Screenless simulated flame projection system

Abstract

A standalone flame screenless flame projection device that can be removably seated in the hearth of a conventional or simulated fireplace includes a light projection system that can project a flame-like light onto the back panel of the fireplace to simulate the visual effects of an actual wood-burning fireplace.

1 . A flame projection device for use with a real or simulated firebox comprising a hearth floor and rear wall, the flame projection device comprising:
 a housing;   a flame light projection system incorporated in the housing and configured to project light in the form of simulated flames; and   a controller for reversibly activating the flame light system;   wherein the housing can be reversibly positioned on the hearth floor and the flame light projection system can be activated to project simulated flames onto the rear wall of the firebox.   
   
   
       2 . The flame projection device of  claim 1 , wherein the flame light projection system comprises a light source, a rotatable spindle, a plurality of reflectors, and a flame cutout panel, wherein the light source is arranged to direct light to the reflectors and the reflectors are arranged to reflect the light at the flame cutout panel. 
   
   
       3 . The flame projection device of  claim 2 , wherein the housing comprises a front portion and a rear portion, and the light source and flame cutout panel are located in the rear portion of the housing and the rotatable spindle and reflectors are positioned in the front portion of the housing. 
   
   
       4 . The flame projection device of  claim 1 , further comprising a simulated fuel source fastened to the top of the housing. 
   
   
       5 . The flame projection device of  claim 1 , further comprising a hot air generator positioned in the housing and controllable by the controller. 
   
   
       6 . The flame projection device of  claim 1 , wherein the flame light projection system does not comprise a flame projection screen. 
   
   
       7 . The combination of a real or simulated fireplace and a removable flame projection device, wherein the fireplace lacks a permanently attached means for simulating a flame,
 the fireplace comprising a hearth and a back wall; and   the flame projection device comprising a housing, a flame light projection system incorporated in the housing and configured to project light in the form of simulated flames, and a controller for reversibly activating the flame light system;   wherein the housing can be reversibly positioned on the hearth floor and the flame light projection system can be activated to project simulated flames onto the rear wall of the firebox.   
   
   
       8 . The combination of a real or simulated fireplace and a removable flame projection device of  claim 7 , wherein the flame light projection system comprises a light source, a rotatable spindle, a plurality of reflectors, and a flame cutout panel, wherein the light source is arranged to direct light to the reflectors and the reflectors are arranged to reflect the light at the flame cutout panel. 
   
   
       9 . The combination of a real or simulated fireplace and a removable flame projection device of  claim 8 , wherein the housing comprises a front portion and a rear portion, and the light source and flame cutout panel are located in the rear portion of the housing and the rotatable spindle and reflectors are positioned in the front portion of the housing. 
   
   
       10 . The combination of a real or simulated fireplace and a removable flame projection device of  claim 7 , further comprising a simulated fuel source fastened to the top of the housing. 
   
   
       11 . The combination of a real or simulated fireplace and a removable flame projection device of  claim 7 , further comprising a hot air generator positioned in the housing and controllable by the controller. 
   
   
       12 . The combination of a real or simulated fireplace and a removable flame projection device of  claim 7 , wherein the flame light projection system does not comprise a flame projection screen. 
   
   
       13 . A method for projecting simulated flames onto the rear wall of a firebox, the method comprising the steps of:
 (a) positioning a flame projection device on the floor of a hearth of the firebox; and   (b) activating the flame light projection device to project simulated flames onto the rear wall of the firebox.   
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the flame projection device is inserted through the front of the firebox before being positioned on the floor of the hearth of the firebox. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the flame projection device comprises a housing, a flame light projection system incorporated in the housing and configured to project light in the form of simulated flames, and a controller for reversibly activating the flame light system. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the flame light projection system does not comprise a flame projection screen.