Air circulating fireplace

Abstract

The invention provides an improved prefabricated air circulating fireplace. A separate air distribution assembly is positioned generally above the fireplace and a removable hearth is positioned above the fireplace circulation air inlet opening. The air distribution assembly and removable hearth conceal the fireplace circulation air inlet and outlet grilles. The air distribution assembly is adapted to convey convection heat generated by the fireplace. During fireplace operation convection heat is conveyed behind the decorative fireplace facing and discharged at or along the ceiling providing additional opportunities for the use and positioning of combustible mantels and materials on the decorative facing of the fireplace.

1 . An air distribution assembly for use with an air circulating fireplace having an inlet air opening and an outlet air opening located on the face of the fireplace comprising: 
 a housing disposable generally above said fireplace, said housing extending at least the width of said outlet air opening, said housing having a front panel projecting in front of said outlet air opening;    at least one air passageway extending in a substantially vertical orientation through said housing;    at least one opening in the lower portion of said housing adapted for flow communication between said outlet air opening and said at least one air passageway;    at least one opening in the upper portion of said housing in flow communication between said at least one air passageway and the room in which said fireplace is situated;    whereby during fireplace operation, air flows from the room in which said fireplace is situated in through said inlet air opening and through said fireplace, and out through said outlet air opening into said air distribution assembly, and out through said air distribution assembly into the room in which said fireplace is situated.    
   
   
       2 . An air distribution assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a removable hearth, said hearth adaptable to dispose above said inlet air opening, whereby air flows beneath said hearth and into said inlet air opening.  
   
   
       3 . An air distribution assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one opening in the lower portion of said housing in flow communication between said room and said at least one air passageway whereby room air is permitted to flow into and through said at least one air passageway.  
   
   
       4 . An air distribution assembly as claimed in  claim 3 , further comprising at least one heat shield disposed in a spaced relationship to at least one inner surface of said housing.  
   
   
       5 . An air distribution assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one support member secured to at least one inner surface of said housing providing structural rigidity to said housing.  
   
   
       6 . An air distribution assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising an outer casing having a front wall disposed in a spaced relationship in front of said housing.  
   
   
       7 . An air distribution assembly as claimed in  claim 6 , further comprising an opening located in proximity to a lower edge of said front wall and an opening located in proximity to an upper edge of said front wall, permitting the flow of circulation air between said front wall and said housing.  
   
   
       8 . An air distribution assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a top plate disposed on the top of said housing, said top plate having at least one flanged opening in flow communication with said at least one air passageway, said at least one flanged opening adapted for the connection of at least one duct, whereby heated air from said housing is conveyed to a room other than where said fireplace is situated.  
   
   
       9 . An air distribution assembly as claimed in  claim 2 , further comprising at least one opening located on the top surface of said hearth permitting air to flow from above said hearth, through said at least one opening located on the top surface of said hearth, up to and through said inlet air opening.  
   
   
       10 . An air distribution assembly as claimed in  claim 2 , further comprising a pivot means adapted to said hearth whereby said hearth pivots upward to facilitate access to said inlet air opening.  
   
   
       11 . An air distribution assembly as claimed in  claim 2 , further comprising an electrical disconnect switch adapted to said hearth for gas fireplace applications, whereby the displacement of said hearth causes the gas fireplace to be shut-off.  
   
   
       12 . An air circulating fireplace including a separate air distribution assembly for a room to be heated comprising: 
 a firebox having a front opening for viewing a fire;    an outer enclosure having a front opening, said enclosure disposed in a spaced relationship about said firebox;    a first air passageway between said firebox and said enclosure for circulating air to be heated;    an inlet air opening located below said firebox in flow communication between said room and said first air passageway;    an outlet air opening located above said firebox in flow communication between said first air passageway and a second air passageway provided in said separate air distribution assembly;    a separate air distribution assembly disposed generally above said enclosure with a lower portion of said assembly projecting in front of said outlet air opening, said assembly having a housing defining a substantially vertical second air passageway extending therethrough, said housing having an opening adapted for flow communication between said second air passageway and said outlet air opening and said housing having an opening in flow communication between said second air passageway and said room;    whereby during fireplace operation, room air flows from said room into and through said fireplace, and into and through said air distribution assembly, and back into said room.    
   
   
       13 . A fireplace as claimed in  claim 12 , whereby said fireplace is a gas fireplace.  
   
   
       14 . A fireplace as claimed in  claim 12 , whereby said fireplace is an electric fireplace and said firebox comprises a flame effect apparatus for simulating a fire.  
   
   
       15 . A fireplace as claimed in  claim 12 , further comprising a removable hearth, said hearth adaptable to dispose above said inlet air opening, whereby air flows underneath said hearth, up to and through said inlet air opening, into said fireplace.  
   
   
       16 . A fireplace as claimed in  claim 12 , further comprising an outer casing having a front wall disposed in a spaced relationship in front of said housing.  
   
   
       17 . A fireplace as claimed in  claim 16 , further comprising at least one opening located in proximity to a lower edge and at least one opening located in proximity to an upper edge of said front wall, permitting the flow of circulation air between said front wall and said housing.  
   
   
       18 . An air circulating fireplace including a separate air distribution assembly for a room to be heated comprising: 
 a firebox having a front opening for viewing a fire;    an outer enclosure having a top panel and a front opening, said enclosure disposed in a spaced relationship about said firebox;    a first air passageway between said firebox and said enclosure for circulating air to be heated;    an inlet air opening located below said firebox in flow communication between said room and said first air passageway;    an outlet air opening located on the forward portion of said top panel adapted for flow communication between said first air passageway and a second air passageway provided in said separate air distribution assembly; and    a separate air distribution assembly disposed generally above said enclosure, said assembly having an inner housing and an outer housing, said inner housing having a second air passageway in flow communication with said first air passageway and said room, said outer housing having a third air passageway with a lower opening and an upper opening each in flow communication with said room;    whereby during fireplace operation, air flows from said room into and through said fireplace, into and through said inner housing and back into said room, and air flows from said room into and through the said outer housing and back into said room.    
   
   
       19 . A fireplace as claimed in  claim 18 , further comprising a removable hearth, said hearth adaptable to dispose above said inlet air opening, whereby air flows underneath said hearth, up to and through said inlet air opening, into said fireplace.  
   
   
       20 . A fireplace as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein said outer housing having a front wall that extends below said top panel and is disposed in a spaced relationship in front of said fireplace.