US6302555B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for simulating flames
Assignee: Burley Appliances Ltd
•
Filing: 1998-05-27
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Granted: 2001-10-16
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Expires: 2018-05-27
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for simulating flames, comprising a source of light, a reflector, a screen, and a flame effect member located between the reflector and the screen. The flame effect member preferably comprises a sheet of flexible fabric, provided with a plurality of slits, such that air from a fan causes the sheet to billow, alternately opening and closing the slits. Light transmitted from the source towards the flame effect member passes through the openings and falls onto the screen as an area of high intensity light, which as the sheet billows, appears to move upwardly, simulating the appearance of a flickering flame.
Inventors
- 👤 Gary Bristow
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 17:30
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24C; F24C7/00; F24C7/002; F24C7/004; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S362/00; Y10S362/806
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
122 words
An apparatus for simulating flames, forming part of a simulated fire, comprising: a) a housing having a source of light; b) the housing having screen means; c) flame effect means located optically between the source of light and the screen means such that light traveling from the source to the screen means passes through the flame effect means; d) means for generating a current of air; and e) the flame effect means comprising a sheet of material having therein a plurality of elongate slits which are caused to open and close by the current of air in a manner whereby parts of the material which are disposed either side of each slit are caused intermittently to come into contact with one another.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
122 words
An apparatus for simulating flames, forming part of a simulated fire, comprising: a) a housing having a source of light; b) the housing having screen means; c) flame effect means located optically between the source of light and the screen means such that light traveling from the source to the screen means passes through the flame effect means; d) means for generating a current of air; and e) the flame effect means comprising a sheet of material having therein a plurality of elongate slits which are caused to open and close by the current of air in a manner whereby parts of the material which are disposed either side of each slit are caused intermittently to come into contact with one another.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the sheet is draped within the housing to facilitate opening and closing of the slits by the current of air.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the upper and lower ends of the flame effect means do not lie in a common vertical plane.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the upper end of the flame effect means is supported more rearwardly within the housing that the lower end.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the slits are substantially straight.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein each slit lies within a substantially vertical plane, the planes being substantially parallel to one another.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the length of the slits is substantially equal to the height of the sheet.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the material in which the slits are provided is translucent, whereby light passing through the slits is incident on the screen means at a first intensity, whereas light passing through the material is incident on the screen means at a second, lower, intensity.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the source of light produces generally white light.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the sheet of material is colored red or orange.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein a reflector is disposed optically between the source of light and the flame effect means, the reflector comprising a plurality of parts movable relative to each other.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the reflector comprises a plurality of substantially vertically extending strips.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the current of air causes the plurality of parts to move, whereby the light reflected therefrom flickers.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
130 words
A simulated fire having a housing provided by side and rear housing walls, and an apparatus for simulating flames within the housing, the apparatus comprising: a) a source of light; b) screen means; c) flame effect means located optically between the source of light and the screen means such that light traveling from the source to the screen means passes through the flame effect means; d) means for generating a current of air; and e) the flame effect means comprising a sheet of material having therein a plurality of substantially elongate slits which are caused to open and close by the current of air in a manner whereby parts of the material which are disposed either side of each slit are caused intermittently to come into contact with one another.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
130 words
A simulated fire having a housing provided by side and rear housing walls, and an apparatus for simulating flames within the housing, the apparatus comprising: a) a source of light; b) screen means; c) flame effect means located optically between the source of light and the screen means such that light traveling from the source to the screen means passes through the flame effect means; d) means for generating a current of air; and e) the flame effect means comprising a sheet of material having therein a plurality of substantially elongate slits which are caused to open and close by the current of air in a manner whereby parts of the material which are disposed either side of each slit are caused intermittently to come into contact with one another.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-10-15 | 2005-04-16 | 2005-10-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-10-15 | 2009-04-16 | 2009-10-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-10-15 | 2013-04-16 | 2013-10-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |