Modular Assembly For Electric Fireplace
Patent No. US11619391 (titled "Modular Assembly For Electric Fireplace") was filed by Greentouch Usa Inc on Jan 21, 2022.
What is this patent about?
’391 is related to the field of electric fireplaces, specifically addressing challenges in their design, manufacturing, and assembly. Traditional electric fireplaces often come fully assembled, leading to bulky packaging, increased shipping costs, and limited design flexibility. The patent aims to overcome these limitations by introducing a modular design that allows for greater customization and efficient packaging.
The underlying idea behind ’391 is to create a modular electric fireplace where the components, such as the housing panels, heater, and flame generator, can be assembled independently by the user. This is achieved by separating the fireplace into distinct modules that can be easily connected. A key aspect is embedding the electrical insert, containing the heater and controller, within a base opening in the base panel of the fireplace housing, optimizing space and simplifying assembly.
The claims of ’391 focus on a user-assemblable electric fireplace designed for installation within a cabinet's structural opening. The independent claims cover methods and apparatuses for providing separate components like the fireplace housing (potentially foldable), an electric heater, a flame generator integrated into a grate, and simulated logs. A crucial element is the independent installation of these components and the electrical connection between the flame generator and heater via a connector cable.
In practice, the invention allows a user to receive the fireplace components in a compact package and assemble them within an existing cabinet or structural opening. The modular design enables independent installation of the housing panels, heater, flame generator, and simulated logs. The connector cable simplifies the electrical connection between the flame generator and the heater, making the assembly process user-friendly. The foldable panels further contribute to compact packaging and ease of handling.
This modular approach differentiates from prior electric fireplaces that typically require factory assembly. By enabling user assembly, ’391 reduces packaging size, lowers shipping costs, and provides greater design flexibility. The ability to use foldable panels and independently install components allows for a wider range of aesthetic options and customization. The integration of the flame generator into the grate is another differentiating feature, streamlining the design and simplifying the assembly process for the user.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical landscape at the time
In the late 2010s when ’391 was filed, electric fireplaces were becoming increasingly popular at a time when manufacturers commonly sought ways to reduce packaging and shipping costs. At that time, electric fireplaces typically came fully assembled, and hardware or software constraints made it non-trivial to offer substantial variability in size, shape, and aesthetic appearance while maintaining product development and cost efficiencies.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The claims were rejected in a non-final office action. Claims 21-26, 28-36, and 38-42 were rejected for double patenting and obviousness over prior art. The applicant's arguments were considered but deemed moot due to the new grounds of rejection. Claims 41 and 42 were indicated as allowable. The Office action was made final.
Claims
This patent contains 20 claims, with independent claims numbered 1, 8, 15, 17, and 19. The independent claims are directed to methods and modular electric fireplaces configured for user assembly and installation into a cabinet. The dependent claims generally elaborate on specific features, components, or steps related to the independent claims, such as the type of connector cable, the inclusion of a connector port, the structure of the fireplace housing, and the use of a controller.
Key Claim Terms New
Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.
Patent Family
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Date
Description
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US11619391
- Application Number
- US17581100
- Filing Date
- Jan 21, 2022
- Status
- Granted
- Expiry Date
- Dec 13, 2039
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents