Fireplace surround

Abstract

The invention generally relates to a fireplace surround for attachment to a fireplace. The surround may include first and second side members formed from a molded material, and a top member formed from the molded material that extends between the first and second side members. The top member defines a cavity that is in fluid communication with a vent of the fireplace to collect heated air from the fireplace. An opening formed in the top member facilitates movement of heated air collected in the cavity to pass through the cavity. The surround may also include a shield member that direct the heated air from the fireplace vent to the exhaust opening in the top member, and an insulating member that dissipates heat in the top member.

1 . A surround for attachment to a fireplace, comprising: 
 first and second side members formed from a molded material;    a top member formed from the molded material and extending between the first and second side members, the top member defining a cavity that is in fluid communication with a vent of the fireplace to collect heated air from the fireplace; and    an opening defined by the top member, the opening configured to exhaust the collected air from the cavity.    
   
   
       2 . The surround of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second side members extend in a substantially vertical direction.  
   
   
       3 . The surround of  claim 1 , wherein the top member extends in a substantially horizontal direction.  
   
   
       4 . The surround of  claim 1 , further comprising a lower member extending between the first and second side members at a position vertically below the top member.  
   
   
       5 . The surround of  claim 4 , wherein the first and second side members and the top member are constructed as a single, monolithic piece.  
   
   
       6 . The surround of  claim 5 , further comprising an access panel secured to the surround at a position vertically below the lower member.  
   
   
       7 . The surround of  claim 6 , wherein the access panel is removably secured to the surround by at least one fastener.  
   
   
       8 . The surround of  claim 1 , wherein the opening defined by the top member includes at least two distinct openings.  
   
   
       9 . The surround of  claim 1 , further comprising an insulating member configured to fit within a portion of the cavity.  
   
   
       10 . The surround of  claim 1 , further comprising a connector configured to secure the surround to the fireplace.  
   
   
       11 . The surround of  claim 1 , wherein the molded material includes a ceramic fiber and a binder.  
   
   
       12 . A fireplace, comprising: 
 a heat source configured to generate heated air;    a vent for exhausting the heated air outside the fireplace; and    a fireplace surround, the surround including: 
 first and second side members formed from a molded material;  
 a top member formed from the molded material and extending between the first and second side members, the top member defining a cavity that is in fluid communication with the heated air exhausted from the vent; and  
 an opening defined by the top member, the opening configured to exhaust the heated air from the cavity.  
   
   
   
       13 . The surround of  claim 12 , further comprising an insulating member configured to fit within a portion of the cavity.  
   
   
       14 . The surround of  claim 12 , further comprising a shield member configured to direct heated air exhausted from the vent through the cavity.  
   
   
       15 . The surround of  claim 14 , wherein the top member is positioned vertically above the combustion chamber.  
   
   
       16 . The surround of  claim 1 , wherein the molded material includes a ceramic fiber and a binder.  
   
   
       17 . A fireplace surround, comprising: 
 a molded first member having first and second sides and an opening extending between the first and second sides;    wherein the first side is configured to be positioned adjacent to a vent of the fireplace so that heated air exhausted from the fireplace vent moves through the opening.    
   
   
       18 . The surround of  claim 17 , further comprising an insulating member positioned in the first member.  
   
   
       19 . The surround of  claim 17 , wherein the first member is molded from a material that includes a ceramic fiber and a binder.  
   
   
       20 . The surround of  claim 17 , further comprising a cavity formed in the first member between the first and second sides, and the opening provides access to the cavity.  
   
   
       21 . The surround of  claim 17 , further comprising a shield member configured to direct air through the opening.  
   
   
       22 . A method of forming a fireplace surround for attachment to a fireplace, the method comprising the steps of: 
 forming a first member from a molded material, the first member being configured for positioning adjacent to a vent of the fireplace; and    forming an opening in the first member that extend through the first member;    wherein heated air exhausted from the fireplace vent moves through the opening in the first member.    
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising the step of forming a cavity within the first member, wherein the opening provides access to the cavity.  
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising the step of forming first and second side members from the molded material and orienting the first and second side members along vertical sides of the fireplace.  
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising the step of forming a lower member and orienting the lower member horizontally across a lower portion of the fireplace.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising the step of orienting the first member horizontally across an upper portion of the fireplace.  
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 25 , further comprising the step of forming an access panel configured for attachment to the surround at a location below the lower member.  
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 27 , further comprising the step of releasably securing the access panel to the surround with a fastener.  
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the step of forming an opening includes forming at least two openings in the first member that each extend through the first member.  
   
   
       30 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the surround further comprises an insulating member and the method further comprises the step of positioning the insulation member in the cavity.  
   
   
       31 . The surround of  claim 22 , wherein the step of forming the first member includes compression molding the first member from a molded material that includes a ceramic fiber and a binder.  
   
   
       32 . The surround of  claim 22 , wherein the step of forming the first member includes vacuum molding the first member from a molded material that includes a ceramic fiber and a binder.  
   
   
       33 . A fireplace venting assembly, comprising: 
 a return air plenum; and    a surround aligned with an opening of the plenum and including a surround opening that extends through the surround to vent air from the plenum opening through the surround.