Apparatus and method to increase the air flow in a fireplace

Abstract

This invention relates generally to a fireplace having a firebox chamber exhausting upwardly to a chimney, a front opening and fuel positioned in the firebox chamber and more specifically to an easily removable cover apparatus for the upper portion of the front opening whereby air flowing through the front opening will predominately flow through the lower portion of the firebox which increases the air flow onto the fuel.

We claim:  
     
         1 . In combination with a fireplace having a hearth or floor, a firebox chamber exhausting upwardly to a chimney, and a front opening; a cover apparatus comprising: 
 a cover surface designed to cover the upper portion of the front opening which cover surface is easily removable from the front opening.    
     
     
         2 . The cover apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said cover apparatus is attached above the front opening.  
     
     
         3 . The cover apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the cover surface may be rolled up into the cover apparatus or compressed back toward the cover apparatus.  
     
     
         4 . The cover apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the length of the cover surface covering the front opening of the fireplace may be altered.  
     
     
         5 . The cover apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cover surface has supports which are sufficient to prevent a pressure differential from pulling the cover surface into the firewall.  
     
     
         6 . The cover apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said cover apparatus is attached to a fireplace screen placed agaisn't the front opening of the fireplace.  
     
     
         7 . The cover apparatus of  claim 1  wherein, the cover surface has legs setting upon the hearth or floor.  
     
     
         8 . A method of increasing the intensity of a fire in a fireplace having a front opening; comprising covering the upper portion of the front opening of the fireplace with a cover apparatus which can be easily removed from the front opening of the fireplace once the fire has become self perpetuating.