Animal husbandry – Aquatic animal culturing – Aquarium
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-14
2001-11-20
Jordan, Charles T. (Department: 3644)
Animal husbandry
Aquatic animal culturing
Aquarium
Reexamination Certificate
active
06318293
ABSTRACT:
RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present invention was first described in Disclosure Document No. 466,941 filed on Dec. 27, 1999. There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to guards for edges on tables and the like and, more particularly, to a corner guard for aquariums.
2. Description of the Related Art
Keeping pets such as fish, reptiles, hamsters and the like in a glass aquarium is a never-ending task, requiring one to constantly clean and maintain the tank for the benefit of the pets. One fact that rapidly becomes evident to those owning a glass aquarium tank is that the outer edges are extremely fragile. They are easily chipped and/or nicked especially when in transit or storage. While the damage usually does not affect the usability of the tank, it is unsightly and perhaps more important, it is dangerous should someone accidently run their hand along the edge and cut themselves.
In the related art, numerous attempts have been made to correct for the foregoing problems. U.S. Pat. No. 5,809,901 issued in the name of Gutzmer, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,810,550 issued in the name of Gasser disclose a protective table edge capable of absorbing an impact. U.S. Pat. No. 5,488,931, U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,112 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,479,884, all issued in the name of Grosman, describe a mesh cover for attachment to a terrarium or aquarium.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,922 issued in the name of Tominaga discloses an aquarium lid with a protruding longitudinal edge.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,674,758 issued in the name of Valley et al. describes a teething guard for a shopping cart.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,582,739 issued in the name of Givens discloses a removable, protective bumper for corners and edges of furniture.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,576,115 issued in the name of Gordon describes a flat screen cover for an animal or fish tank.
Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which glass aquariums can be protected from corner damage or by which such previously inflicted damage can be covered from view.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the invention to indicate a device of the type disclosed above which avoids the disadvantages inherent in the state of the art. In particular, the device is to be attachable for use with an aquarium or terrarium for protection of the unit's corners.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved aquarium corder guard that is attachable to the unit's corners without penetrating the aquarium's sidewalls.
Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, an aquarium corner guards, as their name implies, is a system and method by which the outer corners of glass fish tanks are protected from damage and/or are covered to conceal prior damage. The outer “L”-shaped portion consists of three layers. First, the outermost layer, visible to observers, is a plastic cover. The plastic cover can be made in a multitude of colors and styles to match either the tank accessories or the room decor. The next or middle layer is a magnet, envisioned to be of the flexible variety. Finally, the innermost layer is a layer of felt to protect the glass of the fish tank from being scratched by the magnet. The inner “L”-shaped portion of the invention is a magnet only. This portion goes on the inside of the tank and allows the outer portion of the invention to be held is place by magnetism.
An advantage of the present invention is that it may be used while moving or storing the fish tank to protect the glass edges or may be used while the tank is in use to conceal prior nicks and chips. Such concealment obviously protects those who may run their hand over the edge of the glass from cuts.
Further, the use of the present invention provides protection for new tanks as well as adding life and usefulness to old fish tanks.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3677433 (1972-07-01), Collins
patent: 3864653 (1975-02-01), Walker
patent: 4576115 (1986-03-01), Gordon
patent: 4582739 (1986-04-01), Givens
patent: 4674758 (1987-06-01), Valley et al.
patent: 4810550 (1989-03-01), Gasser
patent: 4920922 (1990-05-01), Tominaga
patent: 5208084 (1993-05-01), Rutz
patent: 5313754 (1994-05-01), Jensen
patent: 5445112 (1995-08-01), Grosman
patent: 5479884 (1996-01-01), Grosman
patent: 5488931 (1996-02-01), Grosman
patent: 5809901 (1998-09-01), Gutzmer
patent: 5857430 (1999-01-01), Griffiths
patent: 5988109 (1999-11-01), Rofen
Brinegar Robert L.
Cranfill Craig
Gugliotta John D.
Jordan Charles T.
Zerr John W.
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