SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A COMBINED FIREPLACE AND WATERFALL

Abstract

A system for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall is disclosed. The system includes a housing configured for storing water. The housing has a front side, wherein a portion of the front side is open. A platform within the housing is configured for receiving a fireplace module on top the platform, the fireplace module being configured for producing a flame that is visible from the front. A horizontally aligned tube is coupled proximate to the front side of the housing, wherein the horizontally aligned tube includes at least one opening for dispersing water. A vertically aligned transparent pane is coupled proximate to the front side of the housing, wherein said transparent pane is configured such that water dispensed from the horizontally aligned tube flows down a front side of the pane. A pump configured to move water through tubing from a lower end of housing to the horizontally aligned tube.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/206,338 filed Aug. 18, 2015 and the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of fire and water systems, and more specifically to the field of combining fireplaces and waterfalls.

BACKGROUND

Fire has been an integral component for mankind since virtually the beginning of time. Humans have used fire for cooking, heating, creating, destroying and transforming numerous objects. Fire and the constant movement associated with it also has a soothing effect. Currently, many households use indoor heaters in the form of fireplaces. These fireplaces can be fueled by wood, biofuel, gas, electric power and other types of fuel sources. In many cases, fireplaces are located in a central part of a home or household where people entertain each other, gather to relax and interact with each other.

In many cases, such fireplaces or heaters only are used during cold times of the year when the indoor temperatures require heat to raise temperatures to increase comfort. However, during the warmer months of the year the fireplaces are not used and remain idle. People have created useful ways to use that idle space. In some cases, people have inserted decorative objects to fill the empty space of an unused fire place.

In other cases, people have added decorative waterfalls or fountains in the fire place. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,312 to Zolow discloses a water-fountain that surrounds a platform for holding a gas burner. However, U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,312 fails to disclose structure and plumbing suitable for providing a waterfall. By way of another example, U.S. Publication no. 2003/0041855 to Grady et al. discloses a waterfall and heating unit. However, U.S. Publication no. 2003/0041855 is not configured to be located flush against a wall, and fails to disclose an enclosure that prevents water from exiting out of the enclosure or that maintains water inside the enclosure. By way of another example, U.S. Publication no. 2003/0084897 to Coughlin, discloses a waterfall and gas burning fireplace combination. However, U.S. Publication no. 2003/0084897 fails to disclose an enclosure that prevents water from exiting out of the enclosure or that maintains water inside the enclosure. By way of another example, U.S. Pat. No. 2004/0251780 to Frink et al. discloses a patio heater sculpture. However, Frink fails to disclose structure suitable for indoors or an enclosure that can be combined with a variety of heating units.

As a result, there exists a need for improvements over the prior art and more particularly a safer, more practical way of providing a waterfall and fireplace combination.

SUMMARY

A system for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall is disclosed. This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of disclosed concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description including the drawings provided. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this Summary intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.

In one embodiment, a system for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall is disclosed. The system includes a housing configured for storing water. The housing has a front side, wherein a portion of the front side is open. A platform within the housing is configured for receiving a fireplace module on top the platform, the fireplace module is configured for producing a flame that is visible from the front. A horizontally aligned tube is coupled proximate to the front side of the housing, wherein the horizontally aligned tube includes at least one opening for dispersing water. A vertically aligned transparent pane is coupled proximate to the front side of the housing, wherein said transparent pane is configured such that water dispensed from the horizontally aligned tube flows down a front side of the pane. A pump configured to move water through tubing from a lower end of housing to the horizontally aligned tube.

Additional aspects of the disclosed embodiment will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosed embodiments, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. The embodiments illustrated herein are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a prospective view of a system for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a front view of the system for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 1C is a front view of the system for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 2A is a partially exploded prospective view of the system for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall, wherein an example fireplace module is removed from the system, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 2B is a prospective view of the system for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall, wherein the example fireplace module is within the system and wherein components inside the system are illustrated, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a prospective view of the system for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall, wherein a portion of platform of the system has been cutout to reveal components below the platform, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a prospective view of the system for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall, wherein a portion of the fireplace module and housing have been removed along line A of FIG. 3A to reveal tubing of the system, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 4A is a prospective view of the system for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall further illustrating a diffuser and light emitting components of the system, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 4B is an enlarged prospective view of a portion of the system encircled by curved line A of FIG. 4A, wherein a transparent pane of the system is removed. FIG. 4B illustrates the diffuser and light emitting element of the system, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 4C is a top view of a portion of the system illustrating a pane, lighting emitting element, diffuser and platform, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 5A is a front view of the system for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall further positioned inside a body, wherein the body represents a wall, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 5B is a prospective view of the system for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall further positioned inside a body, wherein the body represents a wall, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the main electrical components of the system for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7A is an illustration of a prospective view of the system for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall wirelessly communicating with a remote computing device, according to one embodiment of the present invention; and,

FIG. 7B is a block diagram of a computing device for use with the device for carrying eyewear, according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While disclosed embodiments may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting reordering, or adding additional stages or components to the disclosed methods and devices. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosed embodiments. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosed embodiments is defined by the appended claims.

The disclosed embodiments improve upon the problems with the prior art by providing a system that can be easily configured to receive a plurality of different types of fireplaces to be integrated with a water fall. The disclosed embodiments provide a vertical pane that allows for water to fall flow down and assists in preventing water from inadvertently exiting the system. Additionally, the system can include a plurality of different lighting arrangements to disperse light onto the water fall. The disclosed embodiments may also include a remote computing device or a remote control to control the lighting used within the water fall, the flow of water, the amount of heat produced by the fire place and the height of the flame produced by the fire place. The disclosed embodiments also provide an enclosure that prevents water from exiting out of the enclosure or that maintains water inside the enclosure so as to prevent injury or interference with the fire place and the water inside of the enclosure.

Referring now to the Figures, FIG. 1A-1C are prospective, top and front views, respectively, of a system 100 for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall. The system includes a housing 105 configured for storing water. The housing may be formed from planar panels of rigid material such as brick, porcelain, ceramics, carbon steel, low and high alloy steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) copolymers, concrete, fiber-reinforced polymers, or any combination thereof Additionally, other materials having rigid properties can be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The rigid materials may comprise material that is non-combustible and safely used for the intended purpose when exposed to heat.

The housing is such that a reservoir 109 on the bottom end 111 is defined such that water can be stored in the reservoir. In the present embodiment, the housing is a generally rectangular shaped housing, having a front side 121, a rear side 122 and two shorter sides 124 and 126. A portion of the front side is open. The open portion of the housing allows for a person to view the fire, waterfall or water and light emitting components of the module when the module is fully assembled.

A platform 115 is positioned above the reservoir within the housing and is configured for receiving a fireplace module (illustrated s 205 in FIG. 2A) on top of the platform. The platform is a substantially rectangular planar shaped body configured to attach to inside surfaces of the hosing. Similar to the components of the housing the platform may be formed from rigid material such as brick, porcelain, ceramics, carbon steel, low and high alloy steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) copolymers, concrete, fiber-reinforced polymers, or any combination thereof Additionally, other materials having rigid properties can be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The rigid materials may comprise material that is non-combustible and safely used for the intended when exposed to heat. The platform can be attached to the inside surfaces of the housing using fasteners such as include nails, screws, bolts, rivets, permanent and releasable adhesives, slidingly engaging fasteners, clamps, crimps, solder, cement, and many other examples.

The fireplace module 205 is configured for producing a flame that is visible from the front side of the fireplace module. It is understood that the housing and the platform can be designed to receive and surround the fireplace module. In one embodiment, the fireplace module is a self-contained fireplace. The fireplace module may be electric, gas, wood burning etc. The fireplace module may include a vent proximate to the upper end of the fireplace module for allowing heat and smoke emitted from the fireplace.

A vent covered by a grill 130 may be coupled to a cutout presented on the top side of the housing 105. In one embodiment, the vent comprises a cutout on the panel of housing on the top end 112 of the housing. The cutout is configured to form a duct or passage such that any heat or smoke produced from inside the housing can flow to outside of the housing. Additionally, in other embodiments, a cutout on the housing is configured to attach to an air duct having a first end and a second end. The first end of the air duct connects to the cutout and the second end of the air duct is configured to mate with a heater vent of a fireplace module such that any heat produced from the fireplace module can flow to outside the system. The duct may comprise a traditional thin steel duct (the most widely used in galvanized steel), aluminum duct, another new type of inorganic fiberglass duct, aluminum foil composite fiberglass duct, aluminum foil polyurethane air duct, aluminum foil Phenolic foam air duct and so on. Additionally, other ducts can be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

A horizontally aligned tube 120 is coupled proximate to the front side of the housing. In the present embodiment, the horizontally aligned tube is configured to couple via a friction fit channel 131 along the panel of the front side of the housing. In other embodiments, the horizontally aligned tube may be fastened using a fastener such as a u-shaped staple, strap, tie, rivets, permanent and releasable adhesives, slidingly engaging fasteners, clamps, crimps, solder, cement, etc. The tube may be formed from both flexible or rigid materials such as polymers such as rigid PVC, acrylic, butyrate, polycarbonate, Polyurethane, Nylon, PVC (Vinyl) and Polyethylene, carbon steel, low and high alloy steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) copolymers, concrete, fiber-reinforced polymers, or any combination. Additionally, other materials having rigid or flexible properties can be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The horizontally aligned tube comprises at least one opening (illustrated as 210 in FIGS. 2B, 4A and 4B) for dispensing water. The dimensions of the opening or apertures can have varied such that flow of water can be varied. Each opening is configured to diffuse or dispense the water or fluid throughout the entire body of the tube.

A vertically aligned transparent pane 110 is coupled proximate to the front side of the fireplace module. The transparent pane is configured such that water dispensed from the horizontally aligned tube flows down a front side of the pane. The pane may comprise glass, or polymeric based material having heat resistant properties. Additionally, other materials having transparent or translucent and heat resistant properties can be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The transparent feature of the pane is configured so that the fire element emitted by the fireplace module can be seen from behind the water element or water element. The pane 110 is configured such that the water dispensed from the horizontal tube falls down the pane. In the present embodiment, the horizontally aligned tube is frontward or in front of the pane. In some embodiments, the pane may be somewhat angled either frontward or rearward.

FIG. 2A and 2B will be discussed together. FIG. 2A is a partially exploded prospective view of the system 100 for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall, wherein an example fireplace module 205 is removed from the system. FIG. 2A illustrates the platform within the system. In operation, the fireplace module can be inserted from the rear side of the system. The housing has an opening on the rear side of the housing that is configured for allowing the fireplace module to be inserted from the rear side of the housing. In other embodiments, the fireplace module may be configured such that it can be also inserted and removed from the front side of the housing, which may allow for easier removal and insertion for cleaning, repair, maintenance, removal and installation purposes. Additionally, the front side panel may also include portions 240 adjacent to the opening on the front side of the housing. The portions adjacent to the opening on the front side of the panel can be configured for receiving decorative features. The decorative features may include carvings, surface decorations, paintings, surface shading, etc. Additionally, other types of decorative features can be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In FIG. 2B, the example fireplace module is placed on top of the platform. The components inside the system are illustrated using broken lines within the system. FIG. 2B further illustrates the reservoir 109 on the lower end of the housing configured for receiving water. FIG. 2B illustrates the fireplace module received on top of the platform 115.

FIG. 3A and 3B will generally discussed together. FIG. 3A is a prospective view of the system for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall. In FIG. 3A a portion of platform of the system has been cutout to reveal components below the platform. In one embodiment, the housing may include a lip or ledge 316 along the inside surfaces of the housing that is configured for providing a means for the platform to be fastened within the housing. The bottom panel 311 of the housing is also illustrated. In one embodiment, the bottom panel may be sloped or angled towards the pump 315. The slop may facilitate moving water that has been emitted from the diffuser into the reservoir towards the pump such that the pump may receive additional fluid or water for pumping throughout the system.

The pump may be configured to move water through a plurality of tubes. In one embodiment, the pump is configured for pumping water from the reservoir through the vertically aligned tubes 119, 305 via horizontally aligned tubes 310, 306 located within the reservoir so that the water can be dispersed through the horizontally aligned tube 120. Having two vertically aligned tubes feeding fluid into both ends of the horizontally aligned tube allows for water to flow into the horizontally aligned tube at both ends and provides for a more even distribution of water down the transparent pane 110, which can be more visually appealing. In other embodiments, the pump water may be configured through only one vertical tube. The pump is configured to be conductively coupled and powered by an external power source, such as by solar energy, electrical power grid, battery, rechargeable battery, wind power, etc. However, other power sources may be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a prospective view of the system for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall. In FIG. 3B, a portion of the fireplace module and housing have been removed along line A of FIG. 3A to reveal components within system and below the platform. FIG. 3B also illustrates the fireplace module 205 positioned on top of the platform. FIG. 3B also illustrates a grill 130 covering the 330 cutout in the housing. In the present embodiment, the cutout is a rectangular shaped cutout and the grill is adapted to cover the cutout out. As mentioned above, the cutout defines an air vent or duct that is configured to allow any smoke or heat emitted from the fireplace module to flow from inside the housing to outside the housing.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C will be discussed together. FIG. 4A is a lower end prospective view of the system for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall. FIG. 4A illustrates the horizontally aligned tube 120 and light emitting components 420 of the system. FIG. 4B is an enlarged prospective view of a portion of the system encircled by curved line A of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4B has the transparent pane 110 of the system removed for illustration purposes. FIG. 4A illustrates that in the present embodiment the transparent pane is positioned between the light emitting components and the horizontal tube. The transparent pane may be affixed within elongated slots or channels 430 within the surfaces of the housing thereby fastening the transparent pane via a friction fit. In one embodiment, the transparent pane may be removably affixed to the system and in other embodiments the pane may be permanently coupled proximate to the front end of the system. FIG. 4B illustrates the diffuser and light emitting element of the system, according to an example embodiment. As mentioned above, the horizontally aligned tube may comprise at least one opening 210 configured for allowing water to emit water and allow water to flow or fall down the pane. In the present embodiment the openings are proximate to the pane so that the water flows down the glass and creates a soothing atmosphere. In other embodiments, the system, instead of the horizontally aligned tube, the system may use a gutter. In other embodiments, other fluid dispensing mechanisms may be used such as a sprayer etc. The horizontally aligned tubular shaped element may also comprise a slight pitch or slope so that fluid may move from one end of the tube to the other end of the tube.

The system may also include at least one light emitting object or bulb configured to emit light. In the present embodiment, the light emitting element comprises a light emitting diode (LED) strip 410 within a housing 415. However, other light emitting elements may be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention such as fluorescent bulbs, incandescent bulbs, power-saving bulbs, glass bulbs, UV light bulbs etc. The light emitting element may be configured to be conductively coupled and powered by an external power source, such as by solar cell, electrical power grid, battery, rechargeable battery, wind power, etc. However, other power sources may be used and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

FIG. 4C is a top view of a portion of the system illustrating a pane, lighting emitting element, diffuser and platform. FIG. 4C illustrates that the panels of the housing 105 can form an internal cross sectional diameter defining the reservoir 109. In the present embodiment, the length transparent pane 110 has an external cross sectional diameter that is less than an internal cross sectional diameter of the length of the housing. Because the external cross-sectional diameter of the pane 110 is less than the internal cross sectional diameter of the housing, water inside the reservoir water can flow past the pane to the pump.

FIG. 5A and 5B are front and prospective views, respectively, of the system for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall further positioned inside a body 505. In one limiting embodiment, the body can be an existing fixed fireplace. The body of existing fixed fireplace may comprise an opening 510 that is configured for receiving firewood. The existing opening can be used to receive the system 100. In operation, a user may insert the system (including the modular fireplace) into the opening. In other embodiments, the housing 105 and other components of the system may comprise fire-safe material so that the firewood can safely be inserted on top of the platform. In operation a user may use the external power source in order to provide power to the pump and/or light emitting element. In operation, a user may control the device using a remote controller or remote computing device (see FIG. 6) that is configured to be communicatively coupled to a processer or controlling device (see FIG. 7A and 7B).

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the main electrical components of the system for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The power source 640 is configured to be conductively coupled to the control unit 630 and the pump 610 and the light emitting element. 620.

The remote controlling device may be used to control the light emitting element and/or pump in order to adjust the operation of the light emitting element and the operation of the pump. For example, the remote controlling device can be used to: turn on/off the pump and water flow; increase or decrease the water flow; turn on/off the light emitting element; change the color of the light emitted by the lighting element, etc.

In one embodiment, the system may also include a communication device 701 for communicating with a remote computing device 702 (illustrated in FIG. 7A). The communication device may be configured for sending and receiving signals to the remote computing device or remote controller and the control unit 630, which includes a processor. The signal is configured to include data that includes pump data, light emitting element data and other data regarding the system. The remote computing device may include a mobile telephone, cellular telephone or smart phone or tablet that is in wireless communication with the system.

FIG. 7A is a block diagram of an example computing device or processor 700 and other computing devices, such as those in the remote computing device and the processor and control unit used in the system. Consistent with the embodiments described herein, the aforementioned actions performed by processor 610 may be implemented in a computing device, such as the computing device 700 of FIG. 7B. Any suitable combination of hardware, software, or firmware may be used to implement the computing device 700. The aforementioned system, device, and processors are examples and other systems, devices, and processors may comprise the aforementioned computing device.

With reference to FIG. 7B, a system consistent with an embodiment of the invention may include a plurality of computing devices, such as computing device 700. In a basic configuration, computing device 700 may include at least one processing unit 702 and a system memory 704. Depending on the configuration and type of computing device, system memory 704 may comprise, but is not limited to, volatile (e.g. random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile (e.g. read-only memory (ROM)), flash memory, or any combination or memory. System memory 704 may include operating system 705, one or more programming modules 706 (such as program module 707). Operating system 705, for example, may be suitable for controlling computing device operation. In one embodiment, programming modules 706 may include, for example, a program module 707. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may be practiced in conjunction with a graphics library, other operating systems, or any other application program and is not limited to any particular application or system. This basic configuration is illustrated in FIG. 7B by those components within a dashed line 720.

Computing device 700 may have additional features or functionality. For example, computing device 700 may also include additional data storage devices (removable and/or non-removable) such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated in FIG. 7B by a removable storage 709 and a non-removable storage 710. Computer storage media may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. System memory 704, removable storage 709, and non-removable storage 710 are all computer storage media examples (i.e. memory storage.) Computer storage media may include, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store information and which can be accessed by computing device 700. Any such computer storage media may be part of device 700. Computing device 700 may also have input device(s) 712 such as a keyboard, a mouse, a pen, a sound input device, a camera, a touch input device, etc. Output device(s) 714 such as a display, speakers, a printer, etc. may also be included. The aforementioned devices are only examples, and other devices may be added or substituted.

Computing device 700 may also contain a communication connection 716 that may allow device 700 to communicate with other computing devices 718, such as over a network in a distributed computing environment, for example, an intranet or the Internet or wirelessly with devices 630 and 635. Communication connection 716 is one example of communication media. Communication media may typically be embodied by computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” may describe a signal that has one or more characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media may include wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), wireless communication includes wireless Bluetooth® technology, WIFI, infrared, and other wireless media. The term computer readable media as used herein may include both computer storage media and communication media.

As stated above, a number of program modules and data files may be stored in system memory 704, including operating system 705. While executing on processing unit 702, programming modules 706 may perform processes including performing sound processing functions such as signal processing, digital processing, etc. Computing device 702 may also include a graphics processing unit 703, which supplements the processing capabilities of processor 702 and which may execute programming modules 706, including all or a portion of those processes identified or alluded to above. The aforementioned processes are examples, and processing units 702, 703 may perform other processes. Other programming modules that may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may include electronic mail and contacts applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, database applications, slide presentation applications, drawing or computer-aided application programs, etc.

Generally, consistent with embodiments of the invention, program modules may include routines, programs, components, data structures, and other types of structures that may perform particular tasks or that may implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, embodiments of the invention may be practiced with other computer system configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Embodiments of the invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may be practiced in an electrical circuit comprising discrete electronic elements, packaged or integrated electronic chips containing logic gates, a circuit utilizing a microprocessor, or on a single chip (such as a System on Chip) containing electronic elements or microprocessors. Embodiments of the invention may also be practiced using other technologies capable of performing logical operations such as, for example, AND, OR, and NOT, including but not limited to mechanical, optical, fluidic, and quantum technologies. In addition, embodiments of the invention may be practiced within a general purpose computer or in any other circuits or systems.

Embodiments of the present invention, for example, are described above with reference to block diagrams and/or operational illustrations of methods, systems, and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. The functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order as shown in any flowchart. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.

While certain embodiments of the invention have been described, other embodiments may exist. Furthermore, although embodiments of the present invention have been described as being associated with data stored in memory and other storage mediums, data can also be stored on or read from other types of computer-readable media, such as secondary storage devices, like hard disks, floppy disks, thumb drives, or a CD-ROM, or other forms of RAM or ROM. Further, the disclosed methods' stages may be modified in any manner, including by reordering stages and/or inserting or deleting stages, without departing from the invention.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A system for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall comprising:

a housing configured for storing water, the housing having a front side and wherein a portion of the front side is open;

a platform within the housing configured for receiving a fireplace module on top of the platform, wherein the fireplace module is configured for producing a flame that is visible from the front side of the fireplace module;

a horizontally aligned tube coupled proximate to the front side of the housing, and wherein the horizontally aligned tube comprises at least one opening for dispersing water;

a vertically aligned transparent pane coupled proximate to the front side of the housing, wherein said transparent pane is configured such that water dispensed from the horizontally aligned tube flows down a front side of the pane; and,

a pump configured to move water through tubing from a lower end of housing to the horizontally aligned tube.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises an electric fireplace module configured to sit on top of the platform within the housing.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises at least one light emitting element affixed to at least one side of said pane.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises an air duct configured such that any heat produced from inside the housing can flow to outside the housing.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing defines a substantially rectangular shaped housing.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein said horizontally aligned tube comprises a diffuser comprising a plurality of holes for dispensing water.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein a bottom panel of the housing defines a slope, wherein the slope is configured to direct water towards the pump.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the pump is configured to be powered by an external power source.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one light emitting element is configured to be powered by an external power source.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one light emitting element defines an LED light strip.

11. A system for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall comprising:

a substantially rectangular shaped housing configured for storing water, the housing having a front side, wherein a central portion of the front side is open and wherein a surrounding portion of the front side is configured for receiving ornamental designs;

a platform within the housing configured for receiving a fireplace module on top of the platform, wherein the fireplace module is configured for producing a flame that is visible from a front side of the fireplace module;

an electric fireplace module configured to sit on top of the platform within the housing;

a horizontally aligned diffuser coupled proximate to the front side of the housing, and wherein the horizontally aligned diffuser is configured for dispersing water;

a vertically aligned transparent pane coupled proximate to the front side of the housing, wherein said transparent pane is configured such that water dispensed from the horizontally aligned tube flows down a front side of the pane;

an LED light strip affixed to at least one side of said pane, wherein the LED strip is configured for emitting light and connected to an external power source;

a pump configured to move water through tubing from a lower end of housing to the horizontally aligned diffuser;

wherein the housing further comprises a cutout configured to attach to an air duct;

an airduct having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the air duct connects to the cutout and the second end of the air duct is configured to mate with a heater vent of a fireplace module such that any heat produced from the fireplace module can flow to outside the system; and,

wherein the pump and LED light strip and pump is conductively coupled to and configured to be powered by an external power source.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein a bottom panel of the housing defines a slope, wherein the slope is configured to direct water towards the pump.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the transparent pane comprises glass.

14. The system of claim of 13, wherein an external cross sectional diameter of the transparent pane is less than an internal cross sectional diameter of the housing such that water can flow past the pane to the pump.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein said air duct has flexible properties so that the second end of the conduit is adaptable to connect with a plurality of locations of the heater vents of a plurality of fireplace modules.

16. A system for providing a combined fireplace and waterfall comprising:

a housing configured for storing water, the housing having a front side and wherein a central portion of the front side is open;

a platform within the housing configured for receiving a fireplace module on top of the platform, wherein the fireplace module is configured for producing a flame that is visible from the front side of the fireplace module;

a horizontally aligned tube coupled proximate to the front side of the housing, and wherein the horizontally aligned tube comprises at least one opening for dispersing water; and,

a pump configured to move water through tubing from a lower end of housing to the horizontally aligned tube.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein a bottom panel of the housing defines a slope, wherein the slope is configured to direct water towards the pump.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the system further comprises an air duct having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the air duct is configured to couple to a cutout presented on the housing, and wherein the air duct comprises flexible properties so that the second end of the air duct is connectable with a plurality of locations of heater vents of a plurality of different types of fireplace modules.

19. The system of claim 16, wherein the pump is configured to be powered by an external power source.

20. The system of claim 16, wherein the system includes an LED light strip configured to be powered by an external power source.