Method and apparatus for creating an insulated barrier within a fireplace

Abstract

A method and apparatus for creating an insulated barrier within a fireplace is described. A compressible insulator may be placed in a fireplace. Within the fireplace, the compressible insulator may be placed above a lintel on the inside of a firebox opening. The compressible insulator may also be placed below a damper. The compressible insulator may be used to insulate a fireplace and increase the temperature differential between the living space and air trapped between the compressible insulator and the damper. The trapped air may also increase the temperature differential between the living space and the chimney above the damper.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An insulator configured to be removably inserted in a fireplace having a chimney, a damper, and a firebox including a firebox opening, the insulator comprising:
 a core layer comprising a compressible material; and   at least one other layer;   wherein the insulator is located below the damper, forming an air space between the insulator and the damper, the air space providing an additional layer of insulation between the chimney and the firebox; and   wherein the insulator provides a lateral force against one or more sides of the firebox opening, the lateral force sufficient to maintain the insulator in a fixed position.   
     
     
         2 . The insulator of  claim 1 , wherein the fireplace structure further comprises a lintel and the insulator is located above the lintel and on the inside of the firebox opening. 
     
     
         3 . The insulator of  claim 1 , wherein the air space includes trapped air and the trapped air increases the temperature differential between the chimney and the firebox 
     
     
         4 . The insulator of  claim 1 , wherein the insulator is capable of providing a seal within the fireplace without the use of additional supports or adhesives. 
     
     
         5 . The insulator of  claim 1 , wherein the insulator comprises a material capable of preventing a draft between the chimney and the firebox. 
     
     
         6 . The insulator of  claim 1 , wherein the core layer has a thickness between 1 inch and 3 inches. 
     
     
         7 . The insulator of  claim 1 , wherein the compressible material of the core layer comprises polyethylene foam. 
     
     
         8 . The insulator of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one other layer includes at least one of a top sheet or a bottom sheet. 
     
     
         9 . The insulator of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one of a top sheet or a bottom sheet is laminated to the core layer of the insulator. 
     
     
         10 . The insulator of  claim 9  wherein the at least one of a top sheet or a bottom sheet is between 3 millimeters and 10 millimeters thick. 
     
     
         11 . The insulator of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one of a top sheet or a bottom sheet comprises polyethylene. 
     
     
         12 . The insulator of  claim 1 , wherein the insulator further comprises at least one handle. 
     
     
         13 . The insulator of  claim 12 , wherein at least one handle is attached to the core layer or at least one other layer. 
     
     
         14 . The insulator of  claim 12 , wherein at least one handle is attached to the insulator by a ribbon and a rivet. 
     
     
         15 . The insulator of  claim 1 , wherein the insulator is a trapezoidal shape. 
     
     
         16 . The insulator of  claim 15 , wherein the insulator is ⅛ inch larger in each direction than a measured inside dimension of the firebox opening. 
     
     
         17 . The insulator of  claim 15 , wherein the insulator is not visible from a viewing angle within a room in which the fireplace is located.