Card – picture – or sign exhibiting – Display device with gas or liquid movement
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-18
2001-01-23
Melius, Terry Lee (Department: 3628)
Card, picture, or sign exhibiting
Display device with gas or liquid movement
C040S439000, C040S477000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06176027
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device that circulates water through ornamental transparent display members embedded within architectural structures such as walls, floors or ceilings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Water fountains and simulated waterfalls have been long been used as soothing decorative displays for gardens and similar outdoor locations. Conventional water fountains, however, are not practical for indoor use because of the risk that the falling water will damage the surrounding structures. The present invention provides a cascading water system specifically designed for indoor use.
A number of prior patents disclose devices that include transparent containers with fluid therein. However, no devices exist that provide a cascading water system. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,106,660 issued to Vorel discloses a decorative wall panel comprising two parallel, vertically disposed spaced panes of glass that are sealed along the bottom and side edges. The panels form a space that is filled with water. At the bottom of the space is a porous tube through which air is dispersed to generate a curtain of bubbles that rises through the water. The curtain of bubbles is illuminated by lights disposed at the edges of the panel.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,363,577 issued to Fuller et al discloses a water display device comprising a plurality of adjacent, parallel tubes filled with a fluid and connected to an air source that injects bubbles into the tubes. The display further comprises a computer that controls the introduction of bubbles to each tube such that the combination of bubbles form a legible design, such as a picture or a word.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,174 issued to Lena, Jr. discloses an artistic display that directs light through a panel containing at least two liquids with different colors and specific gravities to project a constantly changing wave pattern onto a display surface. The wave pattern results from the slow oscillation of the panel containing the liquids.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,993 issued to Aoyagi discloses a double pane window that obviates the need for blinds or curtains. A pump is used to force opaque or translucent liquids between the panes of glass to reduce or prevent light from passing through the window.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,669 issued to Price discloses a system whereby lightweight powdered or colored substances are introduced into hollow transparent panels to selectively change the color of the panels.
The prior art indicates that it is known to pump a fluid into a transparent panel to change the appearance thereof. None of the above devices, however, provide a decorative water display device that can be built into the walls or ceilings of a room to simulate a waterfall.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for cascading water through an architectural structure such as a wall or ceiling. The device comprises at least one transparent water display member for visibly channeling water along a predetermined path, the path preferably running along the walls or ceiling of a room. Water is pumped to a first end of the display member from a holding tank via PVC piping. The water exits the opposing end of the display member and falls back into the holding tank. The entrance to the holding tank is spaced a predetermined distance from the display member so that the water falling into the tank simulates a waterfall. A pump continuously circulates the water to and from the holding tank to provide a decorative water recirculation system.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device designed for indoor locations that can safely produce and display cascading water.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an indoor water display device that is incorporated into the walls, ceiling, and/or floor of a building.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide at least one transparent display member imbedded in the walls and/or ceiling of a room, together with at least one transparent reservoir spaced from the transparent display member and at least one pump for circulating water from the reservoir into the display members to simulate waterfalls and fountains.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments when considered with the attached drawings and the appended claims.
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patent: 5075992 (1991-12-01), Kahn
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patent: 5167993 (1992-12-01), Aoyagi
patent: 5340024 (1994-08-01), Fuller et al.
patent: 5363577 (1994-11-01), Fuller et al.
patent: 5617657 (1997-04-01), Kahn
patent: 5636669 (1997-06-01), Price
patent: 5683174 (1997-11-01), Lena, Jr.
Melius Terry Lee
Miller William L.
Tolar Kenneth L
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