US20070277743A1 - Floating aquatic structure - Google Patents
Floating aquatic structure Download PDFInfo
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- US20070277743A1 US20070277743A1 US11/381,897 US38189706A US2007277743A1 US 20070277743 A1 US20070277743 A1 US 20070277743A1 US 38189706 A US38189706 A US 38189706A US 2007277743 A1 US2007277743 A1 US 2007277743A1
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- structure according
- floating structure
- elongated body
- hollow elongated
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K63/00—Receptacles for live fish, e.g. aquaria; Terraria
- A01K63/003—Aquaria; Terraria
- A01K63/006—Accessories for aquaria or terraria
Definitions
- the present invention pertains to devices for use within an aquarium or other aquatic setting and is applicable, e.g., to structures for allowing fish, turtles and other aquatic and/or amphibious life to swim through and/or climb upon.
- the present invention addresses the need for such additional structures by providing, in one representative embodiment, a floating structure for use in an aquarium or other aquatic setting.
- the structure has a manufactured hollow elongated body with a top side, a bottom side and sidewalls extending between the top side and the bottom side.
- the hollow elongated 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.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the top side, left sidewall and front opening of a floating structure according to a first representative embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the bottom side, right sidewall and rear opening of the floating structure according to the first representative embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the interior of the floating structure, as observed from its front opening, according to the first representative embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the floating structure, in use within an aquarium, with a turtle climbing out of the water and onto the top surface of the structure, according to the first representative embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a floating structure, in use within an aquarium, according to a second representative embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a floating structure 10 for use within an aquarium or other aquatic setting according to a first representative embodiment of the present invention.
- aquarium is intended to mean a container (such as a glass tank) in which living aquatic (which can include amphibious) animals or plants are kept.
- aquarium as used herein, encompasses certain terrariums, i.e., those that are partially or entirely aquatic, and palladariums.
- structure 10 is configured so as to replicate a hollowed-out log. More specifically, the outer surface of structure 10 preferably is manufactured so as to have texture and color that are very similar to those of natural tree bark. However, structure 10 instead could be configured with any other structure, although in the preferred embodiments it is manufactured so as to replicate some naturally occurring structure, e.g., in order to more faithfully reproduce the animals' natural environment and to enhance the overall visual aesthetic for the owner of an aquarium or other aquatic setting.
- structure 10 preferably is hollow and elongated, with one or more openings for fish and other aquatic (e.g., amphibious) animals to swim through.
- both of the front end 12 and rear end 14 are open, thereby allowing such animals to swim through from end to end.
- two holes 16 and 17 are provided in left sidewall 20 and two holes 22 and 23 are provided in right sidewall 25 .
- the actual numbers of holes provided in sidewalls 20 and 25 preferably depend upon the overall size of the structure 10 .
- structure 10 when placed in water 30 structure 10 floats, with most of structure 10 submerged beneath the surface 32 of the water 30 , but with the outer surface 35 of top side 37 floating above the surface 32 of the water 30 .
- outer surface 35 is just above the surface 32 of the water 30 , thereby facilitating the ability of a turtle 40 or other amphibious animal (e.g., a newt, frog or mudskipper) to climb out of the water 30 and onto the outer surface 35 of top side 37 .
- top side 37 may be configured in other ways to facilitate such climbing out of the water 30 .
- rounding of the edge between top side 37 and each of the sidewalls 20 and 25 provides a ramp that is particularly useful for such purpose.
- end edges (e.g., front edge 41 ) of top side 37 are illustrated as having an abrupt drop-off in the drawings, such edges instead may be tapered so as to facilitate such climbing out of the water 30 from the front and rear ends 12 and 14 , respectively, i.e., by reducing the distance from the water 30 to the outer surface 35 of top side 37 from such ends.
- outer surface 35 of top side 37 forms a substantially flat and stable platform on which turtles and other amphibious animals may rest outside of the water 30 .
- this is achieved by appropriately weighting the entire structure 10 , not only so that the top surface 35 remains sufficiently above the surface 32 of the water 30 , and but also so that the structure 10 is stable in the depicted orientation, i.e., with the top side 37 consistently remaining the highest section when the structure 10 is floated in water 30 .
- structure 10 preferably has a textured surface, at least on the outer surface 35 of top side 37 , and/or is otherwise configured in order to provide a fairly non-slip surface for the desired amphibious animals.
- the desired stable floating orientation is achieved by fabricating the entire structure 10 primarily from a buoyant material, such as foamed urethane, with a weight 44 (e.g., made of resin) embedded into or on the intended bottom side 46 of the structure 10 .
- a buoyant material such as foamed urethane
- a weight 44 e.g., made of resin
- the former is preferred for aesthetic purposes.
- the center of gravity for structure 10 is located at or very near to the bottom side 46 , so the entire structure 10 is maximally biased against rolling, and the top side 37 therefore remains a stable platform.
- the entire structure 10 might be fabricated from a single type of material (e.g., having a slightly smaller mass density than water), but with a greater amount of such material provided at the bottom side 46 .
- the bottom side 46 has a greater overall mass density than the top side 37 (as described in the preceding paragraph) because such a configuration typically allows for a more compact structure 10 and better control over the shape of the structure 10 and its buoyancy, and also because such a configuration generally permits additional weight to be borne by the structure 10 before structure 10 becomes completely submerged.
- the buoyancy of the structure 10 itself preferably is controlled so that the top side 37 is above, but fairly close to, the surface 32 of the water 30 .
- the turtles e.g., turtle 40
- the other factor is the maximum amount of additional weight that top side 37 will be able to accommodate before becoming completely submerged.
- the amount of such maximum additional weight will increase with increases in: (i) the total surface area of top side 37 , (ii) the thickness of top side 37 , (iii) the height of outer surface 35 above the water's surface 32 when structure 10 does not have any additional weight placed on it, and (iv) the buoyancy of the material from which top side 37 is fabricated.
- the outer surface 35 of top side 37 preferably is substantially flat (e.g., with only small bumps or grooves that still allow the intended animals to rest comfortably), thereby providing a good resting surface for a turtle or other amphibious animal. For this reason, at least some portion of the outer surface 35 of top side 37 preferably is substantially flat.
- One additional benefit of making the entire top side 37 substantially flat is that doing so generally results in the maximum surface area remaining above the surface 32 of the water 30 when any given weight is applied.
- portions of the outer surface 35 are provided with larger bumps or other features, e.g., that are desirable to more closely replicate some natural object.
- the structure 10 is approximately 12 inches long and has a cross section that approximates an inverted trapezoid (with top side 37 longer than bottom side 46 ), but with the corners rounded, and with an outer diameter of approximately 51 ⁇ 2 inches and an inner diameter of approximately 41 ⁇ 2 inches, so that the average thickness of the structure is approximately 1 ⁇ 2 inch.
- a base material of foamed urethane and a resin weight attached to the bottom side 46 the entire structure weighs just over 4 pounds, and the top side 37 can support two turtles, each having a shell size of 4 inches in diameter (e.g., up to 10 ounces in total weight), without submerging or tilting unduly.
- the holes 16 , 17 , 22 and 23 each have a width (minimum dimension) of at least 11 ⁇ 2 inches and, more preferably, 2 inches. It is noted that the inverted trapezoid shape provides increased top surface area, which provides a larger platform and also greater weight-bearing capacity, while still providing a realistic replication of the irregular shape of a naturally occurring log.
- the inner surface 49 of the bottom side 46 preferably also is substantially flat.
- the structure 10 allows certain aquatic animals to rest comfortably within it (i.e., in the water) as well.
- the use of such dispersed openings obviates the need for openings at the front and rear ends 12 and 14 , respectively, e.g., if such openings are undesirable.
- the embodiment described above is merely representative. Other sizes instead may be used, e.g., for smaller aquariums and/or to accommodate smaller turtles. Preferably, for indoor-aquarium use the length of the structure 10 is limited to no more than 16 inches and, typically no more than 10 inches, so that the structure 10 does not take up too much of the available space in the aquarium.
- the holes 16 , 17 , 22 and 23 in sidewalls 20 and 25 can allow appropriately sized fish, turtles and other animals to swim through and also permit the owner to observe at least some of the activity within the structure 10 .
- such holes 16 , 17 , 22 and 23 preferably are at least 3 ⁇ 4 inch in width and, subject to this minimum dimension, preferably are proportionate to the overall size of structure 10 .
- the overall structure 10 is significantly smaller (e.g., 6 inches in length and 3 inches in outer diameter) it generally will be preferable to include only one hole through each sidewall 20 and 25 .
- the interior tunnel 52 formed by the structure 10 preferably is wide enough to accommodate the desired fish and other animals, e.g., having a width of at least 11 ⁇ 2 inches.
- the representative dimensions will be scaled up or down depending upon the desired size of the structure 10 and, often, the type of natural object that is being replicated; however, the stated maximum and minimum dimensions preferably are maintained.
- a floating structure 10 often will be particularly useful in an aquarium.
- such an aquarium will be for home use, having a capacity of not more than 300 gallons.
- such a floating structure 10 also is used in a larger container or body of water.
- a larger size structure 10 generally would be used, in order to accommodate large goldfish, koi carp and adult pond turtles.
- such a structure 10 is large enough to enable koi and goldfish to hide inside the interior tunnel 52 , thus escaping predators, and to enable adult turtles to sleep inside the interior tunnel 52 or bask in sunlight on top 35 of the structure 10 .
- FIG. 5 illustrates a floating structure 110 according to a second representative embodiment of the present invention.
- the top side 137 is provided with a hole 155 that extends through the entire thickness of the top side 137 and into the interior tunnel 152 .
- hole 155 is at least 3 ⁇ 4 inch in width, but may be scaled to an even larger size for larger versions of structure 110 .
- the owner can use hole 155 , e.g., for feeding the fish and other aquatic animals that enter structure 110 .
- any food that is deposited into hole 155 that ends up sinking will not sink all the way to the bottom of the aquarium (or other container or body of water) where it often otherwise would be inaccessible, but instead will be caught by the bottom side 146 of the structure 110 where it can be easily retrieved by the animals it was intended to feed.
- the food generally will not pollute the rest of the aquarium, but instead will tend to remain there until eaten by the intended aquatic animals.
- structure 110 also includes a secondary tunnel 160 which, in the present embodiment, is an offshoot of the interior tunnel 152 .
- secondary tunnel 160 replicates a portion of a branch extending from the main trunk of the log.
- secondary tunnel 160 provides a passageway into the main interior tunnel 152 .
- secondary tunnel 160 is closed off at either of its ends.
- secondary tunnel 160 has a width that is substantially smaller than the width of the interior tunnel 152 , thereby allowing smaller animals to use, 160 in the same manner that larger animals use tunnel 152 .
- interior tunnel 152 has a width of approximately 2 inches while secondary tunnel 160 has a width of approximately 3 ⁇ 8 inch.
- Each of left sidewall 120 and right sidewall 125 has only a single hole (e.g., hole 116 ), due to the small size of structure 110 .
- the single hole in each sidewall 120 and 125 is elongated, having an oval shape which maintains the minimum dimension of 3 ⁇ 4 inch (approximately 11 ⁇ 4 inch, in this case) e.g., but having a maximum dimension in this case of nearly 2 inches.
- the holes in sidewalls 120 and 125 primarily are used as a viewing portals.
- the structure 110 also has been manufactured so as to replicate a hollowed-out log.
- the shape is even more cylindrical, having a substantially circular cross-section. That feature and the presence of hole 155 makes the structure 110 shown in FIG. 5 more suitable for applications in which the owner does not expect amphibious animals to climb out of the water and onto the top side 137 of the structure 110 , but instead, e.g., is intending the structure 110 for use in an aquarium or other setting where only fish are present.
- hole 155 may be provided in a structure that has a substantially flat top side, as in structure 10 described above, e.g., for feeding purposes. More generally, any of the features from structure 10 discussed above may be incorporated into structure 110 , and vice versa. Similarly, any of the uses of and considerations pertaining to structure 10 also apply to structure 110 , and vice versa.
- the structures 10 and 110 are entirely opaque other than any holes that may be provided in them. As a result, the fish and other aquatic animals often will view the corresponding structure 10 or 110 as a resting or hiding place. However, in alternate embodiments of the invention, structure 10 and/or structure 110 is partly or entirely transparent or translucent.
- a structure 10 or 110 may be fabricated, e.g., using an injection-molding process.
- One example of such a fabrication technique is as follows.
- Log 10 is assembled from two halves, e.g., defined by a lateral slice of log 10 to create a top half (including top side 37 and the top half of sidewalls 20 and 25 ) and a bottom half (including bottom side 46 and the bottom half of sidewalls 20 and 25 ).
- the mold assembly for each half of log 10 consists of two halves that fit together, each composed of a hard, rigid plaster-like portion and a flexible portion.
- the flexible portion is placed inside the rigid portion, and then the flexible portion is coated with a thin layer of resin using a putty knife. This provides a hard, water-resistant outer layer for the log 10 .
- the mold assembly for the bottom half of the log 10 is provided with a thicker layer of resin, preferably concentrated at the bottom side 46 (and, more preferably, at the bottom of bottom side 46 ), in order to provide the desired bottom-weight.
- the two parts of the mold are assembled, 2-part urethane foam is injected into the mold, and the mold is placed into a press while the foam urethane expands within the hard resin shell.
- the mold assembly is then removed from the press and disassembled.
- the corresponding half of log 10 is then peeled away from the flexible portion of the mold. After deburring, the two halves of log 10 are “glued” together with resin, the log 10 is tested for buoyancy, and then paint is applied.
- the finished log 10 has hard surfaces, in the same manner as a natural log.
- most of the interior space of log 10 e.g., between the wall of tunnel 52 and the outer surface of log 10 ) is a buoyant material, allowing log 10 to float.
- additional resin which has a mass density which is greater than that of water
- the desired stable floating position is achieved.
- functionality sometimes is ascribed to a particular module or component. However, functionality generally may be redistributed as desired among any different modules or components, in some cases completely obviating the need for a particular component or module and/or requiring the addition of new components or modules.
- the precise distribution of functionality preferably is made according to known engineering tradeoffs, with reference to the specific embodiment of the invention, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.
Abstract
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.
Description
- The present invention pertains to devices for use within an aquarium or other aquatic setting and is applicable, e.g., to structures for allowing fish, turtles and other aquatic and/or amphibious life to swim through and/or climb upon.
- A variety of different structures for use within an aquarium exist. Examples include the structures described in commonly assigned patent application Ser. No. 10/752,641, titled “Floating Rail-Guided Aquarium Dock” to the present inventor, which application is incorporated herein by reference as though set forth herein in full. However, additional structures for use within an aquarium are desirable.
- The present invention addresses the need for such additional structures by providing, in one representative embodiment, a floating structure for use in an aquarium or other aquatic setting. The structure has a manufactured hollow elongated body with a top side, a bottom side and sidewalls extending between the top side and the bottom side. The hollow elongated 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.
- The foregoing summary is intended merely to provide a brief description of the general nature of the invention. A more complete understanding of the invention can be obtained by referring to the claims and the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments in connection with the accompanying figures.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the top side, left sidewall and front opening of a floating structure according to a first representative embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the bottom side, right sidewall and rear opening of the floating structure according to the first representative embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the interior of the floating structure, as observed from its front opening, according to the first representative embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the floating structure, in use within an aquarium, with a turtle climbing out of the water and onto the top surface of the structure, according to the first representative embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a floating structure, in use within an aquarium, according to a second representative embodiment of the present invention. -
FIGS. 1-4 illustrate afloating structure 10 for use within an aquarium or other aquatic setting according to a first representative embodiment of the present invention. As used herein, the term “aquarium” is intended to mean a container (such as a glass tank) in which living aquatic (which can include amphibious) animals or plants are kept. As such, the term aquarium, as used herein, encompasses certain terrariums, i.e., those that are partially or entirely aquatic, and palladariums. - As shown in
FIGS. 1-4 , in the present embodiment of theinvention structure 10 is configured so as to replicate a hollowed-out log. More specifically, the outer surface ofstructure 10 preferably is manufactured so as to have texture and color that are very similar to those of natural tree bark. However,structure 10 instead could be configured with any other structure, although in the preferred embodiments it is manufactured so as to replicate some naturally occurring structure, e.g., in order to more faithfully reproduce the animals' natural environment and to enhance the overall visual aesthetic for the owner of an aquarium or other aquatic setting. - In any event,
structure 10 preferably is hollow and elongated, with one or more openings for fish and other aquatic (e.g., amphibious) animals to swim through. In the present embodiment, both of thefront end 12 andrear end 14 are open, thereby allowing such animals to swim through from end to end. In addition, twoholes left sidewall 20 and twoholes right sidewall 25. However, as discussed below, the actual numbers of holes provided insidewalls structure 10. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , when placed inwater 30structure 10 floats, with most ofstructure 10 submerged beneath thesurface 32 of thewater 30, but with theouter surface 35 oftop side 37 floating above thesurface 32 of thewater 30. In the preferred embodiments,outer surface 35 is just above thesurface 32 of thewater 30, thereby facilitating the ability of aturtle 40 or other amphibious animal (e.g., a newt, frog or mudskipper) to climb out of thewater 30 and onto theouter surface 35 oftop side 37. - In addition,
top side 37 may be configured in other ways to facilitate such climbing out of thewater 30. For example, rounding of the edge betweentop side 37 and each of thesidewalls 20 and 25 (which rounding ordinarily would be provided when replicating a natural log) provides a ramp that is particularly useful for such purpose. Also, while the end edges (e.g., front edge 41) oftop side 37 are illustrated as having an abrupt drop-off in the drawings, such edges instead may be tapered so as to facilitate such climbing out of thewater 30 from the front andrear ends water 30 to theouter surface 35 oftop side 37 from such ends. - Preferably,
outer surface 35 oftop side 37 forms a substantially flat and stable platform on which turtles and other amphibious animals may rest outside of thewater 30. In the preferred embodiments, this is achieved by appropriately weighting theentire structure 10, not only so that thetop surface 35 remains sufficiently above thesurface 32 of thewater 30, and but also so that thestructure 10 is stable in the depicted orientation, i.e., with thetop side 37 consistently remaining the highest section when thestructure 10 is floated inwater 30. It is noted thatstructure 10 preferably has a textured surface, at least on theouter surface 35 oftop side 37, and/or is otherwise configured in order to provide a fairly non-slip surface for the desired amphibious animals. - In the preferred embodiments, the desired stable floating orientation is achieved by fabricating the
entire structure 10 primarily from a buoyant material, such as foamed urethane, with a weight 44 (e.g., made of resin) embedded into or on the intendedbottom side 46 of thestructure 10. This can be accomplished, e.g., by forming the urethane around theweight 44 or else by simply bonding theweight 44 to the inner surface ofbottom side 46. However, the former is preferred for aesthetic purposes. In any event, as a result of such bottom-weighting, the center of gravity forstructure 10 is located at or very near to thebottom side 46, so theentire structure 10 is maximally biased against rolling, and thetop side 37 therefore remains a stable platform. - It is noted that such bottom-weighting can be accomplished in other ways as well. For example, the
entire structure 10 might be fabricated from a single type of material (e.g., having a slightly smaller mass density than water), but with a greater amount of such material provided at thebottom side 46. However, it generally is preferable to manufacturestructure 10 such that thebottom side 46 has a greater overall mass density than the top side 37 (as described in the preceding paragraph) because such a configuration typically allows for a morecompact structure 10 and better control over the shape of thestructure 10 and its buoyancy, and also because such a configuration generally permits additional weight to be borne by thestructure 10 beforestructure 10 becomes completely submerged. - In any event, as noted above, the buoyancy of the
structure 10 itself preferably is controlled so that thetop side 37 is above, but fairly close to, thesurface 32 of thewater 30. In this regard, two factors should be taken into account. The first, already mentioned, is that the turtles (e.g., turtle 40) or other amphibious animals to be accommodated should be able to easily climb out of thewater 30 and onto theouter surface 35 of thetop side 37. The other factor is the maximum amount of additional weight thattop side 37 will be able to accommodate before becoming completely submerged. Generally speaking, the amount of such maximum additional weight will increase with increases in: (i) the total surface area oftop side 37, (ii) the thickness oftop side 37, (iii) the height ofouter surface 35 above the water'ssurface 32 whenstructure 10 does not have any additional weight placed on it, and (iv) the buoyancy of the material from whichtop side 37 is fabricated. In the event that other constraints (e.g., size limitations and required weight-bearing capacity) require increases in factor (ii) and/or (iii) that otherwise would make it difficult for the intended amphibious animals to climb out of thewater 30, as noted above, it might be possible to modify other aspects of the shape of structure 10 (e.g., the degree of curvature of the side edges and/or of the degree of taper of the top front and rear edges) to address this situation. - As shown, the
outer surface 35 oftop side 37 preferably is substantially flat (e.g., with only small bumps or grooves that still allow the intended animals to rest comfortably), thereby providing a good resting surface for a turtle or other amphibious animal. For this reason, at least some portion of theouter surface 35 oftop side 37 preferably is substantially flat. One additional benefit of making the entiretop side 37 substantially flat is that doing so generally results in the maximum surface area remaining above thesurface 32 of thewater 30 when any given weight is applied. However, in certain embodiments portions of theouter surface 35 are provided with larger bumps or other features, e.g., that are desirable to more closely replicate some natural object. - In one representative embodiment, the
structure 10 is approximately 12 inches long and has a cross section that approximates an inverted trapezoid (withtop side 37 longer than bottom side 46), but with the corners rounded, and with an outer diameter of approximately 5½ inches and an inner diameter of approximately 4½ inches, so that the average thickness of the structure is approximately ½ inch. With these dimensions, a base material of foamed urethane and a resin weight attached to thebottom side 46, the entire structure weighs just over 4 pounds, and thetop side 37 can support two turtles, each having a shell size of 4 inches in diameter (e.g., up to 10 ounces in total weight), without submerging or tilting unduly. In this embodiment, theholes - The specific embodiment described above and illustrated in the drawings pertains to a straight tunnel-
shaped structure 10 having sides (or at least a top side 37) that are substantially flattened. In alternate embodiments, other tunnel shapes instead may be used, e.g., using curves, turns and/or more complicated maze-like configurations. - In any event, the
inner surface 49 of the bottom side 46 (e.g., formed by weight 44) preferably also is substantially flat. As a result, thestructure 10 allows certain aquatic animals to rest comfortably within it (i.e., in the water) as well. Also, it is preferable to provide occasional holes or openings in the side walls ofstructure 10 in order to permit aquatic animals to enter and exit thetunnel 52 at different locations alongtunnel 52. Moreover, the use of such dispersed openings obviates the need for openings at the front andrear ends - It should be noted that the embodiment described above is merely representative. Other sizes instead may be used, e.g., for smaller aquariums and/or to accommodate smaller turtles. Preferably, for indoor-aquarium use the length of the
structure 10 is limited to no more than 16 inches and, typically no more than 10 inches, so that thestructure 10 does not take up too much of the available space in the aquarium. - The
holes sidewalls structure 10. For these purposes,such holes structure 10. In order to maintain this minimum dimension, if theoverall structure 10 is significantly smaller (e.g., 6 inches in length and 3 inches in outer diameter) it generally will be preferable to include only one hole through eachsidewall - The
interior tunnel 52 formed by thestructure 10 preferably is wide enough to accommodate the desired fish and other animals, e.g., having a width of at least 1½ inches. Generally speaking, the representative dimensions will be scaled up or down depending upon the desired size of thestructure 10 and, often, the type of natural object that is being replicated; however, the stated maximum and minimum dimensions preferably are maintained. - As noted above, a floating
structure 10 according to the present invention often will be particularly useful in an aquarium. Ordinarily, such an aquarium will be for home use, having a capacity of not more than 300 gallons. However, in alternate embodiments such a floatingstructure 10 also is used in a larger container or body of water. For example, one representative use is in a koi pond. In such a case, alarger size structure 10 generally would be used, in order to accommodate large goldfish, koi carp and adult pond turtles. More preferably, such astructure 10 is large enough to enable koi and goldfish to hide inside theinterior tunnel 52, thus escaping predators, and to enable adult turtles to sleep inside theinterior tunnel 52 or bask in sunlight ontop 35 of thestructure 10. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a floatingstructure 110 according to a second representative embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, thetop side 137 is provided with ahole 155 that extends through the entire thickness of thetop side 137 and into theinterior tunnel 152. Preferably,hole 155 is at least ¾ inch in width, but may be scaled to an even larger size for larger versions ofstructure 110. The owner can usehole 155, e.g., for feeding the fish and other aquatic animals that enterstructure 110. As a result, any food that is deposited intohole 155 that ends up sinking will not sink all the way to the bottom of the aquarium (or other container or body of water) where it often otherwise would be inaccessible, but instead will be caught by thebottom side 146 of thestructure 110 where it can be easily retrieved by the animals it was intended to feed. In addition, by capturing the food in an enclosed container, the food generally will not pollute the rest of the aquarium, but instead will tend to remain there until eaten by the intended aquatic animals. - As shown,
structure 110 also includes asecondary tunnel 160 which, in the present embodiment, is an offshoot of theinterior tunnel 152. Thus, ifstructure 110 is configured to replicate a hollowed-out log, thensecondary tunnel 160 replicates a portion of a branch extending from the main trunk of the log. In the present embodiment,secondary tunnel 160 provides a passageway into the maininterior tunnel 152. However, in alternate embodimentssecondary tunnel 160 is closed off at either of its ends. - As indicated,
secondary tunnel 160 has a width that is substantially smaller than the width of theinterior tunnel 152, thereby allowing smaller animals to use, 160 in the same manner that larger animals usetunnel 152. For example, in the present embodimentinterior tunnel 152 has a width of approximately 2 inches whilesecondary tunnel 160 has a width of approximately ⅜ inch. - Each of left sidewall 120 and right sidewall 125 has only a single hole (e.g., hole 116), due to the small size of
structure 110. However, the single hole in each sidewall 120 and 125 is elongated, having an oval shape which maintains the minimum dimension of ¾ inch (approximately 1¼ inch, in this case) e.g., but having a maximum dimension in this case of nearly 2 inches. It is noted that in certain embodiments of the invention, the holes in sidewalls 120 and 125 (or holes 16, 17, 22 and 23) primarily are used as a viewing portals. - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 5 , thestructure 110 also has been manufactured so as to replicate a hollowed-out log. However, in this embodiment the shape is even more cylindrical, having a substantially circular cross-section. That feature and the presence ofhole 155 makes thestructure 110 shown inFIG. 5 more suitable for applications in which the owner does not expect amphibious animals to climb out of the water and onto thetop side 137 of thestructure 110, but instead, e.g., is intending thestructure 110 for use in an aquarium or other setting where only fish are present. - However, it should be understood that
hole 155 may be provided in a structure that has a substantially flat top side, as instructure 10 described above, e.g., for feeding purposes. More generally, any of the features fromstructure 10 discussed above may be incorporated intostructure 110, and vice versa. Similarly, any of the uses of and considerations pertaining to structure 10 also apply to structure 110, and vice versa. - In the embodiments discussed above, the
structures structure structure 10 and/orstructure 110 is partly or entirely transparent or translucent. - A
structure 10 or 110 (for convenience, referred to in the following discussion as log 10) may be fabricated, e.g., using an injection-molding process. One example of such a fabrication technique is as follows.Log 10 is assembled from two halves, e.g., defined by a lateral slice oflog 10 to create a top half (includingtop side 37 and the top half ofsidewalls 20 and 25) and a bottom half (includingbottom side 46 and the bottom half ofsidewalls 20 and 25). - The mold assembly for each half of
log 10 consists of two halves that fit together, each composed of a hard, rigid plaster-like portion and a flexible portion. The flexible portion is placed inside the rigid portion, and then the flexible portion is coated with a thin layer of resin using a putty knife. This provides a hard, water-resistant outer layer for thelog 10. The mold assembly for the bottom half of thelog 10 is provided with a thicker layer of resin, preferably concentrated at the bottom side 46 (and, more preferably, at the bottom of bottom side 46), in order to provide the desired bottom-weight. - Next, for each mold assembly, the two parts of the mold are assembled, 2-part urethane foam is injected into the mold, and the mold is placed into a press while the foam urethane expands within the hard resin shell. The mold assembly is then removed from the press and disassembled. The corresponding half of
log 10 is then peeled away from the flexible portion of the mold. After deburring, the two halves oflog 10 are “glued” together with resin, thelog 10 is tested for buoyancy, and then paint is applied. - As result, the
finished log 10 has hard surfaces, in the same manner as a natural log. However, most of the interior space of log 10 (e.g., between the wall oftunnel 52 and the outer surface of log 10) is a buoyant material, allowinglog 10 to float. In addition, because additional resin (which has a mass density which is greater than that of water) is provided at thebottom side 46, the desired stable floating position is achieved. - Additional Considerations.
- Several different embodiments of the present invention are described above, with each such embodiment described as including certain features. However, it is intended that the features described in connection with the discussion of any single embodiment are not limited to that embodiment but may be included and/or arranged in various combinations in any of the other embodiments as well, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.
- Similarly, in the discussion above, functionality sometimes is ascribed to a particular module or component. However, functionality generally may be redistributed as desired among any different modules or components, in some cases completely obviating the need for a particular component or module and/or requiring the addition of new components or modules. The precise distribution of functionality preferably is made according to known engineering tradeoffs, with reference to the specific embodiment of the invention, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.
- Thus, although the present invention has been described in detail with regard to the exemplary embodiments thereof and accompanying drawings, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various adaptations and modifications of the present invention may be accomplished without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown in the drawings and described above. Rather, it is intended that all such variations not departing from the spirit of the invention be considered as within the scope thereof as limited solely by the claims appended hereto.
Claims (20)
1. A floating structure for use in an aquarium or other aquatic setting, comprising:
a hollow elongated body that has been manufactured so as to have a top side, a bottom side and sidewalls extending between the top side and the bottom side,
wherein the hollow elongated body is weighted so as to have a stable floating position when placed in water, such that the hollow elongated body predominantly remains submerged beneath a surface of the water, but an outer surface of the top side consistently remains above the surface of the water.
2. A floating structure according to claim 1 , wherein the hollow elongated body is configured so as to replicate a natural hollowed-out log.
3. A floating structure according to claim 1 , wherein the stable floating position of the hollow elongated body is such that the outer surface of the top side is capable of providing a stable above-water platform for two turtles, each having a shell diameter of 4 inches.
4. A floating structure according to claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of the top side of the hollow elongated body is substantially flat.
5. A floating structure according to claim 1 , wherein the hollow elongated body is configured so as to facilitate a turtle climbing out of the water and onto the outer surface of the top side when the hollow elongated body is floating in the water.
6. A floating structure according to claim 1 , wherein the hollow elongated body has a front end and a rear end, and wherein each of the front end and the rear end is open.
7. A floating structure according to claim 1 , wherein the sidewalls are provided with at least one hole.
8. A floating structure according to claim 7 , wherein the at least one hole has a width of at least ¾ inch.
9. A floating structure according to claim 1 , wherein the top side is provided with a hole.
10. A floating structure according to claim 9 , wherein said hole has a width of at least ¾ inch.
11. A floating structure according to claim 1 , wherein the hollow elongated body has a length that is not greater than 16 inches.
12. A floating structure according to claim 1 , wherein the hollow elongated body has a length that is not greater than 10 inches.
13. A floating structure according to claim 1 , wherein an inner surface of the bottom side is substantially flat.
14. A floating structure according to claim 1 , wherein said hollow elongated body is floating within an aquarium having a capacity of not greater than 300 gallons.
15. A floating structure according to claim 1 , wherein the bottom side has an overall mass density that is greater than the overall mass density of the top side.
16. A floating structure according to claim 1 , wherein the hollow elongated body has a center of gravity that is at or near the bottom side.
17. A floating structure according to claim 1 , wherein the hollow elongated body is configured as a substantially straight tunnel.
18. A floating structure according to claim 1 , wherein the hollow elongated body is configured so as to replicate a natural object.
19. A floating structure according to claim 1 , wherein the hollow elongated body defines an interior tunnel having a width of at least 1 ½ inches.
20. A floating structure according to claim 1 , wherein the hollow elongated body also defines a secondary tunnel having a width that is substantially smaller than the width of the interior tunnel.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/381,897 US20070277743A1 (en) | 2006-05-05 | 2006-05-05 | Floating aquatic structure |
US12/656,081 US7918187B2 (en) | 2006-05-05 | 2010-01-15 | Floating aquatic structure |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/381,897 US20070277743A1 (en) | 2006-05-05 | 2006-05-05 | Floating aquatic structure |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/656,081 Continuation US7918187B2 (en) | 2006-05-05 | 2010-01-15 | Floating aquatic structure |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20070277743A1 true US20070277743A1 (en) | 2007-12-06 |
Family
ID=38788639
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/381,897 Abandoned US20070277743A1 (en) | 2006-05-05 | 2006-05-05 | Floating aquatic structure |
US12/656,081 Active US7918187B2 (en) | 2006-05-05 | 2010-01-15 | Floating aquatic structure |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/656,081 Active US7918187B2 (en) | 2006-05-05 | 2010-01-15 | Floating aquatic structure |
Country Status (1)
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US (2) | US20070277743A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN104430003A (en) * | 2015-01-04 | 2015-03-25 | 梧州市景泰养鳖专业合作社 | Manual constructing method of Chinese soft-shelled turtle pond |
US20180160659A1 (en) * | 2016-12-09 | 2018-06-14 | Barry Rice | Reptile hide system and method |
US10172329B2 (en) * | 2016-10-27 | 2019-01-08 | Skyler Szot | Turtle basking platform |
USD1025500S1 (en) * | 2020-11-13 | 2024-04-30 | Florian Schuran | Glow in the dark aquarium |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9629344B2 (en) | 2014-02-20 | 2017-04-25 | Shaun Edwards | Process for utilizing dual use packaging |
US9706757B2 (en) | 2014-02-20 | 2017-07-18 | Shaun Edwards | Process for utilizing dual use packaging for a fish-related product |
US11297807B2 (en) | 2020-01-29 | 2022-04-12 | David Huffman | Ramped platform device |
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US3327686A (en) * | 1965-10-20 | 1967-06-27 | Edward F Holden | Floating island sanctuary for aquariums |
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US20060185610A1 (en) * | 2005-02-09 | 2006-08-24 | Canady Wilbur Jr | Aquatic deck structure |
-
2006
- 2006-05-05 US US11/381,897 patent/US20070277743A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US3327686A (en) * | 1965-10-20 | 1967-06-27 | Edward F Holden | Floating island sanctuary for aquariums |
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US5722347A (en) * | 1995-12-28 | 1998-03-03 | Robert C. Krause | Floating island for aquarium |
US20040134405A1 (en) * | 2001-01-12 | 2004-07-15 | David Lekhtman | Modular scaleable floating system |
US20050145190A1 (en) * | 2004-01-06 | 2005-07-07 | Bagnall Gary W. | Floating rail-guided aquarium dock |
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US20060185610A1 (en) * | 2005-02-09 | 2006-08-24 | Canady Wilbur Jr | Aquatic deck structure |
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CN104430003A (en) * | 2015-01-04 | 2015-03-25 | 梧州市景泰养鳖专业合作社 | Manual constructing method of Chinese soft-shelled turtle pond |
US10172329B2 (en) * | 2016-10-27 | 2019-01-08 | Skyler Szot | Turtle basking platform |
US20180160659A1 (en) * | 2016-12-09 | 2018-06-14 | Barry Rice | Reptile hide system and method |
USD1025500S1 (en) * | 2020-11-13 | 2024-04-30 | Florian Schuran | Glow in the dark aquarium |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20100132621A1 (en) | 2010-06-03 |
US7918187B2 (en) | 2011-04-05 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ZOO MED LABORATORIES, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BAGNALL, GARY WAYNE;REEL/FRAME:017581/0193 Effective date: 20060428 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: EXPRESSLY ABANDONED -- DURING EXAMINATION |