Patent Publication Number: US-10315214-B2

Title: Lighted waterfall device with spreading manifold

Description:
STATEMENT OF RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims the benefit of and priority on U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/339,063 having a filing date of 31 Oct. 2016, which claims the benefit of and priority on U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/663,988 having a filing date of 30 Dec. 2012, currently pending. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Technical Field 
     The present invention generally is in the field of devices for generating waterfalls, and more particularly is in the field of devices for generating aesthetically pleasing lighted waterfalls in spas, swimming pools, hot tubs, garden baths, and the like. 
     Prior Art 
     Few applications derive more benefit from the addition of waterfalls or fountains than artificial bodies of water such as spas, swimming pools, hot tubs, garden baths, and the like. The popularity of waterfalls and fountains in such structures is probably associated with the numerous aesthetic and practical applications that make waterfalls desirable. More specifically, the addition of a waterfall or fountain to an artificial body of water can provide a substantial decorative effect or can provide a relaxing background sound, generated from the water flow. As such, users and owners of artificial bodies of water often desire the addition of waterfalls or fountains. 
     Many existing waterfall apparatuses also include some type of lighting feature to add to the aesthetics of the device. In some existing waterfall apparatuses, the lighting feature is located near either the device or where water emanating from the device impacts the water in the artificial body of water. In such locations, the water itself often is not completely or sufficiently lighted. In other existing waterfall apparatuses, the lighting feature is located within the device so as to shine into the water as it emanates from the device. In such locations, the water can be more completely or more sufficiently lighted, but also often not completely or sufficiently lighted. 
     Moreover, in other existing waterfall apparatus, the light from an internal lighting feature is primarily guided by solid wave guides such as transparent and/or internally refractive solid materials. In such locations, although the water can be completely or sufficiently lighted, the entire device often is difficult to manufacture and assemble, more expensive in time and capital, and difficult to repair or customize at the point of installation. Also, in such devices, it can be difficult to replace malfunctioning lights, as the device typically is permanently embedded within a wall proximal to the artificial body of water. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a lighted waterfall apparatus that allows for the addition of a lighted waterfall to an artificial body of water, such as a spa, swimming pool, hot tub, garden bath, or the like with a minimum of manufacturing and installation costs. There also is a need for such a lighted waterfall apparatus that provides satisfactory lighting to the water emanating from the waterfall apparatus. There is also a need for such a lighted waterfall apparatus to be able to be permanently integrated into a spa, swimming pool, hot tub, garden bath, or the like yet still allow for the simple and inexpensive replacement of the light generating components. There also is a further need for such a lighted waterfall apparatus that is easy to make, maintain, and customize without need of special skills, special materials, and special tools. It is to these needs and others that the present invention is directed. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly described, the present invention is a low profile, customizable, lighted waterfall apparatus that produces a waterfall into a spa, swimming pool, hot tub, garden bath, or the like, and that incorporates a removable and replaceable lighting unit so that, for example, the lighted waterfall apparatus can be permanently and discreetly mounted yet allow the simple replacement of the lighting unit. The present invention further comprises a front or waterfall producing end that can be customized to the shape of the wall into which the waterfall apparatus is mounted. Additionally, the present invention is a lighted waterfall apparatus that produces a lighted waterfall into a spa, swimming pool, hot tub, garden bath, or the like, that provides satisfactory lighting to the water emanating from the waterfall apparatus. In some embodiments of the invention, the lighting unit can be mounted proximal to where water emanates, namely mounted at the front facing side of the waterfall apparatus, without affecting the satisfactory lighting or ease-of-repair. In other embodiments of the invention, the lighting unit can be mounted distal to where water emanates, namely mounted at the rear side of the waterfall apparatus, without affecting the satisfactory lighting or ease-of-repair. In still other embodiments of the invention, the lighting unit and components are accessible and/or replaceable from the front (spa) side of the unit. 
     More specifically described, in a first exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a structure and means for maintaining the lighting unit of a lighted waterfall apparatus by allowing the easy and quick removal of the lighting unit from waterfall apparatus without removing the lighted waterfall apparatus from the spa wall or having to access behind the spa wall. For simplicity, spa, swimming pool, hot tub, garden bath, or the like, and all such reservoirs and artificial bodies of water, together or separately will be referred to as spas or a spa. 
     A representative waterfall apparatus of the first exemplary embodiment is to provide for the addition of an aesthetically pleasing and decorative waterfall that flows into a spa. In the waterfall apparatus, water from a water source flows into the interior hollow or manifold of the waterfall apparatus and is discharged through a waterfall slot/primary outlet into the spa. A means for lighting the waterfall, and more particularly for lighting the water emanating from the waterfall apparatus, is contained within the waterfall apparatus proximal to the waterfall slot/primary outlet. Additionally, a means for accessing the means for lighting the waterfall is located at, on, or proximal to the front of the waterfall structure, preferably proximal to the waterfall slot/primary outlet, so as to allow easier access to the means for lighting. The means for accessing the means for lighting the waterfall can be a door or other covering to a chamber in which the means for lighting is retained. The chamber can have a transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent divider between the chamber and the waterfall slot/primary opening so as to allow the means for lighting to light the water emanating from the waterfall slot/primary opening yet be separated from the water in a “dry” zone. 
     The waterfall apparatus can be placed above the surface of the water in the spa on or proximal to the edge, preferably the upper edge, of the spa wall or within the spa wall above the water level of the spa so that the waterfall can be a smooth flow of falling water extending from the waterfall apparatus to the surface of the water in the spa. 
     A representative waterfall apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention generally comprises an inlet, a primary outlet or waterfall slot, an interior manifold for holding and spreading water along the outlet, optional baffles to remove turbulence and debris from the water, a primary outlet for creating the waterfall, a chamber for the means for lighting the waterfall, and an access port to the chamber. When the waterfall apparatus is installed in the spa, the representative waterfall apparatus can appear as a generally continuous shaped structure with the waterfall slot/primary outlet in the center of the waterfall waterjet such that water emanates from the waterfall into the spa. When the means for lighting is on, light is directed to and lights the water emanating from the waterfall slot/primary outlet. 
     In one sub-embodiment of the first embodiment, the representative waterfall apparatus comprises a structure or set of structures for creating the waterfall and a chamber for the means for lighting, separated by a transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent divider so as to allow the chamber and the means for lighting to light to remain in a “dry” zone. In another sub-embodiment, the representative waterfall apparatus comprises a structure or set of structures for creating the waterfall and a chamber for the means for lighting with no divider so as to allow the water and the means for lighting to be in direct contact. The chamber has an access port accessible from the front, or spa side, of the waterfall apparatus to allow access to the means for lighting so as to allow removal and/or replacement of the means for lighting without having to otherwise remove or deal with the main structure of the waterfall apparatus. 
     In another sub-embodiment of the first embodiment, the means for lighting is a strip of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and the chamber is an elongated manifold lying proximal to the waterfall slot/primary outlet. In another sub-embodiment, the waterfall slot/primary outlet is an elongated horizontal opening and the chamber is an elongated horizontal manifold located above, behind, or below the waterfall slot/primary outlet. In another sub-embodiment, the waterfall slot/primary outlet is an elongated horizontal opening and the chamber is an elongated horizontal manifold located below the waterfall slot/primary outlet and separated from the waterfall slot/primary outlet by a transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent divider. 
     In use, the means for lighting can be inserted into and removed from the chamber via the access port on the front (spa) side of the apparatus. In this manner, if the means for lighting fails, the means for lighting can be easily replaced without disassembling the waterfall apparatus or the spa. Additionally, if a user decides to change the color of the means for lighting, a means for lighting of one color can be easily replaced with a means for lighting of another color without disassembling the waterfall apparatus or the spa. 
     The waterfall apparatus can be anchored to or contained within the wall or edge of a spa using any appropriate means as long as water can be fed into, and water can flow out of, the waterfall apparatus. In one embodiment, the waterfall apparatus may be contained within the spa wall, such as for example within a stone, brick, concrete, or other masonry spa wall. In this embodiment, the primary outlet would face the interior of the spa (the “wet” side) and the water inlet could face in a generally opposite direction towards the mechanical components of the spa (the “dry” side). This can be considered a more permanent installation of the waterfall apparatus. In another embodiment, the waterfall apparatus may be structured to have securing ends for securing the waterfall apparatus to the spa wall. In this embodiment, the waterfall apparatus can be installed with a minimum of disturbance to the surrounding spa. This can be considered a less permanent installation of the waterfall apparatus. 
     The waterfall apparatus can be used on almost any artificial water body. While the waterfall apparatus is described in connection with a spa, it is understood that the waterfall apparatus can be used on spas, swimming pools, tubs, and the like. For example, the waterfall apparatus can be placed on or proximal to the edge of a swimming pool so to provide a waterfall. One of ordinary skill in the art can modify the waterfall apparatus without undue experimentation so that it can be placed on almost any artificial water body. 
     In a second exemplary embodiment, with generally the same function as the first exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a structure and means for positioning the lighting unit, and any chamber in which it is retained, away from the front of the waterfall structure, that is, distal to the waterfall slot/primary outlet, without affecting the satisfactory lighting or the ease-of-repair. A representative waterfall apparatus of the second exemplary embodiment comprises a means for lighting the waterfall, and more particularly for lighting the water emanating from the waterfall apparatus, that is contained within the waterfall apparatus but distal to the waterfall slot/primary outlet, namely at the back of the apparatus. The means for lighting is substantially laterally displaced from the waterfall slot/primary outlet. A means for accessing the means for lighting the waterfall remains located at, on, or proximal to the front of the waterfall structure, so as to allow easier access to the means for lighting, despite its distal/rearward positioning, opposite the waterfall slot/primary outlet, in this exemplary embodiment. 
     Moreover, the means for accessing the means for lighting the waterfall also is a door or other covering to the chamber in which the means for lighting is retained. The chamber, also distal to the waterfall slot/primary outlet, can have a transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent divider between the chamber and the water carrying passage towards the waterfall slot/primary opening. In this way, the means for lighting remains positioned to shine light towards the waterfall slot/primary opening in a way that sufficiently and adequately lights the water passing through the water carrying passage and emanating from the waterfall slot/primary opening, and allows for a lower profile visible portion of the waterfall slot/primary opening. 
     A representative waterfall apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention generally comprises an inlet, a primary outlet or waterfall slot for creating the waterfall, an interior manifold for directing flowing water along the entire device, a spreading manifold or passage for spreading the flowing water as the water is flowing in a direction towards the primary outlet/waterfall slot, optional baffles to remove turbulence and debris from the water, a chamber for the means for lighting the waterfall, and an access port to the chamber. As the primary outlet/waterfall slot, the spreading manifold or passage, the means for lighting, and the chamber are substantially aligned on the same plane and as the means for lighting is oriented to direct light parallel to and in the direction of the passage towards the waterfall slot/primary opening, when the means for lighting is on, light is directed into the parallel streams of water and, therefore, into the water emanating from the waterfall slot/primary outlet. 
     Furthermore, as the means for lighting the waterfall is distal to and laterally displaced from the spreading manifold or passage and the waterfall slot/primary outlet, namely in a rearward position, when the waterfall apparatus is installed in the spa, the representative waterfall apparatus can appear to have an even thinner top to bottom or vertical profile and be more discreet. More specifically, in this second embodiment, there is no lighting chamber located below the waterfall outlet. Moreover, as the representative waterfall apparatus does not primarily rely on solid wave guide materials in the casing or built-in, instead primarily relying on the light being directed along the flow path of the water forming the waterfall, when the waterfall apparatus is being manufactured, assembled, machined, and/or customized at the point of installation, the representative waterfall apparatus benefits from being easy to make, maintain, and customize without need of special skills, special materials, special tools, etc. 
     In one sub-embodiment of the second embodiment, the representative waterfall apparatus comprises a transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent divider so as to allow the chamber and the means for lighting to light to remain in a “dry” zone. In another sub-embodiment, the representative waterfall apparatus comprises no divider so as to allow the stream of water and the means for lighting to be in more direct proximity/contact. In yet another sub-embodiment, the spreading manifold or passage comprises a structure or set of structures for creating turbulence in the stream of water flowing through the spreading manifold or passage thereby assisting in the spreading of the stream of water to a width corresponding to the waterfall slot/primary outlet. The chamber has an access port accessible from the front, or spa side, of the waterfall apparatus to allow access to the means for lighting so as to allow installation, removal, and/or replacement of the means for lighting without having to otherwise remove or deal with the main structure of the waterfall apparatus. 
     In another sub-embodiment of the second embodiment, the waterfall slot/primary outlet is a low profile, elongated horizontal opening and the chamber is an elongated, horizontal manifold running parallel to the horizontal opening and located distal to and laterally displaced from the waterfall slot/primary outlet. As the access chamber for the means for lighting and the manifold are an elongated structure, both the front end of the access chamber and the front end of the manifold, namely the ends proximal to the waterfall outlet, are free from operative parts and can be cut and shaped so as to correspond to the shape of the wall in which the waterfall apparatus is installed, or any other desired shaped extending outward from the wall in which the waterfall apparatus is installed, so as to provide for a more customized or aesthetic installation. In another sub-embodiment, the chamber is an elongated horizontal manifold separated from the spreading manifold or passage by a transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent divider. The remainder of the chamber (the remaining sides) can be generally opaque and/or reflective to direct as much light out of the divider and parallel to and in the direction of the passage towards the waterfall slot/primary opening. 
     In a third exemplary embodiment, with generally the same function as the second exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a structure and means for quickly installing and replacing the lighting unit in the chamber in which it is retained. A representative waterfall apparatus of the third exemplary embodiment comprises a chamber for the lighting unit positioned distal to the waterfall slot/primary outlet. Like the second exemplary embodiment, the lighting unit is substantially laterally displaced from the waterfall slot/primary outlet and illuminates the water emanating from the waterfall apparatus by shining along the flow path of the water forming the waterfall. Moreover, the means for accessing the lighting unit/the chamber remains located at, on, or proximal to the front of the waterfall structure; however, the entire structure and configuration of the means for accessing facilitates an inventive process/method of installing or replacing the lighting unit of the low profile, customizable, lighted waterfall apparatus of the present invention. 
     Another representative waterfall apparatus of the third embodiment of the present invention generally provides a structure and means for quickly installing and replacing a removable and replaceable lighting unit in the rearward chamber. The lighted waterfall device has at least one specialized port. In a one-port embodiment, the port is situated laterally on one side of the waterfall device. In a two-port embodiment, is the ports are situated laterally on both sides of the lighted waterfall device. Each port has a port door as a means for accessing the lighting unit and electrical supply components and as a structure upon which the lighting unit or any other internal components can be engaged/retained for easy access. For example, the ports allow access to the lighting chamber and, via connecting pathways, form a generally U-shaped pathway from one port through the lighting chamber to the other port. Thus, both ports cooperate with the lighting chamber and allow access to the lighting chamber. 
     In one sub-embodiment of the third embodiment, the representative lighted waterfall device also has a power cord length management system comprising a retractable and extendable power cord, a power cord bundle/spool, a constriction component, a power cord collar, and a device/unit connector component. The entire port is structured and configured to retain and channel the power cord such that the power cord length management system may facilitate extension or retraction of the power cord out of the interior of the port. The power cord length management system also helps ensure that the unit connector end of the power cord remains within or proximate to the port and available for engagement with any other internal component. Thus, the power cord management system also is accessible through the front ports. 
     In another sub-embodiment of the third embodiment, the representative lighted waterfall device also has a pull-through system configured to extend through the specialized port and into or through the lighting chamber to facilitate insertion/repair/replacement of the lighting unit. If two ports are present, the pull-through system preferably extends from one port to the other port through the lighting chamber. The pull-through system may be engaged to the port cover or covers for easy retrieval and access. 
     In a fourth exemplary embodiment, with generally the same function as the third exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides another structure and means for quickly installing and replacing a removable and replaceable lighting unit situated in a rearward chamber. The lighted waterfall device has a specialized port with half on the left lateral side and half on the right lateral side allowing access to the rearward chamber and, via connecting pathways, forming a generally U-shaped pathway. Each lateral side of the specialized port each, respectively, comprises a port insertion structure capped on one end by an exemplary embodiment of a port door. The port insertion structures are each respectively configured as a means for accessing the lighting unit and electrical supply components and as a structure upon which the lighting unit or any other internal components can be engaged/retained for channeling into the port halves and for easy access. 
     In one sub-embodiment of the fourth embodiment, the representative lighted waterfall device has two matching port insertion structures complementary of the lateral port halves, which also are matching. The port insertion structures are configured to enter the port halves and engage snuggly therein so as to cap the port half. The port doors cap the end of the port half when the port insertion structures are engaged within their respective port halves. The end of the port insertion structure opposite the port door end is configured to retain and channel a power cord, and/or a portion of a lighting unit, within a port half, as the respective port insertion structure is inserted or removed from the interior of a respective port half. In this way, the port insertion structures help ensure that a unit connector end of a power cord remains within or proximate to the port halves and available for engagement with the lighting unit. 
     In another sub-embodiment of the fourth embodiment, the end of the port insertion structure opposite the port door end is configured to retain and channel a portion of a pull-through guide wire, within a port half, as the respective port insertion structure is inserted or removed from the interior of a respective port half. One end of the guide wire may be detachably engaged to one port insertion structure and the opposite end may be detachably engaged to the lighting unit (to help pull the lighting strip through the opposite port half into place within the rearward chamber) and/or the opposite port insertion structure (to remain easily retrievable and accessible when not attached to the lighting unit). In this way, the port insertion structures help ensure that a portion of the guide wire remains within or proximate to the port halves and available for engagement. 
     These features, and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art when the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments is read in conjunction with the appended drawings in which like reference numerals represent like components throughout the several views. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top right perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of the invention in operation as mounted in a stone wall and producing a waterfall. 
         FIG. 2A  is a top left perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2B  is a left perspective cross section view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1  through line  2 ′- 2 ′ of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2C  is a right perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1  showing a detail of a portion of the interior of the invention. 
         FIG. 3A  is a left plan view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3B  is a left perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3C  is a left perspective cross section view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1  through line  3 ′- 3 ′ of  FIG. 3B . 
         FIG. 4A  is a front plan view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4B  is a front perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4C  is a front perspective view, partly in cross section, of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1  through line  4 ′- 4 ′ of  FIG. 4B . 
         FIG. 5A  is a right plan view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5B  is left cross section view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1  through line  5 ′- 5 ′ of  FIG. 5C . 
         FIG. 5C  is a left perspective cross section view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1  as shown in  FIG. 5B . 
         FIG. 6A  is a top plan view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6B  is a top cross section view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1  through line  6 ′- 6 ′ of  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 7A  is a rear plan view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7B  is a rear cross section view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1  through line  7 ′- 7 ′ of  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 7C  is a rear perspective cross section view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1  as shown in  FIG. 7B . 
         FIG. 8A  is a bottom plan view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8B  is a bottom cross section view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1  through line  8 ′- 8 ′ of  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 8C  is a bottom perspective cross section view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1  as shown in  FIG. 8B . 
         FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of a light emitting diode strip suitable for use with the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of a light emitting diode strip suitable for use with the invention shown in more detail. 
         FIG. 11  is a side perspective view of a connector for electrically connecting the light emitting diode strip of  FIG. 9  to the invention. 
         FIG. 12A  is a top left perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 12B  is a left perspective cross section view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 12A  through line  12 ′- 12 ′. 
         FIG. 12C  is a rear, left perspective cut-away view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 12A  showing a detail of a portion of the interior. 
         FIG. 13  is a front perspective view, partly in cross section, of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 12A  through line  13 ′- 13 ′. 
         FIG. 14A  is a front perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 12A  shown with a customized shaping of the front end mounted in a spa wall. 
         FIG. 14B  is a top left perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 14A  shown without the spa wall. 
         FIG. 15A  is a top left perspective view of a third exemplary of the invention. 
         FIG. 15B  is a left perspective cross section view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 15A  through line  15 B′- 15 B′. 
         FIG. 15C  is a right perspective cross section view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 15B  through line  15 C′- 15 C′. 
         FIG. 16  is a top right perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a lighting unit for the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17A  is a right perspective cross section view of a fourth exemplary of the invention through line  17 A′- 17 A. 
         FIG. 17B  is a right perspective cross section view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 17A  through line  17 B′- 17 B′. 
         FIG. 18A  is a first view of a user using the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 18B  is a second view of a user using the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 18C  is a third view of a user using the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 18D  is a fourth view of a user using the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 18E  is a fifth view of a user using the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 18F  is a sixth view of a user using the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 18G  is a seventh view of a user using the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 18H  is an eighth view of a user using the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 18I  is a ninth view of a user using the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 18J  is a tenth view of a user using the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 18K  is an eleventh view of a user using the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 18L  is a right perspective cross section view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 17A  through line  17 B′- 17 B′ to show cord and wire management. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Illustrative embodiments of a first exemplary embodiment of a lighted waterfall  10  according to the present invention are shown in  FIGS. 1 through 11 .  FIG. 1  is a top right perspective view of the inventive lighted waterfall device  10  in operation as mounted in a stone wall W and producing a waterfall  12  of water.  FIG. 1  also illustrates a representative placement of a first exemplary embodiment of a port  14  and port door  16 , which is a means for accessing the means for lighting  18  the waterfall  12 . 
       FIG. 2A  is a top left perspective view of the lighted waterfall device  10  and  FIG. 2B  is a left perspective cross section view of the lighted waterfall device  10  through line  2 ′- 2 ′ of  FIG. 2A .  FIG. 2C  is a right perspective view of the lighted waterfall device  10  showing a detail of a portion of the interior of the lighted waterfall device  10 . 
       FIG. 3A  is a left plan view and  FIG. 3B  is a left perspective view of the lighted waterfall device  10 .  FIG. 3C  is a left perspective cross section view of the lighted waterfall device  10  through line  3 ′- 3 ′ of  FIG. 3B .  FIG. 4A  is a front plan view and  FIG. 4B  is a front perspective view of the lighted waterfall device  10 .  FIG. 4C  is a front perspective view, partly in cross section, of the lighted waterfall device  10  through line  4 ′- 4 ′ of  FIG. 4B .  FIG. 5A  is a right plan view and  FIG. 5B  is left cross section view of the lighted waterfall device  10  through line  5 ′- 5 ′ of  FIG. 5C .  FIG. 5C  is a left perspective cross section view of the lighted waterfall device  10  as shown in  FIG. 5B . 
       FIG. 6A  is a top plan view and  FIG. 6B  is a top cross section view of the lighted waterfall device  10  through line  6 ′- 6 ′ of  FIG. 7A .  FIG. 7A  is a rear plan view and  FIG. 7B  is a rear cross section view of the lighted waterfall device  10  through line  7 ′- 7 ′ of  FIG. 6A .  FIG. 7C  is a rear perspective cross section view of the lighted waterfall device  10  as shown in  FIG. 7B .  FIG. 8A  is a bottom plan view and  FIG. 8B  is a bottom cross section view of the lighted waterfall device  10  through line  8 ′- 8 ′ of  FIG. 8A . FIG.  8 C is a bottom perspective cross section view of the lighted waterfall device  10  as shown in  FIG. 8B . 
       FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of a LED (light emitting diode) strip  20  suitable for use with the invention.  FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of a LED strip  20  suitable for use with the invention shown in more detail.  FIG. 11  is a side perspective view of a connector  22  for electrically connecting the LED strip  20  of  FIG. 8  to the invention. 
     The lighted waterfall device produces a waterfall into a spa, swimming pool, hot tub, garden bath, or the like, together referred to herein as a spa S, and that incorporates a first exemplary embodiment of a removable and replaceable lighting unit  26  comprising LED strip  20  and connector  22  so that, for example, the lighted waterfall device  10  can be permanently mounted yet allow the simple replacement of the lighting unit  26 . Additionally, the lighted waterfall device  10  produces a lighted waterfall  12  into the spa S that provides satisfactory lighting to the water emanating from the lighted waterfall device  10 . In illustrative embodiments, the lighted waterfall device  10  comprises a structure and means for maintaining the lighting unit  26  by allowing the easy and quick removal of the lighting unit  26  from the lighted waterfall device  10 , and therefore from the spa S, without removing the lighted waterfall device  10  from the wall W or having to access behind the wall W. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , one illustrative embodiment of a lighted waterfall device  10  representative of the present invention is a lighted waterfall device  10  that can provide an aesthetically pleasing and decorative waterfall  12  into a spa S. In this embodiment, lighted waterfall device  10  can be installed on wall W of spa S. As disclosed in more detail herein, to generate the waterfall  12 , water from a water source (not shown) flows into lighted waterfall device  10  and is discharged through a primary outlet in the form of waterfall slot  24  into spa S. The water from the water source (not shown) may be a municipal water source or recirculated water from the spa S. As lighted waterfall device  10  can be placed above the surface of the water of spa S on, in, or proximal to, for example, the upper edge of wall W of spa S, lighted waterfall device  10  also can function to fill spa S with water W (i.e., in a non-recirculating mode). As shown in  FIG. 1 , a representative lighted waterfall device  10  can be installed on or proximal to the edge of a spa S to provide for the addition of an aesthetically pleasing and decorative waterfall  12  that flows into the spa S. 
       FIG. 1  also illustrates a representative placement of the port  14  and port door  16 , which is a means for accessing the means for lighting  18  the waterfall  12 . As disclosed in more detail herein, port door  16  can be removed from port  14  allowing access to the interior of, or an interior chamber of, lighted waterfall device  10  to access, replace, remove, or insert the means for lighting  18 . Embodiments of the lighted waterfall device  10  can be placed above the surface of the water in the spa S on the upper edge of the spa wall W or within the spa wall W above the water level of the spa S so that the waterfall  12  can be a smooth flow of falling water extending from the lighted waterfall device  10  to the surface of the water in the spa s. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-5 , in representative embodiments of the lighted waterfall device  10 , water flows through an inlet  28  into the interior hollow or manifold  30  of the lighted waterfall device  10  and is discharged through waterfall slot  24  into the spa S. Waterfall slot  24  can have at its exit to spa S a serrated edge  38  or floor to add turbulence to the waterfall  12  and to improve the lighting effect throughout the pattern of the waterfall  12 . The serrated edge  38  or floor preferably is located at a position on the waterfall device  10  proximal to or at a front end of the waterfall device  10  such that the waterfall  12  that emanates from the waterfall slot  24  flows over the serrated edge  38  or floor. When the means for lighting  18  is not on, the serrated edge  38  can provide an aesthetically pleasing pattern to an unlit waterfall  12  by adding turbulence in a controlled manner, such as by creating a pattern in the waterfall  12 . Similarly, when the means for lighting  18  is on, the serrated edge  38  can provide additional aesthetic enhancement to a lit waterfall  12  by dispersing light through the water flow pattern in the waterfall  12  created by the turbulence added in a controlled manner. 
     A spreading area  36  can be located between and fluidly connect manifold  30  and chamber  32 . Spreading area  36  can serve at least two purposes. First, spreading area  36  can allow water flowing from manifold  30  to chamber  32  to spread evenly across spreading area  36  prior to emanating from waterfall slot  24  so as to produce a more even waterfall  12 . Second, spreading area  36  can provide a connection through spa wall W such that the manifold section  52  portion of the lighted waterfall device  10  can be located on one side (the “dry side”) of the spa wall W and accessible from the outside of the spa S, while the waterfall slot  24  can be located on another side (the “wet side”) of the spa wall W and accessible from the inside of the spa S. 
     A means for lighting  18  (see  FIGS. 9-11 ) the waterfall  12 , and more particularly for lighting the water emanating from the lighted waterfall device  10 , is contained within a chamber  32  in the lighted waterfall device  10  proximal to the waterfall slot  24 . Additionally, a port  14  for accessing the means for lighting  18  is located at, on, or proximal to the front of the lighted waterfall device  10  structure, preferably proximal to the waterfall slot  24 , so as to allow easier access to the means for lighting  24  located within chamber  32 . The port cover  16  can be a door or other covering to chamber  32  in which the means for lighting  18  is retained. The chamber  32  can have a transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent divider between the chamber  32  and the waterfall slot  24  so as to allow the means for lighting  18  to light the waterfall  12  emanating from the waterfall slot  24  yet be separated from the waterfall  12  in a “dry” zone. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2A , a general configuration of an illustrative embodiment of the lighted waterfall device  10  is shown. Inlet  28  is on the rear of the lighted waterfall device  10  and waterfall slot  24  is on the front of the lighted waterfall device  10 . At least a portion of spreading area  36  is located within spa wall W. Port  14  and port cover  16  are located to a side of waterfall slot  24 , also on the front of the lighted waterfall device  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2B , the interior of a lighted waterfall device  10  is shown. Inlet  28  allows water to enter manifold  30  and to fill manifold. Optional baffles  34  can reduce turbulence in the water entering manifold  30  and trap debris for later removal. Once water in manifold  30  rises to the level of lip  40 , water is generally evenly spread throughout manifold  30  and generally evenly flows over lip  40  into the interior of spreading area  36 . Spreading area  36  comprises a passage  42  leading from manifold  30  to waterfall slot  24 , the passage  42  being about the same as or greater than the height of waterfall slot  24 , about the same as the width of waterfall slot  24 , and about the same length as spreading area  36  such that water flowing from manifold  30  evenly flows through passage  42  to waterfall sot  24  and evenly flows out of waterfall slot  24  to form waterfall  12 . 
       FIG. 2B  also shows a preferred location of chamber  32 , namely beneath waterfall slot  24 . Chamber  32  is an elongated hollow chamber running about the entire width and at least a portion of the depth of waterfall slot  24 . In this specification, the width of waterfall slot  24  is the dimension of waterfall slot  24  extending across the front of the lighted waterfall device  10 , and the depth of waterfall slot  24  is the dimension of waterfall slot  24  extending from the front of lighted waterfall device  10  towards the back of lighted waterfall device  10 . Chamber  32  is separated from the ambient in front of lighted waterfall device  10  by a front wall  44 , is separated from waterfall slot  24  by a top wall  46 , and is separated from passage  42  by a rear wall  48 . Chamber  32  also has a bottom wall  50 . Preferably, at least top wall  46  is made of a clear, transparent, translucent, or semi-transparent material such that light from the means for lighting  18  can travel through top wall  46  into water flowing through waterfall slot  24 . Front wall  44  also may be made of a clear, transparent, translucent, or semi-transparent material such that light from the means for lighting  18  can affect waterfall  12  after emanating from waterfall slot  24 . On one end, chamber  32  cooperates with port  14  so as to allow access to chamber  32  from port  14  (see  FIG. 2C ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2C , a detail of a portion of the interior of the lighted waterfall device  10  illustrating the cooperation between chamber  32  and port  14  is shown. As can be seen, port  14  is an opening through the front of lighted waterfall device  10  allowing access to a portion of the interior of lighted waterfall device  10  including access to chamber  32 . Through port  14 , a means for lighting  18  can be inserted into or removed from chamber  32 . A port cover  16  can be used to cover and close port  14 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3A , a general front structure is shown for a preferred embodiment of lighted waterfall device  10 . Inlet  28 , attached to the rear of lighted waterfall device  10 , allows water to flow into the interior of the lighted waterfall device  10 , namely, into manifold  30  located within manifold section  52 . Extending frontwards from the manifold section is spreading area  36 . Spreading area  36  terminates at the front of the lighted waterfall device, where waterfall slot  24  is located. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3B , another detail similar to  FIG. 3A  is shown, this time in perspective. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3C , a detail of a portion of the interior of the lighted waterfall device  10  is shown. Water A fills a portion of manifold  30 . Once water in manifold  30  rises to the level of lip  40 , water A flows over lip  40  and into the passage  42  in the interior of spreading area  36 . Water A flows through passage  42  from manifold  30  to waterfall slot  24 , and then flows out of waterfall slot  24  to form waterfall  12 . As disclosed in more detail herein, light emanating from means for lighting  18  within chamber  32  illuminates water A as water A passes over top wall  46  (which also can be considered a bottom wall of waterfall slot  24 ), thus providing illumination to waterfall  12 . In addition, at least some of the internal surfaces of chamber  32  can be coated with a reflective material  60  to increase the amount of light directed to waterfall  12 . In this view, bottom wall  50  is coated with a reflective material  60  to help direct light up through top wall  46  or front wall  44 , whichever or both are transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent, and into water or waterfall  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4A , a general left side structure is shown for a preferred embodiment of lighted waterfall device  10 . Waterfall slot  24  extends generally the entire width of the lighted waterfall device  10 , with the exception of the thickness of structure walls and of the port section  54 . Manifold section  52  extends downward and port section  54  extends sidewards from the lighted waterfall device  10 . Port cover  16  is shown covering port  14 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4B , a front perspective view of the lighted waterfall device  10  is shown for more detail of the structure. Waterfall slot  24  extends generally the entire width of the lighted waterfall device  10 , with the exception of the thickness of structure walls and of the port section  54 . Manifold section  52  extends downward from the rear of spreading area  36 , and port section  54  extends sidewards from the front of, or just in front of, the side of spreading area  36 . Port cover  16  is shown covering port  14 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4C , a detail of a portion of the interior of the lighted waterfall device  10  is shown. In this view, the interior of passage  42  and of port  14  is shown. Passage  42  provides for the generally free flow of water from manifold  30  through spreading area  36  to waterfall slot  24 . Port  14  allows access to chamber  32 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5A , a general right side structure is shown for a preferred embodiment of lighted waterfall device  10 . Inlet  28  extends rearward from the back of manifold section  52 . Spreading area  36  extends frontward from the top of manifold section  52 . Port section  54  extends sideward from the front of or just in front of spreading area. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5B , a detail of a portion of the interior of the lighted waterfall device  10  is shown. Water A fills a portion of manifold  30  over the level of lip  40 , and begins to flow into the passage  42  in the interior of spreading area  36 . Water A then will flow through passage  42  from manifold  30  to waterfall slot  24 , and then flow out of waterfall slot  24  to form waterfall  12 . As disclosed in more detail herein, light emanating from means for lighting  18  within chamber  32  illuminates water A as water A passes over top wall  46  (which also can be considered a bottom wall of waterfall slot  24 ), thus providing illumination to waterfall  12 . In this view, two means for lighting  18  are shown in chamber  32 . For example, a first means for lighting  18  can produce a steady light or a light of a first color, while a second means for lighting  18  can produce a blinking or pulsing light or a light of a second color. Chamber  32  can be structured to hold one, two, or more means for lighting. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5C , another detail similar to  FIG. 5B  of a portion of the interior of the lighted waterfall device  10  is shown, this time in perspective. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6A , a general top structure is shown for a preferred embodiment of lighted waterfall device  10 . In this view, inlet  28  can be extending from the rear of lighted waterfall device  10 , and port section  54  can be seen extending from a side of lighted waterfall device  10 . Waterfall slot  24  is located on the front of lighted waterfall device  10 . Although spreading area  36 , and therefore a large section of lighted waterfall device  10 , is shown as generally rectangular in cross section, this shape is illustrative only. Other shapes, such as squares, ovals, trapezoids, and other geometric shapes can be suitable depending on the aesthetics desired or the shape and structure of the spa S or the spa wall W. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6B , a detail of a portion of the interior of the lighted waterfall device  10  is shown, specifically showing the interior of manifold  30  and inlet  28 . As can be seen, inlet  28  leads to and is fluidly connected to manifold  30  such that water can flow directly from a water source through inlet  28  to manifold  30 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7A , a general rear structure is shown for a preferred embodiment of lighted waterfall device  10 . In this view, inlet  28  can be extending from the rear of lighted waterfall device  10 , specifically from the rear of manifold section  52 , and port section  54  can be seen extending from a side of lighted waterfall device  10 . Although manifold section  52 , and therefore a large section of lighted waterfall device  10 , is shown as generally rectangular in cross section, this shape is illustrative only. Other shapes, such as squares, ovals, trapezoids, and other geometric shapes can be suitable depending on the aesthetics desired or the shape and structure of the spa S or the spa wall W. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7B , a detail of a portion of the interior of the lighted waterfall device  10  is shown, specifically the interior of spreading area  36 , namely, passage  42 . In this view, which is from the rear of the lighted waterfall device  10  looking through passage  42  and out through waterfall slot  24 , the narrowing of passage  42  caused by rear wall  48  of chamber  32  can be seen. This gives rise to a waterfall slot  24  that is narrower, that is, has a smaller height, that the height of passage  42 . The rise in passage  42  due to the presence of rear wall  48  also helps to create a more uniform waterfall  12  as water can build up evenly behind and along rear  48  wall and therefore overflow rear wall  48  more evenly prior to flowing through waterfall slot  24 . In other embodiments, waterfall slot  24  can be the same height as or have a larger height than the height of passage  42 . Port cover  16  can be seen in port section  54 , in this view comprising a latch  56  for securing port cover closed across the front opening of port  14 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7C , another detail similar to  FIG. 7B  of a portion of the interior of the lighted waterfall device  10  is shown, this time in perspective. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8A , a general bottom structure is shown for a preferred embodiment of lighted waterfall device  10 . In this view, inlet  28  can be extending from the rear of lighted waterfall device  10 , specifically from the rear of manifold section  52 , and port section  54  can be seen extending from a side of lighted waterfall device  10 , specifically from a side of spreading section  36 . Waterfall slot  24  is located on the front of lighted waterfall device  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8B , a detail of a portion of the interior of the lighted waterfall device  10  is shown, specifically showing the interior of manifold  30  and inlet  28 . As can be seen, inlet  28  leads to and is fluidly connected to manifold  30  such that water can flow directly from a water source through inlet  28  to manifold  30 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8C , another detail similar to  FIG. 8B  of a portion of the interior of the lighted waterfall device  10  is shown, this time in perspective. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9-11 , in one embodiment, the means for lighting  18  is a LED strip  20  of light emitting diodes (LEDs). LED strip  20  can comprise at least one and preferably a plurality of individual LEDs  58  so as to provide more uniform light across the waterfall  12 . By using an LED strip  20 , the LED strip  20  can be selected or cut to be of a desired length, such as the length of the chamber  32 . In this manner, different lengths LED strips  20  can be used for different sized lighted waterfall devices  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a representative LED strip  20  is shown comprising a plurality of LEDs  58 . At one end of LED strip  20  is a connector  22  for connecting the LED strip  20  to an electrical source for powering the LEDs  58 . The connector  22  is convenient in that it allows the LED strip  20  to be connected to and disconnected from the lighted waterfall device  10  for ease of removal and replacement. If a user needs to replace a defective LED strip  20  with a new LED strip  20 , or to replace a LED strip  20  of one color of LEDs  58  for a LED strip  20  of another color of LEDs  58 , all the user needs to do is to disconnect the connector  22 , remove the first LED strip  20 , insert the new LED strip  20 , and connect the connector  22 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , an enlarged view of LED strip  20  is shown for additional detail. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , an enlarged view of a representative connector  22  is shown, with strip connector  22 A being part of the LED strip  20  and device connector  22 B being attached to the lighted waterfall device  10 . 
     Preferably, chamber  32  is segregated from the remainder of the interior of the lighted waterfall device  10  such that the interior of chamber  32  remains dry. Although this is not a requirement as there are waterproof LED strips  20  and waterproof connectors  22 , it is more convenient as both waterproof and non-waterproof LED strips  20  and connectors  22  can be used. 
     Thus, a representative lighted waterfall device  10  of the present invention generally comprises an inlet  28 , a primary outlet or waterfall slot  24 , an interior manifold  30  for holding and spreading water along the waterfall slot  24 , a chamber  32  for the means for lighting  18  the waterfall  12 , and an access port  14  to the chamber  32 . When the lighted waterfall device  10  is installed in the spa S, the lighted waterfall device  10  can appear as a generally continuous shaped structure with the waterfall slot  24  generally in the center of the lighted waterfall device  10  such that water emanates from the lighted waterfall device  10  into the spa S. When the means for lighting  18  is on, light is directed to and lights the waterfall  12  emanating from the waterfall slot  24 . 
     Lighted waterfall device  10  provides an aesthetically pleasant waterfall  12  into spa S. As lighted waterfall device  10  preferably is located above the water surface of spa S on, for example, wall W of spa S, waterfall  12  can provide a smooth flow of falling water extending from lighted waterfall device  10  to the water surface of spa S. For aesthetic reasons waterfall  12  can be substantially smooth over its width and over its length as it flows into the water of spa S. More particularly, waterfall  12  from lighted waterfall device  10  preferably is free of bubbles and ripples and flows as a generally continuous sheet of water. The preferred structure of the lighted waterfall device  10  helps accomplish this by having a manifold  30  and a rear wall  48  interrupting passage  42 , both of serve to even the flow of water through and over waterfall slot  24 . 
     The lighted waterfall device  10  can be anchored to or contained within the wall W or edge of a spa S using any appropriate means as long as water is fed into, and water can flow out of, the lighted waterfall device. In one embodiment, the waterfall apparatus may be contained within the spa wall W, such as within a concrete or stone spa wall W. In this embodiment, the waterfall sot  24  would face the interior of the spa (the “wet side”) and the inlet  28  could face in a generally opposite direction towards the mechanical components of the spa (the “dry side”). This can be considered a more permanent installation of the lighted waterfall device  10 . In another embodiment, the lighted waterfall device  10  may be structured to have securing ends for securing the lighted waterfall device to the spa wall W. In this embodiment, the lighted waterfall device  10  can be installed with a minimum of disturbance to the surrounding spa S. This can be considered a less permanent installation of the lighted waterfall device  10 . In any type of installation, it is preferable to have the port  14  facing into the spa S, or at least accessible from the spa S, so as to take advantage of the port  14  and the simple and convenient insertion and removal of the means for lighting  18 . 
     The lighted waterfall device  10  can be used on almost any artificial water body. While the lighted waterfall device  10  is described in connection with a spa S, it is understood that the lighted waterfall device  10  can be used on spas, swimming pools, tubs, and the like. For example, the lighted waterfall device  10  can be placed on or proximal to the edge of a swimming pool so to provide a waterfall  12 . One of ordinary skill in the art can modify the lighted waterfall device  10  without undue experimentation so that it can be placed on almost any artificial water body. 
     As prior art waterfall apparatuses typically are unitary devices with the individual parts having been glued, welded, or otherwise adhered together, access to the interior of such prior art waterfall apparatuses often is impossible or at least very difficult. Therefore, the removable port cover  16  and the convenient placement of port  14  in an easy to reach location on the front of the lighted waterfall device  10  of the present invention allows for access to, insertion of, removal of, and replacement of the means for lighting  18 , such as LED strip  20 , that otherwise may not be possible in prior art waterfall apparatuses. For example, the means for lighting in prior art waterfall apparatuses may be permanently anchored in such devices, and inaccessible to a user. If the means for lighting in prior art waterfall apparatuses fail, or a user desires to change the means for lighting in prior art waterfall apparatuses, it may be impossible to remove or replace the means for lighting without significant deconstruction or destruction of the prior art waterfall apparatus or the spa. 
     In use, the means for lighting  18  can be inserted into and removed from the chamber  32  via the port  14 . Specifically, a user can remove the port cover  16  to access the port  14 . The means for lighting  18  is readily accessible through the port  14 , and the user can grasp the mean for lighting  18 , pull the means for lighting  18  out of the chamber  32 , and disconnect the means for lighting via connector  20 . The user then can insert a new or different means for lighting in the chamber  32  via the port  14 , connect the connector  20 , and close the port  14  using the port cover  16 . In this manner, if the means for lighting  18  fails, the means for lighting  18  can be easily replaced without disassembling the lighted waterfall device  10 , the spa S, or the spa wall W. Additionally, if a user decides to change the color of the means for lighting  18 , a means for lighting  18  of one color can be easily replaced with a means for lighting  18  of another color without disassembling the lighted waterfall device  10 , the spa S or the spa wall W. LED strips  20  of various lengths can be inserted into the chamber  32 , irrespective of the length of the chamber  32 . For example, if a user desires to illuminate only a portion of a waterfall  12 , the user can insert a LED strip  20  of a length shorter than the chamber  32 , and thus shorter than the waterfall slot  24 . 
     The shape of waterfall  12  can be modified by the configuration of waterfall slot  24 . For example, if waterfall slot  24  is a regular uninterrupted slit, a relatively smooth waterfall  12  over its length and width can be generated. Alternatively, if divisions or interruptions are introduced into the waterfall slot  24 , or waterfall slot  24  has a non-linear shape, waterfall  12  can have a sprinkler type shape or a scalloped shape, which is not a smooth shaped waterfall. One of ordinary skill in the art can modify waterfall slot  24  so that lighted waterfall device  10  will produce a waterfall  12  of a desired shape. The shape of chamber  32  preferably is structured to parallel or mirror the shape of the waterfall slot  24  to provide a satisfactory amount of illumination to the waterfall  12 . 
     With regard to allowing the light from the means for lighting  18  to act upon the water and the waterfall  12 , as disclosed herein, at least top wall  46  and/or front wall  44 , or any other wall between means for lighting  18  and water flowing through waterfall slot  24  or waterfall  12 , preferably is transparent, semi-transparent, translucent, or conducts light in some manner to water flowing through waterfall slot  24  or waterfall  12 . 
     As aesthetic alternatives, chamber  32  can be structured to hold at least two means for lighting  18 , such as at least two LED strips  20  to generate an illuminated waterfall  12  of more than one color or more than one pattern of light. For example, a first LED strip can produce a steady light or a light of a first color, while a second LED strip  20  can produce a blinking or pulsing light or a light of a second color. Alternatively or in addition, at least some of the internal surfaces of chamber  32  can be coated with a reflective material to increase the amount of light directed to waterfall  20 . 
     Lighted waterfall device  10  can be manufactured from relatively inexpensive materials. For example, lighted waterfall device  10  can be formed of plastics, metal, or other materials. Preferably, lighted waterfall device  10  can be formed from molded or forged parts made from a plastic material as such material will not rust from the exposure to water, particularly chlorinated water. Such plastics, metals, and other materials are known in the art. Alternatively, for more elegant or expensive installations, at least portions of lighted waterfall device  10  can be made of more elegant or expensive materials, such as gold, silver, pewter, crystal, and the like. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12-14 , a second exemplary embodiment of a lighted waterfall according to the present invention is shown. In  FIGS. 2-4 , the spreading manifold/area/passage  142  has grooves, resulting in a grooved spreading manifold/area/passage  142 , while in  FIGS. 12-14 , the spreading manifold/area/passage  142  is ungrooved. 
       FIG. 12A  is a top left perspective view of the lighted waterfall device  100  and  FIG. 12B  is a left perspective cross section view of the lighted waterfall device  100  through line  12 ′- 12 ′.  FIG. 12C  is a rear, left perspective view of the lighted waterfall device  100  showing a detail of a portion of the interior of the lighted waterfall device  100 .  FIG. 13  is a front perspective view, partly in cross section, of the lighted waterfall device  100  through line  13 ′- 13 ′.  FIG. 14A  is a front perspective view of the lighted waterfall device  100  shown with a customized shaping of the front end mounted in a wall.  FIG. 14B  is a top left perspective view of the customized lighted waterfall device  100  shown without the wall. 
     In  FIG. 12A , a lighted waterfall device  100  representative of the present invention provides a structure and means for positioning the means for lighting  18  the waterfall, and any chamber  32  in which it is retained, away from the front of the waterfall structure (distal to the waterfall slot/primary outlet) without affecting the satisfactory lighting or the ease-of-repair of the invention. Water from a water source (not shown) flows into the lighted waterfall device  100  and is discharged through a primary outlet in the form of waterfall slot  24 . 
     The port  14  and port door  16  operate as a means for accessing the means for lighting  18 , which is distal to and substantially laterally, rearwardly displaced from the waterfall slot  24 . Port door  16  can be removed from port  14  allowing access to the interior of, or an interior chamber  32  of (partially seen through the transparent port surface), lighted waterfall device  100  to access, replace, remove, or insert the means for lighting  18 . Moreover, the port door  16  comprises an exemplary embodiment of an open face/recess  101  configured to be filled with and retain the surrounding medium of an installed waterfall apparatus (tile, grout, mortar, plaster, etc.) to help hide the device  100  and make it more discreet. 
     In  FIGS. 12B, 12C, and 13 , in representative embodiments of the lighted waterfall device  100 , water flows through an inlet  28  (not shown) into the interior hollow or manifold  30  of the lighted waterfall device  100  and is discharged through waterfall slot  24 . The waterfall slot  24  is proximal to an exemplary embodiment of a spreading manifold/area/passage  142 , not entirely dissimilar to the passage  42  of  FIGS. 1-11 , for spreading the flowing water towards the waterfall slot  24 . The spreading manifold/area/passage  142  is configured to allow the flowing water to spread, if necessary, to be the width of the waterfall slot  24 , which spreading can add turbulence to the waterfall produced, and improve the lighting effect throughout the pattern of the waterfall produced. 
     More specifically, the spreading manifold/area/passage  142  preferably is located at a position on the waterfall device  100  proximal to or at a front end of the waterfall device  100  such that the waterfall produced that emanates from the waterfall slot  24  flows over the spreading manifold/area/passage  142 . In some embodiments, the floor of the spreading manifold/area/passage  142  can have patterns created or formed therein or thereon, thereby assisting in providing an aesthetically pleasing pattern to an unlit waterfall by disrupting or patterning light traveling through the floor of the spreading manifold/area/passage  142 . 
     Similarly, when the means for lighting  18  is on, the spreading manifold/area/passage  142  can provide additional aesthetic enhancement to a lit waterfall by channeling/infusing the flowing water with turbulence. In this way, the device also can rely on any turbulence created in the water as the water spreads within the spreading manifold/area/passage  142 , thereby assisting the light generated from the means for lighting  18  (despite its distal/rearward positioning, opposite the waterfall slot  24 ) in illuminating the water emanating from the waterfall slot  24 . 
     The spreading manifold/area/passage  142  can serve at least two purposes. First, the spreading manifold/area/passage  142  can allow water flowing from manifold  30  to the waterfall slot  24  to spread evenly across spreading area prior to emanating from waterfall slot  24  so as to produce a more even waterfall. Second, the spreading manifold/area/passage  142  can provide a connection through a spa wall W (not depicted) such that the manifold section  52  portion of the lighted waterfall device  100  can be located on one side (the “dry side”) of the spa wall W and accessible from the outside of the spa, while the waterfall slot  24  can be located on another side (the “wet side”) of the spa wall W and accessible from the inside of the spa. 
     The means for lighting  18  is contained within a chamber  32  that is distal, opposite, and rearward of the waterfall slot  24 , and substantially aligned on the same plane. The chamber  32  can have a transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent divider between the chamber  32  and the spreading manifold/area/passage  142  such that the means for lighting  18  is positioned to shine light parallel to and in the direction of the water flowing towards the waterfall slot  24  in a way that sufficiently and adequately guides the light towards the water emanating from the waterfall slot  24 . 
     As the means for lighting  18  and chamber  32  are distal to and laterally displaced away from the spreading manifold/area/passage  142  and the waterfall slot  24  (mainly on the dry side of the spa; on one side of the spa wall), and as the waterfall apparatus  100  does not primarily rely on solid wave guide materials, instead primarily relying on the flowing water as a fluid wave guide, the waterfall apparatus  100  benefits from being easily manufactured, assembled, machined, and/or customized at the point of installation. More specifically, the waterfall apparatus  100  can be cut on the spot, laterally through the port(s)  14  and the spreading manifold/area/passage  142 , to match the contours of any undulating, curved, or rounded spa wall W at the point of installation. As the lateral cut does not affect the fluid wave guide, or any electrical, power, or moving parts, and as the solid material of the ports and the spreading manifold/area/passage  142  do not substantially direct the light, the waterfall apparatus  100  can be cut/formed/shaped/customized to match the spa wall without need of special skills, special materials, special tools, etc. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12A , a general configuration of an illustrative embodiment of the lighted waterfall device  100  is shown. Inlet  28  is on the rear of the lighted waterfall device  100  and waterfall slot  24  is on the front of the lighted waterfall device  100 . At least a portion of the spreading manifold/area/passage  142  is located within spa wall W. Port  14  and port cover  16  are located on either side of waterfall slot  24 , also on the front of the lighted waterfall device  100 . As explained above, the spreading manifold/area/passage  142  and the adjacent ports  14  can be laterally cut across to create a customized edge with a waterfall slot  24 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12B , the interior of a lighted waterfall device  100  is shown. Inlet  28  allows water to enter manifold  30  and to fill the manifold  30 . Optional baffles  54  can reduce turbulence in the water entering manifold  30  and trap debris for later removal. Once water in manifold  30  rises to the level of lip  40  of the spreading manifold/area/passage  142 , water is generally evenly spread throughout manifold  30  and generally evenly flows over lip  40  onto the spreading manifold/area/passage  142 . The spreading manifold/area/passage  142  comprises a passage leading from manifold  30  to waterfall slot  24 , the passage being about the same as or greater than the height of waterfall slot  24 , and about the same as the width of waterfall slot  24 , such that water flowing from manifold  30  evenly flows through passage  42  to waterfall slot  24  and evenly flows out of waterfall slot  24  to form a waterfall. 
       FIG. 12B  also shows a preferred location of chamber  32 , namely running parallel to the horizontal opening to spreading manifold/area/passage  142  and located distal to and laterally spaced from the waterfall slot  24  along the rear of the device  100 . Chamber  32  is an elongated hollow manifold running about the entire width and at least a portion of the depth of the spreading manifold/area/passage  142 . Chamber  32  is separated from the ambient behind the lighted waterfall device  100  by a rear wall  144 , is separated from the spreading manifold/area/passage  142  by a front wall  146 , and is separated from the manifold/reservoir  30  by a bottom wall  148 . Chamber  32  also has a top wall  150 . Preferably, at least front wall  146  is made of a clear, transparent, translucent, or semi-transparent material such that light from the means for lighting  18  can travel through front wall  146  directly into and parallel to water flowing through the spreading manifold/area/passage  142 . Rear wall  144 , bottom wall  148 , and top wall  150  may be opaque or even reflective (for example in coating or material) such that light from the means for lighting  18  can be focused and directed parallel to and in the direction of the spreading manifold/area/passage  142  towards the waterfall slot  24 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12C , a detail of a portion of the interior of the lighted waterfall device  100  illustrating the cooperation between chamber  32  and port  14  is shown. A cutaway  103  at the rear wall of the port  14 , proximal to the chamber  32  and the rear wall  144 , exposes the portion of the interior of the lighted waterfall device  100 . As can be seen, port  14  is an opening through the front of lighted waterfall device  100  allowing access to a portion of the interior of lighted waterfall device  100  including access to chamber  32 . Through port  14 , a means for lighting  18  can be inserted (via snaking, for example) into or removed from chamber  32 . A port cover  16  can be used to cover and close port  14  on the end of the port  14  opposite the cutaway  103 . 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the means for lighting  18  can be inserted through a first of the ports  14  (for example, the left side port  14  when looking at the device  100  from the front) and snaked through the chamber  32  and into a second of the ports  14  (for example, the right side port  14  when looking at the device  100  from the front), such as is depicted in  FIG. 12A . As is also depicted in  FIG. 12A , the cooperation between chamber  32  and port  14  may be defined in certain exemplary embodiments by a rounded, curve portion  105  proximal to the junction between chamber  32  and port  14 . In this way, the means for lighting  18  can be easily snaked down a port  14  and easily pushed into the chamber  32  in the proper alignment (directing light through the front wall  146 ) without difficulty. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , a detail of a portion of the interior of the lighted waterfall device  100  is shown. In this view, the interior of the spreading manifold/area/passage  142  and the ports  14  are shown. The spreading manifold/area/passage  142  provides for the generally free flow of water from manifold  30  to waterfall slot  24 . The ports  14  allow access to chamber  32 . 
       FIG. 14A  is a front perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 12A  shown with a customized shaping of the front end mounted in a wall.  FIG. 14B  is a top left perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 14A  shown without the spa wall W. As the front portion of the device  100  comprises hollow portions of ports  14  and spreading manifold/area/passage  142 , this front portion can be cut, formed, or shaped as desired to conform to the spa wall W. For example,  FIG. 14A  shows the device  100  mounted in a stone spa wall W with undulating or non-linear stones. The front portion of the device  100  can be cut through the ports  14  and the spreading manifold/area/passage  142  so as to conform to the shape of the spa wall W.  FIG. 14B  shows the cut, formed, or shaped front portion of the device without the surrounding spa wall W for clarity. Devices having lighting means proximal to the waterfall slot  24 , such as the first embodiment of the current invention, cannot be so cut, formed, or shaped. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 15-16 , a third exemplary embodiment of a lighted waterfall according to the present invention is shown. The third exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 15A  is similar to the second exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 12-14  and, therefore, only the differences between these exemplary embodiments are described.  FIG. 15A  is a top left perspective view of the lighted waterfall device  200  and  FIG. 15B  is a left perspective cross section view of the lighted waterfall device  200  through line  15 B′- 15 B′.  FIGS. 15A and 15B  have a smooth spreading manifold/area/passage  142 .  FIG. 15C  is a right perspective cross section view of the lighted waterfall device  200  through line  15 C′- 15 C′.  FIG. 15C  has a grooved spreading manifold/area/passage  142 .  FIG. 16  is a top right perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a lighting unit  226  for the lighted waterfall device  200 . 
     In  FIG. 15A , a lighted waterfall device  200  representative of the present invention provides a structure and means for quickly installing and replacing a second exemplary embodiment of a removable and replaceable lighting unit  226  in the chamber  32 , the chamber  32  being configured and positioned away from the front of the waterfall structure—distal to and laterally displaced from the waterfall slot/primary outlet. The light produced from the lighting unit  226  within the chamber  32  illuminates the water flowing through at least spreading manifold/area/passage  142  and then emanating from the waterfall device  200  upon being discharged through a primary outlet in the form of waterfall slot  24 . 
     Furthermore, the lighted waterfall device  200  has a representative placement of a second exemplary embodiment of a port  214 . A port  214  is situated on both lateral sides of the lighted waterfall device  200 , that is, on the left side ( 214   a ) and on the right side ( 214   b ). Port  214  has a port door  16  as a means for accessing the lighting unit  226 . As is disclosed in more detail herein, the port door  16  may be removed from port  214  allowing access to the interior of, or an interior chamber of, the lighted waterfall device  200  to access, replace, remove, or insert the lighting unit  226 . Port  214  is located at, on, or proximal to the front of the lighted waterfall device  200  structure, preferably proximal to the waterfall slot  24 , so as to allow easier access to the lighting unit  226 . 
     In this exemplary embodiment, the chamber  32  cooperates with the ports  214   a ,  214   b  so as to allow access to the chamber  32  from both ends of ports  214   a ,  214   b  (see  FIG. 15C ). Moreover, port cover  16  may be a door or other covering to port  214  and/or the chamber  32  to which the lighting unit  226  or any other internal components can be engaged/retained for easy access. Moreover, the entire structure and configuration of port  214  facilitates an inventive process/method of installing or replacing the lighting unit  226 . 
     The lighted waterfall device  200  also has an exemplary embodiment of a power cord length management system  300  comprising an exemplary embodiment of a retractable and extendable power cord  310 , a power cord bundle/spool  320 , a constriction component  330 , a power cord collar  340 , and a device/unit connector component  22   b . The power cord length management system  300  is configured to electrically power the lighting unit  226  (see  FIG. 15C ). Moreover, a strip connector component  22   a  terminates one end of the lighting unit  226  and complements the unit connector component  22   b  at the terminal end of the power cord  310  (see  FIG. 16 ). 
     As the connector  22  and the lighting unit  226  are intended to be ultimately positioned and situated/housed within the ports  214  and/or the chamber  32 , the connector  22  is convenient in that it allows the lighting unit  226  to be quickly and readily connected to and disconnected from the lighted waterfall device  200  within or partially within one or both of the ports  214 . Moreover, the port  214  is convenient in that it is structured and configured to retain and channel the power cord  310  such that the power cord length management system  300  may facilitate extension or retraction of the power cord  310  out of the interior of the port  214 . The power cord length management system  300  also helps ensure that the unit connector end  22   b  of the power cord  310  remains within or proximate to the port  214  and available for engagement with the strip connector  22   a.    
     The lighted waterfall device  200  also has an exemplary embodiment of a pull-through system comprising a guide wire  400  configured to extend through the specialized port  214  and facilitate insertion/repair/replacement of the lighting unit  226  (see  FIG. 15C ). In this exemplary embodiment, the pull-through system is configured as an exemplary guide wire  400  running from one port  214   a  to the other port  214   b , preferably with one end engaged to the port cover  16   a  of port  214   a  for easy retrieval and access. As the unit connector component  22   b  at the terminal end of the power cord  310  is also readily and easily retrievable from the port  214   b , a user servicing the lighted waterfall  200  may quickly and easily install or replace the lighting unit  226 . 
     Specifically for this exemplary embodiment, a user may quickly and easily retrieve and extend out of port  214   b  the power cord  310  via the unit connector component  22   b  end, with the power cord length management system  300  providing sufficient slack via the power cord bundle  320 , the constriction component  330 , and the power cord collar  340 . The user may then engage or disengage the strip connector component  22   a  and the unit connector component  22   b  so as to control the power supply to the lighting unit  226 . The user may then engage or disengage the lighting unit  226  to/from the pull-through system  400 . If the user is removing a previously installed lighting unit  226 , then the user pulls/pulled the lighting unit  226  out of the chamber  32  and the port  214   b . If the user is installing a lighting unit  226 , then the user pushes/pulls the lighting unit  226  into the port  214   b  and the chamber  32 . The user may facilitate this entire process with the use of the pull-through system. 
     In  FIG. 15B , in representative embodiments of the lighted waterfall device  200 , water flows into the interior manifold  30  and is discharged through the waterfall slot  24 . The waterfall slot  24  is proximal to the spreading manifold/area/passage  142 . Baffles  54  define the interior manifold  30 , and assist in distributing the water more evenly throughout the manifold  30  so as to create a more uniform waterfall  12 . Once water in manifold  30  rises to the level of lip  40  of the spreading manifold/area/passage  142 , water is generally evenly spread throughout manifold  30  and generally evenly flows over lip  40  onto the spreading manifold/area/passage  142 . Thus, if the water is more evenly contained in the manifold  30 , the water more evenly flows over lip  40  onto the spreading manifold/area/passage  142 . Chamber  32  is an elongated hollow manifold running at least a portion of the width and at least a portion of the depth of the spreading manifold/area/passage  142 . 
     In this particular embodiment, the chamber  32  is separated from the ambient behind the lighted waterfall device  200  by a rear wall  144 , is separated from the spreading manifold/area/passage  142  by a front wall  146 , and is separated from the interior manifold  30  by a bottom wall  148 . Chamber  32  also has a top wall  150 . Preferably, at least the front wall  146  is made of a clear, transparent, translucent, or semi-transparent material such that light from the lighting unit  226  can travel through the front wall  146  directly and parallel on to water flowing through the spreading manifold/area/passage  142 . The rear wall  144 , bottom wall  148 , and top wall  150  may be opaque or even reflective (in coating or material) such that light from the lighting unit  226  can be focused and directed parallel to and in the direction of the spreading manifold/area/passage  142  towards the waterfall slot  24 . 
     In  FIG. 15C , a cross sectional view of the lighted waterfall device  200  through line  15 C′- 15 C′ is shown revealing details regarding the structure, configuration, and internal components of the port  214  and how it facilitates an inventive process/method of installing or replacing the lighting unit  226 . 
     As previously described, the lighted waterfall device  200  provides a structure and means for quickly installing and replacing the lighting unit  226  (best seen in  FIG. 16 ) in the chamber  32 . As the chamber  32  is positioned distal to the waterfall slot/primary outlet  24 , and as the port  214  is located at, on, or proximal to the waterfall slot  24  in this particular embodiment, it sometimes may be difficult to fully insert and steer/snake the lighting unit  226  through the port  214  into the chamber  32 . 
     For example, in an exemplary lighted waterfall device  100  (best seen in  FIGS. 12-14 ), cooperation between chamber  32  and port  14  is defined by a rounded, curve portion  105  proximal to the junction between chamber  32  and the port  14 . In this way, the means for lighting  18  can be more easily snaked down the port  14  and more easily pushed into the chamber  32  in the proper alignment via the rounded, curved portion  105  (directing light through the front wall  146 ). However, if the lighted waterfall device  100  is very large in scale, and/or the means for lighting  18  is very long in length, any snaking of the means for lighting  18  down the port  14  may result in twisting, warping and/or flaccidity in the means for lighting  18 . This may, ultimately, result in the means for lighting  18  not entering the chamber  32  in the proper alignment, despite the rounded, curve portion  105 . Moreover, if the port  14  is very long in length, it may be possible to lose the reachability/accessibility of any internal components housed within the port  214  that are important to proper lighted-setup of the waterfall device  100 . 
     As such, the lighted waterfall device  200  of  FIG. 15C  illustrates one exemplary embodiment of waterfall having ports  214   a ,  214   b , port doors  16   a ,  16   b , a power cord length management system  300 , and a pull-through system comprising a guide wire  400  that are structured and configured to facilitate the installation and/or replacement of the lighting unit  226  within the chamber  32 . 
     The lighted waterfall device  200  has the left port  214   a  and the right port  214   b  positioned on the lateral sides of the spreading manifold/area/passage  142 . The ports  214   a ,  214   b  extend from adjacent to the waterfall slot  24  to adjacent to the chamber  32 . The chamber  32  cooperates with the ports  214   a ,  214   b  so as to allow access to the chamber  32  from the ports  214   a ,  214   b . Cooperation between the chamber  32  and the ports  214   a ,  214   b  is defined by a rounded, curve portion  105  proximal to the junction between the chamber  32  and the ports  214 , with the curve portion  105   a  terminating port  214   a  and the curve portion  105   b  terminating port  214   b.    
     Port  214   a  has a port door  16   a , and port  214   b  has a port door  16   b . A portion/component/piece of the lighting unit  226 , the power cord  310 , and/or the guide wire  400  may be engaged to/retained by the port doors  16   a ,  16   b  such that the internal components of the lighted waterfall  200  are easily accessible to a user. As such, even if the port  214  is very long in length, the user will not lose reachability/accessibility of any of these internal components within the depths of port  214 . 
     The power cord length management system  300  is configured to electrically power the lighting unit  226  via, at least, the power cord  310  (the power cord length management system  300  is not fully seen in  FIG. 15C ). The unit connector component end  22   b  of the power cord  310  is intended to be ultimately positioned and situated/housed within port  214   b  (port  214   a  may be used without any change to this description) when the lighted waterfall device  200  is full assembled. In this way, the unit connector component  22   b  of the power cord  310  allows for quick and ready electrical engagement with the strip connector component  22   a  of the lighting unit  226 , or any other component of the lighted waterfall device  200 , during user service. 
     As installing or replacing the lighting unit  226  involves removing the port door  16   b  and retrieving and/or manipulating internal components within the port  214   b , such as engaging or disengaging the strip connector component  22   a  and the unit connector component  22   b , for example, the power cord length management system  300  also is configured to facilitate extension and/or retraction of at least a portion of the power cord  310  out of/into the port half  214   b . In this way, the length management system  300  helps ensure that the unit connector end  22   b , for example, remains within or proximate to the port  214  and available for engagement with the strip connector  22   a , or any other component of the lighted waterfall device  200 . 
     More specifically, the port  214  comprises an exemplary embodiment of internal supports  500  that are structured and configured to retain and channel the portion of the retractable and extendable power cord  310  situated within the port  214 . A portion of the power cord  310  extends into the port half  214   b  through the end opposite the port door  16   b  via an exemplary embodiment of an opening  217 . Port  214   a  and internal supports  500   a  may be used without any change to this description. 
     The power cord  310  outside the port half  214   b  extends through the constriction component  330 . The constriction component  330  is configured to be mounted or anchored on the dry side of the waterfall spa to support the power cord  310  as it traverses a wall, for example, to communicate with lighted waterfall device  200 . The remainder of the power cord  310 , and all slack, beyond the constriction component  330 , and on the opposite side as the port half  214   b , is managed by the power cord bundle  320  that also may be mounted or anchored on the dry side of the waterfall spa. In this way, due to the slack provided by the power cord bundle  320 , the constriction component  330 , and the power cord collar  340 , the internal supports  500   b  allow the unit connector component  22   b  end of the power cord  310  within the port half  214   b  to extend or retract out of and into the port door  16   b , but not beyond the internal supports  500   b , towards the opening  217  end. 
     Furthermore, on the side opposite the internal supports  500   b , towards the constriction component  330 , at a point outside port  214   b , the power cord collar  340  defines the surface of, and is engaged to, the power cord  310 . The power cord collar  340  increases the external thickness of the power cord  310  to a measure greater than the aperture defined by the constriction component  330  through which the power cord  310  extends. In this way, because of the difference in thickness of the power cord  310  on one side of the constriction component  330 , the constriction component  330  and the power cord collar  340  prevent the power cord  310  from fully retracting out of the constriction component  330  and out of the internal supports  500   b  and out of port  214   b.    
     Returning to  FIG. 15C , the pull-through system of the lighted waterfall device  200  facilitates insertion and proper alignment of the lighting unit  226  into the chamber  32 . The guide wire  400  helps a user pull the lighting unit  226  through port  214   b  into the chamber  32  and into proper alignment. The pull-through system may be used while a user pushes the lighting unit  226  into port  214   b  into the chamber  32  while leveraging the curve portion  105   b . The curve portion  105   a  may be used without any change to this description. 
     More specifically, the pull-through system is configured as a guide wire  400  running from port  214   a  to port  214   b . One end of the guide wire  400  is engaged to the port cover  16   a  of port  214   a  for easy retrieval and access. The other end of the guide wire  400  extends to port  214   b  and may be engaged to the port cover  16   a  for easy retrieval and access. The portion of the guide wire  400  in port  214   b  is configured to detachably engage to the lighting unit  226  during installation or repair. 
     For this exemplary embodiment, a user may quickly and easily retrieve and extend out of port  214   b  the guide wire  400 . The user may then quickly and easily attach the guide wire  400  to the lighting unit  226  via the wire eyelet  299  defined on the end opposite the strip connector component  22   a  (best seen in  FIG. 16 ). The user may then quickly and easily retrieve and extend out of port  214   b  the guide wire  400 . The user may then pull the lighting unit  226 , wire eyelet  299  end leading, through port  214   b  into the chamber  32  by pulling the guide wire  400  from port  214   a  end. The user may adjust the orientation and alignment of the lighting unit  226  as the lighting unit  226  is being inserted (whether pulled and/or pushed) through port  214   b  and into the chamber  32 . For example, a user may snake/push the lighting unit down port  214   b  and, via the rounded, curved portion  105 , enter the chamber  32 . The user may hold the lighting unit  226  in the correct alignment for the chamber  32  while using the guide wire  400  to maintain the proper alignment of the lighting unit  226 . 
     In  FIG. 16 , the second exemplary removable and replaceable lighting unit  226  comprises an LED strip  220 , a strip connector component  22   a  and a wire eyelet  299 . The strip connector component  22   a  terminates one end of the lighting unit  226  and complements the unit connector component  22   b  at the terminal end of the power cord  310 . The wire eyelet  299  is defined on the end opposite the strip connector component  22   a  and is configured to quickly and easily attach the guide wire  400  to the lighting unit  226  such that a user may pull the lighting unit  226  (the wire eyelet  299  end leading) when attached. 
     In this particular embodiment, the lighting unit is configured as an LED strip comprising at least one and preferably a plurality of individual LEDs  258  so as to provide more uniform light across the chamber  32 . The LED strip  20  may be selected or cut to be of a desired length, such as the length of the chamber  32 . In this manner, different lengths LED strips  20  can be used for different sized lighted waterfall devices  200 . Moreover, the strip connector component  22   a  is convenient in that it allows the LED strip  220  to be connected to and disconnected from the lighted waterfall device  200  for ease of removal and replacement. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 17-18 , a fourth exemplary embodiment of a lighted waterfall according to the present invention is shown. The fourth exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 15A  is similar to the third exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 15-16  and, therefore, only the differences between these exemplary embodiments are described.  FIG. 17A  is a right perspective cross section view of the lighted waterfall device  1000  through line  17 A′- 17 A′.  FIG. 17B  is a right perspective cross section view of the lighted waterfall device  1000  through line  17 B′- 17 B′.  FIG. 18  are perspective views of an exemplary user  1  using the lighted waterfall device  1000 . 
     In  FIG. 17A , a lighted waterfall device  1000  representative of the present invention provides a structure and means for quickly installing and replacing a removable and replaceable lighting unit  226  from a chamber  32 , which is configured and positioned distal to and laterally displaced from the waterfall slot  24 . In  FIG. 17B , a cross sectional view of the lighted waterfall device  1000  through line  17 B′- 17 B′ is shown revealing details regarding the structure, configuration, and internal components of the port  1214  and how it facilitates an inventive process/method of installing or replacing the lighting unit  226 . 
     Like the third exemplary embodiment, the fourth exemplary embodiment of the lighted waterfall device  1000  also has a power cord length management system  300  and a pull-through system comprising a guide wire  400 . The power cord length management system  300  comprises a retractable and extendable power cord  310 , a power cord bundle/spool  320 , a constriction component  330 , a power cord collar  340 , and a device/unit connector component  122   b.    
     The power cord length management system  300  is configured to facilitate extension and/or retraction of at least a portion of the power cord  310  out of/into another exemplary embodiment of a specialized port  1214 . The guide wire  400  is configured to extend through the specialized port  1214 , from one exemplary embodiment of a port half  1214   a  to another exemplary embodiment of a port half  1214   b.    
     Furthermore, the lighted waterfall device  1000  has a third exemplary embodiment of a port  1214  situated on the left lateral side  1214   a  and on the right lateral side  1214   b . The chamber  32  cooperates with the port halves  1214   a ,  1214   b  so as to allow access to the chamber  32  from both ends of port halves  1214   a ,  1214   b  (see  FIG. 17 ). The unit connector component end  22   b  of a power cord  310  is intended to be ultimately positioned and situated/housed within port half  214   b  (port half  214   b  may be used without any change to this description) when the lighted waterfall device  1000  is fully assembled. 
     The port  1214  provides an internal structure and means for quickly installing and replacing the lighting unit  226  (best seen in  FIGS. 18A-18L ) in the chamber  32  without having to steer/snake the lighting unit  226  through the port  1214 . Instead, each lateral half of the specialized port  1214  each, respectively, comprises a port insertion structure  1500  capped on one end by an exemplary embodiment of a port door  16 . The port insertion structures  1500   a ,  1500   b  are each respectively configured as a means for accessing the lighting unit  226 , the guide wire  400  and/or other electrical supply components, and as a structure upon which the lighting unit  226  and/or the guide wire  400  or any other internal components can be engaged/retained for channeling into the port halves  1214   a ,  1214   b  and for easy access. The port insertion structures  1500   a ,  1500   b , can be in the form of drawer-like structures. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the lighted waterfall device  1000  has two matching port insertion structures  1500   a ,  1500   b  complementary of the lateral port halves  1214   a ,  1214   b , which also are matching in structure and configuration. The port insertion structures  1500   a ,  1500   b  are configured to slidably enter the respective and appropriate port halves  1214   a ,  1214   b , and comprise port doors  16   a ,  16   b  to engage snuggly therein so as to cap the port halves  1214   a ,  1214   b . The port doors  16   a ,  16   b  cap the end of the port halves  1214   a ,  1214   b  when the port insertion structures  1500   a ,  1500   b  are engaged within their respective port halves. The port doors  16   a ,  16   b  may be removed from their corresponding port insertions structures  1500   a ,  1500   b  allowing for access to the interior of, or an interior chamber of, port insertions structures  1500   a ,  1500   b  should that be necessary. 
     More specifically, and with referenced to  FIG. 17B , the lighted waterfall device  1000  has the left port half  214   a  and the right port half  1214   b  positioned on the lateral sides of the spreading manifold/area/passage  142 . The port halves  1214   a ,  1214   b  extend from adjacent to the waterfall slot  24  to adjacent to the chamber  32 . Cooperation between the chamber  32  and the ports  1214   a ,  1214   b  is defined by a rounded, curve portion  105  proximal to the junction between the chamber  32  and the port  1214 , with the curve portion  105   a  terminating port  1214   a  and the curve portion  105   b  terminating port  1214   b.    
     The port half  1214   a  has a corresponding port insertion structure  1500   a , and port half  1214   b  has a corresponding port insertion structure  1500   b . The port insertion structures  1500   a ,  1500   b  may be removed from port  1214  allowing access to the interior of, or an interior chamber of, the port  1214  to access, replace, remove, or insert the lighting unit  226 . A portion/component/piece of the lighting unit  226 , the power cord  310 , and/or the guide wire  400  may be engaged to/retained by the port insertion structures  1500   a ,  1500   b  such that the internal components of the lighted waterfall  1000  are easily accessible to a user. 
     Port insertion structures  1500  can be drawer-like structures that can slide in and out of ports  1214 . The proximal, or front, end of port insertion structures  1500  comprise no electrical or mechanical components required for the operation of the waterfall, generally being hollow elongated portions. As such, this portion of port insertion structures  1500  can be cut, formed, or shaped along with the front portion of the device  1000  to conform to the shape of the spa wall W into which the device  1000  is mounted. Port doors  16  can either be shaped to cooperate with the spa wall W surface, or can be made of a flexible material, such as rubber, to conform to the cut, formed, or shaped end of port insertion structures  1500 . 
     The distal, or rear, end of port insertion structures  1500  comprise an area or volume, such as chamber  1505 , for retaining and maintaining, for example, at least a portion of unit connector  22   b  or guide wire  400 . For example, the back wall of port insertion structure  1500  may have slots or holes therethrough to allow throughput of power cord  310  or guide wire  400 , and retaining portions to prevent unit connector  22   b  or guide wire  400  from coming loose from chamber  1505  without action by the user  1 . In this manner, when the port insertion structures  1500  are removed from or inserted into ports  1214 , unit connector  22   b , power cord  310 , and/or guide wire  400  will be removed from or inserted into ports  1214  as well. Preferably, some area or volume is left open between the back of port insertion structures  1500  and the rear of ports  1214  to allow some of power cord  310  and guide wire  400  to be stored therein (see  FIG. 18L ). 
     In particular, for this exemplary embodiment, one end of the guide wire  400  is engaged to the port insertion structure  1500   a  for easy retrieval and access. The other end of the guide wire  400  may extend to port  1214   b  and may be engaged to the port insertion structure  1500   b  for easy retrieval and access. The portion of the guide wire  400  that may be in the port half  1214   b  (depending on the stage of repair/installation) is also configured to detachably engage to the lighting unit  226 . 
     As installing or replacing the lighting unit  226 , in this exemplary embodiment, involves removing the port insertion structure  1500   b  and retrieving and/or manipulating internal components detachably engaged to the port insertion structure  1500   b , such as engaging or disengaging the strip connector component  22   a  terminating one end of the lighting unit  226 , and the unit connector component  22   b , for example, the end of the port insertion structure  1500   b  opposite the port door end  16   b  is configured to retain and channel a power cord  310 , and/or a portion of a lighting unit  226 , within the port half  1214   b , as the respective port insertion structure  1500   b  is inserted or removed from the interior of a respective port half  1214   b.    
     In this way, the port insertion structure  1500  helps ensure that a unit connector end  22   b  of a power cord  310  remains within or proximate to the port half  1214   b  and available for engagement with the lighting unit  226   b . The port insertion structure  1500   b  is configured to facilitate this by having a physical structure that can clip in/friction fit-in the unit connector component  22   b  and/or the strip connector component  22   a  of the lighting unit  226  into a cradle at the end of the port insertion structure  1500  opposite the port door  16   b . Due to the slack provided by the power cord bundle  320 , the constriction component  330 , and the power cord collar  340 , the port insertion structure  1500   b  allows the connector component  22  within the port half  214   b  to extend or retract out of/into the port door  16   b , via the opening  217  end, as the port insertion structure  1500   b  is being removed or inserted. This allows the connector component  22  and any cable end that might extend from it, whether for the lighting unit  226  or the power cable  301 , to be correctly positioned within the port  1214  without having the cables snagged or intertwined, in an orderly fashions, or without having the cables fold over themselves. Instead, the connector component  22  and any cables are cradled and a configured to slide in and out of the port half  1214   b  as the lighting unit is positioned properly within the chamber  32 . 
     In  FIG. 18 , an exemplary embodiment of a user  1  uses an exemplary embodiment of a lighted waterfall device  1000 . In  FIG. 18A , the user  1  handles an exemplary embodiment of a long thin tool  2000  and inserts the long thin tool  2000  through an exemplary embodiment of an aperture  1501  defined through the port door  16   a . The aperture  1501  communicates with a long, thin groove  1503  defined along the lateral most side of the port insertion structures  1500  (best seen in  FIGS. 18C-18F ). The long, thin grooves  1503  are configured as a way of establishing a friction-fit with the port insertion structure  1500  to pull it out of the port half  1214 . Other means for removing port insertion structures  1500  also are suitable, such as, for example, tabs, latches, clips, indentations, and the like. 
     In  FIG. 18B , the user  1  fully inserts the long thin tool  2000  into the aperture  1501  and the long, thin groove  1503 . In  FIG. 18C , the user  1  begins pulling the port insertion structure  1500   a  out of the port half  1214   a  using the long thin tool  2000  by pushing in towards the long, thin groove  1503  and pulling out. In  FIGS. 18D and 18E , the user  1  finished pulling the port insertion structure  1500   a  out of the port half  1214   a  as far as the exemplary slack from the power cord length management system  300  lets out. At this length of extension out of the port half  1214   a , the end of the port insertion structure  1500   a  opposite the port door end  16   a  (configured to retain and cradle the connector component  22 , for example) is exposed and slid out of the port half  1214   a.    
     In  FIG. 18F , the user  1  finished pulling the long thin tool  2000  out of the long, thin groove  1503 . In  FIG. 18G , the user  1  uncradles the connector component off of the port insertion structure  1500   a  by popping it out of an exemplary embodiment of a cradle portion  1505   a  defined on the end of the port insertion structure  1500   a  opposite the port door end  16   a . In  FIGS. 18G-18H , the user  1  disconnects the strip connector component  22   a  from the unit connector component  22   b . Once disconnected, the power cord cable  301  can retract slightly back into the port half  1214   a  while the strip connector component  22   a  end of the lighting unit  226  remains available for continued handling. 
     In  FIGS. 18I-18K , the user  1  pulls the lighting unit  226  out of the chamber  32  and the port half  1214   a  via the strip connector component end  22   a  of the lighting unit  226 . As can be readily seen by a person having ordinary skill in the art, extraction of the lighting unit  226  does not alter the state of the power cord  301  while within the port  1214 . Moreover, the lighting unit  226  remains engaged to the guide wire  400  when fully removed from the port  1214 . 
     To complete installation or repair, as is described in greater detail herein, the user  1  may quickly and easily retrieve and extend out of port half  1214   a  the guide wire  400 . The opposite end to the guide wire  400  seen in  FIG. 18K , is conveniently attached to the port insertion structure  1500   b . The user  1  may then quickly and easily attach the guide wire  400  to the new replacement lighting unit  226  via the wire eyelet  299  defined on the end opposite the strip connector component  22   a  (best seen in  FIG. 16 ). The user  1  may then quickly and easily retrieve and extend out of port  1214   b  the guide wire  400 . The user  1  may then pull the lighting unit  226 , wire eyelet  299  end leading, through port  1214   a  into the chamber  32  by pulling the guide wire  400  from port half  1214   b  end. The user  1  may adjust the orientation and alignment of the lighting unit  226  as the lighting unit  226  is being inserted. The lighting unit  226  moving down port  214   a  interacts with the rounded, curved portion  105   a , and then enters the chamber  32 . The user  1  may hold the lighting unit  226  in the correct alignment for the chamber  32  while using the guide wire  400  to maintain the proper alignment of the lighting unit  226 . 
     The foregoing detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the appended figures have been presented only for illustrative and descriptive purposes and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments were selected and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many variations can be made to the invention disclosed in this specification without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. 
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
         
           1  user 
           10  first exemplary embodiment of lighted waterfall device 
           12  waterfall 
           14  port 
           16  port cover 
           18  means for lighting 
           20  LED strip 
           22  connector 
           24  waterfall slot 
           26  lighting unit 
           28  inlet 
           30  manifold 
           32  chamber 
           34  baffles 
           36  spreading area 
           38  serrated edge 
           40  lip 
           42  passage 
           44  front wall 
           46  top wall 
           48  rear wall 
           50  bottom wall 
           52  manifold section 
           54  port section 
           56  latch 
           58  LED 
           60  reflective material 
           100  second exemplary embodiment of lighted waterfall device 
           101  open face/recess 
           103  cutaway 
           105  rounded, curve portion 
           142  spreading manifold/area/passage 
           144  rear wall 
           146  front wall 
           148  bottom wall 
           150  top wall 
           200  third exemplary embodiment of lighted waterfall device 
           214  specialized port 
           217  opening 
           220  LED strip 
           226  lighting unit 
           258  LED 
           299  wire eyelet 
           300  power cord management system 
           310  retractable and extendable power cord 
           320  power cord bundle/spool 
           330  constriction component 
           340  power cord collar 
           400  pull-through system 
           500  internal port supports 
           1000  fourth exemplary embodiment of lighted waterfall device 
           1500  port insertion structure 
           1501  aperture 
           1503  long, thin groove corresponding to the tool  2000   
           1505  cradle portion 
           2000  long, thin port insertion structure tool