Abstract: A leafless joint apparatus that couples an enclosure housing to an enclosure cover or door. Similar to previous hinge apparatuses, the leafless joint apparatus can include a knuckle and a pintel or pin to facilitate pivot operations (e.g., the cover pivoting open). However, the leafless joint apparatus does not rely on leafs that attach by means of fasteners (e.g., screws or the like) and therefore can facilitate sliding operations (e.g., the cover can slide open). Thus, the leafless joint apparatus can facilitate access to an interior of the enclosure by way repositioning the cover of the enclosure via a pivot or hinging operation or via a sliding operation that can partially or fully expose the interior of the enclosure and even, if desired, slide entirely off, decoupling from the enclosure housing.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a lighting apparatus that may be utilized with aquariums having features and functionality enabling a person to easily access the opening of an aquarium for various purposes, such as cleaning and maintenance. According to one embodiment of the invention, the lighting apparatus comprises an arm member fixedly attached to the panel, a clamp member for attachment of the device to a wall of the aquarium, a hinge member for hingedly attaching the arm member to the clamp member, and at least one light element disposed on the at least one panel such that at least one lighting element illuminates a side common to all panels.

Abstract: Provided is a cover member for an exhibit or display element which makes an exhibit or display element visible as if nothing existed between the exhibit or display element and the viewer and can protect the exhibit or display element. The cover member (3) for an exhibit or display element includes a transparent substrate (31a) and an antireflection film (31b) formed on at least one surface of the transparent substrate. The cover member (3) for an exhibit or display element has a luminous reflectance of 0.5% or less.

Abstract: A reptile breeding tank includes a tank body formed of a front cage panel, a back cage panel, left and right cage panels, a top cage panel, a bottom cage panel and an arched angle of intersection between the front cage panel and the top cage panel, a back plate detachably mounted at the rear side of the tank body and supported on the back cage panel, and a flip-up top cover hinged to the tank body and turnable between an open position to open the top side of the tank body and a close position to close the top side of the tank body.

Abstract: Hitherto, when viewing from above, it has been impossible to view aquarium fish clearly due to disturbances on the water surface. Provided is an improvement method, including a manufacturing method, that makes it possible to view aquarium fish clearly from above. Adopting a structure in which overflowing water flows into an upper gutter makes it possible to view aquarium fish clearly from above for long periods of time.

Abstract: The present invention is an aquarium system in which the interior of the aquarium may be accessed through a push window. The aquarium window allows for expeditious access to the interior of the aquarium without the burden of dealing with an aquarium lid or cover. To expose the interior of the aquarium, the user pushes the top portion of the from panel and then lifts the bottom portion of the front panel. Users may access the aquarium interior without removing, and temporarily storing, a heavy and burdensome aquarium lid or cover. This less arduous system provides access to the aquarium's interior allowing for faster cleaning and feeding of aquatic life. The aquarium system also fosters increased humidity to encourage tropical plant growth within the aquarium system and provides natural pond like views to observers.

Abstract: An aquatic tank comprising a housing shaped or otherwise configured to represent an animate object is presented. Furthermore, the housing comprises a body with a display area, and a removably disposed upper head portion. A container is disposed within body of the housing and is viewable through the display area. The apparatus also comprises a lid removably disposed relative to the container in order to allow at least temporary access into said interior portion thereof. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of elongated access channels disposed within the housing in a manner such that the access channels are fluidically connected to the interior portion of the container in order to facilitate feeding, breathing, and/or draining or other maintenance. A lighting assembly is disposed in an illuminating relation with the container such that the apparatus may be used as a night-light or other soothing accent.

Abstract: An aquarium curtain is selectively deployed and placed over transparent walls of an aquarium to block the entry of ambient light from outside the aquarium, thereby inhibiting the growth of algae in the aquarium. The aquarium curtain includes a sheet of substantially opaque flexibly foldable material and a frame having frame members movable relative to one-another between a collapsed configuration in which the aquarium curtain is compact for handling and storage, and an erect configuration, in which the aquarium curtain is fastened in place over the aquarium to block entry into the aquarium of ambient light from outside the aquarium.

Abstract: A dual-purpose cap for a jar-aquarium comprising a topwall having (a) at least one ingress aperture sized to accept free unbroken water-stream passage therethrough for cap-on filling of the jar-aquarium and (b) at least one egress aperture smaller than the ingress aperture and spaced therefrom to facilitate controlled cap-on out-pouring of water, whereby jar-aquarium water may be changed without removing the cap. A series of egress apertures may be grouped together along the edge of the topwall.

Abstract: Techniques and apparatus are disclosed for providing an aquarium. An aquarium includes a body that includes a rear wall. The aquarium body is shaped to form an opening at one end. The aquarium also includes an enclosure movably disposed over the opening of the body. The aquarium includes a connection device to connect the enclosure to the body and allow the enclosure to slide over the opening of the body so as to open and close the opening of the body. The connection device includes a support component that includes a vertical fitting component to mount to the rear wall of the body. The support component includes a shaft component disposed at one end of the vertical fitting part. The connection component includes a guide rail attached to the cover to slidably receive the shaft component so as to slide and rotate the cover with respect to the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a covering structure for exterior of aquarium, which includes a peripheral covering layer configured with a plurality of slide grooves that provide effectiveness of tracks and enable a tight fit to the corners of an aquarium. The covering structure thus provides a sliding means to interplay with the aquarium, moreover, extending the peripheral covering layer provides additional holding space, and increasing the plurality of slide grooves enables further segmentation, thereby augmenting the holding capacity of the covering layer and enabling variability in outward appearance to transform the aquarium into a craftwork similar to a building. Furthermore, the covering structure is joined to the corners of the aquarium using the slide grooves and a mounting method, which saves on time and provides a quick method to change the outward appearance of the aquarium, presenting a design of economic benefit and improving appreciative value of the aquarium.

Abstract: An aquarium includes a base, a tank on the base, a filter assembly in the tank, a bubble tube extending upward from the filter assembly, a light assembly under the tank and oriented to emit light upwardly through a bubble tube in the tank, a bubbler under the bubble tube, and a cover covering the tank including a window. The bubbler causes water to flow from the tank through the filter assembly and upward through the bubble tube back into the tank, with the light from the light assembly lighting bubbles floating upward through the bubble tube, a portion of the reflected light passing through the window. The light assembly includes multiple colored, light-emitting diodes and a controller for providing light patterns upward and also forward of the aquarium. The bubble tube acts as a light pipe and includes a front surface providing distinctive patterns of reflected light.

Abstract: Techniques and apparatus are disclosed for providing an aquarium. An aquarium includes a body that includes a rear wall. The aquarium body is shaped to form an opening at one end. The aquarium also includes an enclosure movably disposed over the opening of the body. The aquarium includes a connection device to connect the enclosure to the body and allow the enclosure to slide over the opening of the body so as to open and close the opening of the body. The connection device includes a support component that includes a vertical fitting component to mount to the rear wall of the body. The support component includes a shaft component disposed at one end of the vertical fitting part. The connection component includes a guide rail attached to the cover to slidably receive the shaft component so as to slide and rotate the cover with respect to the body.

Abstract: Means for containing and handling pet litter, wherein a reusable, collapsible frame assembly is used cooperatively with a flexible trash bag to provide a structure for enclosing a litter container while in use, allowing the pet caregiver to dispose of the entire litter container without touching it. The reusable, collapsible frame assembly is designed to support the trash bag while in use, and to be partially or completely compressed for removal so that the litter, bag, and optionally the litter container can be disposed of together without requiring the animal caregiver to touch the contents.

Abstract: An article for use in an aquatic environment comprises a translucent polymer material that is configured to reproduce a form of aquarium life. In embodiments of the invention, the translucent polymer material comprises a highly pliable polymer material capable of substantially retaining its shape, such as, but not limited to, thermoplastics, rubbers, silicones, and Plastigoop®. In further embodiments of the invention, the form of aquarium life that the translucent polymer material is configured to reproduce can be a sea anemone, a sea plant, a sea weed, live coral, a scallop, a clam, a sea cucumber, a sea apple, a nudibranch, or a jellyfish. In another aspect of the invention, a process for reproducing articles configured to reproduce aquarium life comprises processing an appropriate polymer material, and in other embodiments, further processing one or more additives, such as dyes, whereby an article reproducing one or more types of aquarium life is formed.

Abstract: An animal enclosure cover may be provided on an animal enclosure (such as an aquarium) to prevent the escape of animals therein. The animal enclosure cover includes a stationary panel and one or more clamping members, wherein the clamping members are used to affix the stationary panel atop the animal enclosure. The stationary panel is bounded by a peripheral frame having opposing upper and lower surfaces. Each clamping member similarly has opposing upper and lower surfaces, and the clamping member upper surfaces are shaped to extend in parallel relation to at least a portion of the peripheral frame of the stationary panel. The stationary panel may therefore be fit on the top rim surface of the enclosure rim of the animal enclosure, and each of the clamping members may be fit below the enclosure rim with the upper surfaces of the clamping members being aligned in parallel spaced relationship to the lower surface of the stationary panel.

Abstract: A vivarium is provided with simplified retention of a top cover. The vivarium has four sidewalls with an upper border frame that extends along the top of the sidewalls. A flange extends laterally from the upper border frame towards the interior, to provide a support surface for the top cover. Slide lock handles are slidably attached to the front edge of the top cover to make it easy to open the top cover, and for securing the top cover in a closed, locked position. The slide lock handles may be slid along the front edge of the top cover to engage the flange and lock the top cover in place. S-clamps are attached to the rear, right, and left edges of the top cover and to the flange extending from the upper border frame to secure the top cover to the vivarium.

Abstract: An automatic water changing and water leveling system and apparatus is provided for use with an aquarium containing a body of water. The system comprising a water reservoir structure including a housing defining a chamber therewithin for containing fresh water. The water reservoir structure being disposed at a height above the aquarium and in approximate adjacency with an upper surface level of the aquarium water. A discharge assembly mounted to a bottom portion of the water reservoir structure is provided for discharging fresh water from the water reservoir structure into the aquarium when the upper surface level of the aquarium water falls below a predetermined level causing air to be communicated through the discharge assembly and into the chamber of the water reservoir structure allowing fresh water to be discharged. A siphoning system withdraws water from the aquarium by siphoning action thereby controlling the discharging of water from the discharge assembly.

Abstract: An enclosure for animals and plants includes a bottom and a side wall. The wall and bottom are interconnected to form a unitary structure. A top for the unitary structure includes a glass portion and a screen portion. Structure is provided for selectively locking the top to the unitary structure.

Abstract: A cover arrangement for a tank used as a terrarium or aquarium includes hook and loop fastener material secured as a continuous strip to the upper rim surface of the tank opening, as well as to the upper side surfaces adjacent to the rim. The cover includes a mesh portion to enclose the tank opening, and a frame dimensioned to be secured to the rim of the tank. The frame includes a continuous strip of hook and loop material secured about the perimeter of the mesh portion and disposed to engage the hook and loop material on the upper rim of the tank. The strip of hook and loop material is provided with a fold line so that the strip may be folded and matingly engaged a the top rim surface and upper side surfaces adjacent to the rim.

Abstract: A cover arrangement for a tank used as a terrarium or aquarium includes hook and loop fastener material secured as patches or a continuous strip to the upper rim surface of the tank opening, as well as to the upper side surfaces adjacent to the rim. The cover includes a mesh portion to enclose the tank opening, and a frame dimensioned to be secured to the rim of the tank. The frame includes patches or a continuous strip of hook and loop material secured about the perimeter of the mesh portion and disposed to engage the hook and loop material on the upper rim of the tank. In addition, a plurality of tabs extend from the frame, one for each side of the tank. Each tab includes hook and loop material, and is joined to the cover frame along a respective crease line to be folded and matingly engaged at the upper side surfaces adjacent to the rim. In a further embodiment, a rim defines the tank opening, and a frame having an inverted J cross-sectional configuration is secured on the rim.

Abstract: A cover arrangement for a tank used as a terrarium or aquarium includes hook and loop fastener material secured as a continuous strip to the upper rim surface of the tank opening, as well as to the upper side surfaces adjacent to the rim. The cover includes a mesh portion to enclose the tank opening, and a frame dimensioned to be secured to the rim of the tank. The frame includes a continuous strip of hook and loop material secured about the perimeter of the mesh portion and disposed to engage the hook and loop material on the upper rim of the tank. In addition, a plurality of tabs extend from the frame, one for each side of the tank. Each tab includes hook and loop material, and is joined to the cover frame along a respective crease line to be folded and matingly engaged at the upper side surfaces adjacent to the rim.

Abstract: A cover for an animal tank is providing having oppositely outwardly facing hooks thereunder. One of the hooks is fixed in position on the underside of the frame, and the other hook is mounted to the bottom of a slide, which is slidably mounted underneath the frame. When the cover is placed on an animal tank and the lock plate is slid outwardly in the frame and the frame is slid in the opposite direction on the top of the tank, the oppositely outward facing hooks engage underneath the interior peripheral shelf of the rim of the tank, securing the cover to the tank.

Abstract: An enclosure for animals and plants includes a bottom, first and second end walls, and first and second side walls. The walls and bottom are interconnected to form a unitary structure. A top for the structure extends between the walls. Structure is provided for selectively locking the top to the structure.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a fish tank is provided with an internally extending flange that circumscribes the top opening of the tank. A cover, having a screened opening, rests on the top of the tank and includes on its undersurface a locking mechanism which, by rotation of a removable key, engages the flange and prevents removal of the cover.

Abstract: A novel aquarium assembly includes a transparent fish tank that is made of integrally molded plastic. The fish tank confines large and small receiving spaces therein. A top cover is mounted removably on the open top of the fish tank and is formed with an opening to access the large receiving space. A U-shaped filter strip is disposed inside the small receiving space and divides the small receiving space into a first compartment and two second compartments on two sides of the first compartment. The second compartments are communicated directly with the large receiving space.