Diffusing screen with matte region

Details Diffusing screen with matte region Diffusing screen with matte region

2000-03-03

2001-08-07

Green, Brian K. (Department: 3628)

Card, picture, or sign exhibiting

Display with special effects

Simulated fireplace

C472S065000, C392S348000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06269567

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to flame simulating assemblies for electric fireplaces and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
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. An assembly for producing a realistic simulated flame for electric fireplaces is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,707 (Butterfield). Butterfield includes a diffusing screen having a reflective surface for reflecting a simulated fuel source to give the illusion of flames emanating from within the real and reflected images of the fuel source.
A problem with this arrangement of screen is that unwanted images such as the floor or items of furniture or a person standing in front of the electric fireplace are also reflected in the screen. This has the effect of reducing the illusion provided by the fireplace.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a generally transparent screen for use in a flame simulating assembly comprising:
a body having a partially reflecting surface and a diffusing surface, said surfaces being opposed;
a matte region located at one portion of said partially reflecting surface, said matte region having a matte finish that is substantially non-reflective; and
a reflective region located at another portion of said partially reflective surface, said reflective region having a reflective finish.
In another aspect the invention provides a simulated fireplace assembly comprising:
a simulated fuel bed; and
a screen adjacent to said simulated fuel bed for transmitting an image of a flickering flame, said screen having a first region that is sufficiently reflective to reflect said fuel bed and a second region that is sufficiently non-reflective to avoid reflection of ambient subject matter that is not associated with said fireplace assembly.


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