Fireplace with simulated flame

Abstract

A fireplace assembly is provided by which the image of a working combustible fuel-burning fireplace may be simulated. The fireplace assembly includes a housing having a lenticular panel assembly including a moving simulation of at least flames for generating the appearance of simulated flames within the housing. The lenticular panel assembly includes a means for mounting and rotating the panel through an arc to provide the illusion of moving flames within the fireplace assembly.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A fireplace assembly comprising: 
 a housing;    a lenticular panel assembly positioned within said housing, said lenticular panel assembly including a lenticular panel and a mount attached thereto, said mount adapted to permit said lenticular panel to pivot about said mount; and    means for providing reciprocating motion to said lenticular panel through a predetermined range of motion.    
     
     
         2 . The fireplace assembly of  claim 1  wherein said means for providing reciprocating motion comprises: 
 an electric motor; and  
 a link member operatively connected to said electric motor, said link member connected to said lenticular panel for imparting said reciprocating motion to said lenticular panel.  
 
     
     
         3 . The fireplace assembly of  claim 1  wherein said means for providing reciprocating motion comprises: 
 an electric motor; and  
 a drive wheel operatively connected to said electric motor, said drive wheel being positioned to contact said lenticular panel for imparting said reciprocating motion to said lenticular panel.  
 
     
     
         4 . The fireplace assembly of  claim 3  wherein said electric motor is a variable speed motor.  
     
     
         5 . The fireplace assembly of  claim 3  wherein said drive wheel includes at least one cam lobe configured with a profile for urging said lenticular panel into said reciprocating motion.  
     
     
         6 . The fireplace assembly of  claim 5  wherein said drive wheel includes a plurality of cam lobes.  
     
     
         7 . The fireplace assembly of  claim 4  wherein said variable speed motor is adapted to rotate said lenticular panel in a period of about ½-15 seconds.  
     
     
         8 . The fireplace assembly of  claim 3  wherein said lenticular panel assembly includes a return member for providing a return bias to said lenticular panel.  
     
     
         9 . The fireplace assembly of  claim 8  wherein said return member is a spring extending between said housing and said lenticular panel.  
     
     
         10 . The fireplace assembly of  claim 1  including a first light source positioned between a back of said housing and said lenticular panel.  
     
     
         11 . The fireplace assembly of  claim 10  further comprising: 
 a simulated firebox positioned within said housing;  
 at least one artificial log positioned in said simulated firebox, said at least one artificial log having an exterior surface; and  
 a second light source positioned beneath said simulated firebox and positioned so as to illuminate at least a portion of said exterior surface of said at least one artificial log.  
 
     
     
         12 . The fireplace assembly of  claim 11  further comprising an artificial ember bed positioned beneath said at least one artificial log, wherein said second light source is positioned so as to illuminate at least a portion of said artificial ember bed.  
     
     
         13 . The fireplace assembly of  claim 11  wherein said artificial ember bed comprises a plurality of apertures positioned so as to permit light from said second light source to illuminate at least a portion of an exterior surface of said at least one artificial log.  
     
     
         14 . The fireplace assembly of  claim 13  further comprising a translucent colored panel positioned between said second light source and said at least one artificial log.  
     
     
         15 . The fireplace assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a heater assembly, said heater assembly including a blower and a heating element.  
     
     
         16 . The fireplace assembly of  claim 15  wherein said heater assembly is positioned between said simulated firebox and said housing.  
     
     
         17 . The fireplace assembly of  claim 1  wherein said lenticular panel includes images of a fire.  
     
     
         18 . The fireplace assembly of  claim 17  wherein said lenticular panel includes images of logs.  
     
     
         19 . The fireplace assembly of  claim 18  wherein said lenticular panel includes images of embers.  
     
     
         20 . The fireplace assembly of  claim 1  wherein said lenticular panel provides images of a burning wood fire.  
     
     
         21 . The fireplace assembly of  claim 1  wherein said lenticular panel provides images of a burning coal fire.