Electric fireplace insert with interchangeable firebox modules

Abstract

An electric fireplace insert assembly includes a fireplace insert, an ember bed module and a candelabra module. The ember bed module and the candelabra module are interchangeably installed within a firebox cavity defined within the front of the fireplace insert. The candelabra module may be separately operable from the fireplace insert, providing an additional decorative display. The electric fireplace insert may further include a projector module configured to project a simulated flame onto a rear wall of the fireplace cavity. The electric fireplace insert further includes a heat/blower unit to provide space heater functionality and a flame simulation assembly.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . An electric fireplace insert, comprising:
 a fireplace insert having a front defining firebox cavity within the fireplace insert;   an ember bed module; and   a candelabra module;   whereby the ember bed module and the candelabra module are interchangeably installed within the firebox cavity.   
     
     
         2 . The electric fireplace insert of  claim 1 , wherein the candelabra module comprises a base, a plurality of candle stands extending form the base, and a plurality of simulated candles extending from the plurality of candle stands. 
     
     
         3 . The electric fireplace insert of  claim 2 , wherein each simulated candle has a battery and LED light. 
     
     
         4 . The electric fireplace insert of  claim 1 , wherein the candelabra module is independently operable separate from the fireplace insert. 
     
     
         5 . The electric fireplace insert of  claim 1 , wherein the ember bed module comprises a base and a simulated fire grate and ember bed. 
     
     
         6 . The electric fireplace insert of  claim 5 , wherein the ember bed module comprises a flickering light source. 
     
     
         7 . The electric fireplace insert of  claim 1 , further comprising a projector module interchangeably installed within the firebox cavity, the projector module configured and arranged to project a holographic image onto a rear wall of the firebox cavity. 
     
     
         8 . The electric fireplace insert of  claim 7 , wherein the projector module comprises a base and a pico projector unit, the pico projector unit configured and arranged to project a holographic image onto a rear wall of the firebox cavity. 
     
     
         9 . The electric fireplace insert of  claim 7 , wherein the holographic image is a holographic flame image. 
     
     
         10 . The electric fireplace insert of  claim 1 , further comprising a heater/blower unit configured and arranged to provide warm air flow from the fireplace insert. 
     
     
         11 . The electric fireplace insert of  claim 1 , further comprising a flame simulate assembly configured and arranged to provide a visual effect of moving flames. 
     
     
         12 . The electric fireplace insert of  claim 1 , wherein the firebox cavity includes a rear wall having a two way mirror panel. 
     
     
         13 . The electric fireplace insert of  claim 1 , further comprises a pair of glass doors hingedly connected to the front of the fireplace insert and operable to close in front of the fireplace cavity. 
     
     
         14 . An electric fireplace insert assembly, comprising:
 a fireplace insert having a front defining firebox cavity within the fireplace insert;   a first module having a base configured and arranged to fit within the firebox cavity; and   a second module having a base configured and arranged to fit within the firebox cavity;   wherein the first and second modules are interchangeably installed within the firebox cavity.   
     
     
         15 . The electric fireplace insert assembly of  claim 14  wherein the first and second modules each have an electronic component and an electrical connector, and further wherein the fireplace insert includes a power source and a mating electrical connector whereby the electrical connector of the first and second modules is interchangeably connected to the connector of the fireplace insert to interchangeably power the electronic components of the first and second modules. 
     
     
         16 . The electric fireplace insert assembly of  claim 15  wherein the first and second modules comprise a ember bed insert module and a candelabra insert module. 
     
     
         17 . The electric fireplace insert assembly of  claim 15  wherein the first and second modules are selected from the group consisting of: an ember bed insert module, a candelabra insert module, an aroma therapy insert module, an oil vaporizer insert module, a humidifiers insert module, an air ionization insert module, an air purifier insert module, a fountain insert module, a terrarium insert module, an aquarium insert module, a lamp insert module, a radio insert module, a projector insert module and a speaker insert module.