Flame simulating assembly

Abstract

A simulated fuel bed for simulating a combustible fuel in a fire. The simulated fuel bed includes a plurality of simulated combustible fuel elements, including one or more light-producing simulated combustible fuel elements. A body of the light-producing simulated combustible fuel element has one or more cavities therein, and one or more light sources positioned to direct light therefrom inside the cavity. The body includes an exterior surface and one or more light-transmitting parts extending between the cavity and the exterior surface. The light-transmitting part is positioned in a path of light from the light source. The light from the light source is transmittable through the light-transmitting part to the exterior surface for simulating glowing embers of the combustible fuel.

1 . A simulated fuel bed for simulating a solid combustible fuel in a fire, the simulated fuel bed comprising: 
 a plurality of simulated combustible fuel elements, each said simulated combustible fuel element comprising a body colored and formed for simulating an entire combustible fuel element;    said simulated combustible fuel elements comprising at least one light-producing simulated combustible fuel element;    said body of said at least one light-producing simulated combustible fuel element comprising at least one cavity therein;    said at least one light-producing simulated combustible fuel element comprising at least one light source positioned to direct light therefrom inside said at least one cavity;    said body of said at least one light-producing simulated combustible fuel element additionally comprising: 
 an exterior surface;  
 at least one light-transmitting part extending between said at least one cavity and the exterior surface; and  
 said at least one light-transmitting part being positioned in a path of said light from said at least one light source, said light from said at least one light source being transmittable through said at least one light-transmitting part to the exterior surface for simulating glowing embers of the combustible fuel.  
   
   
   
       2 . A simulated fuel bed according to  claim 1  additionally comprising a simulated ember bed, said plurality of simulated combustible fuel elements being positionable at least partially above the simulated ember bed.  
   
   
       3 . A simulated fuel bed according to  claim 1  additionally comprising a controller to cause said light from said at least one light source to pulsate for simulating light from glowing embers.  
   
   
       4 . A simulated fuel bed according to  claim 3  in which the controller causes said light from said at least one light source to pulsate randomly.  
   
   
       5 . A simulated fuel bed according to  claim 3  in which the controller causes said light from said at least one light source to pulsate in a predetermined pattern.  
   
   
       6 . A simulated fuel bed according to  claim 5  in which the predetermined pattern is determined in relation to images of flames provided to simulate flames emanating from the simulated fuel bed.  
   
   
       7 . A simulated fuel bed according to  claim 1  in which: 
 said at least one light-producing simulated combustible fuel element comprises at least two light sources positioned to direct light therefrom inside said at least one cavity; and    the simulated fuel bed additionally comprising a controller for causing light from each of said at least two light sources to pulsate respectively for simulating light from glowing embers.    
   
   
       8 . A simulated fuel bed according to  claim 7  in which each of said at least two light sources pulsates independently.  
   
   
       9 . A simulated fuel bed according to  claim 7  in which each of said at least two light sources provides light which is colored differently, for simulating light from glowing embers.  
   
   
       10 . A simulated fuel bed according to  claim 1  additionally comprising: 
 a simulated grate element for simulating a grate; and    said plurality of combustible fuel elements being positionable on the simulated grate element.    
   
   
       11 . A simulated fuel bed according to  claim 2  additionally comprising: 
 a simulated grate element for simulating a grate; and    the simulated ember bed being positionable substantially below the simulated grate element.    
   
   
       12 . A simulated fuel bed according to  claim 1  comprising: 
 at least two light-producing simulated combustible fuel elements; and    a controller for causing said light from said at least one light source respectively in each of said at least two light-producing simulated combustible fuel elements to pulsate respectively for simulating light from glowing embers.    
   
   
       13 . A simulated fuel bed according to  claim 1  in which each of said at least two light-producing simulated combustible fuel elements pulsates independently.  
   
   
       14 . A simulated fuel bed according to  claim 1  adapted for use with a flame simulating assembly, the flame simulating assembly comprising: 
 a flame image subassembly for providing images of flames;    the flame image subassembly being positioned relative to the simulated fuel bed such that the images of flames appear to emanate from the simulated fuel bed; and    the simulated fuel bed additionally comprising a controller for causing said light from said at least one light source to pulsate for simulating light from glowing embers.    
   
   
       15 . A simulated fuel bed according to  claim 1  in which said body comprises at least one aperture positioned relative to said at least one light source for permitting said light from said at least one light source to pass through said at least one aperture.  
   
   
       16 . A simulated fuel bed according to  claim 1  in which said at least one light source comprises at least one LED.  
   
   
       17 . A simulated fuel bed according to  claim 16  in which said at least one LED is mounted on a printed circuit board.  
   
   
       18 . A simulated fuel bed according to  claim 1  in which each said body of each said simulated combustible fuel element and said body of said at least one light-producing simulated combustible fuel element are formed in at least one resiliently flexible mold.  
   
   
       19 . A simulated fuel bed according to  claim 18  in which each said body is substantially comprised of a polyresin material.  
   
   
       20 . A simulated combustible fuel element comprising: 
 a body colored and formed for simulating an entire combustible fuel element, the body comprising at least one cavity therein;    at least one light source positioned substantially inside said at least one cavity;    the body additionally comprising: 
 an exterior surface;  
 at least one light-transmitting part extending between said at least one cavity and the exterior surface;  
 said at least one light-transmitting part being positioned in a path of light from said at least one light source through which light from said at least one light source is transmittable to the exterior surface for simulating glowing embers of the combustible fuel; and  
 the exterior surface comprising at least one substantially opaque exterior part.  
   
   
   
       21 . A simulated combustible fuel element according to  claim 20  in which said at least one light-transmitting part comprises an exterior segment forming part of the exterior surface colored and formed to resemble glowing embers of the combustible fuel upon transmission therethrough of said light from said at least one light source.  
   
   
       22 . A simulated combustible fuel element according to  claim 20  in which said at least one light-transmitting part is substantially noncolored.  
   
   
       23 . A simulated combustible fuel element according to  claim 20  in which said at least one light-transmitting part is substantially translucent.  
   
   
       24 . A simulated combustible fuel element according to  claim 20  in which said at least one light source comprises at least one LED.  
   
   
       25 . A simulated combustible fuel element according to  claim 24  in which said light emitted by said at least one LED is colored.  
   
   
       26 . A simulated combustible fuel element according to  claim 25  in which said light from said at least one LED is colored reddish.  
   
   
       27 . A simulated combustible fuel element according to  claim 20  additionally comprising a controller for causing said light from said at least one light source to pulsate for simulating light from glowing embers.  
   
   
       28 . A flame simulating assembly comprising: 
 a simulated fuel bed;    the flame image subassembly positioning said images of flames such that said images of flames appear to emanate from the simulated fuel bed;    the simulated fuel bed comprising: 
 a plurality of simulated combustible fuel elements, each said simulated combustible fuel element comprising a body colored and formed for simulating an entire combustible fuel element;  
 said combustible fuel elements comprising at least one light-producing simulated combustible fuel element;  
   said body of said at least one light-producing simulated combustible fuel element comprising at least one cavity therein;    said at least one light-producing simulated combustible fuel element comprising at least one light source positioned at least partially in said at least one cavity;    said body of said at least one light-producing simulated combustible fuel element additionally comprising at least one light-transmitting part positioned in a path of light from said at least one light source;    said at least one light-transmitting part extending between said at least one cavity and the exterior surface such that said at least one light-transmitting part resembles glowing embers of the combustible fuel upon transmission therethrough of light from said at least one light source; and    a controller for causing said light from said at least one light source to pulsate for simulating light from glowing embers.    
   
   
       29 . A flame simulating assembly according to  claim 28  in which the simulated fuel bed additionally comprises a simulated ember bed, on which said simulated combustible fuel elements are positioned.  
   
   
       30 . A flame simulating assembly according to  claim 28  additionally comprising a grate element for supporting said simulated combustible fuel elements, said grate element being colored and formed to simulate a fireplace grate.  
   
   
       31 . A method of forming a simulated combustible fuel element comprising the steps of: 
 (a) providing a resiliently flexible mold prepared using as a model a partially burned sample of a combustible fuel element;    (b) introducing a predetermined amount of a liquefied body material into the mold;    (c) rotating the mold to produce a body comprising said body material and resembling the entire combustible fuel element, the body including at least one cavity and an exterior surface;    (d) curing the body to solidify said body material;    (e) forming an access hole in the body in communication with said at least one cavity;    (f) inserting at least one light source at least partially in the cavity through the access hole, to locate said at least one light source in a predetermined position;    (g) inserting plug material into the access hole, to substantially block the access hole; and    (h) coating at least a portion of the exterior surface in accordance with a predetermined exterior surface pattern to provide (i) at least one light-transmitting part positioned in a path of light from said at least one light source, said at least one light-transmitting part being colored to resemble glowing embers of the combustible fuel upon transmission therethrough of light from said at least one light source, and (ii) at least one substantially opaque exterior part colored to resemble a non-ember part of the combustible fuel.    
   
   
       32 . A flame simulating assembly comprising: 
 a flame image subassembly for providing images of flames;    a simulated fuel bed;    the flame image subassembly being positioned relative to the simulated fuel bed such that said images of flames at least partially appear to emanate from the simulated fuel bed; and    a controller for causing the flame image subassembly to provide a predetermined sequence of changes in the images of flames.    
   
   
       33 . A flame simulating assembly according to  claim 32  in which the predetermined sequence of changes comprises a gradual increase in intensity of said images of flames.  
   
   
       34 . A flame simulating assembly according to  claim 33  in which upon commencement of the predetermined sequence of changes said intensity of said images of flames is relatively low, such that the predetermined sequence of changes resembles a natural fire during commencement thereof.  
   
   
       35 . A flame simulating assembly according to  claim 32  in which the predetermined sequence of changes comprises a gradual decrease in intensity of said images of flames.  
   
   
       36 . A flame simulating assembly according to  claim 35  in which the predetermined sequence of changes causes said images of flames to resemble a natural fire which is gradually dying.  
   
   
       37 . A flame simulating assembly according to  claim 32  in which the predetermined sequence of changes proceeds at a preselected rate.  
   
   
       38 . A flame simulating assembly according to  claim 37  in which the preselected rate is determined by the controller.  
   
   
       39 . A flame simulating assembly according to  claim 32  in which the controller is controllable by a user via a user interface and the predetermined sequence of changes proceeds at a rate determined by the user via the user interface.  
   
   
       40 . A flame simulating assembly according to  claim 32  additionally comprising at least one fuel light source positioned in at least one simulated fuel element in the simulated fuel bed, to simulate glowing embers.  
   
   
       41 . A flame simulating assembly according to  claim 40  in which said controller is adapted to cause said light provided by said at least one fuel light source to vary.  
   
   
       42 . A flame simulating assembly according to  claim 41  in which said controller causes light from said at least one light source to pulsate such that said light imitates light from glowing embers.  
   
   
       43 . A flame simulating assembly according to  claim 41  in which the controller causes said light from said at least one fuel light source to increase gradually in intensity.  
   
   
       44 . A flame simulating assembly according to  claim 41  in which the controller causes said light from said at least one fuel light source to decrease gradually in intensity.  
   
   
       45 . A flame simulating assembly comprising: 
 a flame image subassembly for providing images of flames;    a simulated fuel bed;    the flame image subassembly being positioned relative to the simulated fuel bed such that said images of flames at least partially appear to emanate from the simulated fuel bed;    a heater subassembly comprising at least one heater element;    the heater subassembly being adapted to operate in a basic heat mode, in which the heater subassembly consumes a first amount of electrical power, and also being adapted to operate in a reduced heat mode, in which the heater subassembly consumes a second amount of electrical power, the first amount being substantially greater than the second amount; and    a controller comprising means for converting the heater subassembly between the basic heat mode and the reduced heat mode.    
   
   
       46 . A flame simulating assembly according to  claim 45  additionally comprising a thermostat for controlling the heater subassembly, the thermostat being adapted to operate the heater subassembly in the basic heat mode upon ambient temperature differing from a preselected temperature by more than a predetermined difference, and the thermostat being adapted to operate the heater subassembly in the reduced heat mode upon ambient temperature differing from the preselected temperature by less than the predetermined difference.  
   
   
       47 . A flame simulating assembly comprising: 
 a simulated fireplace comprising: 
 a flame image subassembly for providing images of flames;  
 a simulated fuel bed;  
 the flame image subassembly being positioned relative to the simulated fuel bed such that said images of flames at least partially appear to emanate from the simulated fuel bed;  
 a controller for controlling the simulated fireplace;  
 an occupancy sensor for detecting motion and operatively connected to the controller, the occupancy sensor being adapted to send an activation signal to the controller upon detection of motion, and the occupancy sensor being adapted to send a de-activation signal to the controller upon the sensor failing to detect motion during a predetermined time period; and  
 the controller being adapted to activate the simulated fireplace upon receipt of the activation signal and to de-activate the simulated fireplace upon receipt of the de-activation signal.  
   
   
   
       48 . A flame simulating assembly comprising: 
 a simulated fireplace comprising: 
 a flame image subassembly for providing images of flames;  
 a simulated fuel bed;  
 at least one light source for supplying light having an intensity;  
 the flame image subassembly being positioned relative to the simulated fuel bed such that said images of flames at least partially appear to emanate from the simulated fuel bed;  
 a controller for controlling the simulated fireplace;  
   an ambient light sensor for sensing ambient light intensity, the ambient light sensor being adapted to transmit a first signal to the controller upon said ambient light intensity being greater than a predetermined first ambient light intensity, and the ambient light sensor being adapted to transmit a second signal upon said ambient light intensity being less than a predetermined second ambient light intensity;    the controller being adapted to increase said intensity of said light provided by said at least one light source upon receipt of the first signal, to a predetermined maximum; and    the controller being adapted to decrease said intensity of said light provided by said at least one light source upon receipt of the second signal, to a predetermined minimum.    
   
   
       49 . A flame simulating assembly according to  claim 48  in which said at least one light source comprises at least one toplight positioned to direct light onto the simulated fuel bed, for simulating light from flames.  
   
   
       50 . A flame simulating assembly according to  claim 48  in which said at least one light source comprises at least one flame light source supplying light for providing said images of flames.  
   
   
       51 . A flame simulating assembly according to  claim 48  in which said at least one light source comprises at least one fuel light source simulating glowing embers.  
   
   
       52 . A flame simulating assembly comprising: 
 a simulated fireplace comprising: 
 a flame image subassembly for providing images of flames;  
 a simulated fuel bed;  
 at least one light source for supplying light having an intensity;  
 the flame image subassembly being positioned relative to the simulated fuel bed such that said images of flames at least partially appear to emanate from the simulated fuel bed;  
 a controller for controlling the simulated fireplace;  
   an ambient light sensor for sensing ambient light intensity; and    the ambient light sensor being adapted to cause the controller to effect a preselected change in said intensity of said light supplied by said at least one light source upon said ambient light intensity differing from said intensity of said light from said at least one light source to a predetermined extent.    
   
   
       53 . A flame simulating assembly according to  claim 52  in which said intensity of said light from said at least one light source is proportional to said ambient light intensity.  
   
   
       54 . A flame simulating assembly according to  claim 52  in which said at least one light source comprises at least one toplight positioned to direct light onto the simulated fuel bed, for simulating light from flames.  
   
   
       55 . A flame simulating assembly according to  claim 52  in which said at least one light source comprises at least one flame light source supplying light for providing said images of flames.  
   
   
       56 . A flame simulating assembly according to  claim 48  in which said at least one light source comprises at least one fuel light source simulating glowing embers.  
   
   
       57 . A flame simulating assembly comprising: 
 a simulated fireplace comprising: 
 a flame image subassembly for providing images of flames;  
 a simulated fuel bed;  
 the flame image subassembly being positioned relative to the simulated fuel bed such that said images of flames at least partially appear to emanate from the simulated fuel bed;  
 a controller for causing the flame image subassembly to provide a predetermined sequence of changes in the images of flames;  
 a receiver operatively connected to the controller;  
   a remote control device for controlling the simulated fireplace, the remote control device comprising: 
 a user interface for receiving input from the user and converting said input into input signals;  
 an occupancy sensor for detecting motion, said occupancy sensor being adapted to generate occupancy-related signals upon detection of motion;  
 a microprocessor for converting the input signals and the occupancy-related signals into output signals; and  
 a transmitter for transmitting the output signals to the receiver on the simulated fireplace,  
   whereby the simulated fireplace is controllable by said input signals and said occupancy-related input signals transmitted from said remote control device.    
   
   
       58 . A flame simulating assembly according to  claim 57  in which the remote control device additionally comprises an ambient light sensor.  
   
   
       59 . A flame simulating assembly according to  claim 57  in which the remote control device additionally comprises a display screen for displaying data regarding the input signals and the output signals.  
   
   
       60 . A flame simulating assembly according to  claim 59  in which input from the user is receivable via the display screen.  
   
   
       61 . A flame simulating assembly according to  claim 57  in which the receiver comprises a transceiver, and information is transmitted to the remote control device from the controller through the transceiver.  
   
   
       62 . A simulated fuel bed for simulating a combustible fuel in a fire, the simulated fuel bed comprising: 
 at least one light-producing simulated combustible fuel element comprising a body colored and formed for simulating an entire combustible fuel element;    said body of said at least one light-producing simulated combustible fuel element comprising at least one cavity therein;    said at least one light-producing simulated combustible fuel element comprising at least one light source positioned to direct light therefrom inside said at least one cavity;    said body of said at least one light-producing simulated combustible fuel element additionally comprising: 
 an exterior surface;  
 at least one light-transmitting part extending between said at least one cavity and the exterior surface; and  
 said at least one light-transmitting part being positioned in a path of said light from said at least one light source, said light from said at least one light source being transmittable through said at least one light-transmitting part to the exterior surface for simulating glowing embers of the combustible fuel.  
   
   
   
       63 . A simulated fuel bed according to  claim 62  additionally comprising a simulated ember bed, said at least one light-producing simulated combustible fuel element being positionable at least partially above the simulated ember bed.