Ornamental Patents (Class 119/253)
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Patent number: 12063912Abstract: An aquarium with a digital display including a fish tank assembly, a screen assembly and a fastening assembly. Container assembly has a cuboid shape with a top opening and has a watertight seal. The container is configured to hold water. Screen assembly includes a digital display removably attached to a rear side of the container, wherein the digital display is capable of projecting elements of multimedia. Digital display is further configured to be operatively connected to a wireless device, thereby the digital display is actuated by means of the wireless device. Fastening assembly includes top clamps and bottom clamps, wherein are configured to attach the digital display to the rear side of the container by means of adjustable apertures of the top clamps and bottom clamps.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2022Date of Patent: August 20, 2024Inventor: Andrae Warriner
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Patent number: 11006722Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a reusable artificial nail. In one embodiment, the reusable artificial nail includes a first side having a decorative design and a second side that is opposite the first side, wherein the second side comprises a plurality of micro suction cups coupled to the second side.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2018Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: Kiss Nail Products, Inc.Inventor: Flori Taejueng Ohm
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Patent number: 10458644Abstract: A plastic grid or framework arrangement is used to support and position a series of bowls that hold flower arrangements, candles, letters, and other decorative elements. This grid is deployable in water fountains, indoor and outdoor pools, and other small bodies of water during festive occasions or for longer term decorative display. A special feature of this invention is that the grid itself does not float and is positioned below the surface of the water, and thus is not readily visible. Buoyancy is provided at the hubs that form nodes in the grid. The hubs also support floating bowls containing various decorative elements. The resulting effect is that the various decorative elements appear to be floating on the surface while the sub-surface grid structure maintains their relative positioning, keeping the bowls from clumping together at the edges or in the corners of the pool or fountain.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2016Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: AMCS CONSULTING, LLCInventors: Anne-Marie Ansaldo-Swain, Curtis Swain, Philip John Blyskal, James Matthew Wittes
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Patent number: 10455667Abstract: A lighting controller that may be utilized with aquariums is provided. The light controller provides easy control over various lighting fixtures comprising various light sources. A user may program various lighting characteristics and effects such as the turn on or turn off date and time, the color, the brightness, the power supplied to the lighting fixtures via different user interfaces. The user programmed lighting characteristics may be wirelessly delivered to the controller over a wireless access point.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2015Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: Current-USA, Inc.Inventor: Dennis Fredricks
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Patent number: 10080352Abstract: A surface filter for aquarium water purification is placed on the bottom of the aquarium that sucks the waste out of the tank to the canister filter. Small plastic pieces make and connect the main stream channels. Each plastic piece is composed of a couple of inverted pyramids that acts like a funnel. Water flows through the main channels sucked by an external filter. In the base of each inverted pyramid a small hole opens to the drainage channel, which has a hollow inverted V shape. Water, particles and fish waste are passed through the channels to the external filter. At the end of the assembly a cross channel collects the drained water. Collected water is transferred to the external filter outside the aquarium. A hose connects the external filter with the collector. Another hose is connected to the same filter to return the filtered water back to the aquarium.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2015Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: Bassam AlThumayriInventor: Bassam AlThumayri
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Patent number: 9839205Abstract: An air-powered filter for an aquarium includes a base component configured to be coupled to a surface of the aquarium, the base component including a suction cup. The air-powered filter also includes a filter component releasably coupled to the base component, the filter component including a filter housing having at least one opening. The air-powered filter also includes a decorative feature coupled to the base component, the decorative feature configured to cover and disguise at least a portion of the air-powered filter.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2015Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: ELIVE LLCInventors: Thomas Lutz, Matthew Allen, Ernie Katris, Phillip Bartoszek
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Patent number: 8943725Abstract: Equipment for displaying information carriers, especially for advertising purposes, has a chamber accommodating an information carrying device and constructed to make it possible to look into the internal space of the chamber. The chamber is provided with at least one transparent plate transverse to the direction of viewing. The information carrying device is on this plate. At least a part of the chamber wall has strips parallel to a strip in contact with the transparent plate. The information carrying device is formed by at least two objects situated on opposite sides of the transparent plate.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2011Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Inventor: Andras Gotzy
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Patent number: 8875660Abstract: A habitat enclosure comprising a removably disposed housing or outer covering shaped or otherwise configured to represent an animate object is presented. Furthermore, the outer covering is disposed in a removable, yet confronting engagement with a container, the container being viewable through a display area of the outer covering. The container also comprises a lid removably disposed relative to a basin in order to allow at least temporary access into said interior portion thereof. The enclosure further comprises one or more access channels disposed through the outer covering and into a communicative relation with 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Teddy Tank Technology, LLCInventor: Spencer Grabois
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Publication number: 20140216351Abstract: An aquarium having an adjustable lighting system for enhancing the display of fluorescent objects, such as fluorescent fish, contained within the aquarium under various external lighting conditions, such as a dark room or a brightly lit room. The aquarium comprises a tank and a plurality of light sources. Each light source emits light at a different wavelength spectrum which is selected to enhance the display of the fluorescent object under each type of external lighting condition. An electronic control is provided to control the operation of the plurality of light sources such that each light source may be selectively turned on/off based on the external lighting condition, or chronological criteria, to provide the best viewing experience.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: Yorktown Technologies, L.P.Inventor: Alan Blake
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Publication number: 20130284106Abstract: A vivarium wall device system comprising: a piece of coral or a piece of wood, the piece having a glass-side surface, upper surface, lower surface, and three side surfaces, and where the glass-side surface is generally flat and regular; a vivarium wall attachment means comprising: a first inside magnet, generally permanently attached to the glass-side surface; a first outside magnet, configured to be removeably and magnetically attachable to the first inside magnet; where when the first inside magnet is configured to be located inside the vivarium and magnetically attach to a first outside magnet located outside of the vivarium, and where the magnetic attraction occurs across a vivarium wall, and the coefficient of friction of the vivarium wall and the magnetic force tend to hold the piece of coral in place on the vivarium wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventor: Richard P. Moewe
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Patent number: 8505490Abstract: A method of decorating an aquarium comprising the steps of: creating a décor assembly, where the décor assembly includes a background screen and said background screen includes a front side, a rear side with a magnetic lining on the rear side; submerging the décor assembly into the aquarium; and aligning a plurality of magnets along the magnetic lining, where the plurality of magnets are positioned on an outside surface of the aquarium. In one particular embodiment, the step of creating a décor assembly includes permanently attaching an environmental décor to the background screen, where the environmental décor includes at least one of a plant décor and a dwelling décor.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2012Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Inventor: Christopher Clonan
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Publication number: 20120174870Abstract: A habitat enclosure comprising a removably disposed housing or outer covering shaped or otherwise configured to represent an animate object is presented. Furthermore, the outer covering is disposed in a removable, yet confronting engagement with a container, the container being viewable through a display area of the outer covering. The container also comprises a lid removably disposed relative to a basin in order to allow at least temporary access into said interior portion thereof. The enclosure further comprises one or more access channels disposed through the outer covering and into a communicative relation with 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Inventor: Spencer Grabois
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Patent number: 8087191Abstract: An apparatus for the pixel-integrated return of fluid in the pixel of a fluidic display is characterized in that the fluid with which the desired information is to be displayed and/or the carrier fluid in which the fluid is optionally embedded can be returned in a particularly compact manner and in a manner which is invisible to an observer past the visible part of a pixel (image compartment) into a reservoir (reservoir compartment) through or out of the reservoir. The device comprises an image compartment, a reservoir compartment, a connecting duct and at least one return duct, whereby the at least one return duct is formed by the fact that the connecting duct has at least one area with an uninterruptedly enlarged cross section which transitions in a specified manner into the cross section of the original cross section.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2009Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: advanced display technology AGInventors: Frank Bartels, Andriy Bitman, Dieter Jerosch
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Patent number: 7918187Abstract: Provided is a floating structure for use in an aquarium or other aquatic setting, having a manufactured hollow body with a top side, a bottom side and sidewalls extending between the top side and the bottom side. The hollow body is weighted so as to have a stable floating position in water such that the hollow elongated body predominantly remains submerged beneath the water's surface, but an outer surface of the top side consistently remains above the surface of the water.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2010Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Zoo Med Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Gary Wayne Bagnall
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Publication number: 20110048332Abstract: This invention is an illumination apparatus for an aquarium. In particular, the invention illuminates the back wall of the aquarium where the wall has a decorative panel of scenery. The illumination apparatus may be used in aquariums, terrariums, or similar enclosures. The illumination apparatus of the present invention allows for the use of filtration systems and other caretaking systems on the same wall as the illumination apparatus. The present invention uniformly illuminates the decorative panel and the aquarium, providing a pleasing effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventor: Sang Soo Lee
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Publication number: 20110000436Abstract: A foam filter for an aquarium having a function for purifying water and air which is capable of facilitating a replacement and maintenance of components due to an abnormality of a filtering device and an execution of a washing operation (including water refill) of the aquarium by making it convenient to be manufactured and installed depending on a simplified construction of a product which can be selectively disassembled or assembled, and also capable of satisfying user's visual curiosity by improving an externality of the aquarium, wherein the foam filter for the aquarium having the function for purifying water and air can be achieved by being provided with an installation case provided with a pair of container installation holes which are symmetrical to each other at left and right lateral surfaces based upon a filter installation hole, and having a fluid inlet which is formed through the filter installation hole at central front portion of a bottom surface of the installation case, a multi-layer filter sliType: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2006Publication date: January 6, 2011Applicant: SHARON KOREA ITEM COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Bong-Sun Jang, Jae Kyun Kim
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Publication number: 20100300369Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2007Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventors: Chien-Sheng Fang, Chu-Han Hsin
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Publication number: 20100206239Abstract: A wall mountable tank system for holding live flora or fauna includes an integrally formed tank including a rear panel, a bottom panel, and at least one of a front panel, first side panel, and second side panel. The panels define a tank interior for containing the flora or fauna. The rear panel includes a mounting portion having a receiving groove. A mounting member capable of being fixedly coupled to a vertical mounting surface is provided. The mounting member includes a tongue portion receivable in the receiving groove for engaging the mounting member to the tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventors: Narda Margerum, Linda R. McCoy
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Publication number: 20100132621Abstract: Provided is a floating structure for use in an aquarium or other aquatic setting, having a manufactured hollow body with a top side, a bottom side and sidewalls extending between the top side and the bottom side. The hollow body is weighted so as to have a stable floating position in water such that the hollow elongated body predominantly remains submerged beneath the water's surface, but an outer surface of the top side consistently remains above the surface of the water.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2010Publication date: June 3, 2010Inventor: Gary Wayne Bagnall
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Publication number: 20090293814Abstract: This device will allow an aquarium to be accentuated without disturbing the internal contents of the aquarium. It will be comprised of a solid structure that will fit over the outside of an aquarium and will allow interior inspection of an aquarium without removing the device. It will also allow routine maintenance of the aquarium's parts without removing the device. It will also allow feeding of the fish, also without removing the device from over the top of the aquarium.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2008Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventors: Richard A. Rutherford, JR., Judy A. Rutherford, Richard A. Rutherford, III, Jana L. Lowe
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Publication number: 20090266305Abstract: A decorative assembly comprising of a structure supporting an ornamental object such as a natural rock, an artificial rock, or an aquatic animal figurine is disclosed. The structure, comprising a base and a rod attached to the base, is transparent thereby giving the illusion of a floating object. The structure is placed in small bodies of water such as aquariums, wishing wells, and aquatic animal sanctuaries for ornamental purposes and to enhance the environment of the aquatic life.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2008Publication date: October 29, 2009Inventor: Karl J. Pavlowski
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Publication number: 20080223305Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of habitat assemblies. In one embodiment, the habitat assembly includes confined habitat structure configured to receive and display elements of nature. An image-revealing window is connected with the confined habitat structure, and includes an image display system to allow for visual media to be displayed as a backdrop to the elements of nature being displayed. A viewing window is positioned opposite from the image-revealing window such that the visual media can be seen through the viewing window.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2008Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventor: Richard K. Bilow
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Publication number: 20080105210Abstract: The invention is a zero edge or infinity aquarium for viewing aquatic life. The design offers unobstructed viewing through a smooth lens of water on the sides and the top. The aquarium is constructed of a transparent material and water is circulated over the top of and along the outside of the sidewall before being collected in a gutter and drain box. The top edge and corners of the aquarium are rounded to aid in the flow of water. The water is then returned to the interior of the aquarium via an infeed. The infeed may comprise a sump, pump, piping, valving, and a return outlet. It offers a unique view of the contents as there appears to be no lid, edge, or structure within the water.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2006Publication date: May 8, 2008Inventor: Brett Perry
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Publication number: 20080092824Abstract: The present invention provides an aerating aquarium ornament wherein the air bubbles simulate smoke. An ornament may be a scale model of a fire, smokestack, chimney where a cavity beneath the fire, smokestack, tailpipe or chimney having an interior cavity that accommodates an air hose terminus. When bubbles are released from the air hose terminus, the bubbles escape from the fire, smokestack, tailpipe or chimney to simulate smoke.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventor: Gerald Levin
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Publication number: 20070277744Abstract: “The Microcosm Terrestrial and Aquatic Landscape Habitat” is a free-standing, fired-clay Topiary structure with Upper Pool, Waterfall and Pond-Aquarium Hybrid. It is built of fired stoneware clay shaped into naturalistic, “para-geological” forms of “miniature mountains” by my art craft. There is an Upper Pool for water on the rear “miniature mountain.” From the Upper Pool, a Water Course leads to a Waterfall constructed of clay, simulated “rocks.” The Waterfall splashes into a Main Catch Basin, a Pond. The Pond is framed by three “miniature mountain” structures, connected together into a loosely horse shoe shape. It is important to note that the gradiently sloping, support structure provided by the “miniature mountains” is a plausible emulation of naturally occurring geologies. In place of a fourth “miniature mountain” to enclose the Pond, the Pond is enclosed in front by a pane of glass ? inch to ¼ inch thick. The pane of glass is adhered to the clay using silicon sealant. The Pond holds water.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2006Publication date: December 6, 2007Inventor: Nicholas Joseph Gramza
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Publication number: 20070266955Abstract: A battery water circulation decoration comprises a receptacle to load the water, a pumping mechanism installed in the receptacle, a filtration device to filtrate the water and a drive mechanism to drive the pumping mechanism. The filtration device and the drive mechanism are embedded in the pumping mechanism. The drive mechanism connects to the battery or solar battery that needs no conducting wire. Therefore, there is no conducting wire in the chamber of the receptacle where is full of water to start such safety issue as electric leakage and no conducting wire exposed on the decoration itself or the object to be decorated. With the battery water circulation decoration, the user is free from any safety issue and can enjoy a complete visual entertainment without any eyesore.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2006Publication date: November 22, 2007Inventor: Tommy Chi-Kin Wong
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Patent number: 7213537Abstract: A method of altering airflow of an aquarium air supply by placing a bottle over the air supply thus, altering the airflow. The method can be accomplished using a decorative attachment assembly that covers an air stone in an aquarium. The assembly includes a bottle having at least a first hole and a second hole, wherein the first hole is capable of accepting an aerating device, and the second hole is sized to allow air to flow from the aerating device into the aquarium.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2003Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Inventor: Justin Sabbaugh
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Patent number: 7191956Abstract: A decorative fountain has a reservoir with a receiving space for receiving therein water, a pump received in the receiving space for pumping water in the reservoir upward, a base on the reservoir and having a through hole in alignment with the receiving space, a seat mounted around a periphery defining the through hole, a circuit board received in the seat, and a hollow frame on the base and provided with a hose received in the hollow frame and having an inlet extending to the aligned through hole and the receiving space and multiple outlets extending out from an inner periphery of the hollow frame. The outlets are so arranged that when the water in the receiving space is pumped upward and sprinkled out from the outlets, water trajectories from the outlets are interlaced with one another to present an interesting ornamental effect.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2003Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Inventor: Chung-Kuei Lin
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Patent number: 7185608Abstract: A method of ornamenting conduits, cylindrical or otherwise, as well as other tubes, filters, narrow and cylindrical surfaces which can be found in an aquarium or terrarium whereby the tubes, conduits, and cylinders are provided with attachment members on their exteriors and ornaments are provided with attachment members so that the ornaments can be placed on the exteriors of the tubes, conduits, and cylinders enabling the texture or appearance of the exterior to be changed to produce a pleasing and aesthetic effect. The conduits and other aquarium equipment with attachment members on their narrow or cylindrical surfaces, as well as the ornaments with corresponding attachment members or regions are also described.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Inventor: Robert Edward Lloyd
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Patent number: 7152552Abstract: An assembly includes a plurality of uniquely shaped modular members provided with at least one linear slot formed therein and a body provided with a uniform thickness. Selected ones of the modular members have monolithically formed tab portions extending outwardly therefrom and are removably interfitted with the slots. A reservoir is provided with detachably conjoined upper and lower regions directly conjoined to each other wherein the upper region defines a cavity for housing water and aquatic creatures. The lower region is directly engageable with selected ones of the modular members so that the reservoir can be maintained at a substantially stable and elevated position above a ground surface. The reservoir includes a mechanism for illuminating an outer perimeter of the lower region housed with the lower region and isolated from the upper region and a mechanism for removing undesirable debris from the water contained within the upper region.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2005Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Inventor: Leslie L. Graham
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Patent number: 7086349Abstract: Provided is a floating dock for use in an aquarium. In one particular configuration, the dock rides along one or more rails that extend into the aquarium, thereby confining the movement of the dock within the aquarium. Such a dock may be used by aquatic life in the aquarium, e.g., for basking and/or for resting.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2004Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Zoo Med Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Gary Wayne Bagnall
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Patent number: 6834617Abstract: A background setting for an aquarium having front and rear walls and opposite left and right side walls. The setting comprises a water-resistant background sheet bearing a background scenery for direct submersion in the water of the aquarium to cover the rear wall, and a fixture for fixing the background sheet inside the aquarium.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2003Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: Suzhou Good View Aquaria Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Han Chang Hsieh, Xiao Hong Liu
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Publication number: 20040040514Abstract: A method of ornamenting conduits, cylindrical or otherwise, as well as other tubes, filters, narrow and cylindrical surfaces which can be found in an aquarium or terrarium whereby the tubes, conduits, and cylinders are provided with attachment members on their exteriors and ornaments are provided with attachment members so that the ornaments can be placed on the exteriors of the tubes, conduits, and cylinders enabling the texture or appearance of the exterior to be changed to produce a pleasing and aesthetic effect. The conduits and other aquarium equipment with attachment members on their narrow or cylindrical surfaces, as well as the ornaments with corresponding attachment members or regions are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2003Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventor: Robert Edward Lloyd
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Patent number: 6672250Abstract: New and improved molded magnetic geometrical components are used as underwater ornamentation to form the scenery in aquariums and other aquatic displays. These modular imitation rocks and/or other shapes, when added to an aquarium will create a natural setting for the fish. These rocks, gravel, reefs, and other water icons are constructed, in various shapes, sizes, and colors, out of magnetizable materials, having north and south magnetic poles. To form the display, a two-dimensional background structure of the display is constructed from a ferromagnetic material. A first layer of the shaped molded magnetic components are then placed on the background structure, with the magnetic component's north and south poles properly aligning to firmly hold the components on the background structure. Then the various molded magnetic components are stacked on to the first layer of molded magnetic components to construct a three-dimensional scene.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Inventors: Thomas A. Traylor, Roger H. Traylor
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Patent number: 6651586Abstract: A molded structure which may be placed within a tank such as an aquarium to provide separate land and water areas which are capable of providing realistic and healthy living environments for fish, amphibians and reptiles. Preferably, the structure is molded such that it simulates realistic land and water environments. For example, the water area preferably provides the cliff and cave-like areas preferred by aquatic life. On the other hand, the interface between the land and water portions is preferably sloped in portions to provide an amphibian friendly surface, while the land area may include depressions for the maintenance of plant life. In the preferred embodiment, the back and underside of the unit is hollow to incorporate a filter media, pump, heater, additional aeration device or any other such desired apparatus. In an especially preferred embodiment, small openings are provided along the base to allow water to be drawn through the gravel in front of the unit to provide additional filtration.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2002Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Tetra Holding (US), Inc.Inventors: Roland D. Horth, Joseph Lee
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Patent number: 6532899Abstract: An aquarium accessory allows captive amphibious animals such as turtles, salamanders and frogs to follow their instinct to sun themselves in a location which provides quick access to the safety of the water. An upper platform stage is supported by an upper ramp which inclines upward from an edge of a lower platform stage. An inclined lower ramp extends downward into the water from the same edge of the lower platform stage to enable the animals to climb out of the water. The accessory attaches to a wall of the aquarium. Upward facing surfaces of the platform stages and ramps are coated with high traction material. The configuration of the accessory minimizes obstruction of the body of water in the aquarium.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2002Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Novalek, Inc.Inventor: Scott D. Hootman
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Patent number: 6505428Abstract: An aquarium photo display device and method for displaying one or more photographs in connection with an aquarium. The aquarium photo display device includes a static cling attachable sea-life decorated plastic background sheet having a transparent photo receiving pocket within which a photo is removably insertable. The photo display method includes the steps of a) providing an aquarium photo display device; b) inserting a photo into the transparent photo receiving pocket of the aquarium photo display device; and c) placing the static cling attachable sea-life decorated plastic background sheet against the back glass of the aquarium with the photo facing into the aquarium.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2000Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Inventors: Nina L. Williams-King, Julius King, III
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Patent number: 6461122Abstract: A water circulation pump for an aquarium includes a shaft centrally engaged to the impeller. The free end of the shaft includes a pinion securely mounted to drive a reduction device. The reduction device includes a gear set having a final output gear that has an output shaft mounted to provide an extra power source. For example, the output shaft can drive a decorative device to make the aquarium looking more vivid and vigorous.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2000Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Inventor: Yi-Chung Huang
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Patent number: 6415739Abstract: A tank is combined with a picture frame. The tank has a housing with a recessed portion extending into the interior of the tank. The recessed portion is preferably unitarily formed in a front panel of the tank. The recessed portion is reinforced. The tank preferably has a flat bottom to be used on a table top, and has mounting brackets so it may be hung on a wall. The tank may serve as a fish tank, or other tank, and is preferably a clear plastic.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Inventors: James A. Orendorff, Cory L. Amos
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Patent number: 6332430Abstract: An aquarium accessory device which when installed within an aquarium substantially functions as an aesthetically pleasing blind for concealment of unsightly algae covered items. Such items may include typical water filters, heaters, etc.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2000Date of Patent: December 25, 2001Inventors: Cathy D. Santa Cruz, Laura J. Sperry, Ronald E. Sperry
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Patent number: 6148770Abstract: An aquatic ornamental landscape device includes a main portion provided in a water tank and made of a soft material with its specific weight not larger than that of the water so as to float in the water tank, and connected with a down leading member to stay at a certain location without hampering the main portion from swinging or wriggling, a magnetic member provided in the main portion, and a magnetic inducing base provided at the outer side of the water tank and containing a hollow housing to accommodate a motor and a gear set driven by the motor while an axial of the gear set is connected also to a magnetic member which is driven and rotates to generate changed magnetic field against the water tank for the main portion to stay in its place and naturally swing or wriggle when subject to the alternative magnetic force of attraction and repulsion between the magnetic members in the main portion and the magnetic inductive base.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 1999Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Inventor: Kuo Jung Lin
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Patent number: 6083576Abstract: A decorative submersible sculpture is described in which a submersible hollow body is formed with a peripheral wall structure. The wall structure defines an internal receptacle of a prescribed decorative shape that is configured to be substantially filled by a visually opaque particulate medium and formed by the internal receptacle into the prescribed decorative shape. The wall structure is transparent and configured in such a manner that when the receptacle is substantially filled with visually opaque particulate medium, the medium takes the form of the prescribed decorative shape and is visible through the wall structure. The decorative shape will visually appear to be in a solid, self-supporting state, and the wall structure will be substantially invisible.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1998Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Inventor: Robert S. Gaither
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Patent number: 6041740Abstract: A filtering system for fish bowls and aquariums is held in a specifically formed cavity formed integrally at the bottom of the fish bowl or aquarium, which is held in a stand that supports and conceals the specifically shaped cavity and also hides an electric motor therein. The electric motor is magnetically coupled through a drive magnet held against the flat bottom of the bowl or aquarium to a driven magnet, having an impeller attached thereto, for recirculating water through the filter. A perforated top plate covers the filtering element, and includes a porous filter material therein to allow water to pass from a main body of water through the porous filter material and through the specifically-shaped cavity into a tubular central portion and out the tubular central portion back into the body of water. The stand both supports the bowl and conceals the motor, as well as a possible light source therein.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1999Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Inventor: Alfred T. Newman
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Patent number: 6039005Abstract: An aquatic habitat extension device uses a circulation assembly to reversibly maintain a volume of water above the surface of an underlying body of water. The aquatic extension can be used alone or with other similar aquatic habitat extensions that themselves can be varied in terms of size, shape, and the degree to which they are filled with water. Each habitat extension has a water inlet located beneath the surface of a body of water, which preserves the partial vacuum in the aquatic extension, and provides an entryway for aquatic animals to enter the transparent habitat extension where they are observed. To increase the occasions when fish or other aquatic animals enter a given habitat, a food delivery system delivers food to an air pocket trapped in the upper portion of an individual extension. Illuminating or tinting the habitats enhances the beauty of an aquarium, pond, water garden, or other body of water and can be accomplished through the use of a fiber optic cable system or more conventional means.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1998Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Inventor: Charles E. Themar
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Patent number: 6029936Abstract: A stand for supporting a fishbowl thereon in which the stand includes a base, a support surface for supporting at least a portion of a bottom of the fishbowl, and at least one upwardly extending portion attached to said base which is positioned and dimensioned to extend about and around at least a side portion of a fishbowl placed on the support surface. At least one of the base and the upwardly extending portion simulate a three-dimensional pictorial representation, such as a landscape or aquatic scene, individual, object, or a combination thereof, in which a fishbowl placed on the support surface is incorporated. Preferably, the support surface is disposed in an elevated and parallel relation relative to the base. Desirably, the upwardly extending portion extends around a portion of the lower side portion, upper side portion and top of the fishbowl.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1996Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Inventor: Vincent J. Senese
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Patent number: 5967088Abstract: A structure for a watertight plug in an aquarium, having a positioning ring fitted in a neck portion of the aquarium, the watertight plug having a positioning ring and a ring flange so as to fit in the neck portion of a glass bowl of the aquarium, a flat portion on the top of the watertight plug having a plurality of buffer grooves, which have various and suitable shapes and sizes. Each of the buffer grooves has a thin film portion extending downwards from the groove mouth to form a curved bottom side, and then the thin film extends upwards and towards the center to form a separation plate. Such a structure can provide the glass bowl with a buffer effect to prevent the water from leaking out of the glass bowl or air being sucked into the glass bowl to form an air chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Inventor: Hsi-Chun Lin
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Patent number: 5921203Abstract: A rotating aquarium for use with live fish and particularly live corals including a canopy with light fixtures, a tank having a central core, a turntable including an electric motor for rotating the tank and a base for supporting the tank. The central core includes an electrical conduit for transporting electrical wires to the light fixture in the canopy. The central core also includes a water pipe that is connected to a reservoir mounted within the base of the aquarium. The reservoir includes a pump that circulates water throughout the aquarium. The tank rotates about the central core via the turntable and the electric motor. As the tank rotates, the fish and living coral receive light at different angles and receive superior water circulation. The aquarium of this invention therefore provides an environment more like the ocean for the animals living therein.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 1997Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Inventor: Mitchell W. Gibbs
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Patent number: 5906176Abstract: A combination fish tank and fire extinguisher including a container having a manually operated pump mounted on the top and a motor housing supporting the bottom. Installed inside the motor housing is a water pump motor, a storage battery and an electric power switch, such that in the event of fire, water can be pumped out of the container by the electric motor or by the manually operated pump to extinguish flames, or by using both the electric motor and the manual pump simultaneously. Furthermore, a filter element box is utilized to cultivate aquatic species when the container serves as a fish tank.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1997Date of Patent: May 25, 1999Inventor: Jainn-Nan Pei
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Patent number: 5752468Abstract: An aquarium screen (10) is provided for an aquarium tank (14). The screen is supported in front of the aquarium tank and conceals the tank frame, edges, and equipment from view to give the viewer a greater increase in viewing enjoyment by increasing the aesthetic appeal of the aquarium tank.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1997Date of Patent: May 19, 1998Inventor: Corey Hilton
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Patent number: 5749320Abstract: An aquarium background device includes at least one thin sheet of plastic material adapted to be used in conjunction with a clear liquid to adhere to the outside surface of the rear glass wall of the aquarium in a manner that insures that the images and colors thereof will be vividly seen from the front of the aquarium but can be easily removed and replaced with different background devices when desired.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1997Date of Patent: May 12, 1998Inventor: Anita S. Sydenstricker