Picture aquarium/terrarium for a wall or table surface

As an improvement to aquaria and terraria, a relatively small, lightweight integrated picture vessel (10): intended for a simple display capability on a vertical or horizontal surface. It is easily assembled out of two components, a open top picture vessel (12) and a picture vessel mounting unit (14). Integrated picture vessel (10) contains a arrangement of combination air/feeding holes (28L,28R), a background scene slot (70), a access opening (42) for removal of a background scene, a vertical mount suspension lip (38), a set of vertical mount spacers (40L,40R), and a horizontal display support member (50). The invention is a mass producible via injection molding, and can be manufactured in a variety of sizes. Typical sizes include postcard and standard photograph dimensions.

BACKGROUND 
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. 
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES 
Accordingly, the main objects and advantages of my invention are that it be 
smartly designed to safely, efficiently and inexpensively perform as 
either a picture/wallmount aquarium or a picture/wallmount terrarium. It 
is also of a simple attractive nature which lends itself to state of the 
art manufacturing methods available with plastic injection molding. It is 
also simple to wallmount, usually requiring only a brad type nail for 
support, which can be adequately restrained in a common wall surface with 
only a couple of hammer taps. 
In addition to these clear advantages of my interpretation of what a 
picture/wallmount aquarium or terrarium should be, this invention also 
benefits from the following important advantages: 
(a) The versatile design of my invention allows for its simple placement on 
a vertical or horizontal surface. 
(b) It is mass producible with inexpensive methods such as injection 
molding, thus making the invention and its benefits available to the mass 
public at a very reasonable cost. 
(c) It is lightweight and simple to transport even when filled with water. 
It is easily relocatable to another vertical or horizontal surface, and is 
simple to clean. 
(d) Due to the lightweight nature of my invention, it can normally be 
supported on practically any suitable stable vertical surface with one 
small brad type nail, or placed on any suitable stable horizontal surface, 
with no special structural support required. This versatility allows the 
invention to be displayed practically anywhere an individual would like to 
realize its benefits. 
(e) The design of my invention incorporates a readily accessible background 
scene slot which enables the average person to change out a background 
scene in less than ten seconds, even if the invention is located on a 
wall. 
(f) An inexhaustible supply of quality, ready to install inexpensive 
background scenes in the form of photographs, postcards, laser prints, 
drawings and the like are readily available for display in this invention. 
(g) The flush side surfaces of my invention allows for simple multiple side 
abutted installations, for decorative use or scientific study purposes. 
(h) The strength of the materials used to manifest my invention, in 
combination with an interlocking assembly arrangement, protects the 
structural integrity of my invention, and retains the contents thereof, in 
the event of a matter of course accidental drop or tip over event. 
Further objects and advantages of this invention are to provide a self 
contained unit which is producible in various sizes, has a simple access 
for feeding fish, provides adequate ventilation to the contents of the 
aquarium or terrarium, and is adequately lit by ambient light. These, and 
all of the above positive factors clearly define an invention which can 
bring the stress relieving benefits of an aquarium or a terrarium to the 
mass public, in the form of this combination picture/wallmount aquarium or 
terrarium. The lightweight nature and compact size of the unit further 
enhances the options for display, and the benefits thereof. Still further 
objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the 
ensuing description and drawings.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS 
10 integrated picture vessel 
12 open top picture vessel 
14 picture vessel mounting unit 
16 upper overhang rail 
18 vertical interior surface of upper overhang rail 
20 horizontal exterior surface of upper overhang rail 
22 vertical exterior surface of upper overhang rail 
24 integral horizontal exterior surface of upper overhang rail 
26 open top picture vessel removable cover 
28L air/food hole 
28R air/food hole 
30 upper rear interior rail 
32 vertical surface of upper rear interior rail 
34 horizontal surface of upper rear interior rail 
36 backplate of picture vessel mounting unit 
38 vertical mount suspension lip 
40L vertical mount spacer 
40R vertical mount spacer 
42 background scene access opening 
44 lower rear interior rail 
46 horizontal surface of lower rear interior rail 
48 vertical surface of lower rear interior rail 
50 horizontal display support member 
52 lower overhang rail 
54 integral horizontal exterior surface of lower overhang rail 
56 vertical exterior surface of lower overhang rail 
58 horizontal exterior surface of lower overhang rail 
60 
62 vertical interior surface of lower overhang rail 
62F open top picture vessel front panel 
62B open top picture vessel back panel 
64L open top picture vessel left panel 
64R open top picture vessel right panel 
66 open top picture vessel bottom panel 
68 the open top, of the open top picture vessel 
70 background scene slot 
72 a representative horizontal mounting surface 
74 a representative vertical mounting surface 
76 head of a brad type nail 
78 a brad type nail 
80 tank divider 
82 tank divider structural reinforcer 
84F tank divider front overhang bracket 
84B tank divider back overhang bracket 
86 fitted decorative accessory base 
88 representative background scene 
Description -FIGS. 1 to 6 
A integrated picture vessel 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 6, where 
integrated picture vessel 10 consists of a open top picture vessel 12 and 
a picture vessel mounting unit 14. A background scene slot 70 is also 
plainly visible in FIGS. 1 and 3. In addition, a representative horizontal 
surface 72 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6, and a representative vertical 
surface 74 is shown in FIG. 3. 
Open top picture vessel 12 of FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 6 is a one piece, 
watertight, generally injection molded component of integrated picture 
vessel 10. It is defined as having interior and exterior surfaces. The 
interior surfaces are designed to contain a variety of appropriate 
compatible materials, and the exterior surfaces are designed to securely 
interface with vessel mounting unit 14. Clarity through the interior and 
exterior surfaces is required. Open top picture vessel 12 consists of a 
front panel 62F, a back panel 62B, a left side panel 64L, a right side 
panel 64R, a bottom panel 66, and a open top 68. 
Picture vessel mounting unit 14 illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, is a one piece, 
generally injection molded component, consisting of interior and exterior 
surfaces. The interior surfaces are defined as the surfaces which directly 
interface with open top picture vessel 12, and a representative background 
scene 88. The exterior surfaces are all other surfaces which interface 
with the exterior environment. 
A complete description of picture vessel mounting hardware 14 as detailed 
in FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5 is as follows: A upper overhang rail 16, is defined 
by a vertical interior rail surface 18, a horizontal exterior rail surface 
20, a vertical exterior rail surface 22, and a integral horizontal 
exterior rail surface 24. Integral with and perpendicular to rail 16 is a 
open top picture vessel removable cover 26, which extends from upper 
overhang rail 16 flush with integral horizontal rail surface 24, to the 
exterior flush surface of a backplate 36. Removable cover 26 contains a 
air/food hole 28L and a air/food hole 28R. Situated at the interior upper 
rear junction of cover 26 and backplate 36 is a integraly placed upper 
rear rail 30. Upper rear rail 30 consists of a vertical interior rail 
surface 32, and a horizontal interior rail surface 34. 
Backplate 36 as further detailed in FIG. 5 is a vertical member, with 
vertical mount suspension hardware integral to its external surface, 
consisting of a vertical mount suspension lip 38, a vertical mount spacer 
40L and a vertical mount spacer 40R. Vertical mount spacers 40L and 40R 
are the same thickness as vertical mount suspension lip 38. A background 
scene access opening 42 is located in backplate 36. Further shown in FIGS. 
2, 3 and 4 is a integrally placed lower rear rail 44 situated at the 
interior lower rear junction of backplate 36 and a horizontal display 
support member 50. Lower rear rail 44 consists of a horizontal interior 
rail surface 46, and a vertical interior rail surface 48. Rail 44 has the 
same dimensions and orientation as upper rear rail 30. 
As further illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, horizontal display support 
member 50 extends from the outer flush surface of backplate 36, the same 
dimensions and orientation as removable cover 26, ending at a lower 
overhang rail 52, integral and flush with a exterior horizontal rail 
surface 54. Rail 52 is defined by exterior horizontal rail surface 54, a 
vertical exterior rail surface 56, a horizontal exterior rail surface 58, 
and a vertical interior rail surface 60. Rail 52 has the same dimensions 
and orientation as upper overhang rail 16. 
A fitted decorative base 86 is shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 also illustrates a 
tank divider 80, consisting a of structural reinforcer 82, a overhang 
bracket 84F, a overhang bracket 84B, and representative background scene 
88. 
From the description above, a number of advantages of this integrated 
picture bessel become evident: 
(a) The simple design of the vertical mount suspension lip, vertical mount 
spacers, and the horizontal display support member provide for a simple 
interface with either a vertical or horizontal surface. 
(b) The overall simple design of the open top picture vessel and the 
picture vessel mounting unit allow for their mass production via plastic 
injection molding. This in turn makes the integrated picture vessel 
inexpensive and available to the mass public, so they can reap the 
benefits of its use. 
(c) The design, size and sturdiness of the integrated picture vessel allows 
for its transportation, cleaning and relocation with minimal effort. 
(d) The configuration and the choice of materials which define the 
integrated picture vessel result in a lightweight invention, which can be 
utilized in practically any suitable environment on practically any table 
or wall. 
(e) The readily accessible background slot between the open top picture 
vessel and the picture vessel mounting unit provides for a very simple way 
to install or access a background scene. 
(f) The integrated picture vessel is designed for use with the 
inexhaustible supply of quality, ready to install background scenery 
available. In particular, postcards, laser prints, photographs and 
drawings. 
(g) The versatile design of the integrated/open top picture vessel allows 
for its mounting in practically any combination of ways. Multiple smaller 
open top picture vessels can be contained within a single picture vessel 
mounting unit, or whole integrated picture vessels can be sidemounted with 
sides abutted for special display effects or for scientific purposes. 
(h) The integrated picture vessel assembly of the open top picture vessel 
and the picture vessel mounting unit is of an interlocking strong design 
The advantages of this design are apparent in the event of a matter of 
course accident with the unit, where the possibility of breakage or loss 
of contents is greatly minimized. 
OPERATION -FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 6 
Integrated picture vessel 10 of FIGS. 1, 3 and 6 is assembled from the 
installation of open top picture vessel 12 into picture vessel mounting 
unit 14. To assemble as shown in FIG. 2, open top picture vessel 12 is 
aligned between vertical rail surfaces 18, 32, 48 and 60, of rails 16, 30, 
44 and 52 respectively. The exterior of panel 66 of open top picture 
vessel 12 is then slid along the interior of horizontal display support 
member 50, until open top picture vessel 12 is aligned within the confines 
of picture vessel mounting unit 14, with front panel 62F bordered by rail 
surfaces 20, 22, 56 and 58 as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 6. When properly 
installed, open top picture vessel 12 will be securely held in place by 
rail surfaces 18, 32, 48 and 60. In this configuration, open top picture 
vessel 12 can only be removed by pushing it along rail surfaces 18, 32, 48 
and 60 with sufficient force to overcome the coefficient of friction 
between the exterior of panel 66 and the interior of horizontal display 
support member 50. 
Once assembled as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 6, slot 70 is defined in the 
space between the exterior of backpanel 62B and the interior of backplate 
36. Slot 70 is for placement of background scene 88 as shown in FIG. 6, 
having length and height dimensions consistent with the length and height 
dimensions of integrated picture vessel 10. The width of slot 70 is 
designed to be roughly two millimeters. In slot 70, background scene 88 
consisting of a postcard, photograph, drawing or the like is contained 
vertically between horizontal rail surfaces 34 and 46, and horizontally 
between the exterior surface of backpanel 62B in combination with the 
interior surface of backplate 36. Background scene 88 can be changed as 
often as desired by simply pushing it out via access opening 42, along 
rail surfaces 34 and 46 until it can be grasped as it emerges from either 
end of slot 70. 
To display integrated picture vessel 10 on vertical surface 74 as shown in 
FIG. 3, a brad type nail 78 is tapped into vertical surface 74 until 
roughly three quarters of a centimeter of nail 78 remains outside vertical 
surface 74. Integrated picture vessel 10 is then suspended on vertical 
surface 74, via the interlock of a head 76 of brad type nail 78 into 
vertical mount suspension lip 38. Spacers 40L and 40R serve to keep the 
integrated picture vessel 10 stable and parallel to vertical surface 74. 
To remove integrated picture vessel 10 from vertical surface 74, one 
grasps picture vessel mounting unit 14 on the outer surface of removable 
cover 26, and the outer surface of horizontal display support member 50. 
Integrated picture vessel 10 can then be easily placed on another vertical 
surface 74 utilizing the same procedure previously defined in this 
paragraph. It can also be set down on horizontal surface 72 as indicated 
in FIG. 1, or set level in fitted accessory base 86 as shown in FIG. 6, so 
horizontal surface 58 is flush with the top of base 86. 
Illumination of open top picture vessel 12 interior and background scene 88 
installed in slot 70 is possible with only ambient light due to the clear 
material used to construct open top picture vessel 12, and optionally 
construct picture vessel mounting hardware 14. Even if picture vessel 
mounting hardware 14 is constructed of a decorative color material, 
sufficient ambient light would still enter open top picture vessel 12 via 
panels 62F, 64L, and 64R to illuminate the interior of open top picture 
vessel 12, and background scene 88. 
An adequate air supply to the contents located in the interior of open top 
picture vessel 12 is provided via holes 28L and 28R which are located in 
open top picture vessel removable cover 26 as clearly shown in FIGS. 1, 2 
and 6. Holes 28L and 28R provide an adequate air supply into open top 
picture vessel 12 when it is used as an aquarium, for sustaining the life 
of air breathing fish such as Bettas. They also provide an adequate space 
for supplying an external forced supply of air for gill and other type 
fish or life, if an individual does not wish to make a structural 
modification to the unit. If integrated picture vessel 10 is used in the 
terrarium application, holes 28L and 28R provide adequate ventilation for 
plants requiring a moisture, oxygen and carbon dioxide cycle. 
Additionally, in the aquarium application of integrated picture vessel 10, 
holes 28L and 28R also provide a way to feed the fish without removing 
integrated picture vessel 10 from vertical surface 74 or disassembling 
open top picture vessel 12 from picture vessel mounting unit 14. Holes 28L 
and 28R in removable cover 26, are designed and located for equal 
distribution of food dropped into the water contained in the interior of 
open top picture vessel 12. 
To add, change, or rearrange the contents of integrated picture vessel 10, 
one simply removes open top picture vessel 12 from picture vessel mounting 
unit 14 by reversing the procedure previously described, and illustrated 
in FIG. 2. Once separated, the individual then applies the best personal 
methods and tools required to accomplish the adding, changing or 
rearranging task at hand. 
FIG. 6 illustrates how tank divider 80 can be placed in the interior of 
open top picture vessel 12 for segregating fish or other life as required. 
Tank divider 80 attaches and overhangs open top picture vessel 12 front 
panel 62F with bracket 84F, and rear panel 62B with bracket 84B. 
Structural reinforcing member 82 reinforces the top of tank divider 80, 
which insures that brackets 84F and 84B are of a sufficient strength to 
adequately support tank divider 80. 
SUMMARY, RAMIFICAITONS, AND SCOPE 
Accordingly, the reader will see that the integrated picture vessel defined 
by this invention is the embodiment of virtues which finally serve to make 
the picture/wallmount aquarium or terrarium a worthwhile, inexpensive 
purchase for the mass public. The documented scientific studies relating 
stress reduction with observing fish in an aquarium now takes on an even 
greater meaning, whereby an individual can easily display their favorite 
background scene in combination with an aquarium, in practically any 
location the benefits of this stress relief are desired, such as the 
workplace. It also follows that for people who find stress relief in 
maintaining living plants, this invention will be ideal to assist them in 
finding their happiness, by enabling them to display their favorite 
background scene in front of their favorite small plants. The limitless 
supply of postcards and photographs available for use as background 
scenery illustrates the overwhelming display combinations possible with 
this invention. Furthermore, the integrated picture vessel has the 
additional advantages in that: 
it permits the stress relieving benefits of a picture/wallmount aquarium or 
terrarium to be realized in practically any location, and on practically 
any vertical or horizontal surface. 
it provides the mass public with many benefits, which include a low cost, 
natural source of stress relief as documented by official scientific 
studies. 
it allows the owner to benefit from its portability and maintainability 
with minimum effort. 
it provides many possibilities for use, even if the owner has an 
environment which restricts his or her options for its use. 
it provides a display versatility which can be rearranged practically 
effortlessly. 
it benefits from the vast resources of beautiful photographic scenery 
readily available to the public at an incredibly low price. 
it can be arranged in virtually unlimited combinations of display with 
other similar units, or existing decorations. 
it is safe to use in practically any suitable stable environment 
Although the description above contains many specifications, these should 
not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely 
providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of 
this invention. For example, the integrated picture vessel could be 
constructed of a open top picture vessel where the picture slot and the 
vertical mounting hardware are permanently or semi permanently attached to 
the open top picture vessel, and the open top picture vessel directly 
rests on a horizontal surface. Thus the scope of the invention should be 
determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.