Protective Covering for an Electric Fireplace

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a protective covering for an electric fireplace that also provides decorative options.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Historically, a wood-burning fireplace provided heat and light in a home. As other heating options became available (e.g., radiators, space heater, HVAC units) the use of wood-burning fireplaces has decreased for heating purposes. In addition, gas and electric fireplaces have become alternatives to wood-burning fireplaces.

Fireplaces tend to be located in the living room (or other high-traffic area) within a home. Typically, located in a gathering spot for a family, there is ample opportunity for a fireplace to be scratched or otherwise damaged by children playing, for example. As such there is a need for a device that provides protection for the fireplace.

Being that a fireplace is in such a prominent area, it has more recently become part of a home's décor and is no longer strictly utilitarian. Accordingly, it would be useful to have a fireplace that offered decorative features to enhance a room's appearance.

A search of the prior art shows that there a numerous fireplace coverings. These patents disclose coverings that can be decorative. However, none disclose a design that sufficiently covers the top and sides of the fireplace, as well as its front. Therefore, none provide protection against breaks or scratches from the activities of people, for example: children playing in a living room. Consequently, there is a need for a fireplace covering that fits securely on a fireplace, adequately covering the fireplace thereby providing protection. A search of the prior art shows that no such fireplace covering is known.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a primary objective of the present invention to provide a covering for a fireplace that can be used to protect the fireplace from being damaged by people or pets. More particularly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a fireplace covering that attaches to the face of a fireplace, as well as the case of the fireplace.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a fireplace covering that is comprised of two pieces.

It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a protective covering device that may contain different designs and colors, thereby enhancing the aesthetics of a room.

The protective covering device is comprised of two pieces: a front and a case. The case is one long piece that can be folded down (i.e., perpendicularly) on each end. Each piece has openings that provide a user access to controls or other parts of the fireplace.

The front piece slides onto the front of a fireplace. The case piece is placed on top of the fireplace. Once placed in the desired position, the two end portions of the case are folded down so as to cover the sides of the fireplace. The pieces can have various designs so as to provide the user with a multitude of decorative options.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a front (“face”) portion of a stand-alone fireplace covering device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an angled view of the top (“case”) portion of a stand-alone fireplace covering device.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the fireplace covering device mounted on a wall.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the fireplace covering device mounted on a wall.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the fireplace covering device unmounted and with the side surfaces extended.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, a fireplace covering device is partially comprised of a front piece 10. The front piece 10 is comprised of a front surface 12, small openings 13, and a large viewing opening 14, a top slide rail 15, and a bottom slide rail 16. The purpose of the small openings 13 is to provide a user with access to any controls on the front of the fireplace with which the fireplace is equipped. The small openings 13 can be located above and/or below the large viewing opening 14. The large viewing opening 14 allows the user to view the “fire” produced by the fireplace after the fireplace covering device has been installed. The slide rails (15 and 16) are used to slide the front piece 10 onto the front of an electric fireplace and span the width of the front piece. The fireplace covering device may also be equipped with a protective film 17 which completely covers the large viewing opening 14. The purpose of the protective film 17 is to provide protection to the fireplace from scratches, dust, etc. The protective film 17 is made of a clear material, thereby allowing the user to view the “fire” while still providing protection. The protective film can be attached on either the front or back of the front piece 10. In a preferred embodiment, the protective film 17 is attached on the back of the front piece 10 so that it is more securely attached to the front piece 10 and less likely to fall off. The clear material can be any suitable material that allows a user to see through it. In a first preferred embodiment, a fireplace covering device is constructed of any known fire-proof material. Alternative embodiments have a front surface 12 of varying designs and/or colors.

Referring to FIG. 2, a fireplace covering device is further comprised of a case piece 20. The case piece 20 is comprised of a top surface 23 which is attached to a left-side surface 22, a right-side surface 21, a left hinge 25, and a right hinge 26. The top surface has an access opening 24. The access opening 24 provides the user with access to any controls on the top of the fireplace with which the fireplace is equipped. Prior to installation over a fireplace, the case piece 20 is one long piece. Once placed over a fireplace, a user must adjust the hinges (25 and 26) so that the left-side surface 22 and the right-side surface 21 are perpendicular to the top surface 23. Although hinges are used in this embodiment, any attachment means that allow the side surfaces to rotate perpendicularly to the top surface can be used.

As is shown in FIG. 3, the fireplace covering device 30 is mounted on a wall 31. The fireplace covering device 30 is positioned so that the left-side surface 22 is flush against the wall 31. (Although it cannot be seen from this angle since the left-side surface 22 and right-side surface 21 are parallel to each other, the ride-side surface 21 is also flush against the wall 31.)

As is shown in FIG. 4, the fireplace covering device 30 is mounted on a wall 31. The fireplace covering device 30 is positioned so that the right-side surface 21 and the left-side surface 22 is flush against the wall 31. The hinges (25 and 26) are adjusted so that the right-side surface 21 and the left-side surface 22 are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the top surface 23. The top surface 23 has an access opening 24.

As is shown in FIG. 5, the case piece 20 is one long piece. Prior to placing over a fireplace, the left-side surface 22 and right-side surface 21 are positioned such that they are on the same plane as the top surface 23. When placed over a fireplace, the left-side surface 22 and right-side surface 21 are positioned such that they are perpendicular to the top surface 23. This is accomplished by rotating the hinges (25 and 26). The top surface has an access opening 24.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described, various alternative embodiments of the invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the fireplace covering device may be equipped with hinges, any device which allows the side surface to be placed in a perpendicular position can be used.