GB2105977A - Apparatus for cleaning aquarium glass panels - Google Patents

Apparatus for cleaning aquarium glass panels Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2105977A
GB2105977A GB08128434A GB8128434A GB2105977A GB 2105977 A GB2105977 A GB 2105977A GB 08128434 A GB08128434 A GB 08128434A GB 8128434 A GB8128434 A GB 8128434A GB 2105977 A GB2105977 A GB 2105977A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
exterior
devices
cleaning
panel
aquarium
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB08128434A
Inventor
George Keith Harley Pearce
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB08128434A priority Critical patent/GB2105977A/en
Publication of GB2105977A publication Critical patent/GB2105977A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L1/00—Cleaning windows
    • A47L1/06—Hand implements
    • A47L1/12—Hand implements for cleaning both sides simultaneously
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K63/00—Receptacles for live fish, e.g. aquaria; Terraria
    • A01K63/10—Cleaning bottoms or walls of ponds or receptacles

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Marine Sciences & Fisheries (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Farming Of Fish And Shellfish (AREA)

Abstract

An apparatus for cleaning the inner surfaces of aquarium glass panels includes an interior device (2) having a permanent magentic field and a pair of cleaning faces (12) substantially perpendicular to each other and a pair of exterior devices (20) each having a permanent magnetic field for manipulating the interior device. The devices (20) can be moved separately so that each can exert an attractive force towards the facing cleaning face (12) at a corner between aquarium panels. The interior device (2) can be passed from the control of one device (20) on one panel to the other device (20) on the other aquarium panel. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Cleaning apparatus for aquaria The invention relates to cleaning devices for aquaria.
Apparatus is known for cleaning aquaria which includes an exterior device with a permanent magnet for manipulation on the outside of a transparent panel and an interior device also with a permanent magnet and having a cleaning face for following the movement of the exterior device so as to clean the inside of the transparent panel.
It is the object of the invention to provide an improved apparatus which is capable of moving from one aquarium panel face to another without requiring that the interior device be supported from the inside.
According to this invention there is provided an apparatus for cleaning the inside of aquarium panels which apparatus includes an interior device having a permanent magnetic field and a pair of cleaning faces substantially at a 900 angle with respect to each other and a pair of exterior devices each having a permanent magnetic field for attracting the interior device, the exterior devices being movable separately of one another so that each can exert an attractive force towards the respective cleaning face at a corner between adjacent aquarium panels and the interior device can pass from the control of one exterior device on one panel to the other exterior device on the other panel.
The aquarium panels can thus be cleaned on the inside by one interior device which operates on a number of panels. The panels may be joined by adhesive, cement etc. or may be may made intergrally by moulding.
Preferably each exterior device occupies half of one cleaning face of the interior device and is configured so that the pair of exterior devices can be manipulated as one to clean a particular panel. Thus the whole apparatus can be left safely in position on the aquarium when it is not in use and a compact overall construction results. In such a construction advantageously the exterior devices are arranged for being coupled together rigidly for example by a suitable plug and socket connection. Such a connection is established conveniently by a projection and recess on each exterior device so that the devices have the same shape.
A suitable permanent magnet arrangement may be provided behind each of the cleaning faces of the interior device.
Figures 1 and 2 show perspective views of interior and exterior devices of an apparatus of the invention; Figures 3 and 4 show a plan and end view of the exterior devices of Figure 2; and Figures 5 and 6 show plan and side views of different stages of manipulation of the apparatus.
With reference to the Figures, an apparatus for cleaning the inside of aquarium panels includes an interior device 2 (Figure 1) and a pair of identical, interlockable exterior devices 4 (Figures 2, 3 and 4).
The device 2 includes a T-section plastic moulding 6 mounting permanent magnets 8 in the corners between walls 10 of the moulding. Together the moulding 6 and magnets 8 provide a triangular section with cleaning faces 12 formed by suitable fabric adhered to the magnets 8, the faces 12 being at 900 to each other. Each exterior device 4 has a recessed body part 20 carrying an upstanding grip 22. The body part 20 mounts a magnet 24 in its recess. The grip 22 has a recess 26 and a projection 28 on either side of its longitudinal centre-line. Thus a pair of devices 4 can interlock (Figure 2) by the projections 28 sliding into the recesses 26.
The magnets 8 and 24 are arranged so that the magnetic field lines extend generally longitudinally.
The different magnets 8 have their respective north and sourth poles lying next to each other at a particular end of the interior device 2. The different magnets 24 are aligned so that when the exterior devices 4 are interlocked, the north pole of one lies close to the south pole of the other.
In use the apparatus can be used to clean the inside of an aquarium panel 30 by interlocking a pair of exterior devices 4 (Figure 2, Figure 5) and using them to manipulate the interior device 2 submerged in the aquarium. The devices 4 can be bodily rotated etc as the poles of one magnet 8 are attracted towards the poles of the magnets 24. To change from one aquarium panel 30 to an adjacent one 32, the devices 4 are slid in the direction of arrow 34 (Figure 5) until the interior device 2 nests in the angle between the panels 30 and 32 with each of its cleaning faces contacting a panel. Then (Figure 6) one of the exterior elements 4 is uncoupled and lifted off the panel 30. That element is then turned upside down so that its magnetic field becomes suitably aligned for attracting the other magnet 8.It is then placed (Figure 6) on the panel 32 where it holds the interior device 2. The remaining exterior device 4 can be taken off the panel 30, turned upside down and coupled to the exterior device already on the panel 32.
The whole assembly formed by the exterior devices 4 can be turned through 1800 on the face 32 so that the 900 angle between the cleaning faces 12 can be nested in another angle between aquarium panels with the rear face 36 facing right and not left as shown in Figures 5 and 6.
The apparatus can thus be used to clean all interior surfaces of aquarium panels from the outside of the aquarium with virtually no risk of the interior device 2 dropping to the bottom.
The face of the exterior devices 4 connecting the panels may be covered with a soft material to facilitate sliding.
The magnets 8 and 24 may be of a single body of material or comprise a number magnets joined end to end.
1. An apparatus for cleaning the inside of The drawing(s) originally filed was/were informal and the print here reproduced is taken from a laterfiledformal copy.
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (5)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Cleaning apparatus for aquaria The invention relates to cleaning devices for aquaria. Apparatus is known for cleaning aquaria which includes an exterior device with a permanent magnet for manipulation on the outside of a transparent panel and an interior device also with a permanent magnet and having a cleaning face for following the movement of the exterior device so as to clean the inside of the transparent panel. It is the object of the invention to provide an improved apparatus which is capable of moving from one aquarium panel face to another without requiring that the interior device be supported from the inside. According to this invention there is provided an apparatus for cleaning the inside of aquarium panels which apparatus includes an interior device having a permanent magnetic field and a pair of cleaning faces substantially at a 900 angle with respect to each other and a pair of exterior devices each having a permanent magnetic field for attracting the interior device, the exterior devices being movable separately of one another so that each can exert an attractive force towards the respective cleaning face at a corner between adjacent aquarium panels and the interior device can pass from the control of one exterior device on one panel to the other exterior device on the other panel. The aquarium panels can thus be cleaned on the inside by one interior device which operates on a number of panels. The panels may be joined by adhesive, cement etc. or may be may made intergrally by moulding. Preferably each exterior device occupies half of one cleaning face of the interior device and is configured so that the pair of exterior devices can be manipulated as one to clean a particular panel. Thus the whole apparatus can be left safely in position on the aquarium when it is not in use and a compact overall construction results. In such a construction advantageously the exterior devices are arranged for being coupled together rigidly for example by a suitable plug and socket connection. Such a connection is established conveniently by a projection and recess on each exterior device so that the devices have the same shape. A suitable permanent magnet arrangement may be provided behind each of the cleaning faces of the interior device. Figures 1 and 2 show perspective views of interior and exterior devices of an apparatus of the invention; Figures 3 and 4 show a plan and end view of the exterior devices of Figure 2; and Figures 5 and 6 show plan and side views of different stages of manipulation of the apparatus. With reference to the Figures, an apparatus for cleaning the inside of aquarium panels includes an interior device 2 (Figure 1) and a pair of identical, interlockable exterior devices 4 (Figures 2, 3 and 4). The device 2 includes a T-section plastic moulding 6 mounting permanent magnets 8 in the corners between walls 10 of the moulding. Together the moulding 6 and magnets 8 provide a triangular section with cleaning faces 12 formed by suitable fabric adhered to the magnets 8, the faces 12 being at 900 to each other. Each exterior device 4 has a recessed body part 20 carrying an upstanding grip 22. The body part 20 mounts a magnet 24 in its recess. The grip 22 has a recess 26 and a projection 28 on either side of its longitudinal centre-line. Thus a pair of devices 4 can interlock (Figure 2) by the projections 28 sliding into the recesses 26. The magnets 8 and 24 are arranged so that the magnetic field lines extend generally longitudinally. The different magnets 8 have their respective north and sourth poles lying next to each other at a particular end of the interior device 2. The different magnets 24 are aligned so that when the exterior devices 4 are interlocked, the north pole of one lies close to the south pole of the other. In use the apparatus can be used to clean the inside of an aquarium panel 30 by interlocking a pair of exterior devices 4 (Figure 2, Figure 5) and using them to manipulate the interior device 2 submerged in the aquarium. The devices 4 can be bodily rotated etc as the poles of one magnet 8 are attracted towards the poles of the magnets 24. To change from one aquarium panel 30 to an adjacent one 32, the devices 4 are slid in the direction of arrow 34 (Figure 5) until the interior device 2 nests in the angle between the panels 30 and 32 with each of its cleaning faces contacting a panel. Then (Figure 6) one of the exterior elements 4 is uncoupled and lifted off the panel 30. That element is then turned upside down so that its magnetic field becomes suitably aligned for attracting the other magnet 8.It is then placed (Figure 6) on the panel 32 where it holds the interior device 2. The remaining exterior device 4 can be taken off the panel 30, turned upside down and coupled to the exterior device already on the panel 32. The whole assembly formed by the exterior devices 4 can be turned through 1800 on the face 32 so that the 900 angle between the cleaning faces 12 can be nested in another angle between aquarium panels with the rear face 36 facing right and not left as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The apparatus can thus be used to clean all interior surfaces of aquarium panels from the outside of the aquarium with virtually no risk of the interior device 2 dropping to the bottom. The face of the exterior devices 4 connecting the panels may be covered with a soft material to facilitate sliding. The magnets 8 and 24 may be of a single body of material or comprise a number magnets joined end to end. CLAIMS
1. An apparatus for cleaning the inside of The drawing(s) originally filed was/were informal and the print here reproduced is taken from a laterfiledformal copy.
aquarium panels which apparatus includes an interior device having a permanent magnetic field and a pair of cleaning faces substantially at a 90 angle with respect to each other and a pair of exterior devices each having a permanent magnetic field for attracting the interior device, the exterior devices being movable separately of one another so that each can exert an attractive force towards the respective cleaning face at a corner between adjacent aquarium panels and the interior device can pass from the control of one exterior device on one panel to the other exterior device on the other panel.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 in which each exterior device occupies half of one cleaning face of the interior device and is configured so that the pair of exterior devices can be manipulated as one to clean a particular panel.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2 in which the exterior devices are arranged for being coupled together rigidly.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3 in which the exterior devices are connected by a projection and recess on each exterior device so that the devices have the same shape.
5. An apparatus for cleaning the inside of aquarium panels substantially as specifically described by reference to and as shown in the Figures.
GB08128434A 1981-09-21 1981-09-21 Apparatus for cleaning aquarium glass panels Withdrawn GB2105977A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08128434A GB2105977A (en) 1981-09-21 1981-09-21 Apparatus for cleaning aquarium glass panels

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08128434A GB2105977A (en) 1981-09-21 1981-09-21 Apparatus for cleaning aquarium glass panels

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB2105977A true GB2105977A (en) 1983-04-07

Family

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Family Applications (1)

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GB08128434A Withdrawn GB2105977A (en) 1981-09-21 1981-09-21 Apparatus for cleaning aquarium glass panels

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2105977A (en)

Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0047815A1 (en) * 1980-08-20 1982-03-24 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Grain boundary layer dielectric ceramic compositions
US4921614A (en) * 1988-08-29 1990-05-01 Frickman Jay P Aquarium cleaning and filtering system and method
US5199378A (en) * 1988-08-29 1993-04-06 Kissick Jr William E Aquarium filtering system and method
US6007713A (en) * 1997-06-17 1999-12-28 Michalik; Lee Self-cleaning undergravel filter
NL1010980C2 (en) 1999-01-07 2000-07-11 Bakker Holding Son Bv Device for cleaning aquarium windows, in particular the inside thereof, as well as a method for cleaning aquarium windows.
US6206978B1 (en) * 1999-12-13 2001-03-27 Roger Williams General Hospital Process for cleaning aquarium tank walls
US6348104B1 (en) 2000-01-04 2002-02-19 Bakker Holding Son B.V. Device and method for cleaning aquarium windows
US6634052B2 (en) * 2001-02-21 2003-10-21 Bakker Holding Son B.V. Apparatus for remotely cleaning interior walls of tanks from the tank exterior
WO2004026078A1 (en) * 2002-09-18 2004-04-01 Tong Huang A magnetic brush for cleaning the wall of an arc aquarium
GB2429906A (en) * 2005-09-12 2007-03-14 Cornelius Loveridge Magnetic window cleaning device
DE102006022932A1 (en) * 2006-05-04 2007-11-08 Bakker Holding Son B.V. Aquarium device for cleaning aquaria glass panes, especially their inner side, has inner and outer elements mutually attracted via a magnetic force
US7506612B2 (en) 2005-11-12 2009-03-24 Duard W. Enoch, III Multifunction aquarium cleaning device
EP2430915A1 (en) * 2009-05-12 2012-03-21 Kabushiki Kaisha Tominaga Jyushi Kogyosho Water tank cleaner
US20120204803A1 (en) * 2008-02-14 2012-08-16 Julian Sprung Magnetic cleaning device
US8256122B2 (en) 2009-07-18 2012-09-04 Hatfield John T Magnetic two part scraping tool
US9089116B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2015-07-28 Ling Liu Tuan Fish food dispenser
US9351480B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2016-05-31 Ling Liu Tuan Fish food dispenser

Cited By (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0047815A1 (en) * 1980-08-20 1982-03-24 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Grain boundary layer dielectric ceramic compositions
US4921614A (en) * 1988-08-29 1990-05-01 Frickman Jay P Aquarium cleaning and filtering system and method
US5199378A (en) * 1988-08-29 1993-04-06 Kissick Jr William E Aquarium filtering system and method
US6007713A (en) * 1997-06-17 1999-12-28 Michalik; Lee Self-cleaning undergravel filter
NL1010980C2 (en) 1999-01-07 2000-07-11 Bakker Holding Son Bv Device for cleaning aquarium windows, in particular the inside thereof, as well as a method for cleaning aquarium windows.
WO2000040080A1 (en) 1999-01-07 2000-07-13 Bakker Holding Son B.V. A device for cleaning aquarium windows, in particular the inside thereof, as well as a method for cleaning aquarium windows
US6206978B1 (en) * 1999-12-13 2001-03-27 Roger Williams General Hospital Process for cleaning aquarium tank walls
US6348104B1 (en) 2000-01-04 2002-02-19 Bakker Holding Son B.V. Device and method for cleaning aquarium windows
US6865771B2 (en) 2001-02-21 2005-03-15 Bakker Holding Son B.V. Apparatus for remotely cleaning interior walls of tanks from the tank exterior
US6634052B2 (en) * 2001-02-21 2003-10-21 Bakker Holding Son B.V. Apparatus for remotely cleaning interior walls of tanks from the tank exterior
US7313841B2 (en) 2002-09-18 2008-01-01 Tong Huang Suspendable magnetic brush for cleaning an aquarium with a curved window surface
EP1552765A1 (en) * 2002-09-18 2005-07-13 Tong Huang A magnetic brush for cleaning the wall of an arc aquarium
EP1552765A4 (en) * 2002-09-18 2006-08-02 Tong Huang A magnetic brush for cleaning the wall of an arc aquarium
WO2004026078A1 (en) * 2002-09-18 2004-04-01 Tong Huang A magnetic brush for cleaning the wall of an arc aquarium
GB2429906A (en) * 2005-09-12 2007-03-14 Cornelius Loveridge Magnetic window cleaning device
US7506612B2 (en) 2005-11-12 2009-03-24 Duard W. Enoch, III Multifunction aquarium cleaning device
DE102006022932A1 (en) * 2006-05-04 2007-11-08 Bakker Holding Son B.V. Aquarium device for cleaning aquaria glass panes, especially their inner side, has inner and outer elements mutually attracted via a magnetic force
US20120204803A1 (en) * 2008-02-14 2012-08-16 Julian Sprung Magnetic cleaning device
EP2430915A1 (en) * 2009-05-12 2012-03-21 Kabushiki Kaisha Tominaga Jyushi Kogyosho Water tank cleaner
EP2430915A4 (en) * 2009-05-12 2014-01-01 Tominaga Jyushi Kogyosho Kk Water tank cleaner
US8256122B2 (en) 2009-07-18 2012-09-04 Hatfield John T Magnetic two part scraping tool
US9089116B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2015-07-28 Ling Liu Tuan Fish food dispenser
US9351480B2 (en) 2013-03-12 2016-05-31 Ling Liu Tuan Fish food dispenser

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