Simulated electric glowing embers system for fireplaces

Abstract

A simulated electric glowing embers system disposed within a fireplace is provided. One embodiment discloses, a fireplace comprising an enclosure defining a chamber, a support structure disposed within the chamber, a plurality of translucent artificial embers disposed upon a top surface of the support structure, and a light source positioned to pass light through at least a portion of the support structure to illuminate the translucent artificial embers. Another embodiment discloses, an apparatus for electrically simulating glowing embers within a fireplace comprising an ember support bed, a plurality of translucent artificial embers individually arrangeable upon a top surface of the ember support bed, and a light source positioned to pass light through at least a portion of the ember support bed to illuminate the loose translucent artificial embers. A method for electrically simulating glowing embers within a fireplace is also provided.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A fireplace comprising: 
 an enclosure defining a chamber;    a support structure having an ember support surface, said support surface being disposed within the chamber;    a plurality of translucent artificial embers, wherein the translucent artificial embers are disposed upon but separable from said support surface; and    a light source positioned to pass light through at least a portion of the support structure to illuminate the translucent artificial embers.    
     
     
         2 . The fireplace of  claim 1 , wherein the support structure comprises: 
 a raised floor positioned above a bottom panel of the enclosure; and    an ember support bed coupled to the raised floor and forming said ember support structure, wherein the translucent artificial embers are disposed on a top surface of the ember support bed.    
     
     
         3 . The fireplace of  claim 2 , wherein the ember support bed comprises a translucent plate.  
     
     
         4 . The fireplace of  claim 2 , wherein the ember support bed comprises a mesh screen.  
     
     
         5 . The fireplace of  claim 2 , wherein the ember support bed comprises a perforated plate.  
     
     
         6 . The fireplace of  claim 1 , further comprising a gas burner positioned above the ember support surface to provide flames and heat upon combustion.  
     
     
         7 . The fireplace of  claim 1 , wherein the light source is disposed within the chamber.  
     
     
         8 . The fireplace of  claim 1 , wherein the translucent artificial embers comprise fused silica particles.  
     
     
         9 . The fireplace of  claim 1 , wherein the support structure defines at least one aperture through said ember support surface to deliver combustible gas to the chamber.  
     
     
         10 . The fireplace of  claim 1 , wherein the light source comprises components that withstand temperatures greater than 500 degrees Fahrenheit.  
     
     
         11 . The fireplace of  claim 10 , wherein the light source comprises a halogen light.  
     
     
         12 . A fireplace comprising: 
 a combustion chamber enclosure, wherein the combustion chamber enclosure includes a support structure, said support structure being configured to support a plurality of loosely separable and at least partially translucent artificial embers; and    a light source arranged and configured relative to said support structure so as to illuminate said artificial embers when supported by said support structure.    
     
     
         13 . The fireplace of  claim 12 , wherein the support structure defines at least one aperture to provide combustion air to the combustion chamber enclosure.  
     
     
         14 . The fireplace of  claim 12 , wherein the support structure defines at least one aperture to provide combustion gas to the combustion chamber enclosure.  
     
     
         15 . A fireplace comprising: 
 an enclosure, wherein the enclosure includes a support structure, said support structure being configured to support a plurality of loosely separable and at least partially translucent artificial embers; and    a light source arranged and configured relative to said support structure so as to illuminate said artificial embers when supported by said support structure.    
     
     
         16 . The fireplace of  claim 15 , further comprising a colored plate disposed between the light source and the plurality of supported artificial embers to generate the color of glowing embers with the plurality of supported artificial embers.  
     
     
         17 . The fireplace of  claim 15 , wherein light from said light source passes through at least a portion of said support structure.  
     
     
         18 . The fireplace of  claim 15 , wherein the support structure comprises an ember support bed for supporting said artificial embers.  
     
     
         19 . An apparatus for electrically simulating glowing embers within an enclosure of a fireplace, the apparatus comprising: 
 a support structure configured to be insertable with the enclosure and defining an ember support bed for supportably holding a plurality of translucent artificial embers;    a plurality of translucent artificial embers, configured to be loosely supported by said ember support bed; and    a light source arranged and configured to pass light through the ember support bed to illuminate the translucent artificial embers.    
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the translucent artificial embers comprise fused silica particles.  
     
     
         21 . An apparatus for electrically simulating glowing embers within a fireplace, the apparatus comprising: 
 an ember support bed;    a plurality of translucent artificial embers, wherein the translucent artificial embers are individually arrangeable upon the ember support bed; and    a light source positioned to pass light through at least a portion of the ember support bed to illuminate the loose translucent artificial embers.    
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the translucent artificial embers comprise fused silica particles.  
     
     
         23 . An apparatus for electrically simulating glowing embers within a fireplace, the apparatus comprising: 
 means for loosely supporting a plurality of translucent artificial embers; and    means for illuminating the plurality of translucent artificial embers.    
     
     
         24 . A method for electrically simulating glowing embers within a fireplace, comprising: 
 providing an enclosure, wherein the enclosure defines a chamber;    disposing an ember support bed structure within the chamber;    arranging a plurality of translucent artificial embers on said ember support bed structure;    providing a light source to produce a light beam; and    passing said light beam through at least a portion of the artificial embers to illuminate the translucent artificial embers.    
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , further comprising, dusting a portion of the surfaces of the translucent artificial embers with paint.  
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 24 , further comprising the step of passing said light beam through at least a portion of said ember support bed structure to illuminate said artificial embers.  
     
     
         27 . A method for electrically simulating glowing embers within a fireplace, comprising: 
 providing an enclosure, wherein the enclosure defines a chamber;    disposing an ember support bed structure within the chamber to support a plurality of loosely separable and at least partially translucent artificial embers; and    providing a light source to produce and pass a light beam through at least a portion of the artificial embers to illuminate the translucent artificial embers.