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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 701,591, filed Jul. 22, 2005, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a waterfall. Embodiments further generally relate to a fireplace. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Fireplaces, including wood-burning and gas-burning fireplaces, have existed for several years. The fireplace typically includes an open recess in a wall for holding a fire (a firebox); fuel for the fire, such as gas or wood; a hearth or floor of a fireplace usually extending into a room and paved with brick, stone, or cement; a mantel (also a mantelpiece), including the ornamental facing and casing around the fireplace and the protruding shelf over a fireplace, both of which project from the wall around the fireplace. [0006] The firep...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] It is therefore an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a hearth which is capable of use and enjoyment year-round.

[0016] It is a further object of embodiments to provide a hearth which is relaxing and romantic with or without the use of a fire.

[0017] It is a still further object of embodiments to provide a hearth which is portable and easily moveable in location without the need to permanently install into the wall, cut into the wall, and wire components into the electrical or gas system.

[0018] It is a still further object of embodiments to provide a hearth which is easily, inexpensively, and efficiently installable at a location.

[0019] It is a still further object of embodiments to provide a hearth having relaxing and enjoyable qualities which does not require expensive fuel and material costs to operate and does not make the interior of the house (or other structure) susceptible to dirt, smoke, and outdoor creatures.

Problems solved by technology

However, use and enjoyment of the traditional fireplace is extremely limited and seasonal in nature because the added heat of a burning fire is unnecessary and unwanted during warm months of the year, such as during the hot summer.

Use and enjoyment of the fireplace during the warm or hot times of the year is also undesirable because of the need for wood, gas, or other expensive and inconvenient fuels to produce the burning fire.

The high energy costs (e.g., gas) and fuel material costs (e.g., in the case of logs or wood) of operating the traditional fireplace may also discourage use of the fireplace even during the colder seasons of the year when the heat output from a fire would otherwise be desirable.

Existing fireplaces also require complicated and expensive installation, as a significant portion of the wall of a house must be removed to install the firebox of a fireplace, the necessary fuel lines must be hooked up to the firebox, a chimney for venting fumes must be installed and connected to the firebox, and the mantel / hearth must be connected to the wall around the firebox by permanent connection means such as nails or glue.

Because the connection of the mantel / hearth to the wall is relatively permanent and because a portion of the wall must literally be cut out to install the firebox, in addition to the installation costs, the fireplace is a generally permanent installation and is not easily moveable to other locations.

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