THEMED FIREPLACE INSERTS

Abstract

An apparatus for decorating a fireplace is provided. The apparatus includes a fireplace insert at least one insert plate. The insert is configured to exist within the environment of the fireplace. The insert creatively illustrates a decorative theme such as a small scale scene within the fireplace. The insert can include a plurality of plates providing a three dimensional scene within the fireplace.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This disclosure claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/894,188 filed on Oct. 22, 2013 which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to fireplace inserts. In particular, examples of the present disclosure are related to a changeable system of themed inserts that are placed into a fireplace and prominently visible as the fire burns.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure. Accordingly, such statements are not intended to constitute an admission of prior art.

Human beings have enjoyed fire since the dawn of recorded history, both as a tool and as a source of enjoyment. When inside a dwelling, fire can be enjoyed within a fireplace. Fires contained within fireplaces have traditionally provided warmth for home heating, heat for cooking, and to provide a relaxing visual scene for a living room, bedroom, family room, or other room. The usual visual scene is that of logs burning. As natural gas fuel became available, gas fireplaces were provided. To improve enjoyment of a gas fireplace, ceramic logs were provided to emulate burning wood. A substitute for burning wood has been lava rocks or other rocks, emulating hot coals.

Electrically-lit faux fireplaces are known in the art wherein lights are provided upon an exemplary view of fake logs in order to give an impression of a fire.

Flat-screen displays are known in the art that present a recorded view of burning wood to create another form of faux fireplace.

A scale model diorama is a small scale representation of a scene or theme represented graphically. Dioramas can present a wide variety of historical scenes, landscapes, buildings, vehicles, ships, airplanes, sports themes, and other visibly interesting images. Dioramas can be presented in three dimensions, with models or shapes including perceptible thickness or with one layer being presented in front of another.

SUMMARY

An apparatus for decorating a fireplace is provided. The apparatus includes a fireplace insert at least one insert plate. The insert is configured to exist within the environment of the fireplace. The insert creatively illustrates a decorative theme such as a small scale scene within the fireplace. The insert can include a plurality of plates providing a three dimensional scene within the fireplace.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a set of exemplary fireplace insert plates including a city skyline, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary fireplace insert contained within a fireplace including a team logo, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a set of exemplary fireplace insert plates contained within a fireplace including a replaceable pair of team logos, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary three dimensional fireplace insert contained within a fireplace including a famous landmark, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a illustrating an exemplary fireplace insert contained within a fireplace including a famous natural landmark, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a illustrating an exemplary fireplace insert contained within a fireplace including a sports car, in accordance with the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 illustrates an insert including a set of removable insert plates and a set of slotted frames configured to receive the insert plates, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematics illustrating the components of a fireplace insert for a single-sided fireplace and their shapes, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematics illustrating the components of a fireplace insert for a double-sided fireplace and their shapes, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary traditional burning log scene in negative upon an insert plate, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary insert plate including a reflecting secondary plate attached thereto, in accordance with the present disclosure; and

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary double-sided fireplace including different themes and matching wall-hangings

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not illustrated in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art that the specific detail need not be employed to practice the present disclosure. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and/or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, it is appreciated that the figures provided herewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure may be embodied as an apparatus or process.

When a fire is started in a residential fireplace, the usual practice is to either to burn wood logs, artificial man-made logs, or to light a natural gas burner that is underneath a group of artificial logs. This latter practice simulates burning real wood, but without the need to buy wood or the trouble of cleaning up after it.

A fireplace insert for use in a gas fireplace is disclosed, wherein, instead of illustrating burning logs or hot embers, different visual small scale scenes can be displayed in the fireplace. In one embodiment, the visual scene presented upon an insert includes a diorama. A diorama can take many forms and can be presented in three dimensions. In the context of the present disclosure, a representation of to-scale or approximately to-scale logs cannot be considered either a small scale scene or a diorama. One embodiment illustrates a city's skyline or a recognizable building such as the Empire State Building or the Trans Union Building in San Francisco. Famous bridges such as San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge or the Brooklyn Bridge or dams such as Hoover Dam can be illustrated on an insert. Cities that suffered much damage during WWII from Allied firebombing such as Dresden or Tokyo can be illustrated with multiple insert plates and the fire burning to add realism. Famous castles such as Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, the Kremlin in Moscow, or Windsor outside London, England can be inserts. In one embodiment, Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria is one insert plate and the other insert plates illustrate the mountains that are next to as Neuschwanstein Castle. In another embodiment, Buckingham Palace is one insert plate and the front insert plate illustrates the Queen's Guard during a changing of the guard ceremony.

Famous battle scenes, such as from the American Civil War, Revolutionary War, or Roman battles can be illustrated. In one embodiment, Pickett's Charge at Cemetery Ridge during the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War is illustrated with multiple, changeable, insert plates. In one embodiment, Imperial German High Seas Grand Fleet and the British Royal Navy's Grand Fleet are illustrated in the famous 1916 Battle of Jutland. In one embodiment, U.S. Army General George Custer and the 7^th Calvary are illustrated at Little Bighorn in 1876, with Lakota Sioux warriors in a rear insert plate.

Small scale scenes illustrated in a fireplace insert can have a fantasy or sci-fi theme, with dragons or spaceships illustrated thereupon. Small scale scenes can have a religious or philosophical theme, for example, with a religious verse or with a yin and yang symbol thereupon.

Different geographical scenes such as an active volcano, the Grand Canyon, or mountain ranges can be illustrated. In one embodiment, the Grand Teton peaks are illustrated while in another, the Matterhorn with other peaks in the Alps are shown. In one embodiment, a mountainous hillside in Los Angeles County is illustrated burning, complete with the ocean in the background. A Hawaiian sunset with palm trees can be illustrated. Other natural scenes or items that can be illustrated are trees, flowers, animals, and fish. Scenes from movies plays, and TV shows can be illustrated. In one embodiment, a scene from a popular movie is illustrated.

Motor vehicles, rockets, and airplanes can be illustrated, including automobiles, sport cars, trucks, fire engines, eighteen wheelers, boats, ships, trains, and airplanes. In one embodiment, an Allied WWII bomber is illustrated burning and on a fiery decent to the ground, with a German Messerschmitt 109 circling high overhead. In one embodiment, a Saturn V5 rocket is illustrated during its lift-off to the moon in 1969. In another embodiment, a locomotive is illustrated emerging from a tunnel in a hillside. Materials can be selected for an insert such that a portion of a particular insert, such as the wheels of a car, can get red when exposed to flame, while the rest of the insert remains a normal color when heated.

Visual scenes including advertising logos or trademarks for products, sporting team logos, or colleges can be illustrated. A scene from a famous sports stadium can be illustrated. Other embodiments of scenes that can be illustrated include food related scenes, illustrated images such as a pig being roasted, shish-kabob, or hamburgers and brats being barbecued. An image related to outdoor sports, such as a fish, a deer, or a jet ski can be provided upon an insert.

The fire can be in front of each scene, illustrated by an insert plate, or behind it, backlighting it. Different materials can be used, such as iron, steel, aluminum, copper, ceramic, or porcelain. Fire resistant carbon fiber material can be utilized. Very thin layers of gold plating or other valuable metals can be provided upon an insert plate to create a desired visual effect. Different materials can be combined so that parts will glow while other parts will not. In one embodiment, a racecar is illustrated and the wheels are made from a metal that glows at a lower temperature than the body of the car.

The frame that holds the scenic insert plates can be either attached to the gas burners, or the burners or the burners can be an integral part of the frame assemble and used instead of a household's existing gas burner. In one embodiment, the frame and insert plate assembly will have a separate burner that attaches via a flexible gas line to the gas source in the fireplace, replacing the existing traditional natural gas burner. In one embodiment, this scenic assembly is configured to burn propane or another alternative fuel source. In one embodiment, the scenic assembly is designed to fit over a traditional natural gas or propane burner and not to replace this burner. To illustrate, FIG. 1, is a diagram illustrating a set of exemplary fireplace insert plates. Insert 5 includes a series of insert plates connected by a frame. The insert plates, which in this illustration includes a front insert plate 12, a middle insert plate 17, and a rear insert plate 16, are supported by frame 10. The frame 10 is any of a number of alternative embodiments of structures or brackets that can hold the insert plates in place. In one embodiment, the frame 10 supports a number of insert plates larger than three while in another embodiment, the frame 10 supports either one or two insert plates. In one embodiment, frame 10 can include a set of brackets or wires that attach to sides of plates 12, 17 and 16. On the sides of frame 10 can be a set of hinges connecting brackets of frame 10 to the plates, which allow insert 5 to be folded for shipping or storage. Gas line 18 is shown leading to burner 19 and flame 14 is above the burner. Gas line 18 can be a flexible or rigid line known in the art. In one embodiment, the flames are in front of front insert plate 12, but behind middle insert plate 17 and rear insert plate 16. Any number of fuel sources known in the art can be utilized by burner 19, for example, including but not limited to natural gas and propane.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary fireplace insert showing a team logo. Fireplace 71 is illustrated with combustion area 73 containing the fire and any inserts therewithin. Insert plate 72 is shown as an exemplary cut plate configured in a shape with a Detroit Lions® logo. Exemplary metal plates can be cut with intricate shapes with manufacturing devices known in the art, for example, with a computer-guided plasma cutter device. A craftsman may design an outline shape on a computer screen, send the design to the plasma cutter device, and repeatedly create the desired pattern upon sheets of metal or other materials. The surfaces and edges of the cut plate can be treated according to methods known in the art, for example, cleaning, deburring, or plating the surfaces to achieve a desired look on the plate. Burner 39 is illustrated with flame 34 highlighting the plate 72. The logo can be colored with heat resistant paint. An optional auxiliary plate 74 with writing thereupon is illustrated. In one embodiment, the plate can be constructed of a first material, e.g. steel, and the logo or writing can be constructed of a second material, e.g. ceramic. In addition to cutting an outline, it will be appreciated that internal portions of a plate can be cut away, for example, with the disclosed plasma cutting devices, and textured patterns can be etched into the surfaces of the plates, for example, with known laser cutting devices.

Given a computerized outline or model, a customized plate could be easily manufactured. For example, an insert manufacturer could accept a photo of a couple celebrating a twenty year anniversary, either digitally process the photo according to methods known in the art or artistically copy the photo to create an outline and/or cutouts, and provide to the couple a fireplace insert based upon the provided photo.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary fireplace insert illustrating a pair of replaceable insert plates that can easily be changed out for different occasions. Fireplace 211 is illustrated including fireplace insert 205. Insert 205 includes a first insert plate 209, a second insert plate 210, and a set of brackets 230, 231, and 232 configured to hold the insert plates. Brackets 230, 231, and 232 can be individual units, located simply by their connection to the plates, or the brackets can be connected together with a base plate or other connection between the brackets. Exemplary plate 209 displays a logo for The Ohio State University®, and insert plate 210 displays a logo for the University of Michigan®. An exemplary set of plate could be sold for the Big Ten Conference® wherein a removably installable plate is provided for each team in the conference, such that plate 209 could be removed and an alternative plate could be installed based upon a sporting event scheduled for the coming week. Burner 259 including flames 254 is illustrated.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary fireplace insert including a three dimensional diorama and a customized burner configured to a perimeter of the diorama. Fireplace 391 is illustrated including an exemplary three-dimensional insert 360 illustrating the Eiffel Tower of Paris. An exemplary three dimensional insert can be constructed of any of a number of materials and constructed by any of a number of manufacturing methods. For example, an insert can be formed by cement and painted or coated to a desired color. Another exemplary insert can be a die cast model. Another exemplary insert can be welded together from a number of plates and/or molded pieces of metal. Customized burner 399 is illustrated including gas line 395 and flames 394, wherein the burner 399 is configured to specifically run around an outside of insert 360. Other exemplary three dimensional inserts could include a swan, a lobster, an F-14 Tomcat, the planet Saturn, and a surfer riding a wave.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary insert plate illustrating a geographical landmark. Insert plate 410 is shown with insert plate Matterhorn Peak 422. Plate 410 includes exemplary square corner sections 417 and 218 facilitating interaction with a bracket to hold the plate as part of a freestanding fireplace insert. A boundary 416 of plate 410 is cut to provide a desired outline, and through holes 412 and slot 414 are cut to provide regions where light can pass through the plate, for example, from flames located behind the plate to the viewer in front of the plate. In one embodiment, a burner can be utilized with varying gas delivery configurations, such that an exemplary set of flames behind plate 410 would be larger and more intense than flames in front of plate 410 to provide a desired visual effect. Additionally, an optional texture 419 can be cut upon and not all the way through plate 410, such that light hitting the front of the plate can be reflected in an interesting way off of the texture.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary insert plate illustrating a sports car including regions of the insert selected to glow when exposed to heat. Semi-circular insert plate 510 is illustrated including an illustration of sports car 512 upon plate body 514. Body 516 of sports car 512 can be etched, painted, or provided with a secondary coating or attached piece of material to plate 510. Components 518 of sports car 512 are constructed from an exemplary metal that glows red at a lower temperature than the surrounding materials to provide a desired visual effect.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary fireplace insert 600 including a set of removable insert plates 602 and 604 and a set of slotted frames 610 and 612 configured to receive the insert plates. Each of slotted frames 610 and 612 include a series of slots 608 configured to receive corners of insert plates 602 and 604. By enabling movement of the insert plates 602 and 604 relative to the frames 610 and 612, the user can choose how the overall fireplace insert 600 appears. Plate 602 is positioned to be inserted into slots 611 and 613. Plate 604 is positioned to be inserted into slots 615 and 617.

Slots that hold the ends of insert plates can be configured in many ways. For example, slots can be molded into different shapes to allow for the insertion of only certain types of plates, such as those of a certain size, height or weight, depending on the size and shape of the frame, the size and shape of the fireplace, and the images or scenes displayed on the insert plates.

FIG. 7 additionally illustrates flaps 620 and 625, enabling a user to control how a flame interacts with the plate. For example, flap 620 is illustrated bent backwards, such that a flame underneath would tend to come up in front of plate 602. Flap 625 is illustrated bent forwards, such that a flame underneath would tend to come up behind plate 602. Flaps 620 and 625 can be constructed in a number of ways. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7, each flap includes a series of slots 626 cut into the material to make the flap easier to bend and a series of material bridges 627 remaining to keep the flaps attached to plate 602. A number of different embodiments of flaps are envisioned, and flaps 620 and 625 are provided as non-limiting examples.

A fireplace insert with a plurality of plates can be a fixed structure with an exemplary square or rectangular footprint. Such an assembly can include welded joints or joints fixed by fasteners. In another embodiment, insert plates can be locked into slots on one or both sides of the slotted frame by means of a locking or gate mechanism. In another embodiment, the base or footprint can be manufactured as a single piece. In another embodiment, the entire assembly can be manufactured as a single piece to fit the user's specifications for the user's particular fireplace.

Residential fireplaces typically are one of two types, single-sided or double-sided or free-standing. Single-sided fireplaces have a single opening to heat or decorate a room or rooms. Single-sided fireplaces have a front that opens to the room to be heated or decorated and a back that is closed or walled off by the back of the combustion area and that provides a single view to the user. Double-sided fireplaces have two, typically opposite, openings to heat or decorate a room or rooms. Free-standing fireplaces can be visible from a number of directions. Double-sided fireplaces lack a closed-off back, and provide at least two views to the user from either multiple rooms or different parts of the same room, and allow a user to look through the double-sided fireplace to view another room or a different part of the same room. It is envisioned that some embodiments of the present invention will fit and decorate other types of fireplaces as well.

Embodiments for use in single-sided fireplaces take into account the fact that single-sided fireplaces provide for only one view.

Fireplace inserts for use in single-sided fireplaces are designed such that the rear removable insert plates are elevated relative to the insert plates situated closer to the front of the fireplace, which opens into the room and provides the view of the combustion area and of the fireplace insert which is seen by viewers. The elevation of rear insert plates allows the scene or image to be more easily viewed in its entirety by viewers.

FIG. 8A is a schematic illustrating the components of an exemplary embodiment of a fireplace insert configured according to a fantasy theme. A set of removable and interchangeable insert plates 702 and 704 and a set of slotted frames 710 and 712 configured to receive the insert plates are illustrated. Each of slotted frames 710 and 712 include a series of slots 708 configured to receive corner slots 709 of insert plates 702 and 704. By enabling movement of the insert plates 702 and 704 relative to the frames 710 and 712, the user can choose and subsequently alter how the fireplace insert appears to viewers. In some embodiments one or more of the insert plates can be permanently fixed or attached to the slotted frame, such that only certain of the insert plates are removable and their placements can be changed to alter the scene shown in the single-sided fireplace to viewers by the fireplace insert. For example, in one embodiment an elevated rear insert plate of the embodiment designed for use in a single-sided fireplace can be permanently fixed or attached to the slotted frame, and the middle and front plates can be removable and interchangeable.

FIG. 8B illustrates components of an exemplary fireplace insert including a philosophical and/or religious theme. Insert plate 703 and a set of slotted frames 710 and 712 configured to receive the insert plate are illustrated. Each of slotted frames 710 and 712 include a series of slots 708 configured to receive corners of insert plate 703. By enabling movement of the insert plate 703 relative to the frames 710 and 712, the user can choose and subsequently alter how the fireplace insert appears to viewers. Insert plate 703 is illustrated with flaps 720, enabling a user to control how a flame interacts with the insert plate. By bending the flaps forward and backward, the user can control the manner in which the flames of the natural gas fireplace appear to viewers of a single-sided fireplace. By bending a flap backward, a flame arising underneath the insert plate would tend to come up in front of the insert plate. By bending the flap forward, a flame arising underneath the insert plate would tend to come up behind the insert plate. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8B, each flap includes a series of slots 726 cut into the material to make the flap easier to bend and a series of material bridges 727 remaining to keep the flaps attached to plate 703, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 8B illustrates slotted frames 710 and 712. In the illustrated embodiment, slotted frames 710 and 712 are constructed in a shape and configuration particular to fireplace inserts designed for use in single-sided fireplaces. Embodiments designed for use in single-sided fireplaces provide for one or more rear insert plates that are elevated relative to insert plates that are inserted in front of it. Slotted frames 710 and 712 are mirror images of each other, and contain slots 708 configured and shaped to receive removable and interchangeable insert plates. When inserted into a single-sided fireplace, slotted frames 710 and 712 can be situated parallel to each other. In some embodiments, for example when trying to create a three dimensional effect, for example, in order to create a view of a baseball park, frames and/or plates may be configured to be installed in non-parallel or perpendicular configurations or may be curved.

Both exemplary slotted frames 710 and 712 have a wider rear base or foot 733, which is situated toward the rear of the combustion area of the single-sided fireplace, and a smaller or narrower front base or foot 735, which is situated toward the front of the combustion area of the single-sided fireplace. A number of different embodiments for use in single-sided fireplaces are envisioned, and the slotted inserts illustrated in FIG. 8B are provided as non-limiting examples.

For example, instead of using the frame shape and configuration to control height of the insert plates relative to one another, the height of the removable inserts relative to one another can be controlled by slot length. Longer slots will situate insert plates closer to the base of the slotted frame. Inclusion of longer slots can allow for a user's further control over which insert plates appear higher or lower to the viewer, thereby adjusting or changing the decorative image or scene.

In another example, the fireplace insert contains a mechanism by which slot length may be adjusted by the user. In this example, all slots are adjusted by the same increments by a mechanism known in the art to further adjust height of the insert plates to fit into fireplaces of various sizes. In another example, slot length can be adjusted individually by slot using a mechanism known in the art to further adjust and control height of the insert plates. A number of different embodiments for adjusting slot length are envisioned, and this disclosure provides non-limiting examples.

Embodiments for use in double-sided fireplaces take into account the fact that double-sided fireplaces provide for two different views into the fireplace in two separate rooms or two views into the fireplace in the same room.

Fireplace inserts for use in double-sided fireplaces are designed such that the middle inserts are elevated relative to the insert plates situated adjacent to the two openings. This design provides for optimal viewing by users on both sides of the double-sided fireplace.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematics illustrating the components of an embodiment of the present invention which is designed to be used in double-sided fireplaces. The figures illustrate a fireplace insert for use in double-sided fireplaces including a set of removable insert plates 802, 803, 804 and 805, and a set of slotted frames 810 and 812 configured to receive the insert plates. Each of slotted frames 810 and 812 include a series of slots 808 configured to receive corners of insert plates 802, 803 and 804. By enabling movement of the insert plates 802, 803, 804 and 805 relative to the slotted frames 810 and 812, the user can choose how the fireplace insert appears to viewers on either side of the double-sided fireplace. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9A, insert plate 803 is a middle insert plate, and insert plates 802, 804 and 805 can be placed wherever the user chooses.

FIG. 9A additionally illustrates insert plate 803 with flaps 820 enabling a user to control how a flame interacts with the insert plate. By bending the flaps forward and backward, the user can control the manner in which the flames of the natural gas fireplace appear to viewers of a double-sided fireplace. By bending a flap forward or backward, a user can choose and subsequently alter the direction in which flames arising underneath the insert plate would tend to rise, and whether the direction is perceived as backward or forward depends on the location of the viewer relative to the double-sided fireplace. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9A, each flap includes a series of slots 826 cut into the material to make the flap easier to bend and a series of material bridges 827 remaining to keep the flaps attached to plate 803, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9B illustrates slotted frames 810 and 812. In the illustrated embodiment, slotted frames 810 and 812 are constructed in a shape and configuration particular to fireplace inserts designed for use in double-sided fireplaces. Embodiments designed for use in double-sided fireplaces provide for one or more middle insert plates that are elevated relative to insert plates that are inserted closer to the ends of the fireplace insert for use in double-sided fireplaces.

Slotted frames 810 and 812 are shown with an elevated middle section, which contains slots 808. Slotted frames 810 and 812 are symmetrical, to provide for an unobstructed view of the scene or image on the fireplace insert by viewers on both sides of the double-sided fireplace.

When inserted into a double-sided fireplace, slotted frames 810 and 812 can be situated parallel to each other, such that slot 811 of slotted frame 812 matches with slot 813 of slotted frame 810. Similarly, slot 815 of slotted from 810 will match slot 817 of slotted frame 812. Because slotted frames 810 and 812 are symmetrical, slot 811 can match with slot 815 and slot 813 can match with slot 817 instead. Slots 811 and 813 can hold an insert plate, while slots 815 and 817 can hold another insert plate. Whether these plates appear as front or rear plates to the viewer depends on the location of the viewer relative to the double-sided fireplace. Slots 808 can hold middle insert plates at varying distances from slots 811, 813, 815 and 817.

Both slotted frames 810 and 812 have bases or feet of equal size on both ends. One end of each of slotted frames 810 and 812 is situated toward one opening of the combustion area of the double-sided fireplace, and another end is situated toward the second opening of the combustion area of the double-sided fireplace. Either side can be considered the “front” or “rear” depending on the location of the viewer relative to the double-sided fireplace. Slotted frames 810 and 812 each have a two end or outside portions, the height of which rise inward a gradual incline to a middle portion containing slots 808. The inclining portion contains slots at various heights to allow the user to adjust the height and location of outside insert plates. The middle portion of slotted frame 812 is straight, and does not incline or decline. When viewed from the side, both slotted frames 810 and 812 are symmetrical.

A number of different embodiments for adjusting the view or viewer's experience are envisioned, and this disclosure provides non-limiting examples. It is envisioned that embodiments of the present invention may be modified for use in round or multi-side fireplaces to further enhance the decorative value and view from many angles and sides of a round or multi-side fireplace.

Fireplace inserts are disclosed herein for use in a gas fueled fireplace. It will be appreciated that any of the inserts disclosed herein could be configured to be used in an electrically-illuminated fireplace. Inserts can be used in a wood-fueled fireplace, although the materials must be selected with the high temperatures and corrosive soot that are experienced in such wood fireplaces.

One or more matching wall-hangings can be provided, matching the theme presented on the fireplace insert. For example, a pirate ship can be illustrated upon a fireplace insert, and a wall-hanging with the Jolly Roger flag and another wall hanging representing a pirate's cutlass can be provided such that the entire room shares an exemplary pirate theme. FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary double-sided fireplace with a separate theme for each adjoining room with additional decorations in the room to accentuate each theme. Fireplace 1100 is illustrated adjoining first room 1110 and second room 1120. Wall 1102 separate the rooms and contains fireplace 1100. Fireplace 1100 includes fireplace insert 1103 including a first insert plate 1104 facing room 1110 and second insert plate 1105 facing room 1120. Brackets 1106 and 1107 are illustrated holding insert plates 1104 and 1105. Burner 1108 is illustrated. A wall-hanging 1112 in room 1110 is illustrated matching a theme of plate 1104, and a wall-hanging 1122 in room 1120 is illustrated matching a theme of plate 1105. Other accentuating articles can be used in place of wall-hangings, for example, including rugs, coffee-table statuettes, or themed chandeliers.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary insert plate showing an image of traditional burning logs. The exemplary image 912 upon plate 910 includes a negative impression of logs 914 and 915 and flames 916, with the metal plate including surface 911 blocking all light except the negative image. An alternative image could include nearly the opposite image, modified, for example, wherein the flames are in contact with the logs to create a single insert plate.

Light can be shown through insert plates according to a number of embodiments. A dark plate can be placed in front on an exemplary light plate, and light reflecting off the light plate would shine through holes in the dark plate. FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary reflector plate that can be mounted behind a plate to create a visual effect of light shining though holes in the plate. Insert plate 1000 is illustrated including a main plate 1010 with surface 1014 and a hole 1012 and a secondary plate 1020 with a reflecting surface 1022. Burner 1030 including flames 1032 is illustrated, where light 1034 coming from flames 1032 is reflected off of surface 1022 and shown as visible light 1036 to viewer 1040.

A number of different embodiments for adjusting the view or viewer's experience are envisioned, and this disclosure provides non-limiting examples. It is envisioned that embodiments of the present invention may be modified for use in round or multi-side fireplaces to further enhance the decorative value and view from many angles and sides of a round or multi-side fireplace.

An apparatus for decorating a gas fireplace including a fireplace insert is disclosed including at least one insert plate, wherein the insert plate illustrates one of a city skyline, a famous building, a vehicle, a famous battle, a historical event, a natural phenomenon, a natural disaster, a weather event, a team logo, a school insignia, a science fiction scene, a representation of food being grilled, a sporting scene, and a geometric shape. It will be appreciated that this list is intended to be non-limiting examples of scenes that can be illustrated upon a fireplace insert in accordance with the present disclosure.

The disclosure has described certain preferred embodiments and modifications of those embodiments. Further modifications and alterations may occur to others upon reading and understanding the specification. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for decorating a fireplace, the apparatus comprising:

a fireplace insert comprising at least one insert plate that illustrates a decorative theme.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the small scale scene comprises a three dimensional diorama illustrating a small scale scene.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the diorama comprises one of a city skyline and a famous building.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the diorama comprises a historical scene.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the diorama comprises a trademarked symbol.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fireplace insert comprises a second insert plate; and

wherein the first insert plate and the second insert plate are configured to illustrate a three dimensional scene.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fireplace insert is constructed of a plurality of metals.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the insert includes a metal portion configured to glow when heated in the fireplace.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fireplace insert is configured for use in a gas fireplace.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fireplace insert is configured for use in an electrically-lit fireplace.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the insert plate comprises a first insert plate; and

wherein the fireplace insert further comprises a slotted frame enabling easy removal of the insert plate and placement of a second insert plate in place of the first insert plate.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fireplace insert illustrates one of a city skyline, a building, a geographic landmark, a vehicle, a famous battle, a historical event, a natural phenomenon, a natural disaster, a weather event, a team logo, a school insignia, a science fiction scene, a representation of food being grilled, a sporting scene, a ship, a plane, and a geometric shape.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fireplace insert illustrates the decorative theme in a first direction; and

wherein the fireplace insert further comprises a second insert plate illustrating a second decorative theme in a second direction.

14. An apparatus for decorating a gas fireplace, the apparatus comprising:

a fireplace insert comprising a three dimensional model illustrating a landmark.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the three dimensional model comprises a die cast model.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the three dimensional model comprises one of a concrete model and a ceramic model.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the three dimensional model comprises a plurality of metal pieces welded together.

18. A system for decorating a fireplace and a room bordering the fireplace, the system comprising:

a fireplace insert comprising at least one insert plate, wherein the insert illustrates a small scale scene within the fireplace; and

at least one wall hanging corresponding to the scene upon the insert.