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 - 21 . (canceled)  
   
   
       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 trough 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.    
   
   
       34 . A surround for attachment to a fireplace, the surround comprising a compression molded member adapted and configured to direct heated air generated by the fireplace in a direction away from the fireplace when the surround is attached to the fireplace.  
   
   
       35 . The surround of  claim 34 , wherein the compression molded member includes a top member oriented in a substantially horizontal direction, and first and second side members oriented in a substantially vertical direction.  
   
   
       36 . The surround of  claim 35 , wherein the top member and first and second side members are constructed as a single molded piece.  
   
   
       37 . The surround of  claim 35 , wherein the top member and first and second side members are molded as separate pieces that are coupled together to form the surround.  
   
   
       38 . The surround of  claim 34 , wherein the surround is configured for alignment with a heated air exhaust opening of the fireplace.  
   
   
       39 . The surround of  claim 34 , wherein the surround defines an opening there through, and heated air from the fireplace passes through the opening.  
   
   
       40 . The surround of  claim 34 , wherein the surround defines a cavity accessible from a rear surface of the surround facing the fireplace, and defines an opening that extends between the cavity and a front surface of the surround.  
   
   
       41 . The surround of  claim 40 , further comprising an insulating member configured to fit within a portion of the cavity.  
   
   
       42 . The surround of  claim 34 , wherein the molded member comprises a ceramic fiber and a binder.  
   
   
       43 . The surround of  claim 34 , wherein the surround is configured to direct heated air generated by the fireplace in a generally downward direction.  
   
   
       44 . A fireplace, comprising: 
 a heat source configured to generate heated air;    a vent for exhausting the heated air, and    a fireplace surround, the surround including a molded member defining a cavity that is in fluid communication with the vent and configured to collect the exhausted heated air, and defining an opening configured to exhaust the heated air from the cavity.    
   
   
       45 . The surround of  claim 44 , further comprising an insulating member configured to fit within a portion of the cavity and positioned in a path of the exhausted heated air from the vent to the cavity.  
   
   
       46 . The surround of  claim 44 , further comprising a shield member configured to direct exhausted heated air through the cavity and out of the opening.  
   
   
       47 . The surround of  claim 44 , wherein the surround cavity is positioned vertically above the heat source.  
   
   
       48 . The surround of  claim 44 , wherein the molded member comprises a ceramic fiber and a binder.  
   
   
       49 . A fireplace venting assembly, comprising: 
 a return air plenum having an exhaust opening; and    a molded surround member aligned with the exhaust opening and including a surround opening that defines a path for air to travel from the exhaust opening to a location outside of the molded surround member.    
   
   
       50 . The venting assembly of  claim 49 , wherein the molded surround member further defines a cavity configured to collect air from the exhaust opening, the cavity being in fluid communication with the surround opening.  
   
   
       51 . The venting assembly of  claim 49 , wherein the molded surround member includes a ceramic fiber and a binder.