Title: Fireplace enclosure
Abstract: A prefabricated fireplace enclosure (10) configured and arranged for compact packaging which comprises first and second side panels (20, 21), first and second mounting members (40, 44) securable to the exterior wall of a building, a rear panel (22, 23) and a bottom panel (24) adapted for positioning between the first and second side panels, and a roof assembly (25) adapted for support by the first and second side panels, wherein each of the panels, mounting members and roof assembly are configured and arranged so as to allow for compact packaging and shipment to the construction site in a disassembled condition.
Patent Number: 6,988,336 Issued on 01/24/2006 to Rupp
| Inventors:
|
Rupp; Michael D. (Holland, NY)
|
| Assignee:
|
Countryside Stove & Chimney Inc. (Holland, NY)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
452368 |
| Filed:
|
June 2, 2003 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
52/79.1; 52/36.3; 52/218; 52/219; 126/9; 126/9; 126/9; 126/275.R |
| Current Intern'l Class: |
E04B 1/00 (20060101) |
| Field of Search: |
52/361,363,791,270,218,219
126/500,520,553,9R,9B,11,19.R,275.R,222,225,283,9A
237/1R
110/336,337,317
|
References Cited [Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
| 3562972 | Feb., 1971 | D'amato.
| |
| 3926174 | Dec., 1975 | Bell.
| |
| 3990197 | Nov., 1976 | Johnston.
| |
| 4470399 | Sep., 1984 | Pitha.
| |
| 4553276 | Nov., 1985 | Paradis.
| |
| 5036634 | Aug., 1991 | Lessard et al.
| |
| 5249567 | Oct., 1993 | Maitland et al.
| |
| 5299558 | Apr., 1994 | Binzer.
| |
| 5426900 | Jun., 1995 | Springer.
| |
| 5485830 | Jan., 1996 | Binzer.
| |
| 5647342 | Jul., 1997 | Jamieson et al.
| |
| 5794610 | Aug., 1998 | Facchina.
| |
| 6024085 | Feb., 2000 | Hodge et al.
| |
| 6029655 | Feb., 2000 | Hussong et al.
| |
| 6109257 | Aug., 2000 | Hodge et al.
| |
Primary Examiner: Chapman; Jeanette E
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Phillips Lytle LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A prefabricated fireplace enclosure adapted for compact packaging and adapted
for connection to an exterior supporting wall of a structure, comprising:
a first side panel and a second side panel;
a first mounting member, securable to a supporting wall, for supporting said
first side panel, and a second mounting member, securable to said supporting wall,
for supporting said second side panel;
rear panel and a bottom adapted for positioning between said first side panel
and said second side panel;
a roof assembly adapted for support by said first side panel and said second
side panel;
a first upper side panel and a second upper side panel;
a first upper mounting member, securable to said supporting wall, for supporting
said first upper side panel, and a second upper mounting member, securable to said
supporting wall, for supporting said second upper side panel;
an upper rear panel adapted for positioning between said first upper side panel
and said second upper side panel;
wherein said first upper side panel, said second upper side panel, and said upper
rear panel are configured so as to be vertically stacked upon a corresponding first
side panel, second side panel, and rear panel;
each of said panels, said mounting members and said roof assembly being configured
so as to allow for compact packaging and shipment in a disassembled condition;
wherein said fireplace enclosure forms a part of the exterior of the structure
to which it is connected.
2. The fireplace enclosure of claim 1 wherein said upper rear panel comprises
two vertical edge portions, a first lateral channel extending parallel to a first
vertical edge portion, and a second lateral channel extending parallel to a second
vertical edge portion;
said first lateral channel being adapted to receive said first upper side panel,
and said second lateral channel being adapted to receive said second upper side
panel.
3. The fireplace enclosure of claim 2 wherein said upper rear panel comprises
an exterior wall and an interior surface having a width shorter than said exterior
wall, wherein said interior surface and said exterior wall define an upper rear
insulation pocket.
4. The fireplace enclosure of claim 3 wherein said upper rear insulation pocket
comprises a first vertical edge portion defining said first lateral channel, and
a second vertical edge portion defining said second lateral channel.
5. A prefabricated fireplace enclosure adapted the compact packaging and adapted
for connection to an exterior supporting wall of a structure, comprising;
a first side panel and a second side panel;
a first mounting member, securable to a supporting wall, for supporting said
first side panel, and a second mounting member, securable to said supporting wall,
for supporting said second side panel;
a rear panel and a bottom panel adapted for positioning between said first side
panel and said second side panel;
a roof assembly adapted for support by said first side panel and said second
side panel;
wherein said rear panel comprises two vertical edge portions, a first lateral
channel extending parallel to a first vertical edge portion, and a second lateral
channel extending parallel to a second vertical edge portion;
said first lateral channel being adapted to receive said first side panel and
said second lateral channel being adapted to receive said second side panel;
each said panels, said mounting members and said roof assembly being configured
so as to allow for compact packaging and shipment in disassembled condition;
wherein said fireplace enclosure forms a part of the exterior of the structure
to which it is connected.
6. The fireplace enclosure of claim 5 wherein said rear panel comprises an exterior
wall and an interior surface having width shorter than exterior wall, wherein said
interior surface and said exterior wall define a rear insulation pocket.
7. The fireplace enclosure of claim 6 wherein said rear insulation pocket comprises
a first vertical edge portion defining said first lateral channel, and a second
vertical edge portion defining said second lateral channel.
8. The fireplace enclosure of claim 5 wherein said first side panel is adapted
to snap into said first lateral channel of said rear panel, and said second side
panel is adapted to snap into said second lateral channel of said rear panel.
9. A prefabricated fireplace enclosure adapted for compact packaging and adapted
for connection to an exterior supporting wall of a structure, comprising;
a first side panel and a second side panel;
a first mounting member, securable to a supporting wall, for supporting said
first side panel, and a second mounting member, securable to said supporting wall,for
supporting said second side panel;
a rear panel and a bottom panel adapted for positioning between said first side
panel and said second side panel;
a roof assembly adapted for support by said first side panel and said second
side panel;
wherein said roof assembly comprises a pitched top portion and two vertical side
portions, and wherein said roof assembly is configured and arranged to be positioned
on top of said first side panel and said second side panel;
each of said panels, said mounting members and said roof assembly being configured
so as to allow for compact packaging and shipment in a disassembled condition;
wherein said fireplace enclosure forms a part of the exterior of the structure
to which it is connected.
10. A prefabricated fireplace enclosure adapted for compact packaging and adapted
for connection to an exterior supporting wall of a structure, comprising;
a first side panel and a second side panel;
a first mounting member, securable to a said supporting wall, for supporting
said first side panel, and a second mounting member, securable to said supporting
wall, for supporting said second side panel;
a rear panel and a bottom panel adapted for positioning between said first side
panel and second side panel;
a roof assembly adapted for support by said first side panel and said second
side panel;
a top panel adapted to be positioned on top of said first side panel and said
second side panel and beneath said roof assembly;
each of said panels, said mountinig members and said roof assembly being configured
so as to allow for compact packaging and shipment in a disassembled condition;
wherein said fireplace enclosure forms a part of the exterior of the structure
to which it is connected.
11. The fireplace enclosure of claim 10 wherein said top panel comprises a top
surface and an interior surface, wherein said top surface and said interior surface
define a top insulation pocket.
12. A method of assembling a prefabricated fireplace enclosure adapted for compact
packaging and adapted for connection to an exterior supporting wall of a structure, comprising;
providing a first side panel and second side panel; a first mounting member for
supporting said first side panel, and a second mounting member for supporting said
second side panel; a rear panel and bottom panel adapted for positioning between
said first side panel and said second side panel; a roof assembly adapted for support
by said first side panel and said second side panel;
securing said first mounting member and said second mounting member to a supporting
wall;
securing said first side panel to said first mounting member, and securing said
second side panel to said second mounting member;
securing said rear panel and said bottom panel between said first side panel
and said second side panel;
positioning said roof assembly on top of said first side panel and said second
side panel;
providing a first upper side panel and a second upper side panel; a first upper
mounting member for supporting said first upper side panel, and a second upper
mounting member for supporting said second upper side panel; and upper rear panel
adapted for position between said first upper side panel and said second upper
side panel;
securing said first upper mounting member to said supporting wall above said
first mounting member, and securing said second upper mounting member to said supporting
wall above said second mounting member;
securing said first side panel to said first upper mounting member, and securing
said second upper side panel to said second upper mounting member;
positioning said upper rear panel between said first upper side panel and said
second upper side panel;
whereby said fireplace enclosure is assembled and forms a part of the exterior
of the structure to which it is connected.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates generally to fireplaces, and, more specifically, to prefabricated
fireplace enclosures.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
In recent years, as many as sixty percent of new homes have been built with at
least one fireplace. Many new buildings incorporate one or more fireplaces as well.
The advent of "direct vent" fireplaces has allowed for relatively inexpensive installation
of new fireplaces in new and existing homes and structures. Traditional masonry
work, on the other hand, has become prohibitively expensive and time consuming
for many.
Fireplace enclosures which surround fireplaces are typically built by contractors
on site with the same materials which form the exterior of the home or building,
e.g. wood, composites and siding. Therefore, in addition to building a wood or
composite frame, insulation, refractory lining and/or masonry work may be required
before a fireplace may be installed in a fireplace enclosure. Such additional work
must be performed at the construction site, with associated labor costs, and often
takes days to complete.
It is estimated that more than seventy-five percent of all fireplaces installed
today are factory-built and shipped to the construction site. Most fireplaces shipped
are direct vent fireplaces which vent directly outside, so there is no need for
a traditional chimney or masonry. In addition, they may be installed inexpensively,
without the use of skilled craftsmen. "Rear vent, direct vent" fireplaces vent
from the rear of the fireplace, collecting combustible air from outside and pumping
the by-products of burning gases outside. "Top vent, direct vent" fireplaces vent
from the top of the fireplace using the same principles. Approximately eighty percent
of new direct vent fireplaces are rear vent, while twenty percent are top vent.
A "B-vent" system is a top vented system that uses room air for combustion. Some
direct vent systems operate more efficiently when the vent termination is above
the roof line of the associated home or building.
Fireplace enclosures which project outward from an associated living or
office space, for example, require some method of support. This is typically accomplished
by unattractive bracing or reinforcement, expensive masonry or concrete work, or
the extension of a support member into the associated living or office space, (e.g.,
a support member extending four feet inside to support a two-foot deep enclosure).
In addition, existing fireplace enclosures often require rerouting of mechanical,
electrical and/or plumbing features.
Prior art discloses prefabricated framed fireplaces (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,374,822
(Lyons, et al.)) which provide a fireplace box with an attached surrounding framework
of building materials which becomes a permanent part of the wall or structure to
which it is attached. The prior art, however, does not provide a fireplace enclosure
adapted for compact packaging or shipping in knock-down condition. Nor does it
disclose a modular fireplace enclosure which is adjustable and flexible in terms
of height. For example, some top vent, direct vent systems, either for cosmetic
purposes or for efficiency, require a fireplace enclosure or flue which extends
upward along a substantial portion of the exterior wall of the house or building
in which the fireplace is installed. The present invention solves this problem
by providing stackable, essentially modular side and rear panels, whereas the prior
art discloses a one-piece construction of parts integrally molded together.
In addition, the prior art requires a rough opening of substantially the same
size as the fireplace box, whereas the present invention, because it is secured
to the exterior wall of the structure, from the outside, has no such limitation.
In addition, the prior art, because it includes brackets and/or flanges which connect
to the interior of the associated structure, must be installed, at least in part,
from the interior of the structure. The prior art limits access from the exterior,
resulting in difficulty or inconvenience in installing associated gas and/or electric
lines. Among other things, the present invention diminishes or eliminates such
inconvenience and diminishes or eliminates the need to reroute such items as electrical
and plumbing lines and mechanical members.
There exists a need for a simple, self-supported fireplace enclosure which
is prefabricated and capable of being shipped in knock-down or disassembled condition
by standard methods such as UPS, FedEx and U.S. Mail; which may be assembled quickly
and efficiently at the construction site without the need for skilled contractors
or additional materials such as insulation, Sheetrock or bracing members; which
may be assembled from the exterior of the associated structure; which may be used
in conjunction with a wide variety of fireplaces available to the public; which
provides for variable height by stacking to accommodate various styles of fireplaces
and configurations; and/or which allows efficient access from the exterior of the
associated home or building to electric and gas lines.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
With parenthetical reference to the corresponding elements or portions of the
disclosed embodiment, merely for purposes of illustration and not by way of limitation,
the present invention provides an improved fireplace enclosure, which is prefabricated
and configured and arranged for simple and compact packaging and delivery to the
construction site. The fireplace enclosure may be installed at the construction
site quickly and efficiently, without the need for additional bracing, Sheetrock
or insulation, and without the need for skilled craftsmen or experienced contractors.
If the home or building to which the fireplace enclosure will be attached has a
rough opening to accept a fireplace, the improved fireplace enclosure may be installed
in minutes with only a drill and machine screws. Because the fireplace enclosure
may be installed piece by piece from the outside of the associated structure, the
installer is provided with easy access to gas and electric lines.
One aspect of the invention provides a prefabricated fireplace enclosure (10)
adapted for compact packaging and connection to an exterior supporting wall of
a structure, having a first side panel (20) and a second side panel (21);
first (40) and second (44) mounting members securable to the supporting
wall for supporting the first and second side panels, respectively; a rear panel
(22, 23) and a bottom panel (24) adapted for positioning between
the first and second side panels; a roof assembly (25) adapted for support
by the first and second side panels; wherein each of the panels, mounting members
and roof assembly are configured and arranged so as to allow for compact packaging
and shipment to the construction site in a disassembled condition. In this aspect
of the invention, the resulting fireplace enclosure assembled from the foregoing
components forms a part of the exterior of the structure to which it is connected.
In another aspect of the invention, the fireplace enclosure includes two upper
side panels (27, 29), two upper mounting members (30, 31)
securable to the supporting wall for supporting the upper side panels, and an upper
rear panel (28) positioned between the two upper side panels, wherein the
upper side panels and upper rear panels are configured so as to be vertically stacked
upon the corresponding side panels and rear panels beneath them (20, 21,
22). This aspect of the invention provides for adjustment of the height
of the fireplace enclosure. In other words, consecutive side and rear panels may
be stacked upon each other, for decorative or efficiency purposes, as high as the
roof line of the associated home or building.
In another aspect of the invention, the upper rear panel has two vertical edge
portions (28A, 28B), a first lateral channel (28C) extending
parallel to a first vertical edge portion (28A), and a second lateral channel
(28D) extending parallel to a second vertical edge portion (28B),
wherein the first lateral channel is adapted to receive the first upper side panel,
and the second lateral channel is adapted to receive the second upper side panel.
Yet another aspect of the invention provides for an upper rear insulation pocket
in the upper rear panel which is defined by the exterior wall of the upper rear
panel (28E) and an interior surface (28F) with a width shorter than
the width of the exterior wall. In another aspect, the upper rear insulation pocket
has two vertical edge portions which define lateral channels in the upper rear panel.
In another aspect of the invention, the rear panel (22, 23) has
two vertical edge portions (22A, 22B, 23A, 23B), a
first lateral channel (22C, 23C) extending parallel to a first vertical
edge portion (22A, 23A), and a second lateral channel (22D,
23D) extending parallel to a second vertical edge portion (22B, 23B)
wherein the first lateral channel is adapted to receive the first side panel and
the second lateral channel is adapted to receive the second side panel. In another
aspect, the rear panel includes a rear insulation pocket defined by the exterior
wall of the rear panel (22E, 23E) and an interior surface (22F,
23F) with a width shorter than the width of the exterior wall. In yet another
aspect, the rear insulation pocket has two vertical edge portions which define
the first and second lateral channels of the rear panel.
In another aspect of the invention, the rear panel comprises a substantially
rectangular
top portion (22) and a substantially rectangular bottom portion (23).
In this aspect, the top portion has a height h, the bottom portion has a height
substantially equal to h, and the first and second side panels have a height substantially
equal to 2h.
Another aspect of the invention provides a first (40) and second (44)
mounting members or brackets, wherein the first and second side panels are adapted
to be mounted on the corresponding first and second mounting bracket. In another
aspect, the first and second mounting brackets are substantially U-shaped.
In another aspect of the invention, the mounting members comprise a horizontal
mounting portion (42, 46), a vertical mounting portion (41,
45) and a brace portion (43, 47) which is positioned between
the horizontal mounting portion and the vertical mounting portion, and which supports
the horizontal mounting portion.
In another aspect, the roof assembly (25) of the present invention comprises
a pitched top portion (25A) and two vertical side portions (25B,
25C) wherein the roof assembly is configured and arranged to be positioned
on top of the first and second side panels. In another aspect of the invention,
the roof assembly is secured to the first and second side panels with screws (e.g.
25D, 25E).
Several aspects of the invention provide that adjoining or connected members
and panels are secured together with screws (e.g. 48A, 48B, 48C).
In another aspect of the invention, a top panel (26) is provided which
may be positioned on top of the first and second side panels, and beneath the roof
assembly. In another aspect of the invention, the top panel includes a top insulation
pocket defined by a top surface (26A) and an interior surface (26B).
In this and many aspects of the invention, the top, rear, bottom and side insulation
pockets comprise insulation such as Styrofoam insulation.
In another aspect of the invention, the top, bottom, side and rear panels, and
the roof assembly, comprise galvanized steel.
In another aspect of the invention, the first and second side panels include
side
insulation pockets defined by the corresponding exterior walls (20A, 21A)
and interior surfaces (20B, 21B) of the respective side panels.
In another aspect of the invention, the bottom panel includes a bottom insulation
pocket defined by the bottom surface (24B) and the interior surface (24A)
of the bottom panel. In another aspect of the invention, the first and second side
panels are adapted to snap into, or interlock with, the lateral channels in the
rear panel.
In another aspect of the invention, each of the top, bottom, rear and side panels,
and the roof assembly, are substantially rectangular.
Another aspect of the invention provides a method of assembling a prefabricated
fireplace enclosure adapted for compact packaging and connection to an exterior
supporting wall of a structure. In that aspect, a first side panel and a second
side panel, a first mounting member securable to the supporting wall, a second
mounting member securable to said supporting wall, a rear panel and a bottom panel
adapted for positioning between the first side panel and said second side panel,
and a roof assembly adapted for support by said first side panel and said second
side panel, are provided. The mounting members are secured to the supporting wall.
The first side panel is secured to the first mounting member, and the second side
panel is secured to the second mounting member. In addition, the rear and bottom
panels are secured between the first side panel and said second side panel, and
the roof assembly is positioned on top of the first and second side panels, whereby
the fireplace enclosure is assembled and forms a part of the exterior of the structure
to which it is connected.
In another aspect, first and second upper side panels, first and second upper
mounting members securable to said supporting wall, and an upper rear panel adapted
for positioning between said first upper side panel and said second upper side
panel, are provided. The first and second upper mounting members are secured to
the supporting wall above the first and second mounting members, respectively.
The first and second side panels are secured to the first and second upper mounting
members, and the upper rear panel is positioned between the first and second upper
side panels, whereby the height of the fireplace enclosure may be adjusted.
The general object of the invention is to reduce the cost of and time associated
with fireplace construction and installation.
Another object of the invention is to provide a fireplace enclosure adapted
for compact packaging. Another object is to provide a prefabricated fireplace enclosure
which is easy and inexpensive to ship, and which may be shipped in knock-down or
disassembled condition. Yet another object is to provide a prefabricated fireplace
enclosure which is easy to install.
Another object is to provide a prefabricated fireplace enclosure which requires
no additional insulation, Sheetrock or support.
Another object is to provide an essentially modular fireplace enclosure with
a variable height to accommodate various types of fireplaces and venting methods.
Yet another object is to provide a fireplace enclosure which permits efficient
access to and installation of gas and electric lines.
These and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the foregoing
and ongoing written specification, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the fireplace enclosure of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the fireplace enclosure of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the fireplace enclosure of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the fireplace enclosure of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the fireplace enclosure of the present invention
depicted with attached siding, roofing and vent cap.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the fireplace enclosure of the present invention
depicted with upper side and rear panels.
FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the fireplace enclosure of the present invention
depicted with upper side and rear panels.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are
intended to identify the same structural elements, parts, portions or surfaces
consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as such elements, parts, portions
or surfaces may be further described or explained by the entire written specifications,
of which this detailed description is an integral part. Unless otherwise indicated,
the drawings are intended to be read together with the specification, and are to
be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As
used in the following description, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "left",
"right", "up" and "down", as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof
(e.g., "horizontally", "rightwardly", "upwardly", "radially", etc.), simply refer
to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure
faces the reader. Similarly, the terms "inwardly," "outwardly" and "radially" generally
refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis
of rotation, as appropriate.
Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment
of the invention in perspective view. This embodiment of the fireplace enclosure
10 is attached to the exterior or supporting wall
50 of a home or
building and the corresponding framing
51 of the home or building. The embodiment
includes a first side panel
20 and a second side panel
21, a substantially
rectangular top portion of the rear panel
22 and a substantially rectangular
bottom portion of the rear panel
23, and a roof assembly
25.
FIG. 2 provides additional detail not depicted in FIG.
1. In particular,
the embodiment includes a first mounting member
40 and a second mounting
member
44, both securable to the exterior or supporting wall
50 for
supporting the first side panel
20 and second side panel
21, respectively.
The first mounting member includes a vertical, U-shaped portion
41 securable
to the exterior wall of the home with screws
48A,
48B, and a horizontal,
U-shaped portion
42 supported by a brace
43 for supporting the first
side panel
20. Similarly, the second mounting member includes a vertical
portion
45, a horizontal portion
46 supported by a brace
47,
for supporting the second side panel
21.
In this embodiment, the first side panel includes an insulation pocket defined
by the exterior wall of the panel
20A and the interior surface of the panel
20B. Similarly, the second side panel includes an insulation pocket defined
by its exterior wall
21A and interior surface
21B. The top portion
of the rear panel
22 is defined by two vertical edges
22A,
22B,
an exterior wall
22E and an interior surface
22F, which define first
and second vertical channels
22C,
22D. Similarly, the bottom portion
of the rear panel
23 is defined by two vertical edges
23A,
23B,
an exterior wall
23E and an interior surface
23F, which define first
and second vertical channels
23C,
23D. In this embodiment, the top
and bottom portions of the rear panel are secured to the first and second side
panels
20,
21 with screws. In addition, the bottom panel, which is
secured to the first and second side panels with screws, includes an insulation
pocket defined by the interior surface
24A and a bottom surface
24B.
The roof assembly
25 includes a top pitched portion
25A and two
vertical side portions
25B,
25C. The roof assembly
25 is securable
to the exterior surface of the home or building
51 with screws
25D,
25E, and rests upon the side panels
20,
21 and top portion
of the rear panel
22, to which it is secured with screws.
In addition, this embodiment includes a top panel
26 having an insulation
pocket defined by a top surface
26A and a bottom surface
26B. The
top panel is also secured to the first side panel
20 and second side panel
21 with screws.
The U-shaped channels on the side of the first side panel and second side panel
which face the mounting brackets
40,
44 are configured such that
the respective channels fit over or snap on the corresponding U-shaped horizontal
portion
41,
45 of the corresponding mounting bracket or member. The
channels in the rear panels
22C,
22D,
23C,
23D snap
on or fit over the corresponding sides of the first side panel
20 and second
side panel
21, and may be mounted or attached with screws.
FIG. 3 is a front view of this embodiment which depicts the attachment of the
fireplace enclosure to the exterior or supporting wall
50 of the home or
building and the framing
51 with a number of screws, e.g.
48A,
48B.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the fireplace enclosure in this embodiment which shows
the attachment of the fireplace enclosure to the exterior or supporting wall
50
of the home or building and framing
51 with a number of screws.
FIG. 5 is an illustration of the fireplace enclosure which includes siding
61,
a vent cap
60 and roofing
62 which may be added to the fireplace
enclosure after installation of the fireplace enclosure.
FIG. 6 is an illustration of another embodiment of the invention which includes
first and second top side panels
27,
29 and a top rear panel
28
which are stacked upon the corresponding first and second side panels
20,
21 and rear panel
22. As shown in FIG. 7, an exploded view of FIG.
6, this embodiment includes upper mounting members
30,
31 which are
U-shaped and stacked upon the corresponding lower mounting members
40,
44.
The upper rear panel
28 includes two vertical edge portions
28A,
28B, an exterior wall or surface
28E and an interior surface
28F,
which define vertical channels
28C,
28D, which vertical channels
snap on or fit around the corresponding upper side panels
27,
29.
The upper rear panel may be secured or affixed or attached to the corresponding
upper side panels with screws. The described surfaces of the upper rear panel define
an insulation pocket which may include Styrofoam insulation, which each of the
previously described insulation pockets may include. In addition, the upper side
panels
27,
29 include insulation pockets defined in the same manner
as the insulation pockets in the first side panel and second side panel.
Modifications
The present invention contemplates that many changes and modifications may be
made. For example, other means may be used to secure the side panels to the mounting
members, and to secure the mounting members to the supporting wall. The various
panels and mounting members may also be manufactured from composite materials or
plastics, for example.
Therefore, while the presently-preferred form of the improved fireplace
enclosure has been shown and described, and several modifications and changes thereof
discussed, persons skilled in this art will readily appreciate the various additional
changes and modifications that may be made without departing from the spirit of
the invention, as defined and differentiated by the following claims.
*
