Gas distribution apparatus for artificial logs

Claim 1

A natural gas or propane distribution apparatus for use in connection with producing flames about an arrangement of artificial logs resting in a firebed above the distribution apparatus, the combination comprising: a pan having a bottom and a continuous sidewall extending about the peripheral edge of said bottom so as to define a firebed area between the opposing inner wall surfaces; a gas distribution assembly disposed in said firebed area having one end thereof supported on said bottom and its opposite end supported on said sidewall so that gas distribution assembly is raised above said bottom; said gas distribution assembly including at least a pair of tubes closed at their ends supported on said bottom and arranged in parallel, fixed spaced apart relationship to produce an irregular, asymmetrical flame pattern and operably coupled at their opposite ends to a source of pressurized natural gas or propane, each of said tubes having at least one row of holes formed therein along the side portion of each tube providing gas discharge jets directed at an opposing surface of said sidewall; means for anchoring a selected one of said pair of tubes to said pan bottom; the row of said holes associated with one of said tubes are arranged in an array facing the rear of said pan while the other rows of said holes associated with said other tube faces the front of said pan; said selected one of said pair of tubes lies along the central longitudinal axis of said pan; the other tube of said pair than said selected one is joined to said gas supply source and said selected tube by a swivel connection so as to rotate from one side of said selected tube to the other side thereof; said tubes are closed at their respective cantilevered ends; sAid sidewall extends outwardly and slopes upwardly; and said other tube is coupled to said swivel connection by an elbow joint and a linear conduit.