Hearth Illuminator

Abstract

A system that illuminates hearths of real fireplaces or simulated fireplaces that do not have a chimney or exhaust flue. The system uses a one piece disposable fuel cartridge that holds alcohol gel or similar fuel. The fuel cartridge sits behind, underneath, and surrounded on its sides by a one piece logset. The logset has multiple openings on its top. The multiple openings allow multiple flames to peak and flutter from in between, and underneath, the logs of the one piece logset. The configuration of the fuel cartridge and the logset can vary so as to produce two, three or more individual flames, which flames can be larger or smaller and which can last for more or less periods of time.

1 - 3 . (canceled)  
   
   
       4 . An apparatus consisting of a generally rectangular shaped fuel cartridge having a width that is greater than its depth, said cartridge consisting of metal sidewalls of a given height, a metal base and a metal top defining an interior space containing alcohol gel fuel, said top comprising at least one flame exit aperture of generally rectangular shape which permits fumes from the alcohol gel fuel to emanate from the interior space of the cartridge, the apparatus further consisting of a generally rectangular shaped simulated log set, said simulated log set formed from a noncombustible material and shaped as a unitary cast element including a top, said top comprising multiple flame exit openings formed between a plurality of simulated log set simulated elements which are formed to present the appearance of multiple logs and twigs touching one another, where said generally rectangular shaped log set is shaped and configured to define a generally rectangular internal cavity open on a bottom side thereof, said generally internal cavity being sized and dimensioned to be slightly larger than the width, depth and height of the fuel cartridge such that the fuel cartridge fits inside the cavity, where said log set is fitted around and over said fuel cartridge to permit portions of a flame formed from combustion of the fumes from the alcohol gel fuel rising from at least one flame exit aperture of generally rectangular shape fuel cartridge to pass through the multiple flame exit openings and extend to a location above the top of the simulated log set, thereby simulating a realistic fireplace fire by producing multiple flames that are surrounded by multiple simulated logs and simulated twig elements.  
   
   
       5 . A generally rectangular shaped fuel cartridge having a width that is greater than its depth, said cartridge consisting of metal sidewalls of a given height, a metal base and a metal top defining an interior space containing alcohol gel fuel, said top comprising at least one flame exit aperture of generally rectangular shape which permits fumes from the alcohol gel fuel to emanate from the interior space of the cartridge, where the combustion of the said fumes produces a generally rectangular shaped fire.