Waterfall device

Abstract

Embodiments include a waterfall device which is usable independent of or in conjunction with a fireplace. The waterfall device may be either an accessory to or an alternative to the fireplace. Embodiments also include a method for making the waterfall device and a method of using the waterfall device. In some embodiments, the waterfall device is at least substantially self-contained.

1 . A waterfall device resembling a fireplace hearth, comprising: 
 a mantel assembly comprising one or more mantel columns having a shelf thereupon;    a base member operatively connected to a lower portion of the one or more mantel columns, wherein a hearth opening is framed by the base member and the mantel assembly;    a first compartment within the base member; and    a waterfall system disposed within at least one of the mantel columns for flowing and transporting water from the first compartment to a dispensing assembly, wherein a waterfall is flowable through the hearth opening from the dispensing assembly to the first compartment by operation of the waterfall system,    wherein the waterfall device does not include means for making a fire therein.    
   
   
       2 . The waterfall device of  claim 1 , wherein the waterfall system is self-contained in the waterfall device.  
   
   
       3 . The waterfall device of  claim 1 , wherein the waterfall system is also located within the base member.  
   
   
       4 . The waterfall device of  claim 3 , wherein the waterfall system comprises a second compartment below the mantel assembly, the second compartment for housing one or more fluid-pumping mechanisms to provide pressure to flow the water from the first compartment to the dispensing assembly.  
   
   
       5 . The waterfall device of  claim 4 , wherein the waterfall system further comprises one or more tubular bodies disposed within at least one mantel column for transporting the water from the second compartment to the dispensing assembly.  
   
   
       6 . The waterfall device of  claim 5 , wherein the dispensing assembly includes one or more nozzles operatively connected to the one or more tubular bodies for directing the flow of the waterfall through the hearth opening.  
   
   
       7 . The waterfall device of  claim 6 , wherein the waterfall system does not require any external plumbing to produce the waterfall.  
   
   
       8 . The waterfall device of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more lighting mechanisms within the base member for selectively directing light through the waterfall.  
   
   
       9 . The waterfall device of  claim 8 , wherein one or more lenses are disposed on the one or more lighting mechanisms to manipulate color or design of the light emitted therefrom.  
   
   
       10 . The waterfall device of  claim 8 , wherein one or more electrical connectors are capable of electrically connecting the one or more lighting mechanisms to an electrical power source.  
   
   
       11 . The waterfall device of  claim 10 , wherein the electrical power source is external to the waterfall device.  
   
   
       12 . The waterfall device of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more screens within the first compartment.  
   
   
       13 . A method of operating a waterfall device resembling a fireplace hearth without providing means for making a fire in the waterfall device, comprising: 
 providing the waterfall device, the waterfall device resembling a fireplace hearth and including a frame around a hearth opening;    providing a waterfall plumbing system within the waterfall device, the waterfall plumbing system including a water dispensing system and a trough;    transporting water through the waterfall device from the trough using the waterfall plumbing system;    dispensing the water from the water dispensing system to form a waterfall through the hearth opening.    
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein: 
 the waterfall flows through the hearth opening into the trough; and    the water is recycled from the trough through the waterfall plumbing system to the water dispensing system.    
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the waterfall plumbing system comprises: 
 one or more water pumping mechanisms disposed within a base member of the frame around the hearth opening; and    one or more water transporting devices, wherein the water transporting devices are disposed within one or more mantel side columns of the frame around the hearth opening.    
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the one or more water transporting devices comprise one or more tubular bodies.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the frame comprises a mantel assembly comprising one or more mantel side columns and a shelf disposed thereon, and a base member; and 
 wherein the waterfall plumbing system comprises one or more pumping mechanisms within the base member and one or more tubular bodies within at least one of the mantel side columns,    the method further comprising transporting the water from the trough, through the one or more tubular bodies, and to the water dispensing system using the one or more pumping mechanisms.    
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising providing one or more lighting mechanisms in the trough for directing light through the waterfall, the light through the waterfall resembling a fire.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising locating the waterfall device in front of a wall.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising locating the waterfall device in front of a fireplace or firebox having means for making a fire, wherein the hearth opening is generally in line with a fireplace or firebox opening.