Modular fireplace cabinets
A modular assembly for fireplace insert cabinets comprises at least two modules. Each module has a generally planar top and a support bottom. At least one of the modules is adapted for supporting a fireplace insert, and the other module includes a cavity having an opening and containing an article support.
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This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/715,519 which was filed on Sep. 9, 2005 and which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTIONThe present invention relates to gas fireplace inserts. More particularly, the present invention relates to a modular system of fireplace cabinets for containing gas fireplace inserts.
Gas fireplace inserts have been utilized for many years as an alternative to a wood burning fireplace. Gas fireplace inserts provide the warmth and appearance of a wood burning fireplace, while also being able to be conveniently lit with an igniter that is typically connected to a light switch. Further, the person enjoying the fire does not have to contend with providing a supply of wood or lighting the wood, which at times can be difficult and frustrating.
Typically, a gas fireplace insert is either positioned into a hearth of an existing wood burning fireplace or a custom made structure is constructed to support and contain the gas fireplace insert. A custom made structure is relatively expensive to construct, and therefore may prevent potential customers from purchasing a gas fireplace insert.
Modular constructions have advantages of using basic forms assembled together, rather than having the requirement for individual custom made cabinets for each type of arrangement. The present invention relates to this modularity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention includes a modular assembly for fireplace insert cabinets comprises at least two modules that are stacked one on top of the other. Each module has a generally planar top and a support bottom. At least one of the modules is adapted for supporting a fireplace insert, and the other module includes a cavity having an opening and containing an article support.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The components of a modular cabinet for a gas fireplace insert are generally illustrated in
The module 10 can be used as a base for the module 22 or a cabinet that is positioned on a top planar surface 24 of the module 22. The modules 10 and 22 have similar dimensions including a width A at the top surface and a length B such that the cabinets 10 and 22 fit into a corner of a room. The modules 10 and 22 also have a height D. A width C of the base is less than the width A at the top surface such that either module can be stacked upon each other irrespective of what module is utilized as the lower module. Optional decorative columns 18 can be utilized on beveled front corners having a width E. The opening 14 can be provided with doors as shown in some of the later embodiments, of various styles, and the shelves 16 within the cavity 17 can be replaced with wine racks, or glass racks, or other article supports.
The module 22 is a corner cabinet having substantially the same dimensions as the module 10 and includes a planar top 24, a support bottom 21 with a substantially planar surface and a front opening 26 in a front surface 25 that provides access to a cavity 27 for accepting the gas fireplace insert. The front opening 26 is of a sufficient size to receive a fireplace insert and support doors for that insert. Fireplace inserts are shown in subsequent figures, and the actual construction of the fireplace insert is shown schematically in
The module 28 has a height D, a length C at the base, a width E at the base, a width B at the top surface that is greater than the width E at the base and a length A at the top surface which is greater than the length C at the base. The width E and the length C of the base are both less than the width B and the length A at the top surface such that the cabinet 28 can be positioned on the top surface 40 of the cabinet 36 with sufficient stability as well as if the cabinet 36 is positioned on the top surface 32 of the cabinet 28.
The modules 10, 22, 28 and 36 shown in
Referring to
The platform 48 typically is about 3½ inches high, and thus can be manufactured individually as shown in
A platform is shown at 50 in
A typical assembly of the modular units is shown in
The modules permit stacking in different orders, so that the fireplace can be raised up as shown in
As illustrated in
The module assemblies thus permit one to make various combination that can be changed easily to provide different looks. Only a selected number of cabinet designs are needed to provide a full range of selectable models. The platforms shown in
Wine racks or glass racks, or any other accessory or article supports, or any combination thereof can be secured into the cabinets in place of shelves. While transparent doors on the modules 10, 28 are typical various optional door styles are available.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A modular assembly for fireplace insert cabinets comprising at least two modules, each module having a generally planar top and a support bottom for stacking one module on top of the other module, at least one of the modules being adapted for supporting a fireplace insert, and the other module being provided a cavity having an opening and containing an article support.
2. The modular assembly of claim 1 wherein the at least two modules are adapted for installation in a corner of a room one on top of the other.
3. The modular assembly of claim 1 wherein the at least two modules are adapted for mounting on a flat wall of a room one on top of the other.
4. The modular assembly of claim 1 and further comprising a platform having a generally flat surface adapted to be supported selectively on either of the planar top or at the support bottom of each of the modules.
5. The modular assemble of claim 1 and further comprising at least two platforms of different heights wherein each platform includes a generally flat surface adapted to be supported selectively on either of the planar top or at the support bottom of each of the modules.
6. The modular assembly of claim 1 and wherein the article support comprises at least one shelf.
7. The modular assembly of claim 1 and wherein the article support comprises a wine rack.
8. The modular assembly of claim 1 and wherein the article support comprises a glass rack.
9. The modular assembly of claim 1 and further comprising at least one door rotatably positioned over the opening in the module.
10. A modular assembly for fireplace insert cabinets comprising a first module having a generally planar top and a support bottom and being adapted for supporting a fireplace insert, and at least one platform for position on the generally planar top to provide a mantel.
11. The modular assembly of claim 10 and further comprising a second module and wherein the second module comprises a generally planar top and a support bottom and a cavity having an opening and containing an article support and wherein the second module is positionable on top of the platform such that the first module supports the second module or below the first module such that the second module supports the first module.
12. The modular assembly of claim 11 and further comprising a second platform positioned on top of the second module or between the first and second module.
13. The modular assembly of claim 12 and wherein the first and second modules are of different heights.
14. The modular assembly of claim 11 wherein the at least two modules are adapted for installation in a corner of a room one on top of the other.
15. The modular assembly of claim 11 wherein the at least two modules are adapted for mounting on a flat wall of a room one on top of the other.
16. The modular assembly of claim 11 and wherein the article support comprises at least one shelf.
17. The modular assembly of claim 11 and wherein the article support comprises a wine rack.
18. The modular assembly of claim 11 and wherein the article support comprises a glass rack.
19. The modular assembly of claim 11 and further comprising at least one door rotatably positioned over the opening in the module.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 11, 2006
Publication Date: Sep 27, 2007
Applicant: Hussong Manufacturing Co., Inc. (Lakefield, MN)
Inventors: James Hussong (Spirit Lake, IA), Thomas Drexler (Lakefield, MN)
Application Number: 11/518,848
International Classification: F24B 1/18 (20060101);