Waterfall spillway

#The present invention relates to a waterfall spillway and the like and in particular to an expandable waterfall spillway having high strength characteristics and a method for making the same.

#Waterfall spillways must be versatile and capable of withstanding the pressures associated with continual water flow. These forces are frequently dissipated by the use of rocks, boulders, and aggregate which lessen the force exerted by water as it flows downward.

#Many man-made waterfall systems, including polymeric spillways, are designed to allow water to cascade downwardly while providing an aesthetic appearance. Due to their polymeric construction, the size of these waterfall spillways is usually limited due to mold sizing constraints. Oftentimes, polymeric waterfall spillways are not strong enough to withstand seasonal temperature variations as well as the forces imparted on them by the surrounding earth. Consequently, the spillways can fatigue and crack after extensive use. In addition, most synthetically made waterfall spillways are linear in design. This structural limitation inhibits the adaptability of the waterfall spillway to varying terrain.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a central spillway of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the central spillway of FIG. 1;

#FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the central spillway of FIG. 1;

#For purposes of description herein the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “rear”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 2. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary.

#It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

#As illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the reference numeral 10 generally designates a waterfall spillway embodying the present invention, which is designed for use in landscaping. The term “waterfall spillway,” as used herein, refers to a water cascade for landscaping designs and is intended to incorporate all such, and similar components. Waterfall spillway 10 has a front wall 12 having a top portion 14 and a bottom portion 16. A back wall 18 is substantially parallel with the front wall 12 and has top portion 20, central portion 22, and bottom portion 24. The top portion 20 of the back wall 18 has protrusions 26 that project outwardly therefrom. A base wall 28 connects the bottom portion 16 of the front wall 12 with the bottom portion 24 of the back wall 18. This structure defines a channel 30 between the front wall 12 and the back wall 18. A shelf 32 extends from the top portion 20 of the front wall 12, which is substantially parallel with the base wall 28. The channel 30 is designed to hold rocks, stones or other large aggregate.