Solid Front Cover Patents (Class 126/547)
  • Patent number: 9004060
    Abstract: A flush-mounted fireplace assembly comprising a surround structure configured to encompass a perimeter of an opening in a mounting wall and a bezel structure configured to fit within the outer surround structure. An inner edge of the surround structure and an outer edge of the bezel structure oppose each other and define a gap between inner edge and outer edge such that air can flow through the gap. An outside major surface of the surround structure and an outside major surface of the bezel structure are substantially co-planar with each other and with an exterior surface of the mounting wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Innovative Hearth Products LLC
    Inventors: Joseph A. Benedetti, Amy Grella
  • Publication number: 20150053200
    Abstract: A burner system for a fuel-burning fireplace having a fuel container with at least one aperture for combusting the fuel contained therein and an adjustable flame regulator for regulating a size of the flame. The flame regulator comprises a shutter for covering the aperture having a shape corresponding to the aperture, the shutter being variably adjustable between a first position (covered aperture) and a second position (exposed aperture); a handle extending from the burner system for variably adjusting the shutter; and a connecting member for connecting the shutter to the handle, the connecting member being secured to at least two extremities of the shutter; wherein movement of the handle allows a balanced movement of the shutter over the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: Gilles-Andre Poupart
  • Patent number: 8342166
    Abstract: A decorative fireplace screen for a fireplace having a fireplace opening, and a method of manufacture therefor are disclosed. Decorative screens of the invention may also be for other purposes. The fireplace screen includes a planar main member, a decorative design applied to the front surface of the main member, a substantially clear adhesive layer over the decorative design, a design-enhancing mosaic of shattered-glass pieces adhered to the adhesive layer and substantially covering the decorative design, and grout between the shattered class pieces and securing them in place. Certain preferred embodiments are a support member along the lower edge, a frame, a foam board on the back surface of the main member to facilitate air-blocking of the fireplace. Preferred decorative features are glitter selectively applied over the design and use of a substantially transparent material as the main member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Sherry Lou Martin
  • Patent number: 8261736
    Abstract: A fireplace cover comprising a generally flat and flexible panel; a first slot disposed in the panel along the first side edge, wherein the first slot is adapted for receiving a removable first magnetic bar; a second slot disposed in the panel along the second side edge, wherein the second slot is adapted for receiving a removable second magnetic bar; a third slot disposed in the panel along the top edge, wherein the third slot is adapted for receiving a third magnetic bar; and a fourth slot disposed in the panel along the bottom edge, wherein the fourth slot is adapted for receiving a fourth magnetic bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Bobbie D. Olivarri
  • Publication number: 20120216794
    Abstract: A burner assembly comprising a burner casing having two or more separate chambers therein, the chambers being divided from each other by one or more walls. The assembly also comprises one or more input conduits each configured to deliver different fuel-air mixtures to at least one of the separated chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Lennox Hearth Products LLC
    Inventors: Joseph A. Benedetti, Kenneth D. Johns, Kamal Al-Farran
  • Publication number: 20120216796
    Abstract: A flush-mounted fireplace assembly comprising a surround structure configured to encompass a perimeter of an opening in a mounting wall and a bezel structure configured to fit within the outer surround structure. An inner edge of the surround structure and an outer edge of the bezel structure oppose each other and define a gap between inner edge and outer edge such that air can flow through the gap. An outside major surface of the surround structure and an outside major surface of the bezel structure are substantially co-planar with each other and with an exterior surface of the mounting wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Lennox Hearth Products LLC
    Inventors: Joseph A. Benedetti, Amy Grella
  • Publication number: 20120031392
    Abstract: A heating apparatus can have a sealed combustion chamber, a burner, and various air channels to direct air into the sealed combustion chamber and to provide heated air to the desired area or environment such as an interior room. A channel can direct a flow of air along a face of the sealed combustion chamber to cool the face. The channel can be within or outside of the sealed combustion chamber. Alternatively, or in addition, the heating apparatus can be capable of operating as a direct vent device or as a vent free device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: David Deng
  • Publication number: 20110289853
    Abstract: A door latch system for a heating system is provided. The door latch system may be installed with a fireplace, wood stove, pellet stove, or other suitable system. The door latch system comprises a handle, a handle head and a catch. The handle head may be configured to engage the catch. Moreover, the catch may be configured with a self adjusting tension system, such that when the handle head engages the catch, the catch is configured to exert a tension force on the handle head. This tension force also causes the handle head to compress the seal of a fireplace door where the door latch system is installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: FPI FIREPLACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL, LTD.
    Inventors: George Hon Kwong Lau, Edwin Wayne Thurber
  • Patent number: 7726299
    Abstract: A front face attachment for a fireplace allows a single fireplace construction to be converted from a first arrangement having front facing top outlet and bottom inlet with covering louver panels for air flow around the combustion chamber to a second arrangement in which there are no front facing outlets and the top and bottom outlets are behind front cover flanges for receiving cladding materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: R-CO Inc.
    Inventor: Russell E. Reyher
  • Publication number: 20080276927
    Abstract: A decorative fireplace screen for a fireplace having a fireplace opening, and a method of manufacture therefor are disclosed. Decorative screens of the invention may also be for other purposes. The fireplace screen includes a planar main member, a decorative design applied to the front surface of the main member, a substantially clear adhesive layer over the decorative design, a design-enhancing mosaic of shattered-glass pieces adhered to the adhesive layer and substantially covering the decorative design, and grout between the shattered class pieces and securing them in place. Certain preferred embodiments are a support member along the lower edge, a frame, a foam board on the back surface of the main member to facilitate air-blocking of the fireplace. Preferred decorative features are glitter selectively applied over the design and use of a substantially transparent material as the main member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Sherry Lou Martin
  • Patent number: 7263991
    Abstract: A portable outdoor fireplace is provided. The portable outdoor fireplace has a housing that supports a gas burner. The outdoor fireplace also has removable side panels to expose the burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Weber-Stephen Products Co.
    Inventors: Erich J. Schlosser, Adrian A. Bruno, Todd Trein
  • Patent number: 7234932
    Abstract: A fireplace for viewing outside of a house or other structure that includes a combustion chamber defined by a combustion chamber enclosure with a front opening and a front panel at least partially enclosing the front opening. The front panel is partially surrounded by an air intake/gas exhaust system. The air intake/gas exhaust system is defined by bottom intake, a top exhaust and at least one of side intake/exhaust opening. A gas burner is situated on the floor of the combustion chamber enclosure. Fresh air enters through a bottom intake opening in the bottom intake and the lower portion of the intake/exhaust opening. After the combustion exhaust gases are expelled through a top exhaust opening in the top exhaust and the upper portion of the intake/exhaust openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: HNI Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Robin Michael Streit
  • Patent number: 6869278
    Abstract: A fireplace for viewing outside of a house or other structure that includes a combustion chamber defined by a combustion chamber enclosure with a front opening and a front panel at least partially enclosing the front opening. The front panel is partially surrounded by an air intake/gas exhaust system. The air intake/gas exhaust system is defined by bottom intake, a top exhaust and at least one of side intake/exhaust opening. A gas burner is situated on the floor of the combustion chamber enclosure. Fresh air enters through a bottom intake opening in the bottom intake and the lower portion of the intake/exhaust opening. After the combustion exhaust gases are expelled through a top exhaust opening in the top exhaust and the upper portion of the intake/exhaust openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: HON Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Robin Michael Streit
  • Publication number: 20040255929
    Abstract: A heating generating appliance including an opening device configured to automatically open doors of the appliance. The opening device functions based on user input or can be controlled automatically via the appliance controls to open and/or close the doors of the appliance as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: David Jon Miller, Robert Samuel Waddell, Brynn Douglas Rogers, Thomas J. Bachinski
  • Patent number: 6748943
    Abstract: A firebox cover for thermally sealing off a firebox while not in use comprising a flexible barrier member, a sealing member and a magnet member. The flexible insulating barrier member covers a firebox opening within a room preventing thermal energy within the room from exiting through the firebox opening and preventing thermal energy within the firebox from entering the room. The barrier member has a cellular structure with a thermally reflective front face and thermally reflective back face. The sealing member about the periphery of the barrier member provides a substantially air tight seal about edges of the barrier member when the sealing member is magnetically affixed to a metallic surface surrounding the firebox opening during use of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: John P. Krimmer
  • Publication number: 20040031481
    Abstract: A metallic fireplace shield is provided which fits into a fireplace opening by flexing or bowing the shield in the vertical or horizontal direction and placing it in the fireplace opening while flexed. After insertion the shield is partially relaxed. The residual stresses in the shield provide a pressure on the fireplace sides which holds it firmly in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: F. Marylou Carzoli
  • Patent number: 6539936
    Abstract: A combination of a fireplace and a decorative removable cover therefor is provided. The fireplace may include an enclosure having a front access opening and a frame positioned within the front access opening. Further, the decorative removable cover may include an opaque substrate and decorative indicia thereon. The opaque substrate may have a size and shape to be received within the front access opening of the fireplace. The cover may also include at least one fastener for removably attaching the opaque substrate to the frame within the front access opening of the fireplace for display of the decorative indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Andrea Sharon Behn
  • Publication number: 20020170554
    Abstract: A combination of a fireplace and a decorative removable cover therefor is provided. The fireplace may include an enclosure having a front access opening and a frame positioned within the front access opening. Further, the decorative removable cover may include an opaque substrate and decorative indicia thereon. The opaque substrate may have a size and shape to be received within the front access opening of the fireplace. The cover may also include at least one fastener for removably attaching the opaque substrate to the frame within the front access opening of the fireplace for display of the decorative indicia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventor: Andrea Sharon Behn
  • Patent number: 6439226
    Abstract: A front surround or enclosure for overlying the open front of a fireplace box is disclosed. The enclosure has a relatively narrow peripheral frame that carries one or a plurality of glass panels that substantially fill the enclosed area defined by the outer frame. The glass panels may be rigidly secured to the frame or can be configured as operable doors. Patterns configured by silk screening or other application techniques are selectively applied, preferably to the inner surface(s), of the glass panel(s) to enhance visual appeal of the glass and/or to selectively mask the viewer's vision through the glass. Quick release brackets are provided for detachably securing the enclosure to the front of a fireplace box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: HON Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Wayne Johnson, Marc Thomas Fuller, Dan Curtis Shimek
  • Publication number: 20020083945
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a fireplace having a firebox chamber exhausting upwardly to a chimney, a front opening and fuel positioned in the firebox chamber and more specifically to an easily removable cover apparatus for the upper portion of the front opening whereby air flowing through the front opening will predominately flow through the lower portion of the firebox which increases the air flow onto the fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: John M. Lynn, Frances Armstrong
  • Patent number: 6298844
    Abstract: The herein taught invention generally relates to domestic fireplaces particularly of the wood burning type and a method of, and apparatus for sealing such fireplaces to prevent the loss of conditioned air (heated and/or cooled) from the living quarters through such fireplaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Sharon B. Skinkiss
  • Patent number: 6138667
    Abstract: A gas fueled direct vent fireplace has a firebox within an outer casing, the firebox having a mounting plate above the floor of the casing for mounting burner support brackets, a pilot light assembly, a gas valve and control assembly, and other conventional elements for controlling the burner. The mounting plate includes an explosion blow-out valve plate and a vacuum release plate which are spring biased to close respective ports. The valve plate opens when the gas pressure within the firebox is excessive, and the vacuum release plate opens if the release of pressure from the firebox causes the firebox to become subatmospheric. The firebox has a frontal opening which is closed by a glass access door having an extrusion at upper and lower edges and side edge protectors. The extrusions have portions which face the interior of the firebox to be grasped by latches mounted on the firebox to tightly secure the glass access door to the firebox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Temco Fireplace Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Cakebread
  • Patent number: 6073625
    Abstract: A fireplace opening closure for closing the front opening of a fireplace when the fireplace is not in use. The fireplace opening closure includes a generally rectangular board with front and back faces, top and bottom edges, and a pair of side edges extending between the top and bottom edges of the board. The edges of the board are inserted into the longitudinal slots of a plurality of elongate edging members including top and bottom edging members and a pair of side edging members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventor: Jody W. Ball
  • Patent number: 6029654
    Abstract: A vented wood or gas-log fireplace is formed from a sheet metal member bent to form side and rear panels. A pair of spaced apart sheet metal plates are connected between the side panels and have rear edges spaced from the rear panel. The rear edges of the plates are bent to form lips extending in a direction toward the opposite plate. Bracket members are secured to the plates adjacent the side panels. A rear refractory member is positioned between the plates in engagement with the lips, and side refractory panels are positioned in abutment with a respective side sheet metal panel and held in place by the bracket members, the side ceramic panels abutting the rear ceramic panel at the sides thereof. A top panel is fastened to the top edges of the side panels above the top plate and a conduit extends through the top plate with the top panel to communicate the combustion chamber with an exhaust pipe or chimney.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Temco Fireplace Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Melvin Wade
  • Patent number: 5901701
    Abstract: An unvented gas-log fireplace is formed from a sheet metal member bent to form side and rear panels. A pair of spaced apart sheet metal plates are connected between the side panels and have rear edges spaced from the rear panel. The rear edges of the plates are bent to form lips extending in a direction toward the opposite plate. Bracket members are secured to the plates adjacent the side panels. A rear refractory member is positioned between the plates in engagement with the lips, and side refractory panels are positioned in abutment with a respective side sheet metal panel and held in place by the bracket members, the side ceramic panels abutting the rear ceramic panel at the sides thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Temco Fireplace Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Melvin Wade
  • Patent number: 5839428
    Abstract: An unvented fuel burning appliance that includes a firebox, a burner and a front door releasably securable to the firebox. The firebox has an open front and enclosed bottom, rear, side and top surfaces. The door has a central panel with a catalytic converter positioned on the upper portion of the central panel. Exhaust gases from the burner are directed through the catalytic converter prior to exiting the firebox such that the catalytic converter eliminates or reduces harmful or noxious gases and particulate material contained within the exhaust gases. Heat that is generated by the operation of the catalytic converter is substantially directed, by way of radiation and convection, outwardly through the front of the appliance to reduce heat generated and maintained at the top of the firebox and thereby reduce the heating of the top surface of the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Napoleon Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schroeter, Cliff Lilley, Richard Tjart
  • Patent number: 5755215
    Abstract: A closed-combustion gas fireplace having a glass panel and a means for reducing the temperature of the upper end of the glass panel is disclosed. The temperature reducing means comprises a downwardly depending baffle spaced apart from the upper end of the glass panel to form a channel within the combustion chamber adjacent the upper end of the glass panel. The channel reduces movement of hot gases adjacent the upper end of the glass panel thereby reducing the glass temperatures at that location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Superior Fireplace Company
    Inventors: Robert R. Mickens, J. Timothy French, Samir E. Barudi
  • Patent number: 5301655
    Abstract: A fireplace draft eliminator is provided for a fireplace having an opening in a front face about a hearth, and consists of a rear plate being of the same size and shape as the opening, so as to fit into the opening. An internal support frame is slightly smaller in size and shape as the rear plate and is attached to a front surface of the rear plate. A resilient gasket is mounted on the periphery of the internal support frame. The internal support frame and the gasket together are of the same size and shape as the rear plate, so as to also fit into the opening, with the gasket forming a seal about the opening and the hearth. A front plate is of generally the same shape as, but of greater marginal extent in height and width than the opening. The front plate is attached to a front surface of the internal support frame, so that the front plate can cover the opening and rest flat against the front face of the fireplace to eliminate the draft through the opening, when the fireplace is not being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Inventor: Anthony E. Licata
  • Patent number: 5263471
    Abstract: A high efficiency clean burning fireplace for burning solid fuels at pyrolytic temperatures is provided with refractory walls maintained about 1100.degree. Fahrenheit at different burning rates. A top wall of the combustion chamber includes an exhaust stack and a primary air heat exchanger having an exhaust manifold for discharging primary preheated combustion air down and across the inside surface of glass panels in the doors of the fireplace. A secondary air heat exchanger is mounted below the primary air heat exchanger and separated therefrom by a top refractory panel in the combustion chamber. The secondary air heat exchanger exhaust manifold is in the combustion chamber and discharges secondary combustion air across the top of the combustion chamber and into the primary combustion air creating a high turbulence and complete burning of the secondary production of combustion while heating the refractory walls above a pyrolytic temperature at different burning rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventors: Ronald J. Shimek, Daniel C. Shimek, James F. Wolf
  • Patent number: 5191877
    Abstract: An insertable gas conversion unit for insertion into existing wood burning fireplaces comprises an insertable gas fireplace conversion unit having a fire box combustion chamber and a gas burner mounted therein. The combustion chamber is covered with a decorative glass door. The conversion unit comprises a first coupling unit which is connected to the chimney of the exhaust outlet of the existing fireplace and further comprises a second coupling unit which is connected to the exhaust gas outlet of said fire box of said conversion unit. Said first and second coupling units telescopically fit one into the other during the assembly and insertion of the gas fireplace unit in the existing wood burning fireplace so as to provide a gas fireplace conversion of a wood burning fireplace without requiring any custom fitting or parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Inventors: Ronald J. Shimek, Daniel C. Shimek
  • Patent number: 5167219
    Abstract: A frame assembly (10) for a fireplace opening (12) comprises a frame member (24) and a clip (26). The frame member (24) includes segments (28, 30, 32, and 34) of discrete length that are fitted to sidewall portions (14, 16, 18, and 20) of the fireplace opening (12). The frame member (24) has semicircular channel (46) and an access opening (48) to the channel that are directed longitudinally along the length of the frame member (24). The clip (26) includes a lip (72) that is sized to be received within the semicircular channel (46) of the frame member (24), the clip (26) being slidable or otherwise positionable at desired locations along the length of any of the segments (28, 30, 32, and 34). The clip (26) extends outwardly from the frame member (24) for attachment to the sidewall portions (14, 16, 18, and 20) of the fireplace opening ( 12) by a fastener (90) that extends through an aperture (76) in the clip (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Design Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Ehmke
  • Patent number: 5052371
    Abstract: An improved guillotine-type door for a fireplace enclosure. An improved guillotine-type door, characterized by the fact that it opens by rotating around a lower pivoting axis (15), the ends of which are lower fingers (13) for guidance along vertical glides, the said lower fingers receiving the end attachment of the movable connection to the auxiliary mechanical device (31) for maneuvering, and being immobilized in the bottom lower position by a holding device (22), and by the fact that each vertical glide has a device for lateral disengagement at the level of each upper finger (14), for the purpose of allowing the door to be inclined, then pivoted around the lower axis (15). This invention is of interest for manufacturers of fireplace enclosures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Fondis, S.A.
    Inventor: Richard Robert
  • Patent number: 4971032
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fireplace shield for closing off and sealing the opening of a fireplace during the time period when the active fire is dying out so as to prevent heat loss from a living area and down draft into a living area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Century Fireplace Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventor: Maxwell Gardner
  • Patent number: 4967731
    Abstract: A flat cover formed of a fire resistant material is provided for use when igniting objects in a fireplace. The cover has an access and air opening which is disposed on the cover so that when the cover is positioned over the fireplace opening, the access and air opening is near the hearth area to permit access to the objects through the access and air opening while obstructing air flow into the fireplace except in the hearth region. The cover is rigid and may be formed of hingedly connected panels to permit folding and storage of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Inventor: Diane D. Terhune