US 6,672,250 B1Granted

Molded magnetic components for use in aquatic environments

OwnerThomas A. Traylor, Roger H. Traylorinventors

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Abstract

New and improved molded magnetic geometrical components are used as underwater ornamentation to form the scenery in aquariums and other aquatic displays. These modular imitation rocks and/or other shapes, when added to an aquarium will create a natural setting for the fish. These rocks, gravel, reefs, and other water icons are constructed, in various shapes, sizes, and colors, out of magnetizable materials, having north and south magnetic poles. To form the display, a two-dimensional background structure of the display is constructed from a ferromagnetic material. A first layer of the shaped molded magnetic components are then placed on the background structure, with the magnetic component's north and south poles properly aligning to firmly hold the components on the background structure. Then the various molded magnetic components are stacked on to the first layer of molded magnetic components to construct a three-dimensional scene. The invention offers a practical, creative advantage to standard tank display accessories, which will allow the fish to appear in their natural habitat.

Claims12

Dependent claims

An aquarium with magnetic ornamentation, comprising:

a water vessel, said vessel having transparent glass sides sealed at the corners and bottom by a water-tight scalant means, said vessel having a solid bottom, said vessel further having an open top;
magnetic underwater scenery formed on said bottom and partially on said sides of said vessel, said scenery being further comprised of:
a two-dimensional ferromagnetic substrate structure affixed by attaching means to one or more inside surface of said glass sides or said bottom of said water vessel, said substrate structure forming the primary background outlines of said underwater scenery in said vessel said substrate structure being oriented in various horizontal, vertical, and diagonal planes,
a first layer plurality of molded magnetic components of various shapes, sizes, and colors being magnetically attached to said substrate;
a plurality of subsequent layers of said molded magnetic components of various shapes and sizes being magnetically attached to said first layer of said molded magnetic components, said molded magnetic components being stacked on top of each other, said magnetic component's north and south poles being attracted to one another, said plurality of molded magnetic components being tightly fixed in a static position, thereby creating a stable three dimensional form extending from said substrate structure;
and
said aquarium being filled with water.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.