Fire Components

Abstract

A surround for a fire comprises a body fabricated at least in part from a relatively low density material to which is secured a relatively high density fascia material.

1 - 45 . (canceled) 
   
   
       46 . A fire surround comprising a body fabricated at least in part from a relatively low density aluminium structure to which is secured by securing means a relatively high density fascia material, the fascia material comprising a 4-20 mm thick ceramic or stone material, wherein the securing means is arranged to withstand the stresses exerted thereon, in use, when subjected to thermal cycling regimes, the body providing a picture frame to define an aperture for a fire. 
   
   
       47 . A surround according to  claim 46 , wherein the body comprises a core which comprises cells and to a surface of which an aluminium facing is secured. 
   
   
       48 . A surround according to  claim 47 , wherein the fascia is secured to the facing of the body. 
   
   
       49 . A surround according to  claim 47 , wherein the core is a flat structure with the facing bonded or otherwise secured to one or both major surfaces to form a panel. 
   
   
       50 . A surround according to  claim 46 , wherein the fascia material is a natural material. 
   
   
       51 . A surround according to  claim 50 , wherein the natural material is selected from limestone, marble, granite or slate. 
   
   
       52 . A surround according to  claim 46 , wherein the fascia is from 4 to 10 mm thick. 
   
   
       53 . A surround according to  claim 46 , wherein the low density material is porous. 
   
   
       54 . A surround according to  claim 46 , wherein the body is fabricated, at least in part, from an aluminium honeycomb material. 
   
   
       55 . A surround according to  claim 46 , wherein the body is fabricated, at least in part from a material comprising an array of regular and/or irregular cells. 
   
   
       56 . A surround according to  claim 55 , wherein at least some of the cells are interconnected to provide fluid communication therebetween. 
   
   
       57 . A surround according to  claim 46 , wherein the relatively low density material may comprise wiring, tubing or ancillary fixings. 
   
   
       58 . A surround according to  claim 46 , wherein the fascia material is bonded to the body by an adhesive which remains thermally stable in use. 
   
   
       59 . A method of forming a fire surround, the method comprising providing a relatively low density aluminium structure and a relatively high density ceramic or stone material, securing the relatively low density material to a first major surface of the relatively high density material and subsequently cutting the high density material to a thickness of 4-20 mm in a direction parallel to the first major surface to form a member, wherein the means used to secure the low density material to the high density material is capable of withstanding the stresses exerted thereon, in use, when subjected to thermal cycling regimes and joining the member to other members to form a picture frame to define an aperture for a fire. 
   
   
       60 . A method according to  claim 59  further comprising securing a facing to the core and securing the facing to the first major surface of the relatively high density material. 
   
   
       61 . A method according to  claim 59 , wherein said cutting comprises sawing the relatively high density material. 
   
   
       62 . A method according to  claim 59  comprising the step of subsequently finishing the cut surface of the high density material. 
   
   
       63 . A method according to  claim 62 , wherein said finishing comprises polishing, honing or painting. 
   
   
       64 . A method of forming two fire surround panels, the method comprising providing first and second relatively low density aluminium structures and a relatively high density ceramic or stone material, securing the first relatively low density material to a first major surface of the relatively high density material and securing the second relatively low density material to a second major surface of the relatively high density material and subsequently cutting the high density material to form two members, each having a high density material of thickness 4-20 mm, wherein the means used to secure the low density materials to the high density material is capable of withstanding the stresses exerted thereon, in use, when subjected to thermal cycling regimes, and joining the or one of the members to other members to form a picture frame to define an aperture for a fire. 
   
   
       65 . A method according to  claim 64  further comprising securing a facing to the core and securing the facing to the first major surface of the relatively high density material. 
   
   
       66 . A method according to  claim 64 , wherein said cutting comprises sawing the relatively high density material. 
   
   
       67 . A method according to  claim 64  comprising the step of subsequently finishing the cut surface of the high density material. 
   
   
       68 . A method according to  claim 67 , wherein said finishing comprises polishing, honing or painting. 
   
   
       69 . A fire comprising a surround having a body fabricated at least in part from a relatively low density aluminium structure to which is secured by securing means a relatively high density fascia material, the fascia material comprising a 4-20 mm thick ceramic or stone material, wherein the securing means is arranged to withstand the stresses exerted thereon, in use, when subjected to thermal cycling regimes, the body providing a picture frame to define an aperture for a fire. 
   
   
       70 . A flueless fire comprising a surround having a body fabricated at least in part from a relatively low density aluminium structure to which is secured by securing means a relatively high density fascia material, the fascia material comprising a 4-20 mm thick ceramic or stone material, wherein the securing means is arranged to withstand the stresses exerted thereon, in use, when subjected to thermal cycling regimes, the body providing a picture frame to define an aperture for a fire.