of this invention is to create a realistic ad moving flame image which can be projected onto the front or back of a screen, with or without a fuel effect in front of it According to one aspect of the present invention an apparatus for simulating a flame effect and suitable for use in an electric fire comprises A light source a filter means provided with a flame pattern a moveable light-diffusing means an actuating means capable of moving said light-diffusing means and at least one magnifying means, arranged in such a way that in use the light-diffusing means moves in response to the actuating means, light from the light source passes through the filter means, the resulting flame pattern passes through the light-diffusing means, and then the resulting flame effect passes through the magnifying means.

After passing through the magnifying means, the flame effect image is preferably directed onto a screen. The screen is preferably translucent plastic or glass (e.g. a mirror) but may alternatively be of metal. A black dot effect may be used on the screen to give a graduating effect.

If preferred the flame effect can be reflected by means of at least one reflecting means, e.g. a mirror, before passing onto a screen. More than one mirror of differing colours may be used so that the flame effect falls half on one and half on another; this gives depth to the resulting flame pattern, where two or more mirrors are used edge to edge they may be slightly angled rather than lying flat In the same plane.

Preferably the fire comprises a casing in which at least one of the apparatus is fitted and the casing is inset into a wall or other building component.

Alternatively the casing may be free-standing, e.g. in the form of a stove, or the fire may be hung on a wall. A fuel effect e.g. coal or wood, or a decorative fuel effect e.g. pebbles or glass spheres, may be provided as part of the fire.

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

The light source may be e.g. a bulb (such as a low or high voltage spot lamp) or LED. The filter means is preferably an opaque disc or panel (e.g. glass or metal) with a cut-out panel to let some light through and thereby form the flame pattern. Alternatively, the filter means may comprise a film negative of a flame pattern, in which case it is preferably coated so that it can withstand the heat generated by the light source. In another variant, the filter means comprises a glass or plastic disc, coated with a flame image. The light- diffusing means is preferably a rotatable disc of transparent material e. g. a glass or plastic having an uneven surface (e.g. dimpled, roughened or obscure patterned) to diffuse the image and give it motion. Preferably a slow rotation of around 5 to 15 rpm Is selected to give a slow repetition of the image. A simple motor can be used to move the light- diffusing means.

Preferably the apparatus includes a colour filter to give colour to the flame pattern and the filter can be selected according to the desired result. An example of a colour filter is a dichroc filter which is preferably resistant to heat generated by the light source. Where a coloured mirror is included in the assembly, it may not be necessary to include a colour filter. Where a colour filter is included, it may conveniently be positioned between the light-diffusing means and the magnifying means. The magnifying means preferably comprises one or more lenses, clear or coloured, which enlarge the flame pattern.

Preferably a heat generating means is included in the electric fire. A remote control means may be provided to adjust the light intensity, flame motor speed, flame pattern, flame colour and degree of movement of the flame pattern.

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

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

Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the electric fire in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a schematic front view of an electric fire according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic side view of the electric fire in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a perspective side view of a housing according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a perspective back view of the housing in Figure 5.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, the electric fire comprises a casing 1 containing a light bulb or LED 2 which shines light through a filter means 3 in the form of an opaque panel with a pattern cut out to resemble flames. The resulting flame pattern passes through a rotating lightdiffusing means 4 in the form of a rotating glass or plastic transparent disc with an uneven bumpy surface. This uneven surface diffuses the flame pattern and gives it motion.

The rotation of the disc Is achieved by means of a motor 5 which turns the disc clockwise or anti-clockwise. The resulting flame pattern then passes through a colour filter 6 which gives it colour and ad effect, and then through a magnifying lens or lenses 7 which enlarges the image before it travels to the mirror 8. The flame image 9 is captured on a diffused screen 10.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the basic set up is similar to that in Figures 1 and 2, with a housing 11 containing a light bulb 12 which shines through a filter 13 in the form of an opaque panel with four different cut out patterns resembling flames. The filter means is rotatable by means of a motor 14. The resulting flame pattern passes through a light diffusing means 15 in the form of a rotating glass or plastic transparent disc with an uneven bumpy surface.

The light diffusing means 15 is rotatable by means of a motor 16. The resulting flame pattern then passes through a colour filter 17 divided into eight different coloured wedges. The colour filter 17 is rotatable by means of motor 18. The flame pattern then passes through a magnifying lens 19 which enlarges the image before it travels to the mirror 20. The flame image 21 is captured on a diffused screen 22.

Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, these illustrate an easily removable and replaceable unit comprising a housing 23 containing essentially the following components of Figures 1 and 2: light bulb 2, filter means 3, light-diffusing means 4, motor 5 to turn light diffusing means 4, magnifying lens 7 and mirror 8.(Mirror 8 is not in position in Figure 6, for clarity).The angle of tilt and height of the mirror 8 can be adjusted by means of the nut, threaded bar and slot assemblies 24. The mirror 8 is provided at each end with elongate slots 25 through which the bar is located.

Similarly, the relative position of the magnifying lens 7 is adjustable up/down and angle of tilt - by means of a single nut, bolt and slot assembly 26. The unit has the potential advantage of being able to be fitted into many different types of fire and of being readily removable / replaceable for servicing purposes.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. An apparatus for simulating a flame effect suitable for use in

an electric fire comprises a light source, a filter means provided with a flame pattern, a moveable light-diffusing means, an actuating means capable of moving said light-diffusing means, and at least one magnifying means, arranged In such a way that in use the light-diffusing means moves in response to the actuating means, light from the light source passes through the filter means, the resulting flame pattern passes through the light-diffusing means, and then the resulting flame effect passes through the magnifying means
2. An apparatus for simulating a flame effect according to claim 1, which also includes a reflecting means which reflects the flame pattern.
3. An apparatus for simulating a flame effect according to claim 2, in which the flame effect passes through the reflecting means after passing through the magnifying means.
4. An apparatus for simulating a flame effect according to claim 2 or 3, in which the reflecting means comprises at least one mirror.
5. An apparatus for simulating a flame effect according to claim 4, in which the reflecting means comprises two or more mirrors of different colours.
6. An apparatus for simulating a flame effect according to any preceding claim in which the filter means comprises a disc with a cut-out of a flame pattern.
7. An apparatus for simulating a flame effect according to any preceding claim in which the filter means comprises a disc with a film negative of a flame pattern.
8. An apparatus for simulating a flame effect according to any preceding claim in which the light-diffusing means comprises a rotatable disc having an uneven surface.
9. An apparatus for simulating a flame effect according to any preceding claim in which the light-diffusing means is rotated in use.
10. An apparatus for simulating a flame effect according to claim 9 in which the light-diffusing means is rotated in use at 5 to 15 rpm.
11. An apparatus for simulating a flame effect according to any preceding claim which also includes a colour filter.
12. An apparatus for simulating a flame effect according to claim 11 wherein the colour filter is positioned between the light-diffusing means and the magnifying means.
13. An apparatus for simulating a flame effect according to claim 11 or 12 wherein the colour filter is dichroic.
14. An apparatus for simulating a flame effect according to any preceding claim wherein the magnifying means comprises one or more lenses.
15. An apparatus for simulating a flame effect according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is contained within a housing which is removable from the electric fire.
16. An apparatus for simulating a flame effect according to claim 15, wherein the housing is provided with means by which the position of the magnifying means may be adjusted.
17. An apparatus for simulating a flame effect according to claim 15 or 16, wherein a reflecting means is contained in the housing and the housing is provided with means by which the position of the reflecting means may be adjusted.
18. An apparatus for simulating a flame effect according to any preceding claim and further including a screen for reception of the flame effect.
19. An apparatus for simulating a flame effect according to claim 1 and substantially as herein described.
20. An apparatus for simulating a flame effect according to claim 1 and substantially as herein described with reference to any one of Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.
21. An electric fire which includes at least one apparatus for simulating a flame effect according to any preceding claim.