Abstract:
A waterfall assembly features a first, substantially hermetically sealed chamber adapted to contain a quantity of liquid. The first chamber includes at least one substantially vertical and transparent side having an internal surface, preferably with a plurality of protrusions. A pump or fluid transport device is in fluid communication with the first chamber and at least one nozzle/aperture disposed within the first chamber. The nozzle/aperture directs the liquid against at least a portion of the internal surface of the vertical side of the first chamber such that some of the liquid flows over the protrusions. A second chamber having a light source may be disposed beneath the first chamber for illuminating the first chamber.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/741,427, filed Dec. 1, 2005, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to art fixtures and more particularly, relates to stand-alone water-based art fixtures and assemblies. 
     BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
     Due to their inherent beauty and soothing qualities, many people enjoy having waterfalls in their homes and business. For example, waterfalls and the like have been used as art pieces (similar to the location of a hanging picture or sculpture), as backdrops for Point-of-sale (POS) or Point-of-purchase (POP) units, for signage (example logo backdrop for corporate reception desk), as unique walls (dividers in offices—may or may not be see through), for effect (relaxation)—spas and salons, as attention gatherers—incorporated in trade show booths, in conference rooms or lobbies with signage near by, and as fixtures (incorporate lighting to light an area or enhance an area—over a table, behind a bar, in a table&#39;s stand, exterior finish to a counter area, etc.). 
       FIG. 1  shows an illustrative embodiment of a known waterfall design. The waterfall  1  according to this embodiment generally consists of a rectangular unit  2  having a pump (not shown) that pumps water over the generally vertical external surfaces  3 . The water within the waterfall  1  is ultimately exposed to the environment. Consequently, the known waterfalls  1  suffer from several limitations. 
     One known limitation of the known waterfall designs  1  is that water can splash out of the unit  2  and onto nearby objects causing a safety hazard and damage. Another limitation of the known waterfalls  1  is that the foreign debris (bacteria, mold, and other objects) can be easily introduced into the water. In an effort to minimize these problems, the known waterfalls  1  may include water treatment. While these efforts reduce the amount of water that splashes out of the waterfall  1 , the base  13  substantially increases the dimensions of the waterfall  1 . 
     Additionally, the water within the waterfall  1  is open to the environment and tends to evaporate quickly (leaving behind minerals and deposits) and bacteria and mold are prone to grow. Consequently, the known open, exposed waterfall designs  1  are maintenance intensive and require cleaning the water surfaces, changing the water, adding water due to evaporation, prevention of water based diseases, as well as removing initial and continued water impurities and debris. While using chemical additives, adjusting flow rates, or using filtrations systems can mitigate some of these problems, these methods generally add considerable expense to the waterfall  1  and are only minimally effective. 
     Another known indoor waterfall design is generally referred to as a bubble panel  4 ,  FIG. 2 . The known bubble panel designs  4  do not pump water, but instead are filled with water  5  and have an air pump (not shown) that introduces bubbles  6  near the bottom  7  of the units  4 . The bubbles  6  float up to the top  8  of the units  4 . The top  8  of the bubble panel is not sealed and is open to the environment to allow the air released by the bubbles to escape. Consequently, the water  5  in the bubble panel  4  is exposed to the environment and suffers from many of the same problems of the known waterfalls  1  ( FIG. 1 ). The bubble panel  1  does not have water flowing downward and instead is filled with water; consequently, the bubble panel  4  provides a completely different effect compared to the waterfall  1  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved waterfall system that has substantially all of the beneficial qualities of the known waterfall designs such as the visual effect and soothing properties, but without the disadvantages of the known devices. The improved waterfall system should preferably minimize water evaporation, bacterial and mold growth, the hazard of water on the ground and damage to surrounding objects, maintenance requirements, the introduction of debris, and/or mineral deposits. The device should also be easily installed and operated. 
     It is important to note that the present invention is not intended to be limited to a system or method which must satisfy one or more of any stated objects or features of the invention. It is also important to note that the present invention is not limited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the following claims. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one embodiment, the present invention features a waterfall assembly including a first, substantially hermetically sealed chamber adapted to contain a quantity of liquid. The first chamber includes at least one substantially vertical side having an internal surface and an external surface. The internal surface may include a plurality of protrusion, preferably arranged in substantially horizontal rows. The internal surface is preferably substantially transparent, though it may also be substantially translucent. 
     A fluid transport system is in fluid communication with the first chamber and at least one aperture. The fluid transport system preferably includes either a pump or a plurality of capillary tubes optionally having at least one fluid reservoir. The pump may be disposed within the first chamber or alternatively may be remotely located. The aperture is disposed within the first chamber and directs a portion of the water against at least a portion of the internal surface of the substantially vertical side of the first chamber such that the water flows across at least part of the internal surface of the substantially vertical side. 
     The waterfall assembly may further include a second chamber disposed substantially beneath the first chamber. The second chamber includes a light source for illuminating at least a region of the internal surface. Optionally, a divider is disposed between the first and the second chambers. The divider allows light emitted from the light source to pass from the second chamber into the first chamber and through the substantially vertical side. The divider may include a tint to alter the color of the light emitted from the light source before it enters the first chamber. Alternatively, the second chamber may include a layer of colored, translucent material disposed between the light source and the divider. 
     According to another embodiment, the present invention features a waterfall apparatus comprising a hermetically sealed unit defining a cavity including at least one substantially transparent and vertical side having an internal surface with a plurality of protrusions. A fluid transport system is connected to the hermetically sealed unit and at least one aperture. The aperture is disposed within the cavity and is adapted to direct liquid from the pump towards an upper region of the internal surface of the side such that the liquid flows across the internal surface from the upper region towards a lower region of the internal surface. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an illustrative view of one embodiment of a prior art waterfall assembly; 
         FIG. 2  is an illustrative view of one embodiment of a prior art bubble panel assembly; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the waterfall assembly according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   a  is side perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 4B  is a close up of section  4 B in  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5  is a front and back plan view of one embodiment of the water delivery assembly according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  front plan view of the waterfall assembly shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 7  back plan view of the waterfall assembly shown in  FIG. 3 ; and 
         FIG. 8  is a side perspective view of another embodiment of the waterfall assembly having a capillary fluid transport system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     According to one embodiment, the present invention features a waterfall assembly  10 ,  FIGS. 3-7 , featuring a substantially sealed unit  12 . As will be explained in greater detail hereinbelow, the waterfall assembly  10  directs the water  14  to flow over at least one internal surface  16  ( FIG. 4 ) of the sealed unit  12  rather than the external surfaces  16  of the known waterfall designs  1  ( FIG. 1 ). As a result, the water  14  within the waterfall assembly  10  is substantially hermetically sealed from the environment, thereby substantially eliminating many of the disadvantages and limitations of the known waterfall designs  1  ( FIG. 1 ) while still maintaining the desired beneficial effects of the existing external waterfall units  1 . 
     The waterfall assembly  10  may feature any shape known to those skilled in the art, but for illustrative purposes only, the waterfall assembly  10  may feature a generally rectangular shape. The waterfall assembly  10  preferably includes at least one wall  11  featuring the internal surface  16  that is substantially transparent. Optionally, the wall  11  may also feature a translucent material and may also include a color or tint. It should be noted that the waterfall assembly  10  according to the present invention does not need to have a large base  13  ( FIG. 1 ) as required in the prior art waterfall designs  1  to prevent the water from escaping (which also allows a considerable amount of water to evaporate). As a result, the footprint of the waterfall assembly  10  according to the present invention may be substantially smaller compared to the known waterfall designs  1 . 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, the waterfall assembly  10  includes a fluid transportation device  32 . In the preferred embodiment, the fluid transportation device  32  includes a pump  32  and preferably features sealed electrical connections  31  to allow the pump  32  to be connected at installation, thereby minimizing the amount of assembly required. The fluid transportation device  32  is preferably disposed within the sealed unit  12  proximate the bottom region  24  of the waterfall assembly  10  beneath the water level  13  and is in fluid communication with a water delivery assembly  40  via plumbing  42 . In larger waterfall assembles  10 , however, it may be beneficial to remotely locate the fluid transportation device  32 . In either embodiment, it is important to keep the unit  12  (and the water  14 ) substantially hermetically sealed from the environment. 
     The water delivery assembly  40 ,  FIG. 5 , is preferably located proximate a top region  15  ( FIG. 3 ) of the sealed unit  12 , preferably using a mounting bracket  47  ( FIG. 4 ) or the like. The water delivery assembly  40  preferably features a plurality of apertures or nozzles  44  arranged longitudinally along at least one side of an elongated tubular member  45 . The water delivery assembly  40  forms a manifold that directs the water  14  out of the apertures or nozzles  44  towards the internal surface  16  such that the water  14  preferably flows generally downward over the internal surface  16  from the top region  15  towards the bottom region  24 . By varying the water flow rate and the nozzles  44  (for example, the location of the nozzles  44 , the diameters of the nozzle  44 , and the design of the nozzles  44 ), a substantially even flow can be achieved over the internal surface  16 , though the flow of the water  14  does not have to be even. The flow of the water  14  over the internal surface  16  can be seen through the wall  11  thereby providing the desired effects. As a result, the waterfall assembly  10  according to the present invention provides substantially all the aesthetic benefits of the prior art waterfall designs  1 . 
     In order to feature a sealed unit  12 , the waterfall assembly  10  according to the present invention faced several unique problems that needed to be overcome such as, but not limited to, condensation and lighting. These problems required additional design considerations to obtain the final desired effect and accomplish eliminating the specific issues/problem objectives and will be explained in greater detail throughout. 
     The use of a sealed unit  12  in the waterfall assembly  12 , however, substantially reduces or eliminates the maintenance required. The seal unit  12  eliminates the water  14  from being contaminated by both air borne debris and by physical (public) inputs. This allows the water  14  to stay clean eliminating the need to change water  14 , the need to clean the water surfaces, or the need to use costly water filtration systems, or the need to use potentially dangerous chemicals. Distilled water  14  is preferably used to start the waterfall assembly  10  since it introduces minimum particulates. 
     The sealed unit  12  according to the waterfall assembly  10  also restricts/minimizes the growth of algae, bacteria and disease and reduces or eliminates the need for adding water due to evaporation. Because the waterfall assembly  10  features a sealed unit  12 , water  14  cannot be removed also from the general public touching the water flow. Consequently, chemicals may be added to the water  14  to further reduce the growth of algae, bacteria, and disease without substantially increasing the danger to the public. 
     The sealed unit  12  according to the present invention prevents the public from being able to touch and remove the water  14  since the water  14  is disposed entirely within the interior region  18  of the sealed unit  12 . Additionally, the use of a seals unit  12  prevents water  14  from splashing beyond unit  10 , a problem that most known devices  1  ( FIG. 1 ) suffer. As discussed above, water on the floor or near the unit can be a hazard leading to injury (slipping and falling) as well as damage to surround objects (such as, but not limited to, floor). External water on the floor is also a potential area for disease and debris to collect potentially causing health and visual issues. 
     Moreover, the waterfall assembly  10  according to the present invention does not need a large base  13  ( FIG. 1 ) to reduce the water from splashing beyond the unit as required by the prior art waterfall designs  1 . As a result, the footprint of the waterfall assembly  10  is substantially smaller, allowing the waterfall assembly to be more easily integrated into an area. Additionally, the lack of a large base  13  also facilitates hanging the waterfall assembly  10  on a wall. For example, the waterfall assembly  10 ,  FIG. 7 , may feature a mounting bracket  97  secured to a rear support  95  for hanging the waterfall assembly  10  to a wall or the like or a room. 
     The use of a sealed unit  12  also preserves the desired water surface effect. Sealing the unit  10  and redirecting the water retrieving and delivery surfaces allow the waterfall assembly  10  to obtain the desired external effect without the problems. The waterfall assembly  10  may optionally include fixtures, logos, and the like on the inside and/or outside surface  11  of the unit  12 . 
     The waterfall assembly  10  optionally includes a lighting source  20 ,  FIG. 3 , having an electrical connection  31 . In the preferred embodiment, the present invention  10  preferably features a separate water-tight chamber  22 ,  FIGS. 3 ,  4   a ,  6 , and  7 . The water-tight chamber  22  is preferably disposed proximate the bottom region  24  of the sealed unit  12  and features a divider  23  disposed between the chamber  22  and the interior region  18  of the sealed unit  12  containing the water  14 . Optionally, the chamber  22  may feature a cooling device such as, but not limited to, vent hole  94 ,  FIG. 7 , or a fan  93  for removing heat generated by the light source  20 . 
     The divider  23  is preferably substantially transparent such that light emitted from the light source  20  can pass into the interior region  18  of the sealed unit  12  and ultimately through the wall  11 . Optionally, the divider  23  may be provided with a color or tint to alter the color of the light emitted into the interior region  18  of the sealed unit  12  or alternatively the chamber  22  may be provided with a colored sheet  27  ( FIG. 4   a ) which is secured within the chamber  22  (for example, but not limited to, within notches  29  sized and shaped to receive the colored sheet  27 ) to provide the same effect. 
     The chamber  22  also optionally includes an access port  26  to facilitate access to the lighting source  20 . Placing the chamber  22  beneath the interior region  18  of the sealed unit  12  better replicates the effects of the prior art waterfalls  1  ( FIG. 1 ). While placing the lighting source  20  beneath the interior region  18  of the sealed unit  12  is the preferred embodiment, the waterfall assembly  10 , however, may alternatively feature a lighting source  20  that provides a backlighting effect, top lighting effect, and/or a side lighting effect. 
     In order to solve the problem of condensation, waterfall assembly  10  according to the present invention preferably features water  14  flowing over the front, inner surface  16 . The present invention solves this problem by flowing water over the interior region  18  of the sealed unit  12 . Since water  14  is flowing over the interior surface  16 , the effects of condensation are substantially avoided. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the waterfall assembly  10  according to the present invention features an internal water surface  16  preferably having a non-planar surface with a plurality of raised regions  30 . The water  14  flowing over the non-planar surface provides a pleasing visual effect. The Referring specifically to  FIG. 4   b , the internal surface  16  preferably features protrusions extending approximately ⅛″ perpendicularly outwards from the internal surface  16  with a base region of approximately ¼″ and a spacing of approximately ¼″. The protrusions may be randomly spaced or set up in rows or columns. While these are the preferred dimensions, those skilled in the art will recognize that other dimensions are also possible. Alternatively, the internal water surface  16  may be generally smooth. 
     According to a further embodiment, the fluid transportation device  32 ,  FIG. 8 , may feature one or more capillary tubes  81 . The capillary tubes  81  transport the water  14  from the base region  24  to the water delivery assembly  40  and preferably include one or more reservoirs  85  arranged along the height of the waterfall assembly  10  which aid the capillary tubes  81  in transporting the water  14 . Each reservoir  85  may be feed by multiple capillary tubes  81 . The dimensions of capillary tubes  81  and the reservoirs  85  depend upon the desired flow rate of the water  14  as well as the desired pressure, and are within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. The waterfall assembly  10  preferably further includes a back drop sheet  83  disposed between fluid transportation device  32  and the internal surface  16 . The back drop sheet  83  is preferably non-transparent such that the back drop sheet  83  hides the fluid transportation device  32  while being viewed from the front. In use, the water  14  flows over the internal surface  16  as discussed above and the back drop sheet  83  prevents the fluid transportation device  32  from being seen. 
     As mentioned above, the present invention is not intended to be limited to a system or method which must satisfy one or more of any stated or implied object or feature of the invention and should not be limited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described herein. The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as is suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the claims when interpreted in accordance with breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.