Fireplace with controllable and image-bearing rear wall
AssigneeHNI Technologies Inc.
InventorsRichard D. Berg, Gary L. Butler
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fireplace and method of manufacturing a fireplace. Embodiments of the fireplace comprise a combustion chamber, a front opening allowing viewing within the combustion chamber, and a back wall opposite the front opening. The back wall can be controllably switched between an opaque state and a transparent state. A combustion region between the front opening and the back wall is adapted to provide a flame. A controller coupled to the back wall enables a user to switch the back wall between the opaque and transparent states. In embodiments the back wall comprises a glass panel and switchable film on the glass panel. The controller is coupled to the switchable film.
Claims15
A method for manufacturing a fireplace of the type including a firebox comprising a combustion chamber, a front opening allowing viewing within the combustion chamber, a back wall opposite the front opening and a combustion region between the front opening and the back wall adapted to provide a flame, the method comprising:
- receiving an electronic file for a non-homogenous and multi-color image;
- transferring the electronic file to a printer, and causing the printer to print the image on the back wall;
- receiving the back wall including the printed image, wherein the printed image includes a non-homogeneous, heat-resistant and multi-color ink image;
- and
- assembling the back wall including the printed image into the firebox of the fireplace.
A method for manufacturing a fireplace of the type including a firebox comprising a combustion chamber, a front opening allowing viewing within the combustion chamber, a back wall opposite the front opening and a combustion region between the front opening and the back wall adapted to provide a flame, the method comprising:
- receiving an electronic file for a non-homogenous and multi-color image;
- transferring the electronic file to a printer, and causing the printer to print the image on the back wall;
- receiving the back wall including the printed image, wherein the printed image includes a non-homogeneous, heat-resistant and multi-color ink image printed in ceramic ink;
- and
- assembling the back wall including the printed image into the firebox of the fireplace.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.