Proximity warning system for a fireplace
First Claim
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1. A proximity warning system for a fireplace, the system comprising:
- a monitor module coupled to the fireplace, wherein the monitor module is configured to sense when an object enters a defined zone proximate to the fireplace; and
an alarm module coupled to the monitor module to generate an alarm when the monitor module senses that the object has entered the defined zone.
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Abstract
A proximity warning system for a fireplace including a monitor module and an alarm module. The monitor module is configured to sense when an object, such as a person, enters a defined zone proximate to the fireplace. The monitor module may use a variety of techniques to sense when an object enters the defined zone. For example, the monitor module may use capacitance or pulse infrared light to detect when an object enters the defined zone. The alarm module is coupled to the monitor module to generate an alarm when the monitor module senses that the object has entered the defined zone. The alarm may be audible or visual.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A proximity warning system for a fireplace, the system comprising:
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a monitor module coupled to the fireplace, wherein the monitor module is configured to sense when an object enters a defined zone proximate to the fireplace; and
an alarm module coupled to the monitor module to generate an alarm when the monitor module senses that the object has entered the defined zone. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A fireplace including a proximity warning system, the fireplace comprising:
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an enclosure defining a combustion chamber and including at least one exposed surface;
a plate coupled to the at least one exposed surface, wherein the plate includes a conductive area forming a first capacitor;
a capacitance module, wherein the capacitance module is electrically coupled to the conductive area and includes a second capacitor that is tunable to match a capacitance of the first capacitor; and
an alarm module electrically coupled to the capacitance module to generate an alarm when an object enters a defined zone proximate the fireplace and thereby cause the capacitance of the first capacitor to vary with respect to a capacitance of the second capacitor. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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15. A fireplace including a proximity warning system, the fireplace comprising:
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an enclosure defining a combustion chamber and including at least one exposed surface;
an infrared light module for transmitting infrared light;
a receiver module configured to receive reflected infrared light; and
an alarm module coupled to the receiver module to generate an alarm when an object enters a defined zone proximate the fireplace and thereby causes the infrared light to reflect toward the receiver module.
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16. A proximity warning system for a fireplace, the system comprising:
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a means for sensing when an object enters a defined zone proximate to the fireplace; and
a means for alarming when the object enters the defined zone.
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17. A method for warning when an object approaches a fireplace, the method comprising steps of:
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providing a monitor module for monitoring when an object enters a defined zone proximate the fireplace;
providing an alarm module coupled to the monitor module for generating an alarm when the object enters the defined zone;
monitoring the defined zone; and
generating an alarm when the object enters the defined zone. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification