Reconfigurable fireplace system and method

Abstract

A reconfigurable fireplace system and method for facilitating changes in appearance of a fireplace are provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary reconfigurable fireplace system comprises a fireplace having a plurality of design zones that are readily configurable for changes in appearance, with any one or more of the design zones being capable of design changes comprising one or more similar and/or different accents or design elements. As a result, a user can suitably choose a particular design appearance for the fireplace, and then if desired, alter or modify that appearance in numerous ways without having to replace the complete fireplace. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary fireplace comprises at least three zones, with each such zone being configured with one or more accents or design elements to alter the design appearance.

1 . A reconfigurable fireplace for providing changes in appearance, the reconfigurable fireplace comprising: 
 at least three zones configured for facilitating changes in the appearance of the fireplace, each of said at least three zones comprising a display surface;    at least one design element configured for removable attachment to said display surface of a selected zone within said at least three zones.    
   
   
       2 . The reconfigurable fireplace according to  claim 1 , wherein said fireplace comprises at least one design element mounted to each of said at least three zones.  
   
   
       3 . The reconfigurable fireplace according to  claim 2 , wherein each of said design elements is configured for removable mounting and display on each of said at least three zones.  
   
   
       4 . The reconfigurable fireplace according to  claim 1 , wherein said fireplace further comprises a mounting component configured for adjustable placement within a selected zone of said at least three zones, and for display of at least one design element.  
   
   
       5 . The reconfigurable fireplace according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one design element is configured for removable attachment to each of said at least three zones through an interlocking arrangement.  
   
   
       6 . The reconfigurable fireplace according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one design element is configured for removable attachment to each of said at least three zones through a magnetic coupling arrangement.  
   
   
       7 . The reconfigurable fireplace according to  claim 4 , wherein said mounting component is configured for adjustable placement through at least one of an interlocking arrangement and a magnetic coupling arrangement.  
   
   
       8 . The reconfigurable fireplace according to  claim 7 , wherein said mounting component comprises a keystone element.  
   
   
       9 . The reconfigurable fireplace according to  claim 1 , wherein each of said display surfaces comprises a substantially flat portion configured for mounting of said at least one design elements.  
   
   
       10 . A method for providing reconfigurable changes in appearance of a fireplace, said method comprising: 
 providing a fireplace having a plurality of zones each configured with a display surface;    selecting at least one design element configured for removable attachment to a display surface of a selected zone within said plurality of zones and mounting said selected design element on said selected zone; and    removing said selected design element from said selected zone and replacing with another design element configured for removable attachment to said display surface of said selected zone.    
   
   
       11 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein said providing a fireplace with a plurality of zones, each said zone having a display surface configured for removable attachment of at least one design element.  
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein selecting at least one design element comprises selection from a plurality of different design elements.  
   
   
       13 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein selecting at least one design element comprises selection from a plurality of design elements, each of said plurality of design elements configured for removable attachment to any of said plurality of zones.  
   
   
       14 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein said method comprises selecting a plurality of design elements and removably attaching to separate zones of said plurality of zones.  
   
   
       15 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein said method comprises selecting at least five design elements and removably attaching to five separate zones of said plurality of zones.  
   
   
       16 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein said method further comprises selecting at least one mounting component configured for removable attachment to a selected zone within said plurality of zones, and selecting at least one design element configured for removable attachment to a display surface of said selected mounting component and mounting said selected design element on said selected mounting component.  
   
   
       17 . The method according to  claim 16 , wherein said method further comprises removing said at least one design element from said selected mounting component and replacing with another design element configured for removable attachment to said display surface of said selected mounting component.  
   
   
       18 . The method according to  claim 16 , wherein said method further comprises removing said selected mounting component from said selected zone and replacing with another mounting component configured for removable attachment to a selected zone of said plurality of zones.  
   
   
       19 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein said method further comprises removing a majority of said plurality of design elements from said plurality of zones and replacing with additional design elements configured for removable attachment to display surfaces of selected zones within said plurality of zones.  
   
   
       20 . A reconfigurable fireplace system for providing changes in appearance to a fireplace, the reconfigurable fireplace system comprising: 
 a plurality of zones configured for facilitating changes in the appearance of the fireplace, each of said plurality of zones comprising a display surface configured for display and removable attachment of a design element;    a mounting component configured for adjustable placement within a selected zone of said plurality of zones, and for display and removable attachment of a design element, said mounting component having a display surface; and    a plurality of design elements configured for selectively, removable attachment to each said display surface of said plurality of zones and said mounting component such that changes in appearance of said fireplace and substantially increased.    
   
   
       21 . The reconfigurable fireplace according to  claim 20 , wherein each of said display surfaces comprise a substantially flat portion, and each of said plurality of design elements comprise a magnetic coupling configured for removable attachment to each said substantially flat portion of said display surfaces.