Simulated Fire Apparatus For Chimneys

Abstract

A moveable or relocatable structure for providing an optical effect includes casing and an apparatus for providing an optical effect mounted in the casing. The apparatus is preferably a flame effect fire. The apparatus is mounted in an aperture of the casing and a gap is defined between the apparatus and the casing front wall to define an air flow path for entry of air into the apparatus, for example to supply a heater. A frame is provided in front of the apparatus to shield the gap from the normal view of a user. The frame is spaced forwardly from the apparatus and the casing front wall to allow an air flow path between the frame and the casing front wall which communicates with the gap defined between the apparatus and the casing front wall.

1 . A moveable structure operative to provide an optical effect comprising:
 a casing including a front casing wall having an aperture defined by internal marginal edges of said front casing wall;   an apparatus for providing an optical effect comprising:
 a housing having external walls defining an internal space therein; 
 a front screen defining at least part of a front wall of the housing; and 
 means for producing an optical effect disposed within said internal space, the housing being mounted in the casing and located in the aperture and said optical effect being operationally observable through said aperture and said front screen; 
   a frame having a frame front surface arranged forwardly of said casing front wall and located to prevent a user from observing, in normal use, said aperture-defining marginal edges,   wherein an air flow path is provided for supplying air from the exterior into said internal space, said air flow path passing between at least a part of said frame and the front casing wall and through an air flow gap defined between at least a portion of said aperture defining marginal edge and the housing.   
   
   
       2 . A structure as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said air flow gap has a width of from about 2 mm to about 10 mm. 
   
   
       3 . A structure as claimed in  claim 2  wherein said air flow gap has a width of about 5 mm. 
   
   
       4 . A structure as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the casing comprises a top wall and side walls extending substantially perpendicularly with respect to said casing front wall. 
   
   
       5 . A structure as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the casing further comprises at least one support member attached to the casing walls by means of which the housing is supported. 
   
   
       6 . A structure as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the frame is attached to the housing. 
   
   
       7 . A structure as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the frame is attached to the casing. 
   
   
       8 . A structure as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the apparatus for providing an optical effect is an electric fire. 
   
   
       9 . A structure as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the apparatus for providing an optical effect is a simulated fuel and/or flame effect electric fire and the means for producing an optical effect comprises fuel and/or flame simulating means. 
   
   
       10 . A structure as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the electric fire comprises an electric heating element and a fan operative to draw air into the housing via said air flow path and to move air over the heating element. 
   
   
       11 . A structure as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the electric fire includes a simulated flame effect including one or more pieces of suspended reflective material and a fan operative to draw air into the housing via said air flow path and to move air over the said one or more pieces of material to cause the piece or pieces of material to move. 
   
   
       12 . A structure as claimed in  claim 1  wherein a gap is defined between the housing and the housing front wall and an air flow path is provided through said gap for expelling air from said housing. 
   
   
       13 . A structure as claimed in  claim 12  wherein at least part of the front wall of the housing is removably mounted on the housing. 
   
   
       14 . A structure as claimed in  claim 13  wherein said removable part includes the front screen. 
   
   
       15 . A structure as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the electric fire is suitable for direct installation in a location of use, absent the casing. 
   
   
       16 . (canceled)