Indoor-outdoor fireplace

#The present invention relates to fireplaces. More particularly, the invention relates to a fireplace adapted for concurrent use both inside and outside of a structure.

#Fireplaces are an efficient method for providing warmth and creating the appeal of a fire. Fireplaces have become commonplace in today's building trades for both residential and commercial applications. Most new home construction designs include at least one, and often several fireplaces. Further, a significant number of remodeling projects are focused on fireplaces. Gas, electric, and wood-burning fireplaces are commonly installed to provide benefits such as heat and the aesthetic appeal of a fire.

#A fireplace is typically installed either inside or outside of a structure in a wall of the structure or as a freestanding unit. In present installations, a fireplace is constructed and installed for use either inside or outside of the structure. Therefore, the benefits of a fireplace can be enjoyed indoors, if the fireplace is installed inside the structure, or outdoors, if the fireplace is installed outside. However, current fireplaces do not provide for both indoor and outdoor use. Because of this, individuals who desire the heating and aesthetic value of a fireplace must choose between indoor or outdoor use, or, alternatively, bear the added expense of installing multiple fireplace units.

#The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic view, taken from an inside of a structure, of one exemplary embodiment of a fireplace installed in a wall of the structure in accordance with the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a front schematic view, taken from the inside of the structure, of the fireplace of FIG. 1;

#While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternant forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example and the drawings, and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

#The invention is applicable to fireplaces. In particular, the invention is directed to a fireplace adapted for concurrent use both inside and outside of a structure. While the present invention is not so limited, an appreciation of the various aspects of the invention will be gained through a discussion of the examples provided below.

#A fireplace made in accordance with this invention generally includes a combustion chamber enclosure defining a combustion chamber including an inside opening viewable from an inside of a structure and an outside opening viewable from an outside of the structure. It will be understood that, as used herein, the term “combustion chamber enclosure” can be any structure that at least partially surrounds the portion of the fireplace, or the combustion chamber, in which combustion occurs and may be created using one or more panels. Further, the phrase “inside of the structure” will be understood to mean the interior or inner portion of any structure, such as a house or office building or other structure providing at least partial protection from the elements. The phrase “outside of the structure” will be understood to mean the exterior or outer portion of any structure, which is typically exposed to various weather elements such as rain, snow, wind, etc. It should also be noted that, although the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein are illustrated with burners connected to a combustible gas supply, the present invention may alternatively apply to other fireplaces, such as, for example, wood-burning fireplaces and electric fireplaces.