Incorporation of particulates into fireplace articles

Abstract

A gas fireplace article comprising a molded portion and a particulate. The particulate providing an effect different from the molded portion. An insert to fit within a recess of a gas fireplace article. The insert including a particulate. Methods and compositions for forming gas fireplace articles that include a particulate.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A gas fireplace article, comprising: 
 a molded portion, the molded portion comprising a ceramic fiber and a binder; and    an expandable particulate coupled to the molded portion, wherein the expandable particulate provides an effect different from the molded portion when heated.    
     
     
         2 . The gas fireplace article of  claim 1 , the molded portion comprising a compression molded material.  
     
     
         3 . The gas fireplace article of  claim 1 , wherein the particulate comprises a non-exfoliated vermiculite.  
     
     
         4 . The gas fireplace article of  claim 1 , wherein an adhesive couples the particulate to an outer surface of the molded portion.  
     
     
         5 . The gas fireplace article of  claim 4 , wherein the adhesive comprises a ceramic adhesive.  
     
     
         6 . The gas fireplace article of  claim 5 , further comprising a volatile metallic salt.  
     
     
         7 . A gas fireplace article comprising: 
 a molded portion, the molded portion defining a recess; and    an insert sized to fit within the recess, the insert comprising a ceramic fiber, a binder, and an expandable particulate, wherein the expandable particulate provides an effect different from the molded portion when heated.    
     
     
         8 . The gas fireplace article of  claim 7 , the molded portion comprising a compression molded material.  
     
     
         9 . The gas fireplace article of  claim 7 , the expandable particulate comprising a non-exfoliated vermiculite.  
     
     
         10 . A molding composition for a gas fireplace article, the molding composition comprising a mixture of a ceramic fiber, a binder, and an expandable particulate.  
     
     
         11 . The molding composition of  claim 10 , wherein the expandable particulate is a non-exfoliated vermiculite.  
     
     
         12 . The molding composition of  claim 10 , wherein the mixture is a compression molding composition.  
     
     
         13 . An insert for a fireplace article, the insert comprising: 
 a molded portion comprising a ceramic fiber and a binder; and    an expandable particulate coupled to the molded portion, wherein the expandable particulate provides an effect different from the molded portion when heated.    
     
     
         14 . The replaceable insert of  claim 13 , wherein the expandable particulate is a non-exfoliated vermiculite.  
     
     
         15 . A method for simulating the burn of natural fire, the method comprising: 
 providing a gas fireplace article comprising a molded portion and an expandable particulate coupled to the molded portion; and    altering the expandable particulate to allow the expandable particulate to fall from the molded portion.    
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the step of altering the expandable particulate to allow the particulate to fall from the molded portion comprises heating the particulate.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the expandable particulate is a non-exfoliated vermiculite.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising the step of adhering the expandable particulate to the molded portion with an adhesive.  
     
     
         19 . A method for forming a gas fireplace article, the method comprising: 
 forming a mixture of a ceramic fiber, a binder, and an expandable particulate;    providing the mixture of the ceramic fiber, the binder, and the expandable particulate to a mold; and    molding the mixture into a desired shape.    
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the particulate is a non-exfoliated vermiculite.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the step of molding the mixture into a desired shape comprises compression molding the mixture.