X-vent

Abstract

A fireplace apparatus for a building includes a firebox, and a plenum arranged with an exterior surface of the firebox. A blower is arranged with the plenum to force air through the plenum and a plenum exhaust vent is configured to release the forced air from the plenum. A method of pre-heating air for a building fireplace includes selecting air admitted from inside the building through an interior inlet port into a manifold and through a plenum until the firebox reaches a selected temperature, and selecting air admitted from outside the building through an exterior inlet port into the manifold and through the plenum when the firebox reaches or exceeds the selected temperature.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 597,511, entitled “X-VENT,” filed on Feb. 10, 2012, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD[0002]The present disclosure relates generally to fireplaces. More particularly, the disclosure relates to heated airflow for wood burning, gas, ethanol, vent free fireplaces, and the like.BACKGROUND [0003]Generally, modern domestic fireplaces provide a relaxing ambiance. More practically, fireplaces provide warmth to a home by means of radiant heat generated by the fire, but require a large supply of combustion air for this function. In a wood burning fireplace, for example (but not so limited) the fire is contained in a firebox. A chimney or flue allows exhaust gases and smoke to escape. The fireplace may have a foundation, the firebox, a hearth, a mantel, an ash dump door, a damper, a flue, a crown, a spark arrestor, and other orn...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent is about a fireplace system for buildings that includes a firebox and a plenum (a space around the firebox where air is forced through and heated by the firebox). The heated air is then released into the building through a vent. The system is designed to pre-heat air for the fireplace by heating the firebox and using a blower to force air through the plenum. The technical effect of this patent is to provide a more efficient and effective fireplace system for buildings that can quickly and safely release heated air into the building for use in comfort and safety.

Problems solved by technology

This air is heated by the fire and may generally exhaust through the flue up the chimney, thus wasting its energy content.

This replacement of house air with colder outside air can result in a negative heating value of a traditional wood burning (or other fuel type) fireplace.

Images