Patent Grant
11619391
Fireplaces of various types can be installed in homes and commercial establishments as a means to provide a source of heat and for aesthetic reasons. Although traditionally such fireplaces have most often taken the form of wood-burning fireplaces and gas-burning fireplaces, electric fireplaces have become increasingly popular in recent years. An electric fireplace is typically designed to look like a traditional wood-burning fireplace, but does not actually burn wood. As such, there is a continuing desire to make electric fireplaces look more realistic, i.e. to make electric fireplaces look more like a traditional wood-burning fireplace.
Unfortunately, in most currently available electric fireplaces, an electrical insert portion, which commonly contains a heater, a flame generator, simulated logs and a glass frame, typically comes completely assembled and wired, and thus takes up a lot of space for packaging, shipping and storing. Additionally, such currently available electric fireplaces also do not generally allow for substantial variability in terms of the overall size, shape and aesthetic appearance of the electric fireplace. Thus, there is also a desire to allow greater variety in the size, shape and aesthetic appearance of the electric fireplace, while still enabling various product development, packaging, shipping, storing and overall cost efficiencies.
The present invention is directed toward an electric fireplace including a fireplace housing and an electrical insert. In various embodiments, the fireplace housing includes (i) a base panel having a base opening, (ii) a back panel, and (iii) at least one side panel. The electrical insert is sized and shaped to fit and be supported and retained within the base opening.
In some embodiments, the electrical insert includes a heater, and at least a portion of a controller including a processor that is configured to control operation of the electric fireplace. Further, in certain embodiments, the electrical insert is fully embedded into the base opening such that no portion of the electrical insert extends above a top surface of the base panel.
Additionally, in certain embodiments, at least one of the back panel and the at least one side panel is foldable. Moreover, in some such embodiments, each of the back panel and the at least one side panel is foldable.
Further, in some embodiments, the electric fireplace also includes one or more simulated logs and a grate that is configured to support the one or more simulated logs. In such embodiments, the one or more simulated logs and the grate are configured to be positioned substantially within the fireplace housing during use of the electric fireplace. Further, in certain such embodiments, the electric fireplace further includes a flame generator that is coupled to the grate, the flame generator being configured to selectively generate a simulated flame within the fireplace housing.
In certain embodiments, each of the base panel, the back panel and the at least one side panel are manufactured and installed independently of one another. Additionally, in some embodiments, the fireplace housing further includes a front frame that is manufactured and installed independently of each of the base panel, the back panel and the at least one side panel.
The present invention is further directed toward an electric fireplace including a fireplace housing including a base panel, a back panel, and at least one side panel, each of the base panel, the back panel and the at least one side panel being manufactured and installed independently of one another; and wherein at least one of the back panel and the at least one side panel is foldable.
Additionally, the present invention is further directed toward a method for manufacturing an electric fireplace. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a fireplace housing including (i) a base panel having a base opening, (ii) a back panel, and (iii) at least one side panel; and embedding an electrical insert within the base opening, the electrical insert including a heater, and a controller including a processor that is configured to control operation of the electric fireplace.
The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
Embodiments of the present invention are described herein in the context of a modular assembly for an electric fireplace. More particularly, the modular assembly and design for the electric fireplace enables greater flexibility to the consumer for the overall design of the electric fireplace, as well as offering various cost and product development efficiencies. For example, numerous options for different components of the electric fireplace can be incorporated together in any desired manner to provide various alternatives for the overall size, shape and design of the electric fireplace. Additionally, in various embodiments, the components of the electric fireplace can be configured relative to one another so that they can be packaged together much more compactly, which can provide even further cost efficiencies.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following detailed description of the present invention is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments of the present invention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of the implementations described herein are shown and described. It will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with application-related and business-related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
As illustrated herein, the electric fireplace 10 can be used to provide heat and to simulate a wood burning fire, e.g., in a room of a home or other type of building. More particularly, in certain embodiments, the electric fireplace 10 can be configured to look like a traditional wood-burning fireplace, although the electric fireplace 10 does not actually burn wood.
The design of the electric fireplace 10 can be varied. In certain embodiments, as illustrated in
As utilized herein, the fireplace housing 12 is also sometimes referred to generally as a “mantel”, and the additional components of the electric fireplace 10 that are selectively positioned within the fireplace housing 12, e.g., during use and/or packaging of the electric fireplace 10, are also sometimes referred to generally as an “insert”.
As an overview, in certain embodiments, the electric fireplace 10 is uniquely formed with a modular design such that various components are manufactured and installed independently of one another. Stated in another manner, the electric fireplace 10 can be constructed via a knock/down (“K/D”) method, and one or more of the components can be K/D components that can be individually installed by the user or consumer. With such design, the electric fireplace 10 can be constructed by the consumer, i.e. at the consumer level, from the component parts, and need not be constructed at the manufacturer/factory level as is done with typical electric fireplaces. Additionally, with such design, the electric fireplace 10 can be configured to have any suitable size, shape and design depending on the preferences of the consumer. For example, as described herein, the fireplace housing 12 can be formed from multiple individual components (e.g., a base panel 30, a back panel 32, side panels 34 and a front frame 236 (illustrated more clearly in
Further, in certain embodiments, some components of the electric fireplace 10, e.g., individual components of the fireplace housing 12 such as the back panel 32 and/or the side panels 34, may be configured to be flexible and/or foldable so as to take up less space when not in use, e.g., during packaging, shipping and/or storage. Still further, as provided herein, various components can be configured to fit together compactly when installed and in use, and/or during packaging, shipping and/or storing of the electric fireplace 10. For example, in some embodiments, as described in greater detail herein below, the heater 26 and the controller 28 can be packaged together into an integrated electrical insert 40, which can be sized and shaped to fit and/or be embedded within a base opening 230A (illustrated in
Thus, with such design, all of the components of the electric fireplace 10 can be provided in a much smaller overall package, e.g., similar to the size of just the fireplace housing 12, which can provide various cost efficiencies for shipping, storing, etc. Stated in another manner, the packaging size of the full electric fireplace 10, i.e. the mantel plus the insert, is roughly the same size as the packaging size for only a typical mantel. Moreover, with the product design as described in detail herein, the various components of the fireplace housing 12, and the electric fireplace 10 in general, can be manufactured independently of one another, and then such components, e.g., the base panel 30, the back panel 32, the side panels 34, the electrical insert 40, the grate 16, the simulated logs 20, etc., can be installed independently of one another at the consumer level.
Upon installation of the electric fireplace 10, the fireplace housing 12 can be sized and shaped to retain most, if not all, of the remaining components of the electric fireplace 10. In particular, in many embodiments, the grate 16, the simulated flame 18 (i.e. when the electric fireplace 10 is in use), the one or more simulated logs 20, the light source 22, the flame generator 24, the heater 26 and the controller 28 can be positioned substantially within the fireplace housing 12 once the electric fireplace 10 has been installed and prepared for use. In some embodiments, as shown in
Further, the fireplace housing 12, and the various individual components thereof, can be formed from any suitable materials. For example, in some embodiments, the fireplace housing 12, and the various individual components thereof, can be formed from any of a number of suitable metallic materials. Alternatively, the fireplace housing 12, and the various individual components thereof, can be formed from any other suitable materials.
The viewing area 14 is the area within the fireplace housing 12 in which the grate 16, the simulated flame 18, the simulated logs 20, and the simulated emberbed (when included) are displayed and can be seen by the user.
As illustrated, the grate 16, i.e. an actual or simulated grate, is configured to support the simulated logs 20 above the base panel 30 of the fireplace housing 12. Additionally, the grate 16 can be positioned substantially directly above the base module, i.e. the base panel 30 and/or the electrical insert 40.
Further, the grate 16 can also be formed from any suitable materials. For example, in certain non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the grate 16 can be formed from metallic materials such as a welded steel or aluminum material. Alternatively, the grate 16 can be formed from plastic, resin, and/or another suitable material.
As shown in
As noted above, upon installation, the simulated (or artificial) logs 20 can be retained within the fireplace housing 12 and thus positioned within the viewing area 14. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the simulated logs 20 can utilize the light source 22, the flame generator 24 and/or a separate light source to create a glowing effect for the simulated logs 20. Thus, the combination of the simulated logs 20 and the simulated flame 18 can use the light source 22, the flame generator 24 and/or a separate light source to create the appearance of burning logs, thereby closely simulating the flames of a wood-burning fireplace. As illustrated, the simulated logs 20 can further be placed on top of the grate 16. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the simulated logs 20 can be integrally formed with the grate 16.
Additionally, the simulated logs 20 can be formed from any suitable materials. For example, in certain non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the simulated logs 20 can be hollow molded logs that are formed from a molded resin material. Alternatively, the simulated logs 20 can be formed from another suitable material.
In some embodiments, when included as part of the electric fireplace 10, the simulated emberbed can be positioned adjacent to the base panel 30 of the fireplace housing 12 and substantially directly below the grate 16. Additionally, the simulated emberbed can also utilize the light source 22, the flame generator 24 and/or a separate light source to create a glowing effect for the simulated emberbed. It is appreciated that the glowing effect for the simulated emberbed can further enhance the overall look of the electric fireplace 10 to be more like that of a traditional wood-burning fireplace.
Further, the simulated emberbed can be formed from any suitable materials. For example, in certain non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the simulated emberbed can be formed from a molded resin material. Alternatively, the simulated emberbed can be formed from another suitable material.
As noted above, the light source 22 can be configured to assist in the generation of the simulated flame 18, as well as helping to create the glowing effect for the simulated logs 20 and/or the simulated emberbed. Stated in another manner, the light source 22 can be utilized, i.e. selectively activated, for purposes of generating the simulated flame 18, creating a glowing effect for the simulated logs 20, and/or creating a glowing effect for the simulated emberbed.
The light source 22 can have any suitable design. For example, in one non-exclusive alternative embodiment, the light source 22 can include a flat, PCB board upon which is mounted an LED panel having one or more LED light bulbs. It is appreciated that the use of LED light bulbs makes it generally unnecessary to access the light source 22 as the LED light bulbs have a very long life span and do not need to be regularly replaced. Alternatively, the light source 22 can have another suitable design, e.g., can include other types of light bulbs or another type of light source. Additionally, the light source 22 can be positioned in any suitable manner for purposes of more effectively generating the simulated flame 18, creating a glowing effect for the simulated logs 20, and/or creating a glowing effect for the simulated emberbed, as desired.
In some embodiments, the light source 22 can be incorporated and/or formed into the structure of the grate 16. Thus, with the light source 22 incorporated into the grate 16, additional size and space efficiencies can be achieved. Alternatively, the light source 22 can be provided independently of the grate 16.
Similarly, as noted above, the flame generator 24 can also or alternatively be configured to assist in the generation of the simulated flame 18, as well as helping to create the glowing effect for the simulated logs 20 and/or the simulated emberbed. Stated in another manner, the flame generator 24 can be utilized, i.e. selectively activated, in conjunction with the light source 22 or in lieu of the light source 22, for purposes of generating the simulated flame 18, creating a glowing effect for the simulated logs 20, and/or creating a glowing effect for the simulated emberbed.
In some embodiments, the flame generator 24 can be incorporated and/or formed into the structure of the grate 16. Thus, with the flame generator 24 incorporated into the grate 16, additional size and space efficiencies can be achieved. Alternatively, the flame generator 24 can be provided independently of the grate 16.
Further, in certain embodiments, the grate 16 and the light source 22 and/or the flame generator 24, as well as the simulated logs 20, can be independent components that can be installed within the structural opening 211A by the user. Still further, in some embodiments, the grate 16 with the light source 22 and/or the flame generator 24, as well as the simulated logs 20, can be provided together and can be positioned on top of the base module, i.e. the base panel 30 and/or the electrical insert 40, during packaging and/or during use of the electric fireplace 10.
Additionally, in some embodiments, the flame generator 24 and/or the light source 22 can be powered through use of a user-friendly DC connector cable 449A (illustrated in
As provided herein, it is appreciated that the light source 22 and the flame generator 24 can be utilized individually or in conjunction with one another for purposes of generating the simulated flame 18 (as well as providing a glowing effect for the simulated logs 20 and/or the simulated emberbed). Accordingly, the light source 22 and the flame generator 24 can sometimes be generally referred to, individually or collectively, as a “flame generator”.
The heater 26, e.g., an integrated electric heater, can be configured to provide heated air which can be directed in a generally outward direction away from the electric fireplace 10. More particularly, in certain embodiments, the heater 26 can include a blower or fan 246 (illustrated in
The controller 28 can include one or more circuits or processors that can be utilized to control the various functions of the electric fireplace 10. For example, the controller 28 can be utilized to activate and/or control (i) the intensity of the light source 22 and/or the flame generator 24 within the electric fireplace 10 that generates the simulated flame 18, (ii) the intensity of the light source 22 and/or the flame generator 24 within the electric fireplace 10 that creates the glowing effect for the simulated logs 20, (iii) the intensity of the light source 22 and/or the flame generator 24 within the electric fireplace 10 that creates the glowing effect for the simulated emberbed, and (iv) the speed of the blower 246 within the heater 26 to regulate the amount of heat produced and dispersed by the heater 26.
In some embodiments, the various electrical components of the electric fireplace 10, e.g., the light source 22, the flame generator 24, the heater 26 and the controller 28, can be packed separately, such as when the electric fireplace 10 and/or the fireplace housing 12 is provided in a K/D mantel configuration. Additionally, in certain embodiments, this portion of the electric fireplace 10 can also be sourced from an electrical factory. However, since these components can be formed as a relatively simple DC module, with no certifications required, these components could also potentially be sourced locally.
Additionally, in this embodiment, with all of the electrical components located embedded within, near and/or adjacent to the base panel 30, such components do not adversely inhibit the desired size and shape of the opening.
As illustrated,
As noted above, the base panel 30, the back panel 32, the side panels 34 and the front frame 236 can have any suitable design. Additionally, the design, size and shape of the base panel 30, the back panel 32, the side panels 34 and the front frame 236 can be mixed and matched as desired to provide greater flexibility to the consumer for the overall design of the electric fireplace 10. Further, in certain embodiments, one or more of the back panel 32 and the side panels 34 can be flexible and/or foldable such that they take up much less space for purposes of packaging, shipping and storage.
One objective of the construction of the electric fireplace 10, as described in detail herein, is to embed the various operational components of the electric fireplace 10 into the components of the fireplace housing 12 to make the combined packaging substantially the same size as a typical packaging of only the fireplace housing 12. For example, as illustrated in
With such design, the bulky components of the motor blower 246 of the heater 26 and the controller 28, which are integrated and/or incorporated together within the electrical insert 40, are now positioned to be embedded within the base opening 230A of the base panel 30. This allows for the viewing area 14 (illustrated in
The back panel 32 and the side panels 34 can have any suitable design to create any suitable aesthetic appearance. In some embodiments, as shown in
Additionally, in certain such embodiments, the back panel 32 and/or the side panels 34 can be foldable and can be mounted on a segmented substrate. In one such embodiment, as shown in
With such design, despite being foldable, the back panel 32 and/or the side panels 34 can still possess the desired strength, rigidity and sturdiness to help form the fireplace housing 12 for the electric fireplace 10. Additionally, with the back panel 32 and/or the side panels 34 being foldable, it is appreciated that the back panel 32 and/or the side panels 34 can be more compact during shipping and storage.
It is further appreciated that the back panel 32 and the side panels 34 can be built locally at a mantel factory, i.e. there is no need for special construction at a specialized certified manufacturer. Additionally, the back panel 32 and/or the side panels 34 can be K/D parts that are installed as part of the fireplace housing 12 (or mantel) which enables increased depth of the fireplace housing 12 to get a larger and/or better flame projection. The noted design also allows the use of back panels 32 with thicker or heavier textures, and/or allows for multiple back panels 32 to be included within a single package.
The front frame 236 can also have any suitable size, shape and design. Further, different sizes, shapes and designs for the front frame 236 can be mixed and matched with any designs for the remainder of the electric fireplace 10 and the fireplace housing 12 as desired. For example, in one non-exclusive embodiment, the front frame 236 can be provided in the form of a single pane of glass or glass doors that are closeable so as to more fully enclose the electric fireplace 10. Additionally, or in the alternative, the front frame 236 can be provided with any suitable aesthetic decorative design aspects so as to provide a more ornate appearance. Still alternatively, the front frame 236 can have another suitable design, e.g., a simple mesh screen or any other suitable design. As such, by simply changing the design of the front frame 236, the overall aesthetic appearance of the electric fireplace 10 can be changed without actually changing a majority of the components that are individually included within the electric fireplace 10.
It is appreciated that with the design noted herein, the front frame 236 can be sourced locally and/or built by the mantel factory. In some embodiments, the front frame 236 can be independently formed and provided, and can be installed by the user. With such design, there are no height or shape restrictions for the structural opening 211A within which the electric fireplace 10 is installed, so there could be several options for oversized openings, curved openings, etc.
As noted above, the electrical insert 40 can include at least the heater 26 and the controller 28 integrally provided therein. Further, as shown, the insert cover 244 can be positioned substantially directly on top of the electrical insert 40. In some embodiments, the insert cover 244 can be utilized to enhance the overall aesthetic appearance of the electric fireplace 10. For example, in one such embodiment, the insert cover 244 can have a brick-like appearance that can be configured to match the design of the back panel 32 and the side panels 34. Alternatively, the insert cover 244 can have another suitable design provided for aesthetic purposes, or the insert cover 244 can be configured with no particular design provided thereon.
Additionally, the electrical insert 40 can further include one or more connector ports 249B (two are shown in
Initially,
Additionally,
With the design as described herein, the configuration of the electrical insert 40 being embedded into the base panel 30 will allow for more flexibility and increased efficiencies for manufacturing hub diversification, since only the base module, i.e. the electrical insert 40 embedded into the base panel 30, would need to come from a certified insert supplier, i.e. an electrical factory.
Finally,
Additionally, or in the alternative, it is appreciated that, in some embodiments, the electric fireplace 10 can be configured without the back panel 32 and/or the front frame 236. For example, in certain such embodiments, the electric fireplace 10 can be a two-sided fireplace, wherein the viewing area 14 is viewable from either side of the electric fireplace 10. In such embodiments, the electric fireplace 10 would be configured and/or installed without the back panel 32, and could also include a separate front frame 236 on either side.
In summary, the objective of this construction of the electric fireplace 10 is to embed the insert components into the fireplace housing 12 (or mantel) parts to make the combined packaging the same size as a typical mantel-only box size. Additionally, the construction will also improve the aesthetic appearance of the overall electric fireplace 10 as there are no longer height or shape restrictions for the mantel opening. Further, the appearance of the simulated flame 18 will be improved due to increased depth and more backdrop options. Moreover, backdrop depth is no longer limited by insert enclosure size, so heavier textures can be used with larger flame projection. Different backdrop styles and/or reversible backdrops can also be provided for different options at the user level.
Additionally, since there are no limitations on the height of the structural opening 211A, e.g., within the cabinet 11, or the size and shape of the back panel 32 and/or the simulated logs 20, more standardized structural features can be utilized. For example, a standardized 26-inch part can be utilized within 23-inch, 26-inch or 28-inch structural openings; and a standardized 36-inch part can be utilized within 33-inch and 36-inch structural openings. Different heights, shapes and simulated logs can then be utilized to differentiate the overall design.
However, in this embodiment, the base panel 430 of the fireplace housing 412 is somewhat different than in the previous embodiments. Referring briefly to
Additionally, as such, the heater 426 also has a somewhat modified design in comparison to the embodiments described in detail herein above. As with the previous embodiments, the heater 426 is configured to provide heated air which can be directed in a generally outward direction away from the electric fireplace 410. More particularly, as shown in
Moreover, in this embodiment, the controller 428 includes components that are included within the electrical insert 440 as well as components that can be alternatively coupled to the grate 416. For example, in one non-exclusive embodiment, the controller 428 can include a main PCBA 428P that is coupled to and/or integrated within the electrical insert 440, and a control panel 428A (illustrated in
It is understood that although a number of different embodiments of the electric fireplace 10 have been illustrated and described herein, one or more features of any one embodiment can be combined with one or more features of one or more of the other embodiments, provided that such combination satisfies the intent of the present invention.
While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments of the electric fireplace 10 have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.
This application is a Continuation Application and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 on co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/714,310, filed on Dec. 13, 2019, and entitled “MODULAR ASSEMBLY FOR ELECTRIC FIREPLACE”. Additionally, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/714,310 claims priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/905,077, entitled “MODULAR ASSEMBLY FOR ELECTRIC FIREPLACE”, filed on Sep. 24, 2019. As far as permitted, the contents of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/714,310 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/905,077 are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference.
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| Child | 17581100 | US |
