Kinetic flame device

Abstract

An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for simulating a flickering flame effect, comprising:
 a housing including an interior space;   a pendulum member pivotally mounted within the interior space and having a flame element extending from the housing;   a first light source that emits light onto the flame element; and   a drive mechanism, positioned in the interior space of the housing, comprising a movable structure having a set of one or more magnets, wherein movement of the wheel provides kinetic motion to the pendulum member.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the movable structure is a wheel that is rotatable within the housing. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a controller configured to reverse a direction of movement of the structure. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a controller configured to change a speed of rotation of the structure. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the structure is coupled to a motor that causes movement of the wheel. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pendulum member is pivotally mounted within the interior space using a pendulum support member attached at each end to sidewalls of the housing and wherein the pendulum support member extends through a hole in the pendulum member. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the pendulum support member comprises a rigid, V-shaped wire. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the light source is positioned within the housing to transmit the light onto the flame element at an upward angle. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pendulum member is displaced in a random pattern over time in response to the drive mechanism. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pendulum member further comprises a magnet that interacts with the set of one or more magnets as the structure moves. 
     
     
         11 . An apparatus for simulating a flickering flame effect, comprising:
 a housing including an interior space;   a pendulum member mounted within the interior space, the pendulum member including first and second ends, wherein the pendulum member further includes a flame element extending from a second end opposite the first end, such that at least a portion of the flame element extends outwardly from the housing;   a first light source that transmits light onto the flame element; and   a drive mechanism comprising a movable piece having one or more magnets, wherein the drive mechanism operates to provide kinetic motion to the first end of the pendulum member.   
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the movable piece comprises a wheel that rotates within the housing. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the wheel is coupled to a motor that causes movement of the wheel. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , further comprising a controller configured to change a direction of movement of the movable piece from a first direction to a second direction. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , further comprising a controller configured to change a speed of rotation of the movable piece. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the pendulum member is pivotally mounted within the interior space using a pendulum support member attached at each end to sidewalls of the housing and wherein the pendulum support member extends through a hole in the pendulum member. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the pendulum support member comprises a rigid, V-shaped wire. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the light source is positioned within the housing to transmit the light onto the flame element at an upward angle. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the pendulum member is displaced in a random pattern over time in response to the drive mechanism. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the movable piece comprises a paddle extending outward from the movable piece, the movable piece being positioned within the housing such that an end of the paddle contacts the first end of the pendulum member.