GB2620497A

GB2620497A - Underwater plant holder

Info

Publication number: GB2620497A
Application number: GB2309769.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ryan David
Original assignee: Habitat Aquatics Ltd
Current assignee: Habitat Aquatics Ltd
Priority date: 2023-06-28
Filing date: 2023-06-28
Publication date: 2024-01-10
Also published as: GB202309769D0

Abstract

An underwater plant holder 100 comprising: a first container 102 defining a first chamber, wherein the first container comprises a first plurality of apertures 106; a second container 108 defining a second chamber, wherein the second container comprises a second plurality of apertures 112 and one or more portions 114 for holding one or more underwater plants, wherein the first container is within the second container. The first container may comprise at least one first modular component (302, figure 3A) and/or the second container may comprise at least one second modular component (408, figure 4a), the modular components may be stackable. The at least one first and second modular components may further comprise means (426, 428) for releasably attaching the first (or second) modular component to another at least one first (or second) modular component. The first and second containers may be substantially longitudinal and may have first and second length that are substantially equal. The first container may comprise a first open end and the second container a second open end, wherein the underwater plant holder further comprises a cover (500, figure 5A) for covering the first and second open ends. The cover may comprise a third plurality of apertures (530), a wall (532) extending from the perimeter of the cover or the cover may comprises a third container with a third open end (534)

Description

TITLE

UNDERWATER PLANT HOLDER

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Examples of the disclosure relate to an underwater plant holder. Some relate to an underwater plant holder for use in aquariums and/or ponds.

BACKGROUND

Aquascaping conventional planted aquariums typically starts with a base layer of a nutrient rich substrate (such as soil, organic matter, compost, or fertilizers). A layer of gravel (or stones, sand, shingles, grit, or the like) is then typically placed on top of the base layer of nutrient rich substrate. Softscape components (for example, plants and/or other vegetation) and hardscape components (for example, rocks, pieces of wood, and/or plastic decorative pieces) are placed throughout the aquarium and/or pond.

The layer of gravel, softscape, and hardscape components act as a medium/surface for beneficial bacteria (e.g., nitrifying bacteria, ammonia oxidizing bacteria, or nitrite oxidizing bacteria) to grow/colonize on. In the case of plants with roots, the roots extend down through the gravel layer and into the nutrient rich substrate in order for the plants to access the nutrients contained therein.

Conventional planted aquariums and/or ponds are not always optimal. For example: * Removing/moving the plants in order to attend to the fish is time consuming (e.g., each plant must be removed one at a time). Removing/moving rooted plants causes leaking of the nutrient rich substrate into the wider water volume (i.e., the water column) as the roots are pulled up/out of the nutrient rich layer, causing unwanted discoloration of the water and wastage of the nutrients comprised in the nutrient rich substrate. This further causes/encourages the growth of unwanted algae in the wider water volume.

* The softscape and hardscape components may create pockets/portions of the water volume which are shielded from any circulation in the water volume.

These pockets/portions of the water volume therefore stay largely static compared to the wider water volume. Waste from the fish may accordingly build up in these pockets/portions of the water volume. This results in poorer filtration of the pond/aquarium and therefore requires the need for regular tank maintenance/cleaning.

* Replacing the nutrient rich base layer requires completely emptying the aquariums and/or ponds of softscape and/or hardscape and the gravel layer. This is laborious and time consuming.

* Having a sufficient number of softscape/hardscape components for the amount of beneficial bacteria appropriate for the number of fish obscures the fish and further reduces the available volume of water for the fish to swim in.

* Common hardscape components such as wood release tannins into the wider water volume, causing unwanted discoloration of the water.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided an underwater plant holder comprising: a first container defining a first chamber, wherein the first container comprises a first plurality of apertures; a second container defining a second chamber, wherein the second container comprises a second plurality of apertures and one or more portions for holding one or more underwater plants, wherein the first container is within the second container.

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided examples as claimed in the appended claims.

The following portion of this 'Brief Summary' section, describes various features that may be features of any of the examples described in the foregoing portion of the "BRIEF SUMMARY" section. The description of a function should additionally be considered to also disclose any means suitable for performing that function Each aperture of the first plurality of apertures may be smaller than each aperture of the second plurality of apertures.

A size of each aperture of the first plurality of apertures may be less than 2.0 mm; and/or a size of each aperture of the second plurality of apertures may be less than 3.0 mm.

The first container may be defined by at least one first wall, and wherein the at least one first wall may comprise the first plurality of apertures; and/or the second container may be defined by at least one second wall, and wherein the at least one second wall may comprise the second plurality of apertures.

The first container may comprise at least one first modular component and/or the second container may comprise at least one second modular component.

The at least one first modular component may be stackable on another at least one first modular component; and the at least one second modular component may be stackable on another at least one second modular component.

The at least one first modular component may further comprise means for releasably attaching the at least one first modular component to another at least one first modular component; and/or the at least one second modular component may further comprise means for releasably attaching the at least one second modular component to another at least one second modular component.

The underwater plant holder my further comprise a plurality of first modular components, and wherein at least one of the plurality of first modular components may be devoid of apertures and at least one of the plurality of first modular components may comprise the first plurality of apertures.

A first modular component at an end of a stack of first modular components may comprise the first plurality of apertures, and one or more remaining first modular components of the stack of first modular components may be devoid of apertures.

The underwater plant holder may further comprise a partition for partitioning the second chamber into a first part and a second part.

The first part of the second chamber may be proximate to the first modular component at the end of the stack of first modular components comprising the first plurality of apertures.

The first container and the second container may be substantially longitudinal and have respective first and second lengths that may be substantially equal.

The first container may comprise a first open end and the second container may comprise a second open end, and wherein the underwater plant holder may further comprise a cover for covering the first open end and the second open end.

The cover may comprise a third plurality of apertures.

The cover may further comprise a wall extending from a perimeter of the cover.

The cover may comprise a third container with a third open end.

The underwater plant holder may further comprise a cap to cover the third open end.

The cap may comprise a fourth plurality of apertures.

The cover may further comprise means for releasably attaching the cover to: the second container and/or the first container.

The underwater plant holder may further comprise a base, wherein the base comprises: means for releasably attaching the first container to the base; and/or means for releasably attaching the second container to the base.

While the above examples of the disclosure and optional features are described separately, it is to be understood that their provision in all possible combinations and permutations is contained within the disclosure. It is to be understood that various examples of the disclosure can comprise any or all of the features described in respect of other examples of the disclosure, and vice versa. Also, it is to be appreciated that any one or more or all of the features, in any combination, may be implemented by/comprised in/performable by an apparatus, a method, and/or computer program instructions as desired, and as appropriate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 shows an example of the subject matter described herein; FIGs. 2A and 2B show another example of the subject matter described herein; FIGs. 3A and 3B show another example of the subject matter described herein; FIGs. 4A and 4B show another example of the subject matter described herein; FIGs. 5A and 5B show another example of the subject matter described herein; FIG. 6 shows another example of the subject matter described herein; FIG. 7 shows another example of the subject matter described herein; FIG. 8 shows another example of the subject matter described herein; FIG. 9 shows another example of the subject matter described herein; and FIG. 10 shows another example of the subject matter described herein; The figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and views of the figures can be shown schematically or exaggerated in scale in the interest of clarity and conciseness. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures can be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid explication. Similar reference numerals are used in the figures to designate similar features. For clarity, all reference numerals are not necessarily displayed in all figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of an example of the disclosure relating to an underwater plant holder 100. The underwater plant holder 100 comprises a first container 102 defining a first chamber/volume 104, wherein the first container 102 comprises a first plurality of apertures 106. The underwater plant holder 100 further comprises a second container 108 defining a second chamber/volume 110, wherein the second container 108 comprises a second plurality of apertures 112. The second container 108 further comprises one or more portions 114 for holding one or more underwater plants. The first container 102 is within the second container 108.

The first container 102 may be, in use, for containing a nutrient rich substrate. The second container 108 may be, in use, for containing a suitable medium for beneficial bacteria to grow/colonize on (i.e., a medium having a relatively high surface area to volume ratio), for example gravel. In the remainder of this description the suitable medium for beneficial bacteria to grow/colonize on will be referred to as simply "gravel" (the components of which may have a diameter of 3 mm of less), but it is not intended to be limited to gravel and may be, for example, ceramic media, plastic media, porous materials (e.g., volcanic rock, or sponges), a moving bed filtration media or any other suitable medium for beneficial bacteria to grow/colonize on.

Each aperture of the first plurality of apertures 106 may be configured in its dimensions (e.g., a maximum dimension, a surface area, etc.) to impede the egress of the nutrient rich substrate from the first chamber 104 of the first container 102. For example, a maximum height and/or width being less than a particle size of the nutrient rich substrate. In some but not necessarily all examples, each of the first plurality of apertures may be elongate.

Each aperture of the second plurality of apertures 112 may be configured in its dimensions (e.g., a maximum dimension, a surface area, etc.) to impede the egress of the gravel from the second chamber 110 to an area 116 external to the underwater plant holder 100. For example, a maximum height and/or width being less than a particle size of the gravel. In some but not necessarily all examples, each of the second plurality of apertures may be elongate.

Each aperture of the first plurality of apertures 106 may be smaller than each aperture of the second plurality of apertures 112. In some examples, a size of each aperture of the first plurality of apertures is less than a first threshold amount, for example 1.5 mm or 2.0 mm. In some examples, a size of each aperture of the second plurality of apertures is less than a second threshold amount, for example 3.0 mm. For both the first and second plurality of apertures, the size of each aperture of the same may relate to a maximum dimension, or a surface area, etc. The first container 102 is disposed within the second container 108. Advantageously, this improves the likelihood that the nutrient rich substrate will not egress from the first chamber 104 of the first container 102 into the area 116 external to the underwater plant holder 100. This is because to do so the nutrient rich substrate would have to not only egress the first chamber 104 into the second chamber 110, but then additionally egress from the second chamber 110 and into the area 116 external to the underwater plant holder 100. In use, when the second container 108 is containing gravel (i.e., when the second chamber 110 is full of gravel), the likelihood that the nutrient rich substrate will not egress from the first chamber 104 of the first container 102 into the area 116 external to the underwater plant holder 100 is increased further.

The second container 108 further comprises one or more portions 114 for holding one or more underwater plants. Each of the one or more portions 114 may be on/connected to/proximate to an outer surface 118 of the second container 108. Each of the one or more portions 114 may project from the outer surface 118 of the second container 108.

In use, plants (or other softscape components) are placed on each of the one or more portions 114. Roots, if any, of the plants may be then extended, by a user, through at least one of the second plurality of apertures 112, into the second chamber 110, and through at least one of the first plurality of apertures 106 such that the roots extend/project into the first chamber 104. A remaining volume (i.e., the volume not occupied by the roots) of the first chamber 104 may be filled with a nutrient rich substrate (not shown) so that the roots may access the nutrients therein. A remaining volume (i.e., the volume not occupied by the roots or the first chamber) of the second chamber 110 may be filled with gravel, on which the beneficial bacteria may colonize/grow. The underwater plant holder 100 may then be placed underwater in an aquarium/pond or the like.

Alternatively or additionally, plants (e.g., such as epiphytes) may be adhered or fixed (e.g., superglued) to the outer surface 118 of the second container 108.

In use, the water in the aquarium/pond may flow through the second plurality of apertures 112 and flow over the gravel and accordingly exchange with/flow over the beneficial bacteria thereon. This may allow the beneficial bacteria growing/colonized on the gravel to access any toxic ammonia that may be contained within fish waste comprised in the water of the aquarium/pond. The beneficial bacteria may then convert the ammonia into nitrite and then subsequently into nitrate, which itself is not harmful to fish. Accordingly, the underwater plant holder 100 also acts as a filtration system. Furthermore, the plants themselves provide natural filtration, e.g., by absorbing carbon dioxide and nitrates. The underwater plant holder 100 may accordingly be added to a conventional aquarium/pond to increase the medium/surface volume for the beneficial bacteria to grow/colonize and increase the number of plants (or other softscape components), thereby increasing filtration amounts/rates and improving the health of the aquarium/pond. This advantageously reduces maintenance intervals of the aquarium/pond (i.e., the frequency of cleaning of the aquarium/pond is reduced).

The underwater plant holder 100 comprising the first and second containers and the one or more portions 114 enables the plants (or other softscape components) to be moved around with little effort. This is because the underwater plant holder 100 is a self-contained unit and is compact/space efficient by virtue of the first container 102 being within the second container 108.

For example, in order to move the plants, the plant roots are not required to be pulled up/out of the nutrient rich substrate because the entire underwater plant holder 100 (including the nutrient rich substrate contained within the first container 102) is movable as one self-contained compact/space efficient unit.

As mentioned previously, removing/moving rooted plants from conventional planted aquariums/ponds causes leaking of the nutrient rich substrate into the wider water volume, thereby causing unwanted discoloration of the water and wastage of the nutrients comprised in the nutrient rich substrate, and further causes/encourages the growth of unwanted algae in the wider water volume. As explained above, in use the nutrient rich substrate is unlikely to egress from the first container into the area 116 external to the underwater plant holder 100 (i.e., into the wider water volume). Examples of the present disclosure therefore enable increased ease of removing/moving underwater plants in planted aquariums/ponds (e.g., to attend to or catch/remove fish) without causing unwanted discoloration of the water and wastage of the nutrients comprised in the nutrient rich substrate.

Examples of the disclosure also enable the easier and expedited replacement of the gravel and/or the nutrient rich substrate without having to empty the aquarium/pond (e.g., by simply removing the underwater plant holder 100 and replacing the gravel and/or the nutrient rich substrate externally to the aquarium/pond).

The compact/space efficient characteristic of the underwater plant holder also advantageously enables more of the water volume to be made available to the fish to swim and be seen in.

In a conventional planted aquarium and/or pond, wooden hardscape components are often desired or required for plants to be affixed to in order for the plants to be located in upper portions of the aquarium and/or pond. The underwater plant holder 100 comprising one or more portions 114 for holding one or more underwater plants eliminates the need/requirement for these wooden hardscape components in a planted aquarium/pond. Such wooden hardscape components comprise tannins which are released into the wider water volume, causing unwanted discolouration.

Accordingly, examples of the present disclosure provide an underwater plant holder which does not discolour the water in a planted aquarium and/or pond.

The reduced need/requirement for the wooden hardscape components and their replacement with the underwater plant holder 100 being a self-contained compact/space efficient unit enables fewer pockets/portions of the water volume to form which are shielded from any circulation in the water volume as previously described. Waste (e.g., ammonia) from the fish building up in these pockets/portions of the water volume may therefore be avoided. Accordingly, examples of the present disclosure provide an underwater plant holder 100 which enables improved circulation in a planted aquarium/pond.

The first container 102, second container 108, and the one or more portions for holding one or more underwater plants 114 may be formed from the same or different substantially rigid and/or degrade-resistant materials, for example: plastic; glass; stainless steel; acrylic; or nylon mesh. The material may be substantially resistant to water erosion and ammonia. The entire underwater plant holder 100 may be integrally formed from the same material. The underwater plant holder 100 may be formed from a mould or from a 3D printing process or any other suitable process.

Accordingly, the underwater plant holder 100 may provide a sturdy/rigid/stable planting platform/holder that will not degrade substantially quickly over time in underwater conditions in an aquarium and/or pond. Because the underwater plant holder may effectively replace the hardscape in an aquarium, this, in turn, means replacement hardscape need not be purchased/obtained as frequently as with conventional planted aquariums.

FIGs. 2A and 2B show examples of the first container 102 and the second container 108, labeled in this example as 202 and 208 respectively. In this example, the first container 202, defining a first chamber/volume 204, comprises a first plurality of apertures 206 (note that only three of the first plurality are labelled for clarity purposes). In this example, the second container/volume 208, defining a second chamber 210, comprises a second plurality of apertures 212 (note that only three of the first plurality are labelled for clarity purposes). The second container 208 further comprises one or more portions 214 for holding one or more underwater plants.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the first and second containers may have a substantially: cylindrical; pyramidal; or cuboid shape. In some, but not necessarily all examples, the first and second containers may be elongate, e.g., in a direction 224, and substantially the same length. Advantageously, an elongate underwater plant holder enables plants to be planted vertically in the aquarium/pond, allowing for plants to be added to upper regions of the aquarium/pond. Furthermore, an elongate underwater plant holder enables a more efficient use of space by virtue of having the same footprint but being elongate/taller, thereby increasing plant-holding capacity, which in turns enables a plurality of plants to be placed on that footprint.

The first and second containers may have substantially prismatic shape (i.e., having a constant cross section), e.g., a polygonal or non-polygonal cross section with parallel sides. The polygonal cross section may be: triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, or any other polygon having any number of sides. A shape of the cross section of the first container 202 may be a first prism and a shape of the cross section of the second container 208 may be a second prism, and may be different to the first prism or the same as the first prism. The first container 202 may comprise a first open end and the second container 208 may comprise a second open end. The first open end and the second open end are distinct from the first plurality of apertures and the second plurality of apertures respectively. The first and/or second open ends may be at least partially covered, for example by a grille/grid/plurality of slots/holes/apertures.

The first container 202 may be defined by at least one first wall 220, wherein the at least one first wall 220 may comprise the first plurality of apertures 206. The second container 208 may be defined by at least one second wall 222, wherein the at least one second wall 222 may comprise the second plurality of apertures 212.

The first container 202 and/or the second container 208 may further comprise an end portion, and the end portion may have a size larger than a remaining portion of the first container 202 and/or the second container 208. In the example shown in FIGs. 2A and 2B, the size is a diameter of the cylinder.

The second container 208 further comprises one or more portions 214 for holding one or more underwater plants. Each of the one or more portions 214 may be on/connected to/proximate to an outer surface 118 of the second container 108. Each of the one or more portions 114 may project from the outer surface 118 of the second container 108. In the example shown in Fl Gs. 2A and 2B, the one or more portions 214 comprise pockets/lips/spouts. The pockets/lips/spouts in this example comprise two walls 214A and 214B proximate to one of the second plurality of apertures 212. The walls 214A and 214B may have a major flat surface which is angled/sloped with respect to the direction 224. The pockets/lips/spouts may accordingly comprise an angled/sloped surface (on the angled/sloped walls 214A and 214B) for a plant to be received in and held against making use of frictional interaction between the plant and the angled/sloped surface (on the angled/sloped walls 214A and 214B).

Although the portions 214 are described as pockets/lips/spouts, the portions 214 may be different to these, and not all the portions 214 may be the same. For example, a size and/or shape of each of the portions 214 may be different to each other In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the first container and the second container are substantially longitudinal and have respective first and second lengths that are substantially equal.

FIG. 3A shows an example of the disclosure wherein the first container comprises a plurality (in this case three) first modular components 302. FIG. 3B shows an example of the disclosure wherein the second container comprises at least one second modular component 308 (in this example the first modular component 302 is within the second modular component 308). In the example of FIG. 3A, there are three first modular components 302, but the present disclosure is not limited to just three. For example, there may be a first modular component at a first end and a first modular component at a second end and at least one intermediate first modular component.

In the example of FIG. 3B, there are three second modular components 308, but the present disclosure is not limited to just three. For example, there may be a second modular component at a first end and a second modular component at a second end and at least one intermediate second modular component.

As shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B, the at least one first modular component 302 may be stackable on another at least one first modular component 302. Likewise, the at least one second modular component 308 may be stackable on another at least one second modular component 308. In this example, "stackable" means the at least one first/second modular component may be arranged and attached together such that they line up along a given direction 324.

The resultant stacked first and/or second containers may have a substantially: cylindrical; pyramidal; or cuboid shape. The resultant stacked first and/or second containers may have substantially prismatic shape (i.e., having a constant cross section), e.g., a polygonal or non-polygonal cross section with parallel sides. The polygonal cross section may be: triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, or any other polygon having any number of sides. A shape of the cross section of the resultant stacked first container 202 may be a first prism and a shape of the cross section of the resultant stacked second container 208 may be a second prism, and may be different to the first prism or the same as the first prism. The resultant stacked first container 202 may comprise a first open end and the resultant stacked second container 208 may comprise a second open end. The first open end and the second open end are distinct from the first plurality of apertures and the second plurality of apertures respectively.

As used herein "first modular component" 302 refers to a user attachable and detachable first container which can be combined with other user attachable and detachable first containers (i.e., other first modular components) to form, in effect, resultant larger first containers having larger first chambers such that the first container is defined by the stacked together first modular components. The first modular component can be independently replaced/exchanged with other first modular components. In the example shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B, the resultant first container being "larger" means the resultant first container being "longer". Different first modular components 302 may have different lengths or substantially the same lengths.

As used herein "second modular component" 308 refers to a user attachable and detachable second container which can be combined with other user attachable and detachable second containers (i.e., other second modular components) to form, in effect, resultant larger second containers having larger second chambers such that the second container is defined by the stacked together second modular components.

The second modular component can be independently replaced/exchanged with other second modular components. In the example shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B, the resultant second container being "larger" means the resultant second container being "longer". Different second modular components 308 may have different lengths or substantially the same lengths.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the at least one first modular component 302 may further comprise means for releasably attaching the at least one first modular component 302 to another at least one first modular component 302. Likewise, the at least one second modular component 308 may further comprise means for releasably attaching the at least one second modular component to another at least one second modular component.

FIGs. 4A and 4B show an example of the disclosure exemplifying the means for releasably attaching the at least one second modular component 408 to another at least one second modular component 408. The means for releasably attaching may have a sufficient strength to prevent (in use when the respective containers of the underwater plant holder are filled with nutrient rich substrate and gravel) the modular components separating during lifting/movement of the underwater plant holder by a user.

The means for releasably attaching the at least one second modular component 408 to another at least one second modular component 408 may comprise a lug 426 and a notch 428 to receive the lug 426 of another second modular component 408. The notch 428 and the lug 426 form a notch-lug pair. There may be more than one notch-lug pair, e.g., there may be a pair of lugs on opposite sides of the modular component and a corresponding pair of notches on opposite sides of the other modular component to receive the pair of lugs. The lug 426 may be a projection from an outer surface of the second modular component 408. The notch 428 may be located at the end portion of the second modular component as previously described. The lug 426 may be located a portion at an opposite end of the second modular component as the end portion as previously described.

The notch 428 may be substantially "L" shaped. In this case, the lug 426 may be received into the notch 428 along one arm of the "L" (an unlocked configuration, not shown). The lug 426 can then be moved along the other arm of the "L" by rotating the at least one second modular component relative to the other at least one second modular component (a locked configuration, as shown in FIG. 4B). In this manner, the means for releasably attaching the at least one second modular component 408 to another at least one second modular component 408 may be a bayonet.

The same underlying mechanism (i.e., a lug and a notch! bayonet fitting) exemplified in FIGs. 4A and 4B for releasably attaching the at least one second modular component 408 to another at least one second modular component 408 may also be used for releasably attaching the at least one first modular component 302 to another at least one first modular component 302, as visible (in the locked configuration) in FIG. 3A for example. In other words, the means for releasably attaching the at least one first modular component 302 to another at least one first modular component 302 may use the same underlying mechanism (i.e., a lug and a notch / bayonet fitting) as the means for releasably attaching the at least one second modular component 408 to another at least one second modular component 408.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the means for releasably attaching the at least one first modular component 302 to another at least one first modular component 302 and/or the means for releasably attaching the at least one second modular component 408 to another at least one second modular component 408 may comprise a male screw thread at an end of the first/second modular component and a respective female screw thread at another end of the first/second modular component respectively.

The lug and notch described above performs the function of releasably attaching the modular components together, and may be replaced by any suitable means for releasably attaching the modular components together. It may, for example, be based on: a male/female screw thread; magnetic clasps; frictional fitting (e.g., via a "dimple and pocket"); a pin-and-barrel fixing.

FIG. 5A shows an example of the disclosure. As described previously, the first container may comprise a first open end and the second container may comprise a second open end. In such an example, the underwater plant holder may further comprise a cover 500 for covering the first open end and the second open end. The first open ends can be seen in FIGs. 2A, 28, 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B (indicated by 201 and 203 respectively in Fl Gs. 2A and 28).

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the cover 500 may comprise a third plurality of apertures 530. The third plurality of apertures 530 may be comprised in a base portion of the cover 500. The base portion of the cover may be a planar base portion.

The cover 500 may further comprise a wall 532 extending from a perimeter of the cover. Accordingly, the cover 500 may comprise a third container 500 (defining a third chamber 536) and may comprise a third open end 534. The third open end 534 is distinct from the third plurality of apertures 530.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the cover 500 may further comprise means for releasably attaching the cover 500 to the at least one second modular component and/or the at least one first modular component. The means for releasably attaching the cover 500 to the at least one second modular component and/or the at least one first modular component may use the same underlying mechanism (i.e., a lug 526 and a notch 528) as the means for releasably attaching the at least one second modular component 408 to another at least one second modular component 408 previously described and/or as the means for releasably attaching the at least one first modular component 302 to another at least one first modular component 302 previously described.

FIG. 5B shows the cover 500 of FIG. 5A covering the first open end and the second open end when the first container is assembled with the second container (i.e., when the first container is within the second container). In the example of FIG. 5B, the cover 500 is releasably attached (i.e., in a locked configuration) to the second container/second modular component 508.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the cover 500 (or the third container) may provide an additional portion for holding underwater plants. The third plurality of apertures 530 may enable roots, if any, of the plants to be extended, by a user, through at least one of the third plurality of apertures 530, into the first chamber (not visible in FIG. 5B). Alternatively, the cover 500 (or the third container) may provide a place to locate a mechanical filtration media (e.g., mesh filter, filter cartridge, a filter sponge, volcanic rock, or ceramics).

FIG. 6 shows an example, base 600, of the disclosure. The base 600 is also visible in FIGs. 3A, 3B, 4B, 5B, 7, 8, and 10 as references 301, 301, 401, 501, 701, 801, 1001 respectively.

The base 600 is configured to support and/or prevent toppling/falling over of the first and/or second containers (either individually, as a modular component, or a stack of modular components). For example, the base 600 may have a horizontal surface area/footprint which is larger than a horizontal surface area/footprint of the first and/or second containers (i.e., a cross sectional area of the first and/or second containers).

The base 600 may further comprise means for releasably attaching the base 600 to the first container. The means for releasably attaching the base 600 to the first container may use the same underlying mechanism (i.e., a lug and a notch 628A) as the means for releasably attaching the at least one first modular component to another at least one first modular component previously described. Different means for releasably attaching may be used.

The base 600 may further comprise means for releasably attaching the base 600 to the second container. The means for releasably attaching the base 600 to the second container may use the same underlying mechanism (i.e., a lug and a notch 628B) as the means for releasably attaching the at least one second modular component to another at least one second modular component previously described. Different means for releasably attaching may be used.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the base 600 may further comprise a portion 638 on which ballast/weights etc. could be placed. (e.g., gravel or sand). Alternatively or additionally, the portion 638 may enable additional plants to be placed thereon.

Applying ballast/weights to the base provides greater stability/resistance to toppling/falling over of the first and/or second containers (either individually, as a modular component, or a stack of modular components) by virtue of lowering the center of mass of the underwater plant holder. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the base 600 may further comprise at least one lip/wall 640 configured to prevent loss/egress/escape of the ballast/weights from the portion 638. The base 600 therefore, when the base 600 comprises at least one lip/wall 640, in effect, acts as a tray for containing the ballast/weights.

FIGs. 7 to 10 show an example of the disclosure further comprising an improved filtration system.

FIG. 7 shows another example of the disclosure. In some, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure, the underwater plant holder may comprise a plurality of first modular components 702, wherein at least one of the plurality of first modular components 702 (i.e., upper first modular components, labelled 702A in FIG. 7) is devoid of apertures and at least one of the plurality of first modular components 702 (i.e., the lowermost first modular component, labelled 704 in FIG. 7) comprises the first plurality of apertures 706.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure, the underwater plant holder may comprise a plurality of first modular components 702, and one of the plurality of first modular components 702 (labelled 704 in FIG. 7) comprises the first plurality of apertures 706, and a remainder of the plurality of first modular components 702 are devoid of apertures (as in the example shown in FIG. 7). In the example of the disclosure wherein the plurality first modular components 702 are stacked together to form a stack of first modular components 702, the first modular component 702B at an end of the stack of first modular components comprises the first plurality of apertures 706, and one or more remaining first modular components of the stack of first modular components are devoid of apertures. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, one of the first modular components devoid of apertures may comprise the following three portions: 1. a first portion at a first end of the modular component having a cross-sectional diameter that decreases along a length of the modular component (e.g., tapers inwards like a cone). The cross-sectional diameter may decrease from a maximum value to a minimum value.

2. a second portion at a second, opposite end of the modular component having a cross-sectional diameter that increases along the length of the modular component (e.g., tapers outwards like a cone). The cross-sectional diameter may increase from the minimum value to the maximum value or a different maximum value.

3. A third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion, having a constant cross-sectional diameter along the length of the modular component.

The constant cross-sectional diameter may be substantially equal to the minimum value.

In the above portions described in 1, 2, and 3, the maximum value of the cross-sectional diameter may be substantially the same as the cross-sectional diameter of any of the other first modular components in the stack. The above portions described in 1, 2, and 3 may facilitate an increase in the flow rate of water through the modular component.

As will be described later, an end of the stack of first modular components comprising the first plurality of apertures 706 and the one or more remaining first modular components of the stack of first modular components being devoid of apertures helps to improve a flow rate of water through the first modular components, and helps to improve filtration of water in the aquarium/pond.

FIG. 8 shows FIG. 7 with the plurality of first modular components devoid of apertures 702A omitted for clarity. The examples of FIGs. 7 and 8 may further comprise a partition 842 for partitioning the second chamber 810 into a first part 810A and a second part 810B, as explained in the following (the partition is also visible in FIG. 7 as reference 730).

In use, when the first container 802B is within the second container 808 (e.g., when the second container 808 is moved in a downwards direction 844 to surround/encompass the first container 802B, with the resultant positioning/alignment of the second container 808 indicated by the dashed lines 846), an intermediate chamber 810 is defined by the volume between the first wall 820 of the first container 802B and the second wall 822 of the second container 808. The intermediate chamber 810 is defined by the first part 810A and a second part 81 OB.

The partition 842 is configured to partition the second chamber 810 via a planar member 842A, extending between the first wall 820 of the first container 802B and the second wall 822 of the second container 808. In the example of FIG. 8, wherein the first container 802B and the second container 808 have the shape of a substantial cylinder, the planar member 842A may be an annulus (i.e., a plane consisting of the area between a pair of concentric circles defined by a circumference of the first container 802B and a circumference of the second container 808).

The planar member 842A may be supported by a support 842B. In use, the partition 842 may be configured to partition the second chamber 810 in order to allow a user to fill only the second part 81 OB with gravel (i.e., to leave the first part 81 OA devoid of gravel). The support 842B may therefore be configured to support a weight of gravel in the second part 8108 of the second chamber 810 acting down (i.e., in direction 844) upon the planar member 842A.

In the examples of FIGs. 7 and 8, the first part 81 OA of the second chamber is proximate to the first modular component 802B at the end of the stack of first modular components comprising apertures. The partition 842 is accordingly configured to prevent gravel obstructing at least some of the apertures of first modular component 802B.

FIG. 9 shows an example of the disclosure. In the examples of FIGs. 7 and 8, the underwater plant holder may further comprise a cap 900. The cap 900 is configured to cover the third open end of the previously-described cover 500 (not shown in FIG. 9). In some examples, the cap 900 comprises a fourth plurality of apertures 948. The cap 900 therefore, once installed/placed/capped onto the cover (not shown in FIG. 9), enables the third open end to become a closed end and the third container to become substantially enclosed. In the examples of FIGs. 7 tog, the cover or third container may enclose/contain a mechanical filtration media.

The cover, base, partition, and cap as previously described may be formed from the same or different substantially rigid and/or degrade-resistant materials, for example: plastic; glass; stainless steel; acrylic; or nylon mesh. The material may be substantially resistant to water erosion and ammonia The entire underwater plant holder (including the cover, base, partition, and cap individually or in any combination) may be integrally formed from the same material. The underwater plant holder (including the cover, base, partition, and cap individually or in any combination) may be formed from a mould or from a 3D printing process or any other suitable process.

FIG. 10 shows a fully assembled example 1000 of the underwater plant holder described in FIGs. 7 to 9.

In the examples of FIGs. 7 to 10, the first container (not visible in FIG. 10) may be, in use, for containing a moving bed biological filtration media (in contrast to previous examples wherein the first container may be containing a nutrient rich substrate). In use, a remaining volume (i.e., the volume not occupied by the roots) of the first chamber (not visible in FIG. 10) is therefore filled with the moving bed biological filtration media, on which the beneficial bacteria may grow/colonize on.

In use, when the the underwater plant holder 1000 in the examples of FIGs. 7 to 10 is submerged/is underwater in an aquarium/pond, an airline 1050 is passed down through one of the fourth plurality of apertures 948'. The airline extends down through the first chamber (not visible in FIG. 10) and into the first container 702B/802B shown in FIGs. 7 and 8 respectively (i.e., down through the first chamber into the bottom of the first chamber where the first plurality of apertures is located). The airline may be a pipe/flexible tube configured to be connected to a pump (such as an air pump) which may send bubbles of air (or other gas e.g., carbon dioxide) down through the pipe to an end of the pipe located in a portion of the first chamber at the end of the stack of first modular components, where the first plurality of apertures 706 (as shown in FIG. 7) are located. The end of the pipe may further comprise an air stone / bubble stone.

In use, bubbles produced from the airline then, due to their buoyancy, rise up/travel through the first chamber, through the third plurality of apertures 530 (shown in FIG. 5A and 5B), into the third container 500, optionally through a mechanical filtration media previously described, and finally out of the third container via the fourth plurality of apertures 948.

The motion of the bubbles act to drag/entrain the surrounding water (comprising waste materials) with the same. Accordingly, the rising of the bubbles through the first chamber creates a current/flow of water up through the first chamber. As a result of this current/flow of water up through the first chamber, additional water is drawn up into the first chamber via the first plurality of apertures 706 (i.e., at the bottom, as shown in FIG. 7).

Accordingly, in the examples of FIGs. 7 to 10, a current/flow of water is set up and maintained wherein water external to the underwater plant holder is drawn up through the first plurality of apertures 706 (as shown in FIG. 7) into the first chamber and subsequently up the first chamber and, eventually (as outlined above) out of the fourth plurality of apertures 948.

The current/flow of water through the moving bed biological filtration media causes the same to move about/churn/tumble/vibrate, which in turn enables an increased rate of exchange of water (and any waste within the same) with the bacteria present on the filtration media. Accordingly, the example of FIGs. 7 to 10 provide an example of an underwater plant holder having improved filtration.

As described earlier, the one or more remaining first modular components of the stack of first modular components is devoid of apertures (e.g., the upper two modules shown in the stack in FIG. 7). This eliminates any drag on the motion of the bubbles as a result of the bubbles interacting with the apertures, thereby improving the flow of the bubbles (and accordingly the flow of water) up through the first chamber.

Furthermore, the one or more remaining first modular components of the stack of first modular components being devoid of apertures forces the water drawn up into the first chamber to be the water from an end/bottom of the stack. This end/bottom of the stack corresponds to the bottom of the aquarium/pond, where waste is most likely to build up (from falling and settling). Therefore, the remaining first modular components being devoid of apertures (i.e., all but the lowermost/end first modular component) enables the improved filtration of the water in the aquarium/pond.

Although examples of the underwater plant holder described herein are depicted as standing on a floor of an aquarium, the underwater plant holder may alternatively be mounted to a wall or to a ceiling of an aquarium.

Where a structural feature has been described, it may be replaced by means for performing one or more of the functions of the structural feature whether that function or those functions are explicitly or implicitly described.

The term 'comprise' is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use 'comprise' with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to "comprising only one..." or by using "consisting".

In this description, the wording 'connect', 'couple' and 'communication' and their derivatives mean operationally connected/coupled/in communication. It should be appreciated that any number or combination of intervening components can exist (including no intervening components), i.e., so as to provide direct or indirect connection/coupling/communication. Any such intervening components can include hardware and/or software components.

In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term 'example' or 'for example' or 'can' or 'may' in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus 'example', 'for example', 'can' or 'may refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example as part of a working combination but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example.

Although examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not.

The term 'a', 'an' or 'the' is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a/an/the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use 'a', 'an' or 'the' with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of 'at least one' or 'one or more' may be used to emphasis an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer any exclusive meaning.

The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and also to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described.

The above description describes some examples of the present disclosure however those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of possible alternative structures and method features which offer equivalent functionality to the specific examples of such structures and features described herein above and which for the sake of brevity and clarity have been omitted from the above description. Nonetheless, the above description should be read as implicitly including reference to such alternative structures and method features which provide equivalent functionality unless such alternative structures or method features are explicitly excluded in the above description of the examples of the present disclosure.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance it should be understood that the Applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon.

I/we claim:

Claims

CLAIMS1. An underwater plant holder comprising: a first container defining a first chamber, wherein the first container comprises a first plurality of apertures; a second container defining a second chamber, wherein the second container comprises a second plurality of apertures and one or more portions for holding one or more underwater plants, wherein the first container is within the second container.
The underwater plant holder of claim 1, wherein each aperture of the first plurality of apertures is smaller than each aperture of the second plurality of apertures.
The underwater plant holder of claim 2, wherein: a size of each aperture of the first plurality of apertures is less than 2.0 mm; and/or a size of each aperture of the second plurality of apertures is less than 3.0 mm.
The underwater plant holder of any previous claim, wherein the first container is defined by at least one first wall, and wherein the at least one first wall comprises the first plurality of apertures; and/or wherein the second container is defined by at least one second wall, and wherein the at least one second wall comprises the second plurality of apertures.
The underwater plant holder of any previous claim, wherein the first container comprises at least one first modular component and/or the second container comprises at least one second modular component.
The underwater plant holder of claim 5, wherein: the at least one first modular component is stackable on another at least one first modular component; and the at least one second modular component is stackable on another at least one second modular component.
The underwater plant holder of claims 5 or 6, wherein: the at least one first modular component further comprises means for releasably attaching the at least one first modular component to another at least one first modular component; and/or 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.the at least one second modular component further comprises means for releasably attaching the at least one second modular component to another at least one second modular component.
8. The underwater plant holder of any of claims 5 to 7, further comprising a plurality of first modular components, and wherein at least one of the plurality of first modular components is devoid of apertures and at least one of the plurality of first modular components comprises the first plurality of apertures.
9. The underwater plant holder of claim 8, when dependent on claim 6, wherein a first modular component at an end of a stack of first modular components comprises the first plurality of apertures, and one or more remaining first modular components of the stack of first modular components are devoid of apertures.
10. The underwater plant holder of any previous claim, further comprising a partition for partitioning the second chamber into a first part and a second part.
11. The underwater plant holder of claim 10, when dependent on claim 9, wherein the first part of the second chamber is proximate to the first modular component at the end of the stack of first modular components comprising the first plurality of apertures.
12. The underwater plant holder of any previous claim, wherein the first container and the second container are substantially longitudinal and have respective first and second lengths that are substantially equal.
13. The underwater plant holder of claim 12, wherein the first container comprises a first open end and the second container comprises a second open end, and wherein the underwater plant holder further comprises a cover for covering the first open end and the second open end.
14. The underwater plant holder of claim 13, wherein the cover comprises a third plurality of apertures.
15. The underwater plant holder of claims 13 or 14, wherein the cover further comprises a wall extending from a perimeter of the cover.
16. The underwater plant holder of claim 15, wherein the cover comprises a third container with a third open end.
17. The underwater plant holder of claim 16, further comprising a cap to cover the third open end.
18. The underwater plant holder of claim 17, wherein the cap comprises a fourth plurality of apertures.
19. The underwater plant holder of any of claims 13 to 18, wherein the cover further comprises means for releasably attaching the cover to: the second container and/or the first container.
20. The underwater plant holder of any previous claim, further comprising a base, wherein the base comprises: means for releasably attaching the first container to the base; and/or means for releasably attaching the second container to the base.