GB2427021A - Flame simulation apparatus using ribbons - Google Patents
Flame simulation apparatus using ribbons Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2427021A GB2427021A GB0611151A GB0611151A GB2427021A GB 2427021 A GB2427021 A GB 2427021A GB 0611151 A GB0611151 A GB 0611151A GB 0611151 A GB0611151 A GB 0611151A GB 2427021 A GB2427021 A GB 2427021A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- ribbons
- mounting locations
- lower mounting
- screen
- rear screen
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 238000004088 simulation Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 17
- 238000007664 blowing Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000003760 hair shine Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silver Chemical compound [Ag] BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052709 silver Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004332 silver Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24C—DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES ; DETAILS OF DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F24C7/00—Stoves or ranges heated by electric energy
- F24C7/002—Stoves
- F24C7/004—Stoves simulating flames
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Building Environments (AREA)
Abstract
A flame simulation apparatus 10 has a rear screen 12 and several ribbons 14 hanging in front of the screen. A lamp 16 shines light through the ribbons on to the screen and a fan 18 with an outlet immediately below the ribbons 20 blows air to cause movement of the ribbons. Each ribbon extends from an upper mounting location 22 to a respective lower mounting location 24, with at least some of the ribbons extending from an upper mounting location which is not directly above the respective lower mounting location. The ribbons are provided in pairs with each ribbon in a pair extending from the same upper mounting location but some extending to different lower mounting locations. The ribbons are at least 10% longer than the distance between the mounting locations so that the ribbons hang loosely when at rest. The mounting locations (figs 3 and 4) are arranged to permit rotation of the ribbons. The paired ribbons may be of different length to simulate differing flame heights. The apparatus may be part of an electric fire assembly.
Description
1 2427021 Flame Simulation Apparatus This invention concerns improvements
in or relating to flame simulation apparatus.
Simulated flame arrangements, whether or not as part of a. heater or fire, are becoming increasingly popular. Such arrangements are often desired to provide a visual focus for a room. A number of prior arrangements have already been proposed, and there is a general aim to produce more realistic 1 0 and also interesting flame effects.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided flame simulation apparatus, the apparatus including a rear screen, a plurality of ribbons hanging in front of the screen, means for shining light onto the rear screen through the ribbons, and means for blowing air onto the ribbons to cause them to move, each ribbon extending between a respective one of a plurality of upper mounting locations to a respective one of a plurality of lower mounting locations, with at least some of the ribbons extending to a lower mounting location from an upper mounting location which is not directly above said lower mounting location.
The ribbons may be arranged in a pattern which diverges downwardly from the upper mounting locations.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided flame simulation apparatus, the apparatus including a rear screen, a plurality of ribbons hanging in front of the screen, means for shining light onto the rear screen through the ribbons, and means for blowing air onto the ribbons to cause them to move, each ribbon extending between a respective one of a plurality of upper mounting locations to a respective one of a plurality of lower mounting locations, with the ribbons being provided in pairs, each pair extending from the same upper mounting location.
At least some of the ribbons in the pairs may both extend to the same lower mounting location.
At least some of the ribbons in the pairs may extend to different lower mounting locations.
At least some of the ribbons in pairs may be of differing length to simulate differing flame heights.
At least some of the sides of the ribbons in the pairs which face away from each other, may be reflective.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided flame simulation apparatus, the apparatus including a rear screen, a plurality of ribbons hanging in front of the screen, means for shining light onto the rear screen through the ribbons, and means for blowing air onto the ribbons to cause them to move, each ribbon extending between a respective one of a plurality of upper mounting locations to a respective one of a plurality of lower mounting locations, with the ribbons being significantly longer than the distance between the respective upper and lower mounting locations such that when at rest the ribbons hang loosely.
Preferably the ribbons are at least 10% longer than the distance between the respective upper and lower mounting locations.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided flame simulation apparatus, the apparatus including a rear screen, a plurality of ribbons hanging in front of the screen, means for shining light onto the rear screen through the ribbons, and means for blowing air onto the ribbons to cause them to move, each ribbon extending between a respective one of a plurality of upper mounting locations to a respective one of a plurality of lower mounting locations, with the upper and/or lower mounting locations being arranged to permit rotation of the ribbons thereabout during movement caused by the blowing air.
The upper and/or lower mounting locations may include projections which extend through the respective ribbon to mount same thereon, and to permit rotation of the ribbon thereabout.
The projections are preferably of substantially circular cross-section, and may be in the form of rivets.
The ribbons may be of fabric.
The light shone onto the rear screen may be coloured, and may be orange.
A filter may be provided to colour the light.
The rear screen may be reflective at least in parts.
A transparent or translucent front screen may be provided for the apparatus.
The invention also provides an electric fire assembly, the assembly including a flame simulation apparatus according to any of the preceding sixteen paragraphs.
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Fig 1 is a diagrammatic front view of a flame simulation apparatus according to the invention; Fig 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the apparatus of Fig 1; Fig 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of part of the apparatus of part of the apparatus of Fig 1; and Fig 4 is a diagrammatic front view of a further part of the apparatus of Fig 1.
The drawings show flame simulation apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 could form part of an electric fire assembly or could for instance operate as a stand alone arrangement providing a visual focus for a room. In the first instance one possibility would be to provide an electric convection heater at an upper part of the apparatus 10.
The apparatus 10 includes a rear screen 12. A part of the screen 12 could be reflective, and particularly a lower rhombus shaped area. A plurality of ribbons 14 hang in front of the screen 12. A lamp 16 is provided for shining light through the ribbons 14 and onto the screen 12. A fan 18 is provided with an outlet 20 immediately beneath the ribbons 14 to blow air onto the ribbons 14 to cause movement thereof.
The ribbons 14 are arranged in pairs, with five pairs being shown. The outer face of each ribbon 14 in a pair is provided with a silver reflective coating. The ribbons 14 extend from upper mounting locations 22 to lower mounting locations 24. The ribbons 14 are arranged such that the two outer pairs on each side are mounted to lower mounting locations 24 which are not beneath the respective upper mounting location 22 from which they extend.
The outermost pair of ribbons 14 on each side each extend to a different lowermost mounting location 24 to space the pair apart. The ribbons 14 are significantly longer than the distance between the respective upper and lower mounting locations 22, 24, and are at least 10% greater in length than this distance.
Each of the mounting locations 22, 24 comprises an L shaped bracket 26 with a first limb 28 against the rear screen 12 and a second limb outstanding therefrom. A rivet 32 extends through each second limb 30, and the rivet 32 passes through a hole in the respective ribbon or ribbons 14 such that the ribbon 14 can rotate about the rivet 32. A filter 34 is provided around the lamp 16 to provide orange light.
In use, the lamp 16 shines with orange light passing through the arrangement of ribbons 14 onto the rear screen 12. The fan 18 is operated to blow air onto the ribbons 14 and cause them to move. The features of the ] 5 pairs of ribbons 14, their extra length, and the mounting which permits rotation thereof provides for a pleasing visual display. It is to be realised that a front transparent or translucent cover (not shown), will be included. The reflective outer sides of the ribbons 14 provide for occasional high intensity flickers which look like sparks or hotter flames.
It is to be realised that a wide range of modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example a different number of ribbons could be provided, and/or they could be differently mounted. The ribbons may be of different lengths to simulate flames of different heights. A different light arrangement could be provided and/or a different fan arrangement. For instance the coloured light maybe provided by using a standard bulb or low energy bulb in conjunction with a coloured filter material. The light maybe generated by means other than a light bulb.
Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.
Claims (22)
1. Flame simulation apparatus, the apparatus including a rear screen, a plurality of ribbons hanging in front of the screen, means for shining light onto the rear screen through the ribbons, and means for blowing air onto the ribbons to cause them to move, each ribbon extending between a respective one of a plurality of upper mounting locations to a respective one of a plurality of lower mounting locations, with at least some of the ribbons extending to a lower mounting location from an upper mounting location which is not directly above said lower mounting location.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which the ribbons are arranged in a pattern which diverges downwardly from the upper mounting locations.
3. Flame simulation apparatus, the apparatus including a rear screen, a plurality of ribbons hanging in front of the screen, means for shining light onto the rear screen through the ribbons, and means for blowing air onto the ribbons to cause them to move, each ribbon extending between a respective one of a plurality of upper mounting locations to a respective one of a plurality of lower mounting locations, with the ribbons being provided in pairs, each pair extending from the same upper mounting location.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3, in which at least some of the ribbons in the pairs both extend to the same lower mounting portion.
5. Apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, in which at least some of the ribbons in the pairs extend to different lower mounting locations.
6. Apparatus according to any of claims 3 to 5, in which at least some of the ribbons in pairs are of differing length to simulate differing flame heights.
7. Apparatus according to any of claims 3 to 6, in which at least some of the sides of the ribbons in the pairs which face away from each other, are reflective.
8. Flame simulation apparatus, the apparatus including a rear screen, a plurality of ribbons hanging in front of the screen, means for shining light onto the rear screen through the ribbons, and means for blowing air onto the ribbons to cause them to move, each ribbon extending between a respective one of a plurality of upper mounting locations to a respective one of a plurality of lower mounting locations, with the ribbons being significantly longer than the distance between the respective upper and lower mounting locations such that when at rest the ribbons hang loosely.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8, in which the ribbons are at least 10% longer than the distance between the respective upper and lower mounting locations.
10. Flame simulation apparatus, the apparatus including a rear screen, a plurality of ribbons hanging in front of the screen, means for shining light onto the rear screen through the ribbons, and means for blowing air onto the ribbons to cause them to move, each ribbon extending between a respective one of a plurality of upper mounting locations to a respective one of a plurality of lower mounting locations, with the upper and/or lower mounting locations being arranged to permit rotation of the ribbons thereabout during movement caused by the blowing air.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10, in which the upper and/or lower mounting locations include projections which extend through the respective ribbon to mount same thereon, and to permit rotation of the ribbon thereabout.
12. Apparatus according to claim 11, in which the projections are of substantially circular cross-section.
13. Apparatus according to claims 11 or 12, in which the projections are in the form of rivets.
14. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the ribbons are of fabric.
15. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the light shone onto the rear screen is coloured.
1 0
1 6. Apparatus according to claim 1 5, in which the light shone onto the rear screen is orange.
17. Apparatus according to claims 15 or 16, in which a filter is provided to colour the light.
18. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the rear screen is reflective at least in parts.
19. Apparatus according to claims 15 or 16, in which a transparent or translucent front screen is provided for the apparatus.
20. An electric fire assembly, the assembly including a flame simulation apparatus according to any of the preceding claims.
21. Flame simulation apparatus, the apparatus being substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
22. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB0511703.1A GB0511703D0 (en) | 2005-06-09 | 2005-06-09 | Flame simulation apparatus |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0611151D0 GB0611151D0 (en) | 2006-07-19 |
| GB2427021A true GB2427021A (en) | 2006-12-13 |
Family
ID=34835336
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB0511703.1A Ceased GB0511703D0 (en) | 2005-06-09 | 2005-06-09 | Flame simulation apparatus |
| GB0611151A Withdrawn GB2427021A (en) | 2005-06-09 | 2006-06-07 | Flame simulation apparatus using ribbons |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB0511703.1A Ceased GB0511703D0 (en) | 2005-06-09 | 2005-06-09 | Flame simulation apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (2) | GB0511703D0 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7673408B2 (en) | 2004-01-20 | 2010-03-09 | Dimplex North America Limited | Flame simulating assembly |
| US8361367B2 (en) | 2004-11-17 | 2013-01-29 | Dimplex North America Limited | Flame simulating assembly |
| US8661721B2 (en) | 2001-09-12 | 2014-03-04 | Kristoffer Hess | Flame simulating assembly |
Citations (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3603013A (en) * | 1968-02-06 | 1971-09-07 | Radiation Sunhouse Ltd | Electric illumination devices |
| GB2230335A (en) * | 1989-02-10 | 1990-10-17 | Basic Engineering Ltd | Apparatus for simulating flames |
| GB2350182A (en) * | 1999-05-17 | 2000-11-22 | Be Modern Ltd | Flame effect electric fire |
| GB2377752A (en) * | 2001-06-08 | 2003-01-22 | Flamerite Fires Ltd | Apparatus for simulating flames which has both reflectors and ribbons which interfere with each others movement |
| GB2379009A (en) * | 2001-06-08 | 2003-02-26 | Suncrest Surrounds Ltd | Apparatus for simulating flames |
| GB2404730A (en) * | 2003-08-07 | 2005-02-09 | Creative Fires Uk Ltd | Flame effect device featuring ribbons |
| GB2408322A (en) * | 2003-11-07 | 2005-05-25 | Warmland Stoves Ltd | A flame effect stove with a door featuring a window with a window having a mask of fine dots |
| GB2408794A (en) * | 2003-11-13 | 2005-06-08 | Goppa Fireplaces Ltd | Flexible elements in an air current variably occluding light to a simulated fuel effect |
-
2005
- 2005-06-09 GB GBGB0511703.1A patent/GB0511703D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2006
- 2006-06-07 GB GB0611151A patent/GB2427021A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3603013A (en) * | 1968-02-06 | 1971-09-07 | Radiation Sunhouse Ltd | Electric illumination devices |
| GB2230335A (en) * | 1989-02-10 | 1990-10-17 | Basic Engineering Ltd | Apparatus for simulating flames |
| GB2350182A (en) * | 1999-05-17 | 2000-11-22 | Be Modern Ltd | Flame effect electric fire |
| GB2377752A (en) * | 2001-06-08 | 2003-01-22 | Flamerite Fires Ltd | Apparatus for simulating flames which has both reflectors and ribbons which interfere with each others movement |
| GB2379009A (en) * | 2001-06-08 | 2003-02-26 | Suncrest Surrounds Ltd | Apparatus for simulating flames |
| GB2404730A (en) * | 2003-08-07 | 2005-02-09 | Creative Fires Uk Ltd | Flame effect device featuring ribbons |
| GB2408322A (en) * | 2003-11-07 | 2005-05-25 | Warmland Stoves Ltd | A flame effect stove with a door featuring a window with a window having a mask of fine dots |
| GB2408794A (en) * | 2003-11-13 | 2005-06-08 | Goppa Fireplaces Ltd | Flexible elements in an air current variably occluding light to a simulated fuel effect |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8661721B2 (en) | 2001-09-12 | 2014-03-04 | Kristoffer Hess | Flame simulating assembly |
| US7673408B2 (en) | 2004-01-20 | 2010-03-09 | Dimplex North America Limited | Flame simulating assembly |
| US8361367B2 (en) | 2004-11-17 | 2013-01-29 | Dimplex North America Limited | Flame simulating assembly |
| US8480937B2 (en) | 2004-11-17 | 2013-07-09 | Dimplex North America Limited | Method of forming a simulated combustible fuel element |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0611151D0 (en) | 2006-07-19 |
| GB0511703D0 (en) | 2005-07-13 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |