Fireplace burning simulator unit

Abstract

A unit to produce simulated burning and heat includes a lower enclosure that may be conveniently placed on a hearth of a fireplace, for example. Within this enclosure is a light source and a reflection wheel located over a reflective plate. The reflection wheel comprises a series of reflective strips which are positioned along a length of the wheel and radially spaced thereabout. Above the wheel in a top panel of the enclosure is an opening covered by an amber-red colored lens piece. The unit further includes a grate carried by the enclosure and positioned to a rear of the enclosure top panel opening. On the grate is a fuel cell for cans of gel alcohol. In front of the fuel cell is a set of decorative logs which hide the fuel cell from view. During use alcohol in the cans may be ignited to produce heat. Since the products of combustion from burning alcohol are nontoxic, the fireplace may be vented or nonvented. Additionally, a geared motor connected to the reflection wheel and the light source are energized. Light from this source strikes the reflective plate and the rotating reflective strips of the wheel to produce a series of reflections. These many reflections then combine to form light patterns of varying intensity that reflect upward through the lens piece to illuminate ash-like aggregate covering the lens piece, the logs, and interior walls of the fireplace. The light patterns produce an illusion of the logs and hot ash burning with a fiery glow.