TOPDOWN SIMULATED FLAME

Abstract

The present invention includes an apparatus and method of simulating a flame. The apparatus and method provides a top down projection of a simulated flame. The simulated flame may include a multilayered flame effect and may be viewed from both the front and the rear so as to provide a realistic uninterrupted flame with varying color. One embodiment may include a light source, a gobo with a flame pattern formed therein, a rotating disc that spins on a motor, and a lens. The light is formed into a flame pattern by the gobo transmitted through the disc such that the refraction and intensity of the light transmitting therethrough is constantly altered as the disc rotates. The lens focuses the flame pattern. In one embodiment the present invention may include a generally see-through viewing screen onto which the flame pattern is projected.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to simulated patterns for fireplaces. More specifically, this invention relates to electric fireplaces and an apparatus and method for simulating a flame therein.

BACKGROUND

Gas, electric, and wood burning fireplaces are an efficient method for providing warmth and creating the appeal of a fire within a room. Fireplaces have become commonplace for both residential and commercial buildings. Most new home construction designs include at least one, and often several, fireplaces. Further, a significant number of remodeling projects are focused on fireplaces.

Electric fireplaces are popular because they provide the visual qualities of real fireplaces without the costs and complications associated with venting of the combustion gases. Similarly, free-standing stove facsimile units burning natural gas are popular alternatives to real fireplaces. However, combustion gases must be vented. For many buildings, electric stove facsimile units are therefore preferable.

An assembly for producing a simulated flame for electric fireplaces is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,707 (Butterfield). The Butterfield assembly uses a system of billowing ribbons and a diffusion screen for simulating flames. Other assemblies for producing realistic simulated flames may be disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,580 (Hess et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,489 (Hess et al.), and U.S. Pat. No. 3,978,598 (Rose et al.).

Some flame simulating assemblies may use systems including a billowing flame effect element having a plurality of slits with flame shapes cut into it. Alternatively, other assemblies may include a solid flame element with flame shapes cut into it and a diffusion screen onto which images resembling flames are projected. In some of the disclosed flame simulating assemblies, light from a light source may be reflected toward at least one flicker element disposed at the rear of a simulated firebox to produce an image resembling moving flames. The image is then reflected onto a screen. The light source may provide light directed generally upwardly from underneath a partly translucent simulated fuel bed to cause the simulated fuel bed to resemble burning logs and embers. However, the light directed upwardly may not vary in intensity. In other apparatuses, the effect may lie in the vibration of the light source or may result in an unrealistic downward flame motion.

In the prior art simulated flame, the flames may be viewed on a back lighted surface located behind the decorative logs. Projecting the image of the flame in this manner may result in an unrealistic appearance of the flames because there is poor illusion of flame depth.

Positioning a static reflector inside the simulated ember bed is another method of producing simulated flame. An example static reflector may be disclosed in U.K. Patent No. 414,280 (Davis et al.), U.K. Patent No. 1,186,655 (Reed et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 1,992,540 (Newton), U.S. Pat. No. 3,699,697 (Painton), and U.S. Pat. No. 4,890,600 (Meyers). In each of these patents, however, a static reflector is positioned inside a structure which forms all or a portion of a simulated pile of burning fuel.

There is therefore a continued need for methods and apparatuses for producing a simulated flame.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present invention may be an electric fireplace with a flame simulating apparatus that includes a back panel, a top panel, a bottom panel, opposed side panels, and a front panel defining a viewable interior chamber, a simulated fire log set positioned on the bottom panel, a screen removably inserted into the interior chamber, and an apparatus for projecting an image of a flame on at least the screen including a housing, a light source mounted within the housing, a gobo with a flame pattern therein mounted in the housing and in the path of the light from the light source, a motor operably mounted to the housing, and a disc with surface features on at least one side thereof operably attached to the motor so as to spin about an axis, the light from the light source transmitting through the disc such that the refraction and intensity of the light transmitting therethrough is constantly altered.

One embodiment may be an electric fireplace with a flame simulating apparatus including a back panel, a top panel, a bottom panel, opposed side panels, and a front panel defining a viewable interior chamber, a simulated fire log set positioned on the bottom panel, and an apparatus for projecting an image of a flame on at least the screen that includes a housing, a light source mounted within the housing, a gobo with a flame pattern therein mounted in the housing and in the path of the light from the light source, a motor operably mounted to the housing, and a disc with surface features on at least one side thereof operably attached to the motor so as to spin about an axis, the light from the light source transmitting through the disc such that the refraction and intensity of the light transmitting therethrough is constantly altered.

Another embodiment may include a method of producing a simulated flame pattern on a screen, the method including emitting light from a light source, directing the light through a means for shaping the light into a flame pattern, passing the flame patterned light through a rotating disc, the rotating disc continuously distorting and refracting the flame patterned light, and focusing the flame patterned light onto an at least partially see-through screen wherein a flame pattern is created that is constantly changing to enhance the illusion of a flame.

Still another embodiment may include an apparatus for simulating a flame in a fireplace comprising, a light source, a gobo with a flame pattern formed therein, the light from the light source being transmitted through the gobo and shaped by the flame pattern, and a disc operably attached to a motor so as to spin about an axis and operably positioned in the path of the light transmitted through the gobo, the disc including random surface features on at least one side thereof, wherein the flame patterned light from the gobo is transmitted through the disc such that the refraction and intensity of the light transmitting therethrough is constantly altered as the disc rotates.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment fireplace that includes the flame simulation apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cut away perspective view of the fireplace of FIG. 1 taken along the plane A-A.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the flame simulation apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of one embodiment of a disc of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an elevational view one embodiment of a gobo of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, the present invention is applicable to fireplaces. In particular, the apparatus and method disclosed herein may be utilized for displaying a simulated flame pattern for an electric fireplace. The apparatus and method provides a top down projection of a simulated flame onto and through a generally see-through viewing surface placed in the fireplace. The simulated flame may include a multilayered flame effect and may be viewed from both the front and the rear so as to provide a realistic uninterrupted simulated flame with varying color and intensity. Moreover, the simulated flame may be projected on, between, and in front of decorative logs placed in the fireplace. Furthermore, the top down projection may enhance the simulated flame effect. In further embodiments, the illumination provided by the present invention apparatus and method may simulate embers on the decorative logs in a realistic front to back motion.

While example embodiments presented herein are described in conjunction with an electric fireplace, the present invention is equally applicable to other systems or apparatuses for simulating a flame. It will be appreciated that while it is expected that incorporation into an electric fireplace or stove is likely to be the primary use of the invention, it is not necessarily the only use. The embodiments of the present invention may be used in conjunction with any system or apparatus where simulation of a natural fire is desired, such as with gas fireplaces. The specification and drawings describe and disclose only some of the specific forms of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the claims that follow herein.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, a fireplace 10 may generally include an enclosure 12. The enclosure 12 may include a back panel 14, a top panel 16, a bottom panel 18, opposed side panels 20 and 22, and a front panel 24. As is common in the manufacturing of such fireplaces, the front 24, back 14, top 16, bottom 18 and side panels 20-22 generally define a hollow open interior chamber 26 that houses and retains the primary components of the fireplace 10. In one embodiment, a flame simulating apparatus 28 may be secured generally in the middle of the front panel 24 of the enclosure 12. In this embodiment of the flame simulation apparatus 28 may be on the inside of the front panel 24 and pointed towards the interior chamber 26. Also situated within hollow chamber 26 may be a simulated fire log set 30. Simulated fire log set 30 may be made of any one of a wide variety of materials (such as wood, ceramic, or synthetic materials) and is designed to mimic the logs and the embers of a wood or coal burning fire. Fire log set may also include a rear log 31. As may be appreciated, the front panel 24 may cover a portion of the interior chamber 26 or may cover the entire front side of the interior chamber 26 and also include a viewing pane or small opening to provide an observer a view of the fireplace. In other embodiments, the flame simulation apparatus 28 can be attached at other positions as desired.

With reference to FIGS. 4-6, the flame simulating apparatus 28 will herein be further described. In one embodiment, the flame simulating apparatus 28 may include a light source 32, a gobo 34, a disc 36, a motor 38, a lens 40, and a housing 42. The housing 42 may be secured to the front panel 24 or top panel 16 of the enclosure 12 and may be formed as shown. A hole 44 may be formed through one side of the housing 42 through which the simulated flame may be projected. The housing 42 may be positioned such that the hole 44 is generally pointed towards the interior of the chamber 26 and the fire log set 30. The housing 42 may also point the hole 44 towards a screen 43 placed in the interior of the interior chamber 26. The lens 40 may be secured in or near the hole 44 in the path of the light from the light source 32. The motor 38 may be further secured to the housing 42 with the disc 36 operably attached to the motor 38 such that the motor can rotate the disc 36 at a desired speed. The light source 32 may be attached to the housing 42 or separately to the interior chamber 26 of the fireplace 10. The gobo 34 may be positioned between the light source 32 and the disc 36 such that the light from the light source 32 is directed through the gobo 34, through the disc 36, through the lens 40, and into the interior chamber 26 of the fireplace 10.

In one embodiment, the flame simulating apparatus 28 may project the simulated flames onto a screen 43, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and which is further described below. The screen 43 is positioned in the interior chamber 26 behind or through a portion of the fire log set 30 and in front of log 31. The simulated flame may also project on the various panels of interior of enclosure 12 and the fire log set 30 while also projecting on the screen 43. In other embodiments no screen 43 may be installed in the enclosure 12 and the simulated flame projects only on the fire log set 30 and on the panels that form the enclosure 12.

The light source 32 may be an LED array, a halogen lamp, an incandescent lamp, or any other suitable light producing apparatus known to those in the art. The light source 32 may be connected to an electrical system (not shown) that is part of the fireplace 10 or directly to the electrical system of the house or other building in which the fireplace 10 is installed. The light source 32 may be positioned to project generally downwards from the flame simulating apparatus 28 and with a slight front to back orientation such that the light is projected onto the screen 43 at a desired angle. The light source 32 may also project light on the fire log set 30 and the interior surfaces of the fireplace 10. The light projected on to the log set 30 may simulate a flame pattern as well as an ember pattern. In one embodiment the light source may be a light bulb that is about 2 inches in diameter and 35 watts. In other embodiments the light source may be smaller or larger and vary intensity.

The light source 32 may project clear or colored light. The light source 32 may further include a filter (not shown) to color the light. In one embodiment the filter may cause the projected light to be yellow. In another embodiment the filter may cause the projected light to be orange. As will be appreciated, a number of different colors or combinations of color may be utilized depending on the desired look of the simulated flame.

The gobo 34 may be a thin plate with a pattern cut in it to create a pattern of projected light. The term “gobo” may be derived from a contraction of “go between,” as in the gobo goes between the light source and the screen 43. The gobo 34 may also be referred to as a cookie, a flag, a mask or by other terms. The gobo 34 may be manufactured in a variety of sizes and shapes and may be made of metal, plastic, fabric, wood, or glass sheet. In one embodiment, the gobo 34 is a glass disc that includes a flame pattern 46 imprinted thereon to shape or pattern the light emitted by the light source 32. The flame pattern 46 may be printed onto the glass disc by outlining a flame shape using an opaque paint or other covering. The flame pattern 46 may further include flame coloring. In further embodiments the gobo 34 may be a metal sheet with a flame pattern cut out of the disc. The gobo 34 may be about 50 mm across but in other embodiments may be larger or smaller depending on the size of the other components of the flame simulating apparatus 28. In further embodiments, the gobo 34 may be replaced by a transparency.

The flame pattern 46 of the gobo 34 may be colored so as to enhance the color of the light projected from the light source 32. In an embodiment where the flame pattern is cut into a metal sheet or other material to form the gobo 34, the flame pattern 46 may be filled in with colored glass, plastic, or other materials that impart color on the light shining therethrough. The gobo 34 may be attached to the housing 42 utilizing a gobo holder (not shown), which may be a frame that houses the gobo and which can be fitted or otherwise attached to the housing 42 to keep the gobo 34 in the desired position. In the present embodiment, the gobo 34 may be positioned such that the top of the simulated flames point generally towards the front panel 24 of the fireplace 10. The light source 32 projects the top portion of the simulated flame towards the top of the screen 43.

The disc 36 may be made of a cathedral hammered glass. Utilization of a hammered glass to form disc 36 may allow the glass to have a generally random texture and thickness. The texture, which may include formations and grooves, may randomly distort and refract the light beam projected through the disc 36. Hammered glass may not necessarily be manufactured by hammering glass, but may be made by placing molten glass on a surface and rolling an object across the molten glass to texture it and produce varied thicknesses and formations. Another technique that may be employed is to pour molten glass onto a metal table top. The upper surface will be, for the most part, smooth and glossy but the lower surface may include an irregular knobbly patterning caused by the way in which the glass reacts with the metal surface. The knobbles may have the appearance of having been hammered flat.

The disc 36 may be approximately 4.5 inches in diameter but may also be larger or smaller as desired depending on the size of the flame simulating apparatus 28 as a whole. The disc 36 in the present embodiment is secured to the motor 38 such that the motor 38 rotates the disc 36. The motor 38 may be any type of set or variable speed motor useful for continuous operation. The motor 38 may be preferably of the type that can be plugged into a standard outlet power source or may in further embodiments be powered by a battery. In further embodiments the motor 38 may be a variable speed motor that can be adjusted by a user.

In one embodiment the disc 36 may be rotated counterclockwise at approximately four rotations per minute. In other embodiments, the disc 36 may be rotated up to eight or more rotations per minute. The rotation speed of the disc 36 may affect the appearance of the simulated flame, with faster flames resulting from a faster rotation of the disc 36. As maybe appreciated, the diameter of the disc 36 and where the light is focused on the disc (whether near the outside of the disc 36 or nearer to the center) may also affect the apparent speed of the simulated flames.

In one embodiment, the simulated flames projected on the screen 43 may appear to rise faster on one side of the screen 43 as compared to the other. The flames may appear to be rising faster because the light from the light source 32 may be passing through the disc 36 further from the center of rotation. Though the different points on the disc 36 are rotating at the same number of revolutions per minute, a point further from the disc 36 center will have a greater radial velocity than a point closer to the center. The flames therefore change faster and appear to rise faster.

In the present embodiment, the light from the light source 32 is only projected through a portion of the disc 36 at any given time. As the motor 38 spins, different portions of the disc 36 are brought into the path of the light from the light source 32. The light that is projected through the lens 40 therefore may be continually changing due to the variations in distortion and refraction caused by the disc 38. The light may change in, for example, intensity, color, and direction.

In one embodiment, disc 36 may include coloring 37 placed on the disc. The coloring 37 may be placed in the valleys created by the hammered glass formations in order to add color and intensity variation to the light projected through disc 36. The coloring 37 may be paint on the glass and may include one or more colors that change the color and intensity of the light. As disc 36 is rotated it may imbue the projected light with randomness similar to a natural flame pattern. The paint may include orange, yellow, and black colors that either color the light passing therethrough or substantially block the light.

In other embodiments, the coloring 37 may block or substantially block the light from passing through the disc 36. In still further embodiments, the coloring 37 may be formed by utilization of colored glass.

In further embodiments the disc 36 may be made of plastic or plexiglass. In still further embodiments, the disc 36 may include a surface treated to enhance the refraction of light passing therethrough. In one embodiment the glass of the disc 36 may be sandblasted or roughened. The disc 36 may also be translucent, clear, or have varying light transmittal properties as desired. The opacity of the glass can be adjusted to change the appearance and intensity of the simulated flames.

The lens 40 may be provided to focus the flame shaped light that has passed from the light source 32, through the gobo 34, and through the disc 36. The lens 40 may be utilized to cause the flame pattern to be properly projected onto screen 43, the fire log set 30, and/or the interior of the enclosure 12 in the desired manner. In one embodiment, the lens 40 may be a 38 mm lens with approximately a 5.0 cm focal length. In another embodiment, the lens 40 may be a double convex lens. In still a further embodiment, the lens 40 may me a double convex lens. When the lens 40 is a double convex lens it “flips” the image as it passes through the lens 40. In such a situation the gobo 34 may be oriented to produce the flame patterned light in the desired manner on the screen 43. With disc 36 rotating counterclockwise (from the perspective of the light source 32) the image projected on viewing screen 43A, for example, may be therefore changed by disc 36 from the bottom up as perceived by an observer. In this manner the simulated flame mimics the manner in which real flames change.

The screen 43 may be a generally rectangular thin sheer material that is see-through and that includes a viewing surface 43A. In one embodiment the screen 43 may be made of a chiffon material. Chiffon is a lightweight sheer material with a slightly rough feel to it and can be made from cotton, silk, or synthetic fibers such as nylon. Under a magnifying glass chiffon may resemble a fine net or mesh. The mesh nature of chiffon allows the material to be partially see-through and partially reflective. Chiffon can be dyed to almost any shade desired and in the present embodiment the material is dyed to match the back panel 14, bottom panel 18, and fire log set 30 of the fireplace 10 enclosure 12. In other embodiments the screen 43 may be black or other colors and combinations of colors as desired. The chiffon material of the screen 43 may further change the resolution and appearance of objects viewed through the viewing surface 43A and therefore provide further enhancement to the illusion of a real flame by causing objects on the other side to appear distorted.

The screen 43 may be mounted in a spring steel frame 50 (not shown) that may impart a desired amount of tension. In some embodiments the frame 50 may also curve the viewing surface 43A of the screen 43. The curve of the screen 43 may be from top to bottom and/or back to front. In further embodiments the screen 43 may be positioned in the enclosure 12 with a slant from top to bottom or side to side or some combination thereof. The curve and slant in the viewing surface 43A may help provide an additional illusion of depth to the simulated flame.

The frame 50 may be positioned in the interior chamber 26 in a groove (not shown) that runs through or into part of the top panel 16, bottom panel 18, and opposed side panels 20 and 22. It is preferable that the steel frame 50 fit in the groove and not be visible to the observer. The frame 50 allows screen 43 to be easily replaced if it is damaged or if a different color background is desired. The use of the screen 43 may help to provide depth of view and give the flame effect enhanced realism.

Use of chiffon, or other fabric that is partially see-through, to form screen 43 allows the simulated flame from the flame simulating apparatus 28 to be projected on the material and also through the material onto the back panel 14, fire log set 30, and other portions of the fireplace 10. In other words, multiple flame images may be produced on multiple surfaces from the single flame simulation apparatus 28. In further embodiments, the viewing surface 43A of screen 43 may be treated to appear sooty or charred. In still further embodiments, the interior surfaces of the fireplace 10 may also be charred, stained, or otherwise treated to have the appearance of a real fireplace.

In further embodiments, the fireplace 10 may not include a screen 43. The flame simulating apparatus 28 may instead project the simulated frame directly onto the various panels that form the interior chamber 26 and upon the simulated fire log set 30. The angle of projection and coloring of the simulated flame and the components of the fireplace 10 may be adjusted to optimize the effect of the simulated flame.

The simulated flame produced by the flame simulating apparatus 28 may be constantly shimmering and changing color to provide a realistic flame effect on all surfaces. Because the simulated flame changes from the bottom up, the simulated flames produced on the screen 43 may appear to be drawn up the flue as would a true burning fire.

In further embodiments the flame simulation apparatus 28 may include two or more discs 38 attached to one or more motors. The discs 38 may be the same or different diameters and may rotate in the same or different directions. The utilization of two or more discs 38 rotating at different speeds or in different directions may add additional combinations of random light patterning to the flame simulation apparatus 28. Additional combinations will make it less likely that an observer will be able to recognize a pattern to the simulated flame and so may help to enhance the illusion. In further embodiments, multiple light sources 32 may be shined on the same disc 38 to produce more than one simulated flame. These simulated flames may also include a separate gobo 34 and lens 40.

In further embodiments, two different flame simulation apparatuses 28 may project overlapping or side by side images onto the same viewing surface 43A. In further embodiments, multiple screens 43 may be provided. In still further embodiments, multiple flame simulation apparatuses 28 may be focused on one or more screens. In still further embodiments, one flame simulation apparatus 28 may be project through one screen 43 and onto another screen.

In one embodiment, the projection length from the light bulb to the lens is about 3.0 to 3.5 inches. The flame image is projected from the top of the fireplace 10 to the screen 43 and onto the fire log set 30 over a distance of about 2.0 feet.

When focusing the flame simulation apparatus 28 it may be preferable to make the flames appear to come out of the fire log set 30 and not out of the interior walls of the fireplace 10. However, some light on the interior walls of the fireplace may be preferable to simulate reflected light.

In further embodiments, the speed of the motor 38 may be adjusted by the user to rotate the disc 36 faster or slower depending on the desired speed of the simulated flame pattern.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An electric fireplace with a flame simulating apparatus comprising:

a back panel, a top panel, a bottom panel, opposed side panels, and a front panel defining a viewable interior chamber;

a simulated fire log set positioned on the bottom panel; and

an apparatus for projecting an image of a flame on one or more of the panels of the interior chamber and the fire log set including:

a housing;

a light source mounted within the housing;

a gobo with a flame pattern therein mounted in the housing and in the path of the light from the light source;

a motor operably mounted to the housing; and

a disc with surface features on at least one side thereof operably attached to the motor so as to spin about an axis, the light from the light source transmitting through the disc such that the refraction and intensity of the light transmitting therethrough is substantially altered.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a screen removably inserted into the interior chamber wherein the image of the flame is projected onto the screen.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the screen is sheer and wherein the flame image is projected onto and through the screen.

4. (canceled)

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the disc is translucent.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a lens for focusing the simulated flame image.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the lens includes at least one of a double convex lens and a dual plano convex lens.

8. (canceled)

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the light source includes at least one of a standard light bulb, an LED, a halogen light bulb, and an incandescent lamp.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a filter operably positioned near the light source to color the light emitted from the light source.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the gobo is a thin plate with a flame pattern cut therein.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the gobo is a transparency.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the disc is formed of one or more of glass, hammered glass, cathedral glass, plexiglass, or plastic.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the motor is a variable speed motor.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein disc further comprises one or more sections that includes coloring in or on the disc.

16-17. (canceled)

18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the image of the flame is also projected on the simulated fire log set.

19. A method of producing a simulated flame pattern on a screen comprising:

emitting light from a light source;

directing the light through a means for shaping the light into a flame pattern;

passing the flame patterned light through a rotating disc, the rotating disc continuously distorting and refracting the flame patterned light; and focusing the flame patterned light onto an at least partially see-through screen wherein a flame pattern is created that is constantly changing to enhance the illusion of a flame.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein passing the flame patterned light through the rotating disc further comprises passing the flame patterned light through a rotating disc with an at least one section of colored area.

21. The method of claim 19 wherein directing the light through a means for shaping the light further comprises directing the light through a gobo.

22. The method of claim 19 wherein passing the flame patterned light through a rotating disc further comprises passing the flame patterned light through a cathedral glass disc with a series of random surface patterns on at least one side.

23. The method of claim 19 wherein focusing the flame patterned light further comprises focusing the flame patterned light with a double convex lens.

24. A apparatus for simulating a flame in a fireplace comprising:

a light source;

a gobo with a flame pattern formed therein, the light from the light source being transmitted through the gobo and shaped by the flame pattern; and

a disc operably attached to a motor so as to spin about an axis and operably positioned in the path of the light transmitted through the gobo, the disc including random surface features on at least one side thereof;

a sheer screen operably positioned in the path of the transmitted light onto which the simulated flame is projected,

wherein the flame patterned light from the gobo is transmitted through the disc such that the refraction and intensity of the light transmitting therethrough is constantly altered as the disc rotates.

25. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the sheer screen is at least partially see through such that the flame pattern is also at least partially projected through the screen.

26. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the light source is one of a standard light bulb, an LED, a halogen light bulb, or an incandescent lamp.

27. The apparatus of claim 23 further comprising a filter operably positioned near the light source to color the light emitted from the light source.

28. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the gobo is a thin plate.

29. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the gobo is a transparency.

30. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the disc is formed of one or more of glass, hammered glass, cathedral glass, plexiglass, or plastic.

31. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the motor is a variable speed motor.

32. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein disc further comprises one or more sections of colored area.

33. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the colored areas are one or more of orange and black.

34. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the disc further comprises random surface features.