US20060185665A1 - Sauna fireplace - Google Patents

Abstract

A sauna fireplace assembly that includes an outer enclosure, a combustion chamber enclosure, and a housing. The combustion chamber enclosure is positioned within the outer enclosure and defines a combustion chamber wherein heat is generated. The housing is positioned in contact with a panel of the combustion chamber enclosure and is configured to house a plurality of heat retaining members. An opening into the housing is accessible through the outer enclosure for access to the heat retaining members. Heat generated in the combustion chamber is passed to the heat retaining members and then radiated from the heat retaining members into a living space such as a sauna enclosure. A portion of the housing may be exposed within the combustion chamber for improved heat transfer to the heat retaining members.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention
• The present invention generally relates to heating appliances, and more particularly relates to heating appliances for use in a sauna.
• 2. Related Art
• Saunas originated centuries ago as Finnish steam baths. Steam for the steam bath is provided by water thrown on stones that are heated by a sauna heater. Original sauna heaters used burning wood or other fibrous articles to heat the stones. Today saunas are generally known as a dry heat bath, wherein steam can be generated in the room by applying water on heated objects such as artificial rocks that are heated by a gas or electric sauna heater.
• Sauna heaters are an important part of the sauna. Sauna heaters generate heat sufficient to warm the sauna room to a desired temperature; typically over 110° F. Sauna heaters include a source of heat (e.g., an electric heating element or a gas or wood burning combustion device) and a bed of rocks or other heat emanating members positioned above and in contact with the source of heat. Although sauna heaters are often positioned as a center of attention in the sauna due to their important function, sauna heaters are not usually designed for aesthetics. Sauna heaters are most often designed with safety and heat generating efficiency as a primary objective. A sauna heater that provides aesthetics as well as safety and efficient heat generation would be an important advance in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention generally relates to heating appliances, and more particularly relates to sauna heating appliances. One aspect of the invention relates to a fireplace that includes an outer enclosure, a plenum, and a housing. The combustion chamber enclosure is positioned within the outer enclosure and defines a combustion chamber wherein heat is generated. The plenum is defined between the outer enclosure and the combustion chamber enclosure. The plenum includes an inlet and an outlet for the circulation of room air through the plenum to heat the room air. The housing is positioned in contact with a panel of the combustion chamber enclosure and is configured to house a plurality of heat retaining members. An opening into the housing is accessible through the outer enclosure for accessing the heat retaining members. The fireplace is configured to pass heat generated in the combustion chamber through the housing to the heat retaining members and into a living space.
• Another aspect of the invention relates to a fireplace that includes a combustion chamber enclosure and a housing. The combustion chamber enclosure defines a combustion chamber wherein combustion occurs to generate heat. The combustion chamber enclosure includes a top panel and a front panel through which the combustion chamber is viewable. The housing is configured to hold at least one heat retaining member and includes a bottom panel that defines a portion of the top panel of the combustion chamber enclosure.
• A further aspect of the invention relates to a fireplace that includes a combustion chamber enclosure, a burner, and a housing. The combustion chamber enclosure defines a combustion chamber and includes at least one panel for viewing the combustion chamber. The burner is positioned within the combustion chamber and is configured to produce a flame that generates heat and is viewable through the at least one panel. The housing is configured to hold at least one heat retaining member and includes a panel that is at least partially exposed within the combustion chamber.
• A still further aspect of the invention relates to a sauna that includes an enclosure including at least one wall, a fireplace, and a heat exchanging housing. The fireplace is positioned at least partially within the enclosure and includes a combustion chamber enclosure wherein a flame is generated for the production of heat. The combustion chamber enclosure includes at least one panel through which the flame is viewable. The heat exchanging housing coupled to a top panel of the combustion chamber enclosure, the housing including a plurality of panels that define a storage space sized to receive a plurality of heat retaining objects, the housing being configured to absorb heat generated in the combustion chamber and radiate the absorbed heat within the enclosure.
• Another aspect of the invention relates to a heat exchanging assembly configured for use with a fireplace. The assembly includes a heat emanating member configured to absorb heat from the fireplace and radiate heat into a dwelling space, and a housing sized to retain the heat emanating member. The housing includes at least one panel configured for exposure to a heat source positioned within the fireplace. The at least one panel includes at least one heat exchanging fin configured for exposure to the heat source.
• Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a sauna fireplace. The fireplace includes an outer enclosure, a combustion chamber enclosure defining a combustion chamber, and a heat exchanging assembly. The heat exchanging assembly defines a housing within which heat retaining objects may be positioned. The method includes providing the combustion chamber enclosure with at least one panel through which the combustion chamber is viewable, positioning the combustion chamber enclosure within the outer enclosure wherein the at least one panel is exposed for viewing, and securing the heating exchanging assembly to a top panel of the combustion chamber enclosure with the heating exchanging assembly at least partially exposed outside of the outer enclosure to provide access to the heat retaining objects positioned within the housing.
• The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. Figures in the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplified embodiments of the invention. While certain embodiments will be illustrated and described, the invention is not limited to use in such embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in the invention and in connection with accompanying drawings, in which:
• FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an example sauna fireplace according to principles of the present invention;
• FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the fireplace shown inFIG. 1;
• FIG. 3 is front view of the fireplace shown inFIG. 1;
• FIG. 4 is side view of the fireplace shown inFIG. 1;
• FIG. 5 is a top view of the fireplace shown inFIG. 1;
• FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the fireplace shown inFIG. 3 taken along cross-section indicators6-6;
• FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional front view of the fireplace shown inFIG. 4 taken along cross-section indicators7-7;
• FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a combination sauna wall and the sauna fireplace shown inFIG. 1;
• FIG. 9 is a front view of the combination sauna wall and the sauna fireplace shown inFIG. 8;
• FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the combination sauna wall and the sauna fireplace shown inFIG. 9 taken along cross-section indicators10-10;
• FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of another example sauna fireplace according to principles of the present invention;
• FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the fireplace shown inFIG. 11;
• FIG. 13 is front view of the fireplace shown inFIG. 11;
• FIG. 14 is side view of the fireplace shown inFIG. 11;
• FIG. 15 is a top view of the fireplace shown inFIG. 11;
• FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional side view of the fireplace shown inFIG. 13 taken along cross-section indicators16-16;
• FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional front view of the fireplace shown inFIG. 14 taken along cross-section indicators17-17;
• FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of a combination sauna wall and the sauna fireplace shown inFIG. 11;
• FIG. 19 is a front view of the combination sauna wall and the sauna fireplace shown inFIG. 18;
• FIG. 20 is a top side view of the combination sauna wall and the sauna fireplace shown inFIG. 18; and
• FIG. 21 is a flow diagram related to an example method of manufacturing or assembling a sauna fireplace according to principles of the present invention.
• While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in 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.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
• The present invention generally relates to heating appliances, and more particularly relates to heat generating appliances configured for use in a sauna. An example sauna heating appliance that is shown and described herein is a fireplace that has been modified to include features relevant to use in a sauna.
• As used herein, the term “combustion chamber enclosure” can be any structure that at least partially surrounds that portion of the fireplace or heating appliance in which combustion or heat generation occurs. A combustion chamber enclosure typically includes a plurality of panels that define a combustion chamber for the combustion of fuel or generation of heat using other means. The term “sauna” will be understood to mean a heat bath and may include a sauna housing or sauna room that defines an enclosed space, and a sauna heater for the generation of heat within the enclosed space.
• While the example embodiments of the present invention provided below are described in conjunction with example fireplaces, the present invention is equally applicable to other fireplaces such as, for example, a direct vent, a universal vent, a B-vent, a horizontal/vertical-vent, a dual direct vent, and a multisided unit having two or three glass panels as combustion chamber side panels. Although the present invention may be particularly useful for an open front fireplace, as described below, may principles of the present invention may be applied to closed front fireplaces, stoves, furnaces, and similar heat generating appliances.
• Referring now toFIGS. 1-7, anexample fireplace assembly10 is shown.Fireplace10 is particularly useful as a sauna heater as will be described below with reference toFIGS. 8-10.
• Fireplace10 provides an aesthetically pleasing, relatively efficient structure for generating heat within a sauna housing. Safety of the structure can be improved with a variety of features including, for example, a hot product warning sensor as described in U.S. 2003/0201896-A1, a glass cooling configuration as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,441, an exhaust removal system as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/769,557 entitled EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR OPEN FRONT FIREPLACE and filed on Jan. 30, 2004, and a proximity warning system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,672,860, which are incorporated herein by reference.
• Fireplace assembly10 includes anouter enclosure12, acombustion chamber enclosure14, aheat transfer assembly16, avalve assembly18, a burner assembly20 (seeFIGS. 6 and 7), and a vent assembly22 (seeFIGS. 2 and 6). Theouter enclosure12 includes a plurality of panels that together define a space or volume within which the combustion chamber enclosure is positioned. Theouter enclosure12 includes front andback panels30,32, first andsecond side panels34,36, and top andbottom panels38,40. Thefront panel30 defines an opening for view of thecombustion chamber enclosure14. Thetop panel38 also defines an opening through which theheat transfer assembly16 is at least partially exposed for access into an inner volume defined by theheat transfer assembly16. In some embodiments, thetop panel38 may also define an opening sized to expose a portion of a top panel of the combustion chamber enclosure and other components positioned within theouter enclosure12.
• Thecombustion chamber enclosure14 includes front andback panels42,44, first andsecond side panels46,48, and top andbottom panels50,52. Thepanels42,44,46,48,50, and52 define acombustion chamber58 wherein heat is generated by any desired means, such as, for example, theburner assembly20 described in further detail below.
• Thefront panel42 defines an opening that may be covered with a transparent or translucent pane (e.g., a glass pane) that provides viewing into thecombustion chamber58. At least a portion of the opening in thefront panel42 is viewable through thefront panel30 of theouter enclosure12. Thetop panel50 defines a top opening54 (seeFIG. 2) through which at least a portion of theheat transfer assembly16 is exposed within thecombustion chamber58. Theback panel48 includes arear opening56 that exposes a portion of thevent assembly22 for the purpose of venting exhaust gases out of thecombustion chamber58.
• In other embodiments, various panels of thecombustion chamber enclosure14 andouter enclosure12 may be configured to permit viewing within thecombustion chamber58. In one example embodiment, the combustion chamber enclosure includes three or more panels provided with openings sized to provide viewing into the combustion chamber, such as the PIER-TVFL fireplace made by Heat & Glow of Lakeville, Minn.
• The relative position between thecombustion chamber enclosure14 and theouter enclosure12 defines a plenum96 (seeFIG. 6) wherein features of thefireplace10 can be positioned. For example, thevalve assembly18 may be positioned within theplenum96 at a position between thebottom panel52 of the combustion chamber enclosure and thebottom panel40 of the outer enclosure. Portions of thevent assembly22 and theheat transfer assembly16 may be positioned within theplenum96. Access opening into theplenum96 through thefront panel30 of theouter enclosure12 above and below thefront panel42 of thecombustion chamber enclosure14 may be covered at least partially by louvers or vent members that help direct room air into the plenum and direct heated air from within theplenum96 back into the living space. Thefireplace10 may include other air inlets and outlets to theplenum96 for heating room air from various sources and directing the heated air to various locations.
• Theheat transfer assembly16 includes ahousing60, agrate62, a sealingmember64, and drainchannels66,68. Thehousing60 is defined by a plurality ofside panels70,72,74,76 and abottom panel78. Thebottom panel78 includes a plurality ofheat transfer members80 that extend downward from thehousing60 and are exposed within thecombustion chamber58. Theheat transfer members80 improve heat transfer efficiency of heat generated within thecombustion chamber58 to thehousing60 because of the additional exposed surface area provided by theheat transfer members80.
• Thehousing60 defines a volume or space within which the plurality ofheat retaining member69 may be positioned. Theheat retaining members69 may comprise any desired material and using any desired forming techniques such as those described in pending U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0049575 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,941,237; 5,996,575; and 6,170,481, which are incorporated herein by reference. One example natural rock product well suited for use as theheat retaining members69 are Olivine black granite imported from Finland. Other materials that may be used for theheat retaining members69 or thehousing60 include granite, marble, steel, and other materials that preferably resist failure when a relatively cool liquid is applied to the material when the material is heated.
• Theheat retaining members69 are preferably configured with a material composition that resists failure of the material when a cool liquid such as water is poured upon the heat retaining members when they are in the heated state. When thefireplace assembly10 is used as a sauna fireplace when theheat retaining members69 absorb heat transferred from thecombustion chamber58, through theheat transfer members80 to thehousing60 and into theheat retaining members69, and theheat retaining members69 emanate heat into a living space such as within a space defined by a sauna housing. When a user of the sauna housing desires to increase the humidity within the living space defined by the sauna housing, the user may apply a liquid such as water to the heat retaining members, which typically immediately evaporates the liquid. Thehousing60 may be provided withdrain openings82,84 that are in fluid communication with thedrain channels66,68 to direct excess amounts of the liquid applied to the heat retaining members out of thehousing60.
• Thegrate62 may provide a surface upon which theheat retaining members69 can rest while providing a spacing between thebottom panel78 and theheat retaining members69. This spacing may be useful if an object is to separate theheat retaining members69 from any excess liquid present along thebottom panel78 within thehousing60. Other embodiments may not include agrate member62 if it is preferred, for example, to provide direct physical contact between theheat retaining member69 and thebottom panel78. Such direct physical contact may improve, in some circumstances, the heat transfer efficiency to theheat retaining members69.
• Thecombustion chamber enclosure14 and theheat transfer assembly16 are configured such that the heat transfer assembly defines at least a portion of a top panel or uppermost surface of the combustion chamber enclosure that defines thecombustion chamber58. By exposing a portion of thehousing60 within thecombustion chamber58, there is a more direct transfer of the heat generated within the combustion chamber to theheat transfer assembly16. In other embodiments, thetop panel50 of thecombustion chamber enclosure14 may have atop opening54 with a smaller size than shown in the Figures, or no opening at all such that only a relatively small or no portion of thehousing60 is exposed within thecombustion chamber58. In such a configuration (not shown) thehousing60 would preferably maintain physical contact with thetop panel50 so that heat transfer would occur by conduction between thetop panel50 and thebottom panel78 of thehousing60.
• In still further embodiments, theheat transfer assembly16 may be positioned adjacent to or exposed through other panels of thecombustion chamber enclosure14 such as, for example, the back, first and second sides, orbottom panels44,46,48,52, respectively. Essentially, there is little restriction as to where theheat transfer assembly16 may be positioned relative to thecombustion chamber enclosure14 or to how or where portions of theheat transfer assembly16 may be exposed within thecombustion chamber58.
• As noted above, it is most desirable for theheat retaining member69 to be exposed through theouter enclosure12. Therefore, if theheat transfer assembly16 is positioned at other panels of thecombustion chamber enclosure14 beside thetop panel50, the outer enclosure panels may be configured with alternative openings sufficient to provide access to theheat retaining member69 positioned within thehousing60.
• Thevalve assembly18 is shown exposed through thefront panel30 of theouter enclosure12. Thevalve assembly18 controls gas flow to the burner assembly20 (seeFIGS. 6 and 7). Combustion gases generated by theburner assembly20 can exit thecombustion chamber58 through afirst vent member90 of thevent assembly22. Asecond vent member92 provides a source of combustion air to the combustion chamber via acombustion air channel94 that is positioned along theback panel44 of thecombustion chamber enclosure14.
• In other embodiments, different heat generating members may be used in place of aburner assembly20. For example, the heat generating member may be an electric element that is combined with a simulated flame member. Controls for such an electric heating element may replace thevalve assembly18 within theplenum96.
• Referring now toFIGS. 8-10, thefireplace assembly10 may be positioned within asauna enclosure100 that is defined by at least onewall102. Thewall102 defines arecess104 having a width W and depth D sufficient to at least partially house thefireplace assembly10. Thewall102 also includes a plurality ofwindows106 that provide viewing into and out of thesauna enclosure100.Sauna enclosure100 may also include additional walls and a ceiling member (all of which are not shown in this view) so as to define a completely enclosed volume or space within which a user may reside with thefireplace assembly10. The enclosed space can be heated to any desired temperature using heat generated within thecombustion chamber58 which emanates at least partially through theheat transfer assembly16 andheat retaining member69 into the space. Additional heat may emanate from thecombustion chamber58 through thefront panels42,30 and through other panels of theouter enclosure12.
• Thefireplace10 is shown inFIGS. 8-10 in direct contact with thewall102 of theenclosure100. In most applications, some type of insulating material (not shown) is provided between thefireplace10 and thewall102 to create a heat barrier and improve safety.
• Thefireplace assembly10 provides a source of heat and an aesthetically pleasing fire display within thesauna enclosure100. The fire display provided by thefireplace assembly10 can provide a soothing and relaxing atmosphere for users residing within thesauna enclosure100.
• Referring now toFIGS. 11-17, a secondfireplace assembly embodiment200 is shown and described. Thefireplace assembly200 is a modified version of the Twilight fireplace made by Heat & Glow of Lakeville, Minn. Thefireplace assembly200 includes anouter enclosure212, acombustion chamber enclosure214, aheat transfer assembly216, avalve assembly218, aburner assembly220, and avent assembly222. Thefireplace assembly200 has many similarities to thefireplace assembly10 described above.Fireplace assembly200 further includes viewing into the combustion chamber enclosure via the front and back sides of the fireplace assembly, and a hydronic heating member, which features are described in further detail below.
• Theouter enclosure212 includes front andback panels230,232, first andsecond side panels234,236, abottom panel240, and a top panel that is removed for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the features positioned within theouter enclosure212. Theouter enclosure212 defines a volume or space within which thecombustion chamber enclosure214 may be positioned. The front andback panels230,234 each define an opening through which thecombustion chamber enclosure214 is viewable. Thefireplace assembly200 is especially useful for positioning within a wall of a building structure so as to be exposed on opposing sides of the wall structure. By providing viewing through both the front andback panels230,232, the interior of the combustion chamber enclosure can be viewable from either side of the wall structure.
• The top panel (not shown) of theouter enclosure212 preferably defines an opening at least large enough to expose a portion, if not all, of the interior volume defined by theheat transfer assembly216.
• Thecombustion chamber enclosure214 includes front andback panels242,244, first andsecond side panels246,248, and top andbottom panels250,252 that together define acombustion chamber258 wherein heat is generated for heating theheat transfer assembly216. The front andback panels242,244 each define an opening that provides viewing into thecombustion chamber258. The openings defined by the front andback panels242,244 may each be at least partially covered by a transparent or translucent pane of material such as glass or other heat resistant material. The front andback panels242,244 are at least partially viewable through the openings defined in the front andback panels230,232 of theouter enclosure212.
• Thetop panel250 defines atop opening254 through which at least a portion of theheat transfer assembly216 may be exposed within thecombustion chamber258. Theouter enclosure212 andcombustion chamber enclosure214 may include other openings (not shown) that provide venting via a venting assembly (not shown) that provides combustion air to thecombustion chamber258 and/or exhaust combustion gases from thecombustion chamber258. In embodiments wherein heat is generated using a source of heat that does not require combustion air for the ventilation of exhaust gases (e.g., electric heat or hydrogen combustion), a ventilation system may not be required.
• Theouter enclosure212 is preferably sized larger than thecombustion chamber enclosure214 so as to provide aplenum296 between theenclosures212,214 (seeFIGS. 16 and 17). Thevalve assembly218 and other features of thefireplace assembly200 may be positioned and exposed for access within theplenum296.
• Theheat transfer assembly216 includes ahousing260 defined by a plurality ofside panels270,272,274,276, and abottom panel278. A plurality ofheat transfer members280 are positioned along an outward facing surface of thebottom panel278. Theheat transfer members280 are preferably exposed within thecombustion chamber258 as shown inFIGS. 16 and 17. Themembers280 provide additional surface area exposed within thecombustion chamber258 for the transfer of heat generated by theburner assembly220 to theheat transfer assembly216. A plurality ofheat retaining members269 may be positioned within the space defined by thehousing260 and in contact with thebottom panel278 so as to absorb heat transferred from thecombustion chamber258 via themembers280 to thehousing260. Theheat retaining members269 in turn emanate heat out of thefireplace assembly200 into a living space in which thefireplace200 is positioned.
• As described above, theheat retaining members269 may comprise a material composition that is especially useful for absorbing and emanating heat and resisting failure when a relatively cool liquid is applied to the heat retaining members when they are in a heated state. Such properties for theheat retaining members269 are especially useful when thefireplace200 is used as a sauna fireplace to provide heat and a desired quantity of humidity within an enclosed space defined by a sauna enclosure as described further below with reference toFIGS. 18-20. When thefireplace200 is used as a sauna heating device, the heat generated in thecombustion chamber258 heats theheat transfer assembly216 including theheat retaining members269, which then emanate heat into the sauna housing. A liquid such as water may be applied to the heat retaining members to generate steam that increases the humidity within the sauna housing. Any excess liquid applied to theheat retaining members269 may be retained within thehousing260 until completely evaporated. In other embodiments (e.g., thehousing60 described above) the housing may include drain openings that permits the excess liquid to drain out of thehousing260.
• As described with reference to thefireplace10, theheat transfer assembly216 may be positioned at any location around thecombustion chamber enclosure214. Further, theheat transfer assembly216 may or may not be exposed within thecombustion chamber258. Further, althoughmembers280 are shown extending from thebottom panel278 of thehousing260, other heat transfer enhancing structures besides fins shaped heat transfer members may be used for improving the transfer of heat from thecombustion chamber258 to theheat transfer assembly216. For example, spherical, conical, and other shapes may be used for the heat transfer members. The heat transfer members may be configured as, for example, rods, ribs, plates, fins, etc. The inner volume of thehousing60 wherein theheat retaining members269 are positioned is preferably exposed through one of the panels of theouter enclosure212 for access by a user of thefireplace200.
• Thefireplace assembly200 may be used within a sauna enclosure such as theenclosure300 shown inFIGS. 18-20.Sauna enclosure300 includes at least onewall302 that defines anopening304 sized to expose theback panel232 of thefireplace assembly200. Thesauna enclosure300 also includes a plurality ofwindows306 and adoor308 that provide access into the enclosed sauna space. The sauna enclosure may also include at least three other wall members and a ceiling (all of which are not shown) that together define an enclosed space or enclosure that can be heated to a desired temperature using thefireplace assembly200.
• Thefireplace200 is shown inFIGS. 18-20 in direct contact with thewall302 of theenclosure300. In most applications, some type of insulating material (not shown) is provided between thefireplace200 and thewall302 to create a heat barrier and to improve safety.
• Thus, thefireplace assembly200 when used in connection with thesauna enclosure300 provides heating and an aesthetically pleasing fire display within the sauna enclosure while also providing an aesthetically pleasing fire display from a position outside of the sauna enclosure. Heat generated by thefireplace assembly200 may be directed to the space outside of the sauna enclosure.
• Theheat transfer assembly216 may further include a hydronic heating member286 (seeFIGS. 2, 15 and16). Thehydronic heating member286 may include inlet andoutlet ports288,289 that are coupled to a continuously flowing source of fluid that flows through thehydronic heating member286. Thehydronic heating member286 is positioned in contact with thetop panel250 of thecombustion chamber enclosure214 and may be exposed within thecombustion chamber258. Thehydronic heating member286 may include a plurality of heat transfer members287 extending from a bottom surface thereof to improve the transfer of heat from thecombustion chamber258 to the liquid flowing through thehydronic heating member286.
• The liquid heated within thehydronic heating member286 may be channeled or otherwise directed to a remote location wherein heat is removed from the liquid and used for any desired purpose such as, for example, a hot water heater, a floor surface, or into heated air of a furnace system. Some examples uses for heat removed from the liquid are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/800,142 entitled FIREPLACE HYDRONIC HEATING and filed on Mar. 12, 2004, which patent application is incorporated herein by reference. Example uses for heat removed from the liquid include heating water for an indoor or outdoor hot tub, whirlpool, swimming pool, hot water heater or central heating system. The hydronic heating system may be a closed loop system wherein the fluid flowing through the hydronic heating system remains isolated from other liquids. The hydronic system may also be an opened loop system wherein the fluid flowing through the hydronic heating system is water that is used, for example, in the example hot tub, whirlpool, etc., mentioned above.
• In other embodiments, a hydronic heating member in the form of, for example, a conduit, may be embedded within a panel or other structure of the fireplace. Embedding the hydronic member may be advantageous for at least the reason of reducing condensation on the hydronic heating member.
• Theexample sauna housings100,300 described above represent closed rooms wherein a sauna condition exists. Some types of saunas may require a certain amount of fresh air intake into the sauna room for proper ventilation. In one example, a fresh air intake into the sauna is provided through a portion of therelated fireplace10,200. Moving relatively cool fresh air below the combustion chamber of the fireplace or otherwise in contact with controls of the fireplace may be advantageous for at least some of the fireplace controls.
• Thefireplaces10,200 described above may be modified to include an automated steam generating system. Thefireplaces10,200 typically produce steam only when a user manually applies water to themembers69,269. In other embodiments, a water/liquid delivery system may be used to deliver water to themembers69,269 at a desired rate and at a predetermined timing. For example, a water conduit with a valve may be added to thefireplaces10,200 with an end of the conduit being positioned near theheat transfer assembly16,216. The valve may be turned on so that a constant drip or stream of water is applied to themembers69,269 or otherwise within thehousing60,260, wherein the water is evaporated into steam. In some embodiments, the valve may be controlled automatically using a control system that is set by a user to create a predetermined humidity condition or apply water for a predetermined time period at a certain rate. In this way, thesauna100,300 could function more like a steam room than a dry heat sauna room.
• The fireplace assemblies and sauna enclosures described above may be described in further detail with reference to various methods of manufacturing, assembly, and use. An example method of manufacturing a sauna fireplace that includes an outer enclosure, a combustion chamber enclosure defining a combustion chamber, and a heat exchanging assembly described with reference toFIG. 21. The method may include the steps of providing a combustion chamber enclosure with at least one panel-through which the combustion chamber is viewable, and positioning the combustion chamber enclosure within the outer enclosure wherein at least one panel is exposed for viewing. The method may also include securing the heat exchanging assembly to a top panel of the combustion chamber enclosure with the heat exchanging assembly at least partially exposed outside of the outer enclosure. A further step of the method may include exposing at least a portion of the housing within the combustion chamber enclosure.

Claims (25)

1. A fireplace, comprising:

an outer enclosure;

a combustion chamber enclosure positioned within the outer enclosure, the combustion chamber enclosure defining a combustion chamber wherein heat is generated;

a plenum defined between the outer enclosure and combustion chamber enclosure, the plenum having an inlet and an outlet for the circulation of room air through the plenum to heat the room air;

a housing positioned in contact with a panel of the combustion chamber enclosure, the housing being configured to house a plurality of heat retaining members, an opening into the housing being accessible through the outer enclosure for accessing the heat retaining members;

wherein heat generated in the combustion chamber is passed through the housing to the heat retaining members.

2. The fireplace ofclaim 1, wherein the housing is configured to hold a fluid.

3. The fireplace ofclaim 1, wherein the combustion chamber enclosure includes at least one panel that defines an opening for viewing a source of heat positioned within the combustion chamber.

4. The fireplace ofclaim 3, wherein the source of heat is a flame generated by a gas burner.

5. The fireplace ofclaim 3, wherein the combustion chamber enclosure includes a front panel and an opposing rear panel that each define an opening for viewing the source of heat.

6. The fireplace ofclaim 1, wherein at least a portion of the housing is exposed within the combustion chamber.

7. The fireplace ofclaim 6, wherein the portion of the housing exposed within the combustion chamber includes at least one heat transfer structure.

8. A fireplace, comprising:

a combustion chamber enclosure defining a combustion chamber wherein combustion occurs to generate heat, the combustion chamber enclosure including a front panel through which the combustion chamber is viewable and a top panel; and

a housing configured to hold at least one heat retaining member, the housing including a bottom panel that defines a portion of the top panel of the combustion chamber enclosure.

9. The fireplace ofclaim 8, wherein the bottom panel of the housing includes a plurality of heat transfer members.

10. The fireplace ofclaim 8, wherein the combustion chamber enclosure includes a rear panel on an opposing side of the combustion chamber enclosure from the front side, the front and rear panels each defining an opening through which the combustion chamber is viewable.

11. The fireplace ofclaim 8, further comprising an outer enclosure defined by a plurality of panels, the combustion chamber enclosure being at least partially disposed within the outer enclosure, and a plenum defined between the outer enclosure and the combustion chamber enclosure, the housing extending through the plenum and exposed outside of the outer enclosure.

12. The fireplace ofclaim 8, further comprising a burner positioned within the combustion chamber, the burner being configured to generate a flame, the flame being viewable through the front panel.

13. A fireplace, comprising:

a combustion chamber enclosure defining a combustion chamber, the combustion chamber enclosure including at least one panel for viewing the combustion chamber;

a burner positioned within the combustion chamber, the burner being configured to produce a flame that generates heat and is viewable through the at least one panel; and

a housing configured to hold at least one heat retaining member, a panel of the housing being at least partially exposed within the combustion chamber.

14. The fireplace ofclaim 13, wherein the housing includes at least one drain channel configured to direct fluid away from within the housing.

15. The fireplace ofclaim 13, further comprising a gasket positioned between the housing and the combustion chamber enclosure.

16. The fireplace ofclaim 13, further comprising a hydronic heating member configured to transfer heat from the combustion chamber to a fluid flowing through the hydronic heating member between an inlet opening and an outlet opening of the hydronic heating member.

17. A sauna, comprising:

an enclosure including at least one wall;

a fireplace positioned at least partially within the enclosure, the fireplace including a combustion chamber enclosure wherein a flame is generated for the production of heat, the combustion chamber enclosure including at least one panel through which the flame is viewable; and

a heat exchanging housing coupled to a top panel of the combustion chamber enclosure, the housing including a plurality of panels that define a storage space sized to receive a plurality of heat retaining objects, the housing being configured to absorb heat generated in the combustion chamber and radiate the absorbed heat within the enclosure.

18. The sauna ofclaim 17, wherein the housing is at least partially exposed within the combustion chamber enclosure.

19. The sauna ofclaim 17, further including a grate member positioning within the housing and configured to support the heat retaining members.

20. A heat exchanging assembly configured for use with a fireplace, the assembly comprising:

a heat emanating member configured to absorb heat from the fireplace and radiate heat into a dwelling space; and

a housing sized to retain the heat emanating member, the housing including at least one panel configured for exposure to a heat source positioned within the fireplace, the at least one panel including at least one heat exchanging member configured for exposure to the heat source.

21. The heat exchanging assembly ofclaim 20, wherein the fireplace includes a combustion chamber enclosure and a burner positioned within the combustion chamber enclosure for the generation of heat, wherein the at least one heat exchanging member is exposed within the combustion chamber enclosure.

22. A method of manufacturing a sauna fireplace, the fireplace including an outer enclosure, a combustion chamber enclosure defining a combustion chamber, and a heat exchanging assembly, the heat exchanging assembly defining an housing within which heat retaining objects may be positioned, the method comprising the steps of:

providing the combustion chamber enclosure with at least one panel through which the combustion chamber is viewable;

positioning the combustion chamber enclosure within the outer enclosure wherein the at least one panel is exposed for viewing; and

securing the heating exchanging assembly to a top panel of the combustion chamber enclosure with the heating exchanging assembly at least partially exposed outside of the outer enclosure to provide access to the heat retaining objects positioned within the housing.

23. The method ofclaim 22, further comprising exposing a portion of the housing within the combustion chamber enclosure.

24. The method ofclaim 22, wherein the heat exchanging assembly defines a portion of the top panel of the combustion chamber enclosure.

25. The method ofclaim 22, wherein the fireplace further includes a burner configured to generate heat, the method including positioning the burner within the combustion chamber enclosure, the burner being viewable through the at least one panel.

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