Abstract: A fireplace and method of manufacturing a fireplace. Embodiments of the fireplace comprise a combustion chamber, a front opening allowing viewing within the combustion chamber, and a back wall opposite the front opening. The back wall can be controllably switched between an opaque state and a transparent state. A combustion region between the front opening and the back wall is adapted to provide a flame. A controller coupled to the back wall enables a user to switch the back wall between the opaque and transparent states. In embodiments the back wall comprises a glass panel and switchable film on the glass panel. The controller is coupled to the switchable film.

Abstract: A preferably prefabricated and generally rigid recessed housing that may be inserted into a ceiling, wall, or floor to facilitate installation of various electrically powered apparatuses such as ceiling fans, exhaust fans, lighting fixtures, speakers, etc. is provided. Combining the various electrically powered apparatuses with the various embodiments of the prefabricated recessed housing provides additional advantages that include: the creation of a work space large enough for a person to install, from inside the room, a variety of electrically powered apparatuses. The housing may be designed in various shapes, and the generalized construction of the recessed housing comprises a top surface, side walls, and a bottom that is open but that may feature a full perimeter close out lip that extends beyond the side walls. The housing may further include a plurality of securing flanges for engaging bendable securing fins that may be present on the housing apparatus.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a drain comprises a saucer-shaped cover body having a first side configured to face toward a drain opening in a surface and a second side configured to face away from the drain opening. The cover body defines a plurality of flow passages extending between the first side and the second side so as to allow a liquid to pass through the cover body to the drain opening. At least a portion of the second side of the cover body may have a corrugated configuration formed by adjacent grooves and ridges, the grooves and ridges cooperating to facilitate reduction in blockage of the flow passages by debris on the second side of the cover body.

Abstract: Chimney blocking apparatus including a handle (4), telescopic support means (6) having a longitudinal axis (7), chimney blocking means (8) and an actuation mechanism configured to firstly extend the telescopic support means (6) and deploy the chimney blocking means (8) outwardly and secondly collapse the chimney blocking means 8 inwardly towards the longitudinal axis (7). The actuation mechanism may include a first resilient means for collapsing the chimney blocking means (8).

Abstract: The invention regards a non-return valve for a exhaust duct of flue gases of a boiler, comprising a valve body in which a passage opening of flue gases is defined, to said valve body a obturator being associated which, in a determined operating condition, closes said opening, said obturator comprising a first swing element, hinged on said valve body at said passage opening of flue gases. Advantageously, said obturator comprises a second swing element, hinged on said valve body at said passage opening of flue gases, said first and second swing elements being hinged at or in proximity to a middle plane of said opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fireplace flue sealing device comprising a plate, a shaft mounted onto the plate, a tubular base for releasably receiving the shaft, and a locking mechanism having a locking position and a releasing position. The locking mechanism is positioned in relation to the tubular base and engaged with the shaft such that when the locking mechanism is in the locking position, no motion of the shaft relative to the tubular base is allowed, and when the locking mechanism is in the releasing position, the shaft is movable back and forth relative to the tubular base.

Abstract: A flue seal (10) utilized in conjunction with a flue (12) within a fireplace (14). The flue seal (10) has a magnetic sheet (18) positionable within the flue (12). The magnetic sheet (18) has a sheet opening (18a) therethrough. A fastener (20) is securely connected through the sheet opening (18a). A pull chain (22) is securely connected to the fastener (20) extending downwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A fireplace and top wall assembly is disclosed. The top wall assembly includes primary and secondary aligned flue outlet assemblies that form between them a primary air conduit and a secondary flue gas conduit. Both of the conduits are designed to be mounted in fluid communication with the inlet opening of a chimney flue of a fireplace. Flue gases are drawn from the combustion chamber of the fireplace through the secondary flue gas conduit to mix air drawn in by the primary air conduit to promote cooling of the top wall assembly and surrounding fireplace structure.

Abstract: An air duct plug is provided for obturating an open end of an air duct during periods of nonuse to prevent or limit the escape of cooled or heated air through said air duct, in a dwelling, public building or structure thereof. The plug further provides a depending handle for ease of removal from the air duct when it is determined that said air duct should be used.

Abstract: A device for plugging a chimney flue when not in use comprises an elongate semi-rigid wand which can be manoeuvered by manual moving of one end so that the opposed end can be inserted into the chimney flue. The opposed end carries an inflatable balloon which can be inflated to grasp the inner surface of the flue by valve arrangement at the lower end.

Abstract: A device for stopping air leakage through fireplace flues includes an inflatable bag-like member having a top and a bottom of a flexible, air impermeable material. The top and the bottom are sealed together about an outer periphery of the member for retaining pressurized air therebetween. The member has a plurality of selectively slitable sealed areas for permitting a damper handle to pass through one of the areas. The top and the bottom are sealed together about each of the areas. A closable conduit communicates with the member for admitting pressurized air into the member.

Abstract: A three-dimensional fireplace insert which is intended to be placed in the firebox of a fireplace that is not in use and to substantially seal the opening to the fireplace. Such insert may be decorated to enhance the appearance characteristics by painting or printing decorative material on the exposed inside surfaces thereof and/or by placing a decorative object or objects therein. Various members of the fireplace insert may be formed in one piece from a suitably shaped blank of a suitable material by the folding of such blank, and a bi-axially extensible frame may be provided to be positioned within the opening of such an insert to facilitate the accurate positioning of the front edges of the insert with respect to the fireplace opening. Organic materials, such as thermoplastic materials and fiberglass reinforced thermoplastic materials may be used to advantage in the manufacture of the fireplace insert.

Abstract: A fireplace plug is provided for closing the metallic throat of a fireplace during periods of nonuse. The plug has a body, for obstructing the throat, which carries a magnetic means for securing the body to the throat. The plug further provides a handle for ease in inserting the plug into the throat and an indicating means for indicating that the plug has been inserted into the throat of the fireplace.