GB2275105A - Apparatus for simulating flames or a solid fuel fire - Google Patents

Abstract

A simulated solid fuel fire includes a rear reflector, which may be curved, a screen which diffusely transmits light and reflects light and a flag-like member positioned between a rear reflector and screen. Simulated fuel is positioned in front of the screen and means are provided to illuminate the fuel, the flag-like member and the rear reflector. A reflecting surface reflects light in such a way as to cause perception of colours. The rear reflector includes reflective regions situated below a darkened area. Luminous flame-shaped images, tinged with colour, can be perceived between shadows on the screen, the images emanating between the fuel and its reflected image. When the simulated fuel resembles logs, light illuminates the upper surfaces to promote realism. <IMAGE>

Description

2275105 APPARATUS FOR SIMULATING FLAMES OR A SOLID FUEL FIRE This

invention relates to apparatus f orsimulating f lames or f or simulating a solid fuel f ire. Simulated flames could be part of an optical effect used in either a display, or in some form of heating apparatus. A simulated solid fuel fire may be part of, or embodied in a heating appliance, such as an electric or gas fire, in order to create an impression of flames due to burning fuel.

Therefore, simulated fuel may not be necessarily part of a display.

Numerous attempts have been made in the past to improve realism in a simulated flame display, or in devices which simulate a solid fuel fire and use mechanical parts which are illuminated in some way and set into motion to produce a visual effect resembling flames. Whilst some of these past attempts have achieved a degree of realism, many more have been poor imitations of flames and therefore unconvincing to the viewer. In view of the attraction of real flames, the Electrical Industry has constantly sought to achieve a f orn of realism that it is almost indistinguishable f rom real f lames, particularly for creating the impression of combusting solid fuel (such as burning logs or coal). Such an effect is highly important in achieving commercial success with electrical fires.

In our UK Patent No. 2 180 927 we disclosed means for simulating fuel, a light source of illuminating the simulated fuel and first and second reflective means arranged to provide f ront-to-back multiple images of the simulated fuel. The first reflective means was capable of transmitting light as well as being capable of reflecting light, the means f or simulating f uel being provided between the first and second reflective means. The ref lective means were arranged so that the multiple images could be perceived, as a visible ef f ect, f rom the exterior of heating apparatus. This multiple image ef f ect is particularly 2 useful in giving the impression of a deep or extensive fuel bed and thereby provided a distinct advantage when designing so-called "slim- line" electrical heaters.

In our UK Patent No. 2 230 335, we disclosed apparatus which included a source of light, simulated flame effect means for reflecting the light to simulate flames, simulated fuel means illuminated by the light source to simulate a bed of combusting fuel, and screen means on which to view an image of the simulated f lames. The screen means was positioned between the f lame ef f ect means and the simulated fuel means and was capable of diffusely transmitting light ref lected by the f lame ef f ect means. This provided a visual effect, on the screen means, which simulated flames.

The screen means was also capable of reflecting light from the simulated fuel, so that the simulated f lames appeared to emanate from between the simulated fuel and its reflected image in the screen. In the preferred embodiment, the simulated flame ef f ect was created by a plurality of ribbons made of fabric which ref lected light and which tended to undulate in an air stream, provided by a f an, so as to provide a constantly changing reflecting surface similar to the appearance of flames. This apparatus provided considerably more realism due to the -capability of the screen to reflect light from the simulated fuel, whereby the simulated flames appeared to emanate from between the fuel and its image in the screen. This was a considerable improvement over earlier attempts such as those described in, for example, GB-A-957 591, 978 365 and 1 186 655, which disclosed the use of ribbons for simulating flames on a screen, but not the use of a screen capable of reflecting light in the manner mentioned above.

Whilst the invention disclosed in GB 2 230 335 improved 35 realism and created a satisfactory impression of flames emanating from the simulated fuel, it still left room for improvement to provide a simulation comparable with true flames. One reason f or this was due to the colour of light 3 used. Another reason was due using a plurality of ribbons, which were caused to flutter in the air stream produced by the fan thereby casting reflected light onto the surface of the diffusing screen. For example, bulbs producing red light, i.e. having a red glass envelope, were used to create a red glow in the simulated fuel, thereby creating the impression of red hot regions in the simulated fuel.

However, this red light was also used to illuminate the ribbons and hence the ribbons reflected this red light onto the diffusing screen. This created an impression of flames having an overall reddish or orange appearance. However, real flames have a predominantly whitish or yellowish colour and are tinged with various colours, such as blues and reds, due to the process of combustion in burning gases.

Moreover, in a typical electrical fire, a row of ribbons hang in a parallel relationship behind the screen so that they are disposed in a wide and relatively narrow channel which receives the forced air output of a radial fan.

Whilst the air stream from the fan caused all of the ribbons 20 to move or flutter, the air flow tended to be greater in the centre of the channel, than at the outsides, so that the ribbons at each end of the array fluttered less than those positioned in the central region of the channel. A further disadvantage was due to using e.g. white fabric ribbons suspended against a non-reflective or dark background (i.e. to heighten the reflectivity of the ribbons. The dark or non-reflective background absorbed light, hence giving a rather dull display which is dif f icult to perceive in strong ambient lighting.

At least in its preferred embodiments, the present invention seeks to address these problems and to provide considerably more realism, especially where it is necessary to simulate flames emanating from simulated fuel. However, in a broader sense, certain aspects of the invention can be used to provide more realistic flames as may be required for various purposes, such as in a display.

4 In accordance with one aspect of the invention, apparatus for simulating flames comprises:

rear reflector means; 5 screen means situated in front of the rear ref lector means, said screen means being at least capable of diffusely transmitting light received from the rear reflector means; a member positioned between the rear reflector means and the screen means; means to impart movement to said member; and a source of illumination positioned with respect to said member and said rear reflector so as to cause both a shadow of said member and patches of light, to be visible on the screen means to simulate flames.

Preferably, the rear reflector means is curved, e.g. it is in the form of a sheet, having a reflective front surface, which is cylindrically curved so that the reflective surface is concave with respect to the screen means. This enables simulated f lames to be seen across the width of the screen as said member moves. However, a flat reflector could also be used.

Preferably, the reflective member is made of thin opaque material which intercepts light reflected from the rear reflector onto the screen means. This material may be cut or shaped to assist in producing an impression of flames, and preferably contains a slit and an aperture. For example, the member may be generally cof f in- shaped and have a slit, as well as a diamond-shaped aperture therein.

The means to impart movement to the member is preferably a fan, the member being draped across an air outlet of the fan so that it moves in the air stream thereby intercepting light in a random fashion and causing f lame-shaped images to be cast onto the screen means.

The source of illumination preferably includes a bulb or bulbs situated at the side or sides of the reflective member. These may be positioned to give optimum shadows and patches of light on the screen means i. e. to give a good impression of flames.

Preferably, means are included for simulating sparks in the simulated flames. The means for simulating sparks may comprise a piece of reflective metallised plastics film or foil having portions which move in the air stream and thereby ref lect f lashes of light onto the screen means.

This film or foil is positioned in the air stream from the fan and may be mounted independently of the member, or be attached to it.

Preferably, means are also included for imparting different colours into the simulated flames. Such means can be a metallised film or foil, having a reflective surface which diffracts or refracts light in such a way as to enable different colours to be perceived. In this case, the source of illumination provides at least some substantially white light.

The rear reflector means may have darkened areas thereon as well as reflective areas for reflecting light onto said screen means, to heighten the flame ef f ect. When the means for imparting colour is in the form of a metallised film or foil, it can be positioned adjacent or in contact with a lower portion of the front surface of said rear reflector means whereby the rear reflector has an upper darkened area, a central reflecting area, and a lower area covered with the latter film or foil.

If the invention is embodied in, e.g. a fire, means for simulating fuel are positioned in front of the screen means 6 and the screen means is also capable of reflecting light so that an image of the simulated fuel can be perceived on the screen, so that the simulated flames appear to emanate from between the simulated fuel and its reflected image. In this case, a front surface of the screen means is preferably coated or treated so as to reflect light, the coating enabling light to be transmitted through the screen means. The screen means can include a transparent or translucent panel or panels, the front surface of the panel or leading panel reflecting light due to either a coating, or an inherent property of the panel. A front panel may be fitted which transmits light and thereby enables the simulated flames to be perceived therethrough. The front panel can be tinted so that, when the source of illumination is switched off, components behind the front panel are at least partly obscured.

According to another aspect of the invention, a heating appliance includes means for simulating a solid fuel fire, said means comprising:

a movable member or members and means for causing said member or members to move; screen means capable of diffusely transmitting light and also of reflecting light, said screen means being positioned in front of said members; simulated fuel means positioned in front of said screen means, a source of illumination for the simulated fuel means and also said members whereby an image of simulated flame can be perceived on said screen means and said simulated flames appear to emanate from between said simulated fuel and its reflected image in said screen means, and further including 7 means for producing light of different colours, the latter means being arranged so as to impart different colours to the simulated flames.

The means for producing light of different colours may comprise means having a reflective surface which diffracts or refracts light in such a way as to enable different colours to be perceived. In this case, the source of illumination preferably provides substantially white light.

The movable member or members, andlor a rear reflecting surface may be made of, or include reflective metallised film or foil which reflects light and enables different colours to be perceived. Means are also preferably included for simulating flames or burning fuel and further including means for producing flashes of light to simulate sparks.

According to a further aspect of the invention an electrical fire includes means for simulating combusting solid fuel, said means comprising:

a concave reflector, a screen assembly positioned before saidconcave reflector and capable of diffusing light and reflecting light; means for simulating fuel positioned before said screen assembly, means for generating an air stream, a single flexible member shaped to produce images on the screen assembly which simulate f lames, said member being disposed to move in said air stream and to intercept light reflected from the concave reflector onto the screen assembly; 8 means f or illuminating said simulated fuel and said member whereby reflections of light and shadows can be perceived as f lames emanating from between the simulated fuel and its reflected image in said screen assembly.

Colour producing means may be included having a surface which reflects light and causes the reflected light to be perceived in different colours, the colour producing means being arranged so as to tinge with colour the reflections which are perceived as flames. In this case the illumination means includes a source which produced at least some substantially white light. Means for simulating sparks in said flames may be added to impart further realism.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of component parts used to simulate f lames, emanating from simulated fuel, in an electrical fire; Fig. 2 is a perspective view, partly exploded, showing certain components in their assembled state of the f ire shown in Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 is a pictorial representation of the visual effect. 30 Referring to the Drawings, an electrical fire comprises a casing 1 and a front f acia 2 which is secured to the casing (as shown in Fig. 2). The components described below are located within the casing or adjacent the fascia. 35 A curved rear reflector 3, which can be made of metal (such as aluminium), having a polished front surface, preferably has selective regions 4 darkened or blackened by a suitable coating or layer of material. These regions 4 9 have a somewhat random pattern but generally exist at the top of the reflector and have lower edges defining inverted U-shaped portions 5. Portions 5 are not darkened or blackened and they present a fully reflective surface.

However.. coloured light producing means 6, preferably in the form of a sheet, is adhered, attached, or positioned adjacent a lower region of the rear reflector 3. These means 6 have a surface which reflects (e.g. white) light but also causes the incident light to be separated into some of its constituent colours. This effect is comparable with selective diffraction or refraction of white light by e.g. prisms or optical gratings, whereby rays of light, having different optical frequencies, are bent through different angles, hence being perceived as colours (such as red, yellow, blue etc.). Various components andlor materials may be used to produce this effect, but we have found the use of thin metallised plastics or foil, having certain optical reflecting properties, to be particularly useful.

Such foil is similar to that which is sometimes used for gift wrapping and it has the property of reflecting ambient light but tinged with various colours, depending on the angle from which it is viewed. In some respects, this is similar to the effect produced by a thin film of, e.g.

petrol on water in which multi-coloured or rainbow effects can be seen. The material we used was manufactured by the Cobourn Corporation, in the USA or Germany, and this either has a plain finish, giving the impression of a pearly metallic surface on which there are very fine lines, or a pearly surface on which there is a regular etched pattern, somewhat resembling facets of a crystal. For example, one sample was known as a 111/4 inch mosaic diffraction prismatic" pattern called 11Diffractolitell. An alternative material, available from the same Company, is called "Holographic Crystal". A further alternative. made by Markem Systems Limited, has a 11Holofoill' pattern. Such materials generally include a plastics metallised film (e.g. aluminium) which is patterned by etched steel rollers, on a PE carrier, and which may be treated in some way so as to cause the required diffractions of refractions which result in reflections of coloured light. Where such material is used, its reflective, colour generating surface is the front surface of means 6, i. e. facing outwardly towards the fire opening. Also, its upper edge preferably resembles a pattern of flames (as see, for example, on burning fuel).

Materials having so-called "holographic" properties may be similar to photographic materials in which the surface of a substrate is covered with lenticular strips which have the effect of diffracting light. These strips may be of various cross-sections, e.g. triangular, and they extend in a direction so that light received, from a certain angle of incidence, is subject to a diffraction effect. other holographic materials may be used including, for example, films produced by holographic techniques andlor substrates coated with materials, or used in conjunction with films, having the same effect.

Situated in front of the curved reflector and means 6 is a diffusing screen 7. This may include one or more panels, which are translucent or transparent, and which have the effect of diffusely transmitting light received from the reflector 3 and also of reflecting light from the front surface of the (leading) panel. In the example, shown, panel 8 is a sheet of glass with a front surf ace (i.e. facing the facia 2) which is capable of reflecting light from an illuminated fuel effect 9 immediately in front of panel 8. The simulated fuel may be in the f orm of a moulding, which is made of transparent or translucent material, and which is shaped, conf igured and decorated, e.g. with paint finishes, to resemble logs or coal. The simulated fuel moulding 9 is situated above a chamber or light box in which bulbs 10,11 are mounted. These bulbs, when switched on, cast light on the underside of the simulated fuel 9, thereby causing it to resemble glowing fuel. The front reflective surface of panel 8 is capable of reflecting an image of the fuel so that there appears to 11 be a more extensive fuel bed when the fire is viewed from the front. The simulated flames (described below) then appear to emanate from between the fuel and its reflection in the screen 7. Preferably, but not essentially, the front surface of panel 8 includes a coating which reflects light, but is thin enough to enable light to be transmitted through panel 8, from the direction of reflector 4. Such a coating improves the reflection of the fuel in the screen 7. However, such a coating is not essential, because panel 8 may be made of transparent or translucent material which is either tinted, or made in such a way that the front surface is capable of reflecting an image of the illuminated fuel 9.

In Fig. 1,a separate diffusing sheet 12 is located behind panel 8. The main function of this component is to diffuse light received from reflector 4. It may be a translucent sheet (e.g. of glass) or it may be a sheet of thin material having light diffusing properties.

Alternatively, the rear surface of panel 8 may be coated with material, or abraded, or etched, or otherwise treated so as to diffuse light. A diffusing sheet could also be adhered to the rear surface of panel 8.

At the front of the fire, in front of the simulated fuel 9, is a front panel 13 which is preferably made of tinted glass. This panel is transparent so as to enable simulated flames to be seen on screen 7. The degree of tinting of panel 13 may be such as to obscure the interior of the fire when the bulbs 10,11 and, an optional bulb 14, are switched off. Bulb 14 is located on casing 1 above a hole (not shown) in the casing, so that light is cast downwardly onto the upper surface of simulated fuel 9. In this case, the fuel resembles logs and the purpose of bulb 14 is to illuminate painted surfaces of the imitation logs, and thereby to promote realism. However, bulb 14 is optional and it is not required when the fuel resembles coal.

12 The front panel 13 can alternatively be lightly tinted, without necessarily obscuring the interior of the fire when the bulbs are switched off.

It would also possible to have a coating on panel 13, e.g. on its rear surface, which is capable of reflecting light, but is thin enough to transmit light. Whether or not the rear surface of the panel 13 is coated in this way, or is reflective due to its inherent nature (its tinting), certain arrangements of the fire could be made to enable at least a second image of the fuel 9 to be perceived from the front of the f ire. This second image represents light reflected from fuel 9 onto the rear surface of panel 13, and then onto the front panel of screen 7. A first image of the fuel 9 is reflected directly by the front surface of screen 7. The ef f ect is to produce the second image behind the first image and hence the illusion of a more extensive fuel bed. However, this multiple image effect may not be required and panel 13 may not be capable of producing this second image.

As best seen in Fig. 2, bulbs 10 and 11 are situated one on each side of a reflective "flag" 17. This flag is mounted so that it drapes across the outlet 15 of an electrically driven fan 16. The outlet 15 is in the form of a slot in order to blow a curtain of air upwardly onto the flag 17. The lower end 17a of the flag is attached to bulb mounting bracket 18, and at its upper end 17b is attached to the upper edge of reflector 3. When the fan is off, the flag 17 tends to fall into a loose curve because it is made of very thin (but strong) material. The flag 17 is generally cof f in-shaped with a diamond-shaped hole 19 in its lower portion. The upper portion is in the form of two arms 20a,20b separated by a slit 21. These arms tend to separate in the air stream produced by the fan. As shown in Fig. 1, small slits are provided in the upper and lower edges of flag 17 for the purpose of attachment to bracket 18 and reflector 3 respectively. The material of the flag 17 13 is preferably opaque and it may be coloured, e.g. ruby red. This material needs to be strong and thin and it is selected, with regard to the shape of flag 17 and the way it drapes (when the fan is off), and with regard to the perf ormance of f an 16, so that the f lag 17 ripples, f lutters or undulates in the air stream and creates a continuously moving surface which intercepts light reflected by the rear reflector 3 from bulbs 10,11. These bulbs are situated, one on either side of flag 17, and slightly forward of the flag, so that the flag 17 casts moving shadows on the screen as it moves in the air stream. These shadows and reflected patches of light are visible on the screen 8 and form part of an illusion of real flames when the device is switched on. This will be explained in more detail below. In any event, the light intercepted by moving surfaces of flag 17, which is reflected by the curved reflector 3 casts shadows and moving patches of light onto the screen 7 where they can be seen as continuously moving, flame-shaped images. The shadows heighten the flame shaped images. Clearly, such a visual effect needs to be observed to be fully appreciated.

In addition to the flag 17, a reflective member 22 is provided in the f orm of a strip having arms at one end.

This strip is used to simulate a spark effect, i.e. when 25 sparks are occasionally seen to be generated in combusting fuel. The strip 22 is made of reflective metallised film or foil and it has a blank end secured to the bulb bracket 18 as shown in Fig. 2. The other end may be made in the form of a comb, i.e. teeth separated by slits. The member 22 is normally so flimsy that it hangs over the outlet 15 of fan 16. However, when the fan is switched on, the stream of air carries the teeth upwardly so that they flutter within the diamond-shaped hole in flag 17. The effect of this is to cast occasionally flashes of light onto the screen 7 and these are perceived in the manner of sparks. These flashes of light are received directly by screen 7 from member 22, but some reflections may be received indirectly from reflector 3 which are less distinct but occur in different 14 places. The strip 22 may alternatively be attached to, or form part of the flag 17.

In Fig. 2, the screen (8,12), fuel (9) and front panel (13) are still shown in exploded f orm, but they would be fitted so that the diffusing sheet 12 touches panel 8 and form a screen (7) which abuts the vertical front edges of the curved reflector 3. The fuel moulding 9 would form a cover f or bulbs 10 and 11 and its rear edge would be in contact with the screen -7. The front panel 13 would contact the front edge of the fuel moulding 9 and be almost flush with the fascia 2.

It is difficult to describe fully the visual effect achieved by the component parts described above, but this effect is surprisingly good and gives almost the same visual effect as real flames. In order to illustrate this effect in more detail, reference is made to Fig. 3. However, due to the limitations of black and white drawings and the lack of colour, this figure can only attempt to give some idea of the visual effect. Therefore, the directions given herein should be followed in order to construct the apparatus from which the visual effect, at its best, can be truly perceived.

In Fig. 3, imitation logs ga, 9b are made in the f orm of, e.g. a GRP moulding. When viewing the visual effect from the front of the fire, i.e. with the bulbs switched on, it is possible to see a f irst image of logs 9a and 9b in screen 7. These first images are represented as 9al and 9bl. However, it may also possible to see a second image 9all, 9b11 behind these first images.

Extending upwardly from between at least logs 9a, 9b and their first images are triangular shaped shadows 23a,23b.

In between these shadows, and each side thereof, can be seen bright luminous triangular f lame-shaped images, such as that indicated at 24a. Due to the effect of the colour is generating member 6, these f lame images 24a are not only luminous, i.e. in a yellow white form, but are also tinged with colours such as those normally associated with real flames.

In between the logs 9a, 9b, there are indicated some small areas 25 which are intended to represent occasional flashes of light emanating from member 22.

Preferably, the bulbs 10, 11 and the optional bulb 24 are bulbs which emit what may be generally called "white" light. Bulb 24 casts light onto the top of the imitation logs. These bulbs may be ordinary clear or translucent bulbs which would emit less than pure white light. However, the light emitted f rom the bulbs is dif f racted or ref racted into dif f erent colours by the ef f ect of member 6. Bulbs of different tints could be used to create unusual effects, or different effects to those produced by using clear or white bulbs.

Only one flag 17 need be used in this optical effect, because the curved reflector spreads the reflections of light and shadows over a wider panoramic view, thereby giving the impression of flames appearing at different positions along the width of the simulated fuel. Moreover, in view of the reflective capability of screen 7 (and possibly also of the rear surface of the front panel 13), the imitation f lames appear to emanate from between the actual imitation fuel and its reflected image (or images) in screen 7. An attempt has been made to depict this in Fig. 3.

Whilst the f ire described above includes various optical ef f ects that are used in combination, these ef f ects could also be independently used or used in other combinations in a fire embodying the invention, or in other fires. These effects include:

16 (a) The use of a colour generator 6.

This may be in the form of a reflective material having the properties mentioned above, or other means may be used f or adding colour to an existing ef f ect. For example, reflecting metallised plastics or foil producing reflections of coloured light may either form a rear reflecting surface behind the ribbons of the fire described in GB 2 230 335, or the ribbons may be made of this material, or both. Also, instead of using bulbs which emit light of one colour (e.g. red), the bulb or bulbs couldemit white light to irradiate the ribbons, and (e.g.) red light to irradiate the simulated fuel. if white light is used to illuminate the fuel, the fuel could be coloured so as to transmit coloured light.

The colour generator could also be used to improve less realistic flame or combustion effects which employ, for example, moving reflective vanes or drums which produce random flashes of light on a screen or a reflector.

(b) The use of a single flag 17 and a curved reflector, which cooperate to produce a display of simulated flames across the simulated fuel.

This could replace the ribbons in GB 2 230 335. This effect does not essentially require the colour generator 6 or the spark generator 22. In this instance, the flag is a reflective member which is intercepts light and is caused to move in such a way as to cause shadows and patches of light to appear (on a diffusing screen) which resemble flames.

(c) The use of a spark generator 22.

This device generates occasional flashes of light in a simulated flame effect. This could be used in addition to the ribbons of GB 2 230 335. It may be in the f orm of pieces of reflective material which are illuminated and caused to move or it may include other (e.g.) rotary means 17 and means of illumination which produce f lashes of light resembling sparks.

(d) The use of a bulb (14 to top light the simulated 5 fuel, e.g. as an addition to GB 2 230 335.

(e) The use of a separate light source to illuminate a log effect.

(f) Any other combination of (a)-(e).

Certain other components of the f ire, which have not been described in detail, but are illustrated in the drawings, include:

27 front glass panel retaining bracket 28 retaining side bracket 29 front glass channel radiant element assembly 31 fascia retaining bracket 32 front support plate 33 air vent As these components do not play an important role in the invention, they have been identified only.

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Claims (34)

CLAIMS:

1. Apparatus for simulating flames comprising:

rear reflector means; screen means situated in front of the rear reflector means, said screen means being at least capable of diffusely transmitting light received from the rear reflector means; a member positioned between the rear reflector means and the screen means; means to impart movement to said member; and a source of illumination positioned with respect to said member and said reflector so as to cause both a shadow of said member and patches of light, to be visible on the screen means to simulate flames.

2. Apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein said rear reflector means is curved.

3. Apparatus according to Claim 2 wherein said reflector means is in the form of a sheet, having a reflective front surface, which is cylindrically curved so that the reflective surface is concave with respect to the screen means.

4. Apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein said reflective member is made of thin opaque material which is positioned so as to intercept light reflected by said rear reflector means onto said screen means.

5. Apparatus according to Claim 4 wherein the foil is cut or shaped to assist in producing an impression of flames.

6. Apparatus according to Claim 5 wherein the material 19 contains a slit and an aperture.

7. Apparatus according to Claim 5 or 6 wherein the material is generally cof f in-shaped and has a slit and a diamond5 shaped aperture therein.

8. Apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein the means to impart movement to said member is a f an, said member being draped across an air outlet of the fan so that it moves in the air stream thereby randomly intercepting light reflected from the rear reflector means onto said screen means.

9. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims wherein the source of illumination includes a bulb or bulbs situated at the side or sides of said member.

10. Apparatus according to any preceding Claim and further including means for simulating sparks in the simulated flames.

11. Apparatus according to Claim 10 wherein the means for simulating sparks comprises a thin piece of reflective material having portions which move in the air stream and thereby reflect flashes of light onto said screen means.

12. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims including means for imparting different colours into the simulated flames.

13. Apparatus according to Claim 12 wherein the means for imparting colour comprises a member having a reflective surface which diffracts or refracts light in such a way as to enable different colours to be perceived.

14. Apparatus according to Claim 13 wherein said member is made of, or includes, a reflective film or foil which reflects light and enables different colours to be perceived.

15. Apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein the source of illumination provides substantially white light. 5

16. Apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein the rear reflector means has darkened areas thereon as well as reflective areas for reflecting light onto said screen means.

17. Apparatus according to any of Claims 13-16 wherein the means for imparting colour is in the form of a metallised film or foil positioned adjacent or in contact with a lower portion of the front surface of said rear reflector means.

18. Apparatus according to any preceding Claim and further including means for simulating fuel positioned in front of said screen means, said screen means also being capable of reflecting light whereby an image of said simulated fuel can be perceived on said screen means so that the simulated flames appear to emanate from between the simulated fuel and its reflected image.

19. Apparatus according to Claim 18 including a source of illumination for said simulated fuel which directs light onto an upper surface of said simulated fuel.

20. Apparatus according to Claim 18 or 19 wherein a front surface of said screen means is coated or treated so as to reflect light, the coating enabling light to be transmitted through the screen means.

21. Apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein said screen means comprises a transparent or translucent panel or panels, the front surface of the panel or leading panel reflecting light due to either a coating, or an inherent property of the panel.

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22. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims and further including a front panel which transmits light and thereby enables the simulated flames to be perceived therethrough.

23. Apparatus according to Claim 22 wherein said front panel has a reflective surface which reflects an image of said simulated fuel onto said screen means and thereby enables multiple images of said simulated fuel to be perceived.

24. Apparatus according to Claim 22 wherein said front panel is tinted so that. when the source of illumination is switched off, components behind said front panel are at least partly obscured.

25. A heating appliance including means for simulating a solid fuel fire, said means comprising:

a movable member or members and means for causing said member or members to move; screen means capable of diffusely transmitting light and also of reflecting light, said screen means being positioned in front of said members; simulated fuel means positioned in front of said screen means, a source of illumination for the simulated fuel means and also said members whereby an image of simulated flame can be perceived on said screen means and said simulated flames appear to emanate from between said simulated fuel and its reflected image in said screen means, and further including means for producing light of different colours, the latter means being arranged so as to impart different colours to the simulated flames.

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26. A heating appliance according to Claim 25 wherein said means for producing light of different colours comprises a reflective surface which diffracts or refracts light'in such a way as to enable different colours to be perceived. 5

27. A heating appliance according to Claim 26 wherein the source of illumination provides substantially white light.

28. A heating appliance according to any of Claims 25-27 wherein the movable member or members, andlor a rear reflecting surface is made of, or includes reflective film or foil which reflects light and enables different colours to be perceived.

29. A heating appliance including means for simulating flames or burning fuel and further including means for producing flashes of light to simulate sparks.

30. An electrical fire including means for simulating combusting solid fuel, said means comprising a concave reflector, a screen assembly positioned before said concave reflector and capable of diffusing light and reflecting light; means for simulating fuel positioned before said screen assembly, means for generating an air stream, a single flexible member shaped to produce reflections which simulate flames, said member being disposed to move in said air stream, means for illuminating said simulated fuel and said member whereby reflections of light can be perceived as flames across the width of the simulated fuel and its reflected image in said screen assembly.

31. A heating appliance according to Claim 30 further including colour producing means including a surface which reflects light and causes the reflected light to be perceived in different colours. the colour producing means being arranged so as to tinge with colour the reflections which are perceived as flames.

32. A heating appliance according to Claim 31 wherein the illumination means includes a source of substantially white light.

33. A heating appliance according to Claim 30 including means for simulating sparks in said flames.

34. A heating appliance including:

means for simulating flames or combusting fuel; said means including a screen on which to view moving images, and further including means for simulating sparks in said flames or fuel.