Multi-purpose two-tier fireplace grate

Abstract

A fireplace grate has a first platform and a second platform. Each of the first and second platforms are formed by a plurality of grate members and a plurality of cross members. The platforms are raised off the ground and connected via side members, being separated by a predetermined distance. The grate members and cross members include a substantially flat first surface to fully support firelogs placed on each either and/or both of the platforms. The fireplace grate segregates logs placed on each platform by prevents direct contact therebetween. Thus, the fireplace grate provides for enhanced safety and efficiency when creating fire with wood logs on the first platform and firelogs on the second platform while at the same time provide a grate for efficiently burning of firelogs only.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A fireplace grate for holding logs, the fireplace grate comprising: 
 a first tier; and    a second tier joined to the first tier, each tier having an upper surface.    
     
     
         2 . The fireplace grate of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 side members, the first tier fixed a predetermined distance from the second tier via the side members.  
 
     
     
         3 . The fireplace grate of  claim 2  wherein the side members form legs that elevate the first tier and the second tier.  
     
     
         4 . The fireplace grate of  claim 1  wherein the first tier is operative to prevent direct contact between a first log on the first tier and a second log on the second tier.  
     
     
         5 . The fireplace grate of  claim 1  wherein the first tier comprises: 
 a plurality of grate members; and  
 a plurality of cross members; the grate members and the cross members substantially segregating the upper surface of the first tier from the upper surface of the second tier.  
 
     
     
         6 . The fireplace grate of  claim 5  wherein the grate members and the cross members include a substantially flat first surface.  
     
     
         7 . The fireplace grate of  claim 5  wherein openings formed between the grate members and the cross members are sized to prevent objects larger than a predetermined size from falling through the first tier.  
     
     
         8 . The fireplace grate of  claim 1 , wherein the second tier comprises: 
 a plurality of grate members; and    a plurality of cross members, the grate members and the cross members including a substantially flat first surface.    
     
     
         9 . The fireplace grate of  claim 8  having at least three grate members.  
     
     
         10 . The fireplace grate of  claim 1  further comprising 
 a first support member connected to and extending up from said bed, wherein said first support member includes a substantially flat first surface.  
 
     
     
         11 . A multi-purpose two-tier fireplace grate comprising: 
 a first platform; and    a second platform, the second platform connected to the first platform and spaced a predetermined distance from the first platform, each platform having an upper surface for the placement of a log.    
     
     
         12 . The multi-purpose two-tier fireplace grate of  claim 11  further comprising: 
 side members linking the first platform and the second platform, the side members forming legs that elevate the first platform and the second platform.  
 
     
     
         13 . The multi-purpose two-tier fireplace grate of  claim 11  wherein the second platform is operative to hold a second log, and wherein the first platform is operative to hold a first log and to prevent direct contact between the first log and the second log.  
     
     
         14 . The multi-purpose two-tier fireplace grate of claim  111  wherein the first platform comprises: 
 a plurality of grate members; and  
 a plurality of cross members; the grate members and the cross members substantially segregating the upper surface of the first platform from the upper surface of the second platform.  
 
     
     
         15 . The multi-purpose two-tier fireplace grate of  claim 14  wherein said grate members and the cross members include a substantially flat first surface.  
     
     
         16 . The multi-purpose two-tier fireplace grate of  claim 14  wherein said grate members include an portion upturned to form a lip.  
     
     
         17 . The multi-purpose two-tier fireplace grate of  claim 11 , wherein the second platform comprises 
 a plurality of grate members; and    a plurality of cross members, the grate members and the cross members is adapted to cooperate with and at least partially support a firelog.    
     
     
         18 . The multi-purpose two-tier fireplace grate of  claim 17  wherein said grate members and the cross members include a substantially flat first surface.  
     
     
         19 . The multi-purpose two-tier fireplace grate of  claim 1  further including 
 at least a first support member connected to and extending up from the first platform, wherein said first support member includes a substantially flat first surface.  
 
     
     
         20 . A fireplace grate for supporting logs, the fireplace grate comprising: 
 a first platform having 
 a first plurality of grate members; and  
 a first plurality of cross members;  
   a second platform having 
 a second plurality of grate members, and  
 a second plurality of cross members; and  
   side members connecting the first platform and the second platform at a predetermined distance and preventing direct contact between logs placed on each platform.