1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to aquariums, specifically to a novel manifestation of a picture background aquarium which can be displayed on a vertical or horizontal surface.
This invention also relates to terrariums, specifically to a novel manifestation of a picture background terrarium which can be displayed on a vertical or horizontal surface.
2. Cross Reference to Related Applications
I have on file at the U. S. Patent Office the following Disclosure Document outlining a prototype of this invention: #229900, dated June 23, 1989 titled `Micro Aquarium/Greenhouse`.
3. Description of Prior Art
Picture/wallmount aquariums are a unique derivation of the very old basic aquarium concept, whereby one can add a special dimension to the versatility and purpose of an aquarium. By integrating the functional requirements of a terrarium into a picture/wallmount aquarium, one arrives at this invention which is a combination picture/wallmount aquarium and terrarium, ideally suited for either an aquarium of terrarium function.
To the best of my knowledge, there is no existing prior art regarding a picture/wallmount terrarium, or a combination picture/wallmount aquarium and terrarium. There are however, a number of patented prior art examples of picture/wallmount aquariums which date back to 1892. Since the first picture/wallmount aquarium in 1892, approximately fourteen inventors have brought related interpretations and derivations of a picture/wallmount aquarium into this world. These picture/wallmount aquariums range from handcrafted and very ornate, to handcrafted and complex, all the way to possibly mass producible, but relatively complex and expensive. These limitations unfortunately restricted the number of people who could benefit from these past inventions. All these picture/wallmount aquariums appear to be relatively difficult and awkward to wallmount, requiring a strong supportive reinforced surface/a number of nails or screws for securing the unit to a wall.
In addition to these disadvantages inherent in all past patented and known prior art inventions of the picture/wallmount aquarium nature, they also suffered from the following disadvantages:
(a) Limitations of their design precluded their practical use on both vertical and horizontal surfaces.
(b) They were not mass producible by inexpensive methods, thus their benefits could not be realized by the mass public.
(c) They were relatively cumbersome to transport, relocate and clean.
(d) It is evident that they could not be displayed on a common wall surface without having a number of attach points, or at least one structural reinforcing support member behind the wall surface for attachment to. These mounting requirements eliminated many possible desired mounting locations, resulting in a decreased versatility of the invention.
(e) In the picture/wallmount aquariums capable of displaying a background scene, changing of these scenes was a relatively complex task.
(f) For the picture/wallmount aquariums capable of displaying a background scene, the availability of appropriate, correctly sized, ready to install background scenery was limited.
(g) They could not be easily sidemounted in combination with side surfaces abutted, thus limiting the possibility of many decorative or scientific uses.
(h) None of the picture/wallmount aquariums were of a sufficient design, or of a construction of adequate materials to normally withstand a matter of course fall, or tip over event. Most accidents of these natures would most likely result in the loss of the aquariums structural integrity, and cause a release of the aquariums contents into the accident area.
All these complexities and shortcomings possibly explain why all the past interpretations of the best contemplated embodiment of a picture/wallmount aquarium were never a success in the marketplace. It is clearly evident that the mass public never has had the opportunity to reap the benefits of a practical, low cost, picture/wallmount aquarium or terrarium.