Abstract:
A water fountain is disclosed for use in residential and commercial environments. The water fountain includes a support frame and a catch basin within which a recirculating pump system is placed. A background flow display surface is attached to the support frame for receiving water thereover from the recirculating pump system. In one embodiment, the water fountain includes a facade connected to the support frame. The facade includes a plurality of apertures such that when the facade is placed over the background flow display surface, a portion of the background flow display surface is visible through the apertures in the facade, thereby permitting visibility of the flowing water as well. The facades may include apertures of various shapes and sizes and in different arrangements. The invention also provides the use of illumination and variable recirculation pumps in order to achieve dramatic visual effects. The invention may include noise-reducing pebbles in order to buffer the noise created by the falling water into the catch basin. The invention provides an effective self-contained water fountain that can be used indoors or outdoors.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to water fountains, and more particularly, to wall hanging water fountains for use in residential and commercial environments. 
     The use of moving water as a therapeutic, and particularly products that include the soothing qualities of moving water, have historically been quite popular. More recently, individuals increasingly desire to place water fountains utilizing such soothing water movements in their homes and at their places of business. Although many outdoor garden-type fountains are known, and table-top fountains are increasingly popular and available, the recent increase in interest for water fountains has led to a need for modern commercial and residential fountains that reflect modern tastes. In addition, many water fountains for the home are often replete with problems such as requiring complicated assembly, splashing, leaking, and overall noisy operation. Some fountains cannot be used inside as well as outside, and many fountains having a recirculating-type pump are often only equipped with one setting. As a result, variable water flow rates are not easily obtained. In addition, in many instances where a significant amount of water is being circulated, the loud noise created by the falling water can sometimes become more of a distraction, and decrease from the soothing effects of the fountain&#39;s intended purpose. 
     Therefore, there exists a need for durable, quality water fountain for wall use utilizing modern, bold design concepts and contemporary materials, dramatic lighting, as well as utilizing techniques to expose portions of the flowing water. In addition, there is a need for a water fountain requiring no complicated assembly, that is self contained, and that is able to be used indoors as well as outdoors. Moreover, it is desired that the water fountains be relatively splash proof and leak free, with the option of adjustability of the recirculating pump, while still yielding a relatively quiet water fountain to contribute to the soothing effects of the moving water. 
     Therefore, it would be desirable to have a water fountain that solves the aforementioned problems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a water fountain for residential and commercial use that overcomes the aforementioned problems, such that the soothing qualities of moving water can be enjoyed both inside and outside and that reflect contemporary, dramatic tastes. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a water fountain comprises a support frame having a catch basin attached thereto, with a recirculating pump system for pumping and recirculating water from the catch basin to an upper portion of the support frame. A background flow display surface is provided for receiving water therealong form the recirculating pump system, and a plurality of noise-reducing pebbles are inserted into the catch basin for reducing the sound of the water entering the catch basin. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the water fountain further includes a facade connected to the support frame, with the facade including at least one aperture such that when the facade is placed over the background flow display surface, a portion of the background flow display surface is visible through the at least one aperture in the facade. The water flowing along the background flow display surface is also visible through the at least one aperture. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the water fountain further includes a support frame having a first and second vertical support members. Each of the vertical support members has an upper and a lower opening at distal ends. The support frame further includes a top and a bottom horizontal support bar, the top horizontal support bar fitting transversely through the upper opening of each vertical support member. Likewise, the bottom horizontal support bar fits transversely through the lower opening of each vertical support bar, to form the support frame. 
     Various other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The drawings illustrate embodiments of the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. 
     In the drawings: 
     FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a water fountain in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a front view of the embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a right side elevational view of the water fountain of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 shows a front partially sectional view taken along line  4 — 4  of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 5 is a top sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention taken along line  5 — 5  of FIG. 4; 
     FIG. 6 is a left side sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention taken along line  6 — 6  of FIG. 4; 
     FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of a water fountain in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the second embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 9 is a right side elevational view of the second embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 10 is a front view of the second embodiment of the present invention with the facade taken off and partially sectioned to show the water flow and the noise buffering pebbles; 
     FIG. 11 is a top sectional view of the second embodiment of the present invention taken along line  11 — 11  of FIG. 8; 
     FIG. 12 is a left side sectional view of the second embodiment of the present invention taken along line  12 — 12  of FIG. 8; 
     FIG. 13 shows a third embodiment of a water fountain in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; 
     FIG. 14 is a partial side sectional view of the third embodiment of the present invention taken along the line  14 — 14  of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 15 shows a fourth embodiment of a water fountain in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 16 is a partial side sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention taken along line  16 — 16  of FIG.  15 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, the water fountain according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown generally by the numeral  10 . The water fountain  10  is shown hanging from a wall  12 , which may be part of an indoor or outdoor residential or commercial environment. The fountain  10  includes a support frame  14 . The support frame  14  is constructed of a first vertical support member  16  and a second vertical support member  18 . Although any suitable materials are contemplated, it is preferred that the first vertical support member  16  and second vertical support member  18  are constructed of a hardwood or other durable material. The first vertical support member  16  has an upper opening  20  at upper end  22  and a lower opening  24  at lower end  26  which is distal from the upper end  22 . Similarly, second vertical support member  18  has an upper opening  28  at an upper end  30 . The second vertical support member  18  also includes a lower opening  32  at lower end  34 . A top horizontal support bar  36  fits transversely into and through the upper opening  20  of first vertical support member  16  and into upper opening  28  of second vertical support member  18 . In a similar manner, a bottom horizontal support bar  38  fits transversely into and through lower opening  24  of first vertical support member  16  and lower opening  32  of second vertical support member  18  to complete the support frame  14  structure. A trough-style catch basin  40  is connected to the support frame  14 . In this embodiment of water fountain  10 , the top horizontal support bar  36  has a plurality of openings  42  at the bottom thereof such that water may flow in streams  44  shown in phantom from the top horizontal support bar  36  through the openings  42  over background flow display surface  46  and into catch basin  40 . The water fountain  10  may be connected to a power source by power cord  48 . A plurality of noise-reducing members, preferably polished pebbles  50 , may be used to buffer the sound of the water flowing into the catch basin  40 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, background flow display surface  46  of water fountain  10  may be constructed in any desired shape, but in this embodiment it is preferred that the background flow display surface is substantially rectangular and has a planar surface. It is also preferred that the background flow display surface  46  is textured such that the water streams  44  tend to “sheet” as they flow over the background flow display surface  46 , creating an appealing sheet of water flowing during operation, before flowing into catch basin  40 . Top horizontal support bar  36  and bottom horizontal support bar  38  may be constructed of any suitable material, but in a preferred embodiment, they are constructed of polished copper or finished hardwood. 
     Referring now to FIG. 3, a side view of the water fountain  10  is shown. Extending from the second vertical support member  18  in a direction opposite from the catch basin  40  is rear section  52 . Visible on this section is power switch  54  for controlling electrical power to the water fountain  10  as well as a level indicator  56  which is used to identify the level of water contained within catch basin  40  at any given time. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, partial sectional views are shown in order to illustrate the pump mechanics and electrical connections within the water fountain  10 . A power cord  48  may be connected to a standard 120 volt outlet or hardwired if desired to provide electrical power. From power cord  48  is electrical conduit  58 , which terminates in electrical control panel  60 . Similarly, an electrical connection is made via conduit  62  to recirculating pump  64 . Recirculating pump  64  is preferably variable such that the flow rate of water flowing therethrough can increase or decrease, thereby adjusting the amount of water flowing along the background flow display surface  46 . Recirculating pump  64  has its own on/off switch (not shown) so that it runs independently whether the water fountain lights are on or off, for example. Recirculating pump  64  operates in a convention manner by drawing water through intake  66  while in catch basin  40 . Water is pumped by the recirculating pump  64  through hose  68 , which terminates in a coupler  70  having a nozzle  72 , which is directed within top horizontal support bar  36 . Water flowing therethrough then exits the top horizontal support bar  36  through openings  42  downwardly in a direction indicated by arrow  74  along background flow display surface  46 . The water is then directed through the noise-reducing pebbles  50  and back into the interior of catch basin  40  to then be recirculated by recirculating pump  64 . 
     Electrical control panel  60  may also, by way of power switch  54 , control lighting mechanism  76  which is attached to water fountain  10  by a cord  178 , to provide illumination of the background flow display surface  46  as well as the water running down it. In a preferred embodiment, lighting mechanism  76  may be placed behind background flow display surface  46 . However, it is understood that other arrangements are possible and desired. 
     Referring now to FIG. 7, a second embodiment of the water fountain of the present invention is shown generally by the numeral  100 . Preferably, the fountain  100  is affixed to a wall  112 , such as in a residential or commercial indoor or outdoor environment. Water fountain  100  includes a support frame  114  which includes first vertical support member  116  and second vertical support member  118  with transverse support bar  136  connected therebetween. A facade  150  is connected by any suitable means to the support frame  114 . Although the facade  150  as shown is preferably rectangular, the present invention contemplates any desired shape. Additionally, the facade  150  is preferably constructed, in preferred embodiments, of brushed aluminum, acid-washed aluminum or hardwood, although any suitable materials are contemplated and may be suitably employed. Facade  150  includes at least one, preferably a plurality of, and in this embodiment three apertures  180 . As in the other embodiments, the water fountain  100  may be powered by connection of power cord  148  to an electrical power source, such as a wall outlet. The facade  150  includes an outward facing surface  182  that is preferably planar. When the facade  150  is placed onto the support frame  114 , at least a portion of the water fountain  100 , for example the background flow display surface  146  is visible through the apertures  180 . When the water is flowing, as during operation, water streams  144  are visible through the apertures  180 . Each aperture  180  is bounded by an interior wall  184  of the facade  150 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 8, a front view of the facade  150  is shown, with the remainder of the water fountain  100  shown in phantom. In this embodiment, apertures  180  are arranged in a singular column format, with the apertures  180  of a generally square configuration. However, it is contemplated by the present invention that other sizes, shapes, and arrangements may be used. The important thing is that the apertures  180  allow a portion of the water fountain  100  to be visible through them, and particularly during operation that water flowing down may be visible through the apertures  180 . Three rectangular apertures  180  are shown and preferred in this embodiment. These apertures  180  also allow for any backlighting to show through the facade, creating a dramatic visual effect to water streams  144  as well as the background flow display surface  146 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 9, a side view of water fountain  100  is shown, and as in earlier embodiments, includes a power switch  154  and a level indicator  156  to determine the level of the water to catch basin  140 , which is not directly visible from the outside because of the placement of the facade  150  with the support frame  114 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 10-12, the partial sectional views reveal the pumping mechanism and paths of the water flowing along the background flow display surface  146 . The structure and mechanics of the pump system are similar to those of the earlier embodiment of FIG.  4 . Particularly, a recirculating pump  164 , located within catch basin  140 , draws in water through intake  166  and circulates the water through hose  168  to shelf  169 , through which the water falls down and over background flow display surface  146 . Ultimately, the water returns back into catch basin  140 . As shown in phantom in FIG. 12, facade  150  is removably attached to support frame  114  via any conventional means such as screws  181 . 
     Also in this embodiment, an electrical control panel  160  controls electrical current to the recirculating pump  164 . Exiting the recirculating pump  164  is a cord  78  at the end of which is lighting mechanism  176 . This lighting mechanism  176  provides the illumination effects for this particular water fountain  100 . The apertures  180  allow those portions indicated generally by a, b and c of the background flow display surface  146  to be seen through the facade  150 . 
     Water fountain  100  can be secured to wall  112  by any suitable means as by screws  113  connected to support frame bracket  115 . Catch basin  140  also includes a top portion  141  which is removably inserted within the catch basin  140 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 13, a second embodiment of the water fountain of the present invention is shown generally by the numeral  200 . Preferably, the fountain  200  is affixed to a wall  212 , such as in a residential or commercial indoor or outdoor environment. Water fountain  200  includes a support frame  214  which includes first vertical support member  216  and second vertical support member  218  with transverse support bar  236  connected therebetween. A facade  250  is connected by any suitable means to the support frame  214 . Although the facade  250  as shown is preferably rectangular, the present invention contemplates any desired shape. Additionally, the facade  250  is preferably constructed, in preferred embodiments, of brushed aluminum, acid-washed aluminum or hardwood, although any suitable materials are contemplated and may be suitably employed. Facade  250  includes at least one, preferably a plurality of, and in this embodiment seven apertures  280 . As in the other embodiments, the water fountain  200  may be powered by connection of power cord  248  to an electrical power source, such as a wall outlet. The facade  250  includes an outward facing surface  282  that is preferably planar. When the facade  250  is placed onto the support frame  214 , at least a portion of the water fountain  200 , for example the background flow display surface  246  is visible through the apertures  280 . When the water is flowing as during operation, water streams  244  are visible through the apertures  280 . Each aperture  280  is bounded by an interior wall  284  of the facade  250 . 
     In this particular embodiment, the apertures  280  are of a substantially circular shape, and have various size diameters. However, it is contemplated that other sizes, shapes and orientations are possible from those shown herein. Additionally, although seven apertures are shown in this particular embodiment and preferred, other numbers of apertures exceeding or below seven are contemplated. 
     The pump system is substantially as the pump recirculation system in the embodiment of FIGS. 10-12. 
     Referring now to FIG. 14, a portion of the water fountain  200  is shown in cross section to show one of the apertures  280  of facade  250 . As water runs down over background flow display surface  246  in a direction indicated by arrow  272 , a portion of the background flow display surface  246  indicated generally by the letter “d” will be visible through aperture  280  when viewed from the front, thereby highlighting any illumination and patterns of the water and of the background flow display surface  246  by being visible through the aperture  280 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 15, a fourth embodiment of the water fountain of the present invention is shown generally by the numeral  300 . Preferably, the fountain  300  is affixed to a wall  312 , such as in a residential or commercial indoor or outdoor environment. Water fountain  300  includes a support frame  314  which includes first vertical support member  316  and second vertical support member  318  with transverse support bar  336  connected therebetween. A facade  350  is connected by any suitable means to the support frame  314 . Although the facade  350  as shown is preferably rectangular, the present invention contemplates any desired shape. Additionally, the facade  350  is preferably constructed in preferred embodiments of brushed aluminum, acid-washed aluminum or hardwood, although any suitable materials are contemplated and may be suitably employed. Facade  350  includes at least one, preferably a plurality of, and in this embodiment three apertures  380 . As in the other embodiments, the water fountain  300  may be powered by connection of power cord  348  to an electrical power source, such as a wall outlet. The facade  350  includes an outward facing surface  382  that is preferably planar. When the facade  350  is placed onto the support frame  314 , at least a portion of the water fountain  300 , for example the background flow display surface  346  is visible through the apertures  380 . When the water is flowing as during operation, water streams  344  are visible through the apertures  380 . Each aperture  380  is bounded by an interior wall  384  of the facade  350 . 
     The apertures  380  in this particular embodiment are substantially sinusoidal and have a wave-type shape, and are arranged in a column of three, in line from top to bottom. However, it is contemplated by the present invention that other arrangements, sizes and variations in shape will be used. The pump system is substantially as the pump recirculation system in the embodiment of FIGS. 10-12. 
     Referring now to FIG. 16, a portion of the water fountain  300  is shown in cross section to show one of the apertures  380  of facade  350 . As water runs down over background flow display surface  346  in a direction indicated by arrow  372 , a portion of the background flow display surface  346  indicated generally by the letter “e” will be visible through aperture  380  when viewed from the front, thereby highlighting any illumination of the water and of the background flow display surface  346  through the aperture  380 . 
     For all embodiments, it is manifest that any suitable building materials may be used. In the present embodiments, it is preferred that background flow display surfaces be constructed of materials such as translucent onyx, weathered steel, mosaic tiling, ceramic tile or marble, and that the facades are constructed of brushed aluminum, acid-washed aluminum or hardwood. It is desirable that the background flow display surfaces be selected so as to enhance the visual lighting effects of the water fountains. 
     For example, other finishes for the water fountains may include brushed and painted metals, finished hardwoods, ceramics, laminates, glass, mosaic tile or natural stone. 
     Although not shown, a mesh screen may be placed across the top of each catch basin in order to further prevent splashing. 
     The present invention has been described in terms of the preferred embodiment, and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appending claims.