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    aRTIGO

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    8 views41 pages

    US20190380312A1

    Uploaded by

    Natalia Nattystore
    aRTIGO

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF or read online from Scribd
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    of 41
    ‘US 201903803 WO 0 0 cu») United States 2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2019/0380312 Al Capodice (43) Pub. Date: Dec. 19, 2019 (91) TERRARIUM AND RELATED METHOD OF (52). US.CL USE cre AOIK 63/008 (2013.01) A016 902 (201301) (71) Applicant: Michael W. Capodice, Bloomington, I ws) (72) Inventor: Michael W. Capodice, Bloomington, 1 7) oa ea ws) 2D) Appl. No. 16851820 sno ormae mel wha cose rpmvisl The he on (22) Filed: Aug. 27,2019 include a tve chanel, andthe top can inelode a Top channel. The op cane supported by the sipport column Related US. Application Data hove the base Apancl can extend Between the tp athe (63). Convination-in-part of application No, 15425,626, bes, being disposed in the top channel andthe hase chant, (60) {led om Feb, 6, 2017, now Pat, No. 10,426,146. Provisional application No, 62/302,270, filed on Mar. 2.2016, Publication Classification ‘and foraing an opening. Another panel ean form a closire fover the opening, with that panel optionally slidable to selectively aevess an intemal compartment ofthe erratum, ‘floater projection can be include on the closure panel and ‘ean engage 4 support rim on the base channel $0 a 10 support the panel and reduce friction of the pane! moving (1) Inecr, relative to the base channel, for example, by supporting the AIK 6300 (2006.01) panel above a channel bottom wall. Related methods of use 01G 902 (2006.01), are provide Fig. 1 Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2019 Sheet 2 of 26 US 2019/0380312 AL B20 e2€ Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2019 Sheet 3 of 26 US 2019/0380312 AL Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2019 Sheet 4 of 26 US 2019/0380312 AL Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2019 Sheet 5 of 26 US 2019/0380312 AL Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2019 Sheet 6 of 26 US 2019/0380312 A1 Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2019 Sheet 7 of 26 US 2019/0380312 A1 Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2019 Sheet 8 of 26 US 2019/0380312 AL ‘US 2019/0380312 AI Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2019 Sheet 9 of 26 Fig. 14 Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2019 Sheet 10 of 26 US 2019/0380312 A1 Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2019 Sheet 11 of 26 US 2019/0380312 AL Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2019 Sheet 12 of 26 US 2019/0380312 AL Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2019 Sheet 13 of 26 US 2019/0380312 AL Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2019 Sheet 14 of 26 US 2019/0380312 Al Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2019 Sheet 15 of 26 US 2019/0380312 AL ~ - ZA Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2019 Sheet 16 of 26 US 2019/0380312 AL Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2019 Sheet 17 of 26 10 143 142 146 146N 0 ‘US 2019/0380312 AI 120 Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2019 Sheet 18 of 26 US 2019/0380312 AL Dec. 19,2019 Sheet 19 of 26 US 2019/0380312 Al Patent Application Publication Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2019 Sheet 20 of 26 US 2019/0380312 Al 70 2990 267 Fig. 31 3990 Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2019 Sheet 21 of 26 US 2019/0380312 A1 vo” FU P ait ‘ Patent Application Publication Dee. 19, 2019 Sheet 22 of 26 US 2019/0380312 Al Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2019 Sheet 23 of 26 US 2019/0380312 AL 530F Fig. 35 G5 \ soiew \ s2vowe 5210W srk 574 s2iw 522 Application Publication Dec. 19, 2019 Sheet 24 of 26 US 2019/0380312 Al Patent Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2019 Sheet 25 of 26 US 2019/0380312 A1 Patent Application Publication Dec. 19, 2019 Sheet 26 of 26 US 2019/0380312 AI 561B US 2019/0380312 Al ‘TERRARIUM AND RELATED METHOD OF USE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 10001] The present invention relates 0 enclosures, and ‘more particularly to @ terrarium for housing plants andlor animals, and a related method of use 0002] There ace a variety of terrariums used to house and keep animals, suchas reptiles, amphibians and fish, 2s well as other animals, and plants. Conventional terraiums are ‘constructed to include transpareat glass so that users ca ‘observe the animals or plants from outside the ferarium, Many terariums are constructed in the form of a box or rectangular shape for simplicity. For example, some are ormed from four glass walls arranged perpendicular 1 one another to form a box shape. The walls are fastened 10 bottom and a rectangular cover rests atop the walls 10 prevent the animals from escaping. The cover typically is fully supported by the walls, und is removable to aveess the interior ofthe terrarium for routine maintenance and elean- ing. This ean be helpful, bu in many cases, acess to the interior from the top of the tenarium ean be limited, par ticularly for tall-walled terraiums. Reaching to the botiom ‘of the ferarium, where most animal waste is disposed, 2 ‘also be burdensome, requiring awkward user orienato andr special tools 10003] Many terrariums are used to house animals that ‘euire certain humidity, ventilation and thermal conditions. While some manufacturers try to address these require ments, adding spevial fans and/or humidifiers, they usually {all short duc tothe size and shape of conventional enclo- sues. Frequently, the add-ons also increase electricity con- sumption, and thus the cost of maintaining the erat. {0008} Manufacturers typically sip terariums in thei final form. Where the terariums are larg, the shipping can be expensive, and the packaging forthe same ean be overiy bulky’ and unwieldy 10005] Conventional trrariums also ean be outfitted with a variety of accessories, depending on the animals, plants ‘and their native habitat. For example, some terrariums ean have lights disposed inthe cover. To power these light, ua ‘eleczial cord extends from the cover and down aside wall, ‘of the erarium. Frequently, the electrical cord is left uncon- ‘ealed, whieh ean be unsightly and ean present safety issues, As another example, a water dish can be placed on the Boor ‘ofthe terrarium for the animals to dink and use. Whi this ‘can be helpful, some animals, suchas snakes, prefer elevated Positions In the terarium, and are less likely to visit the Water on the bottom. AS yet another example, artificial Toliage or trees can be placed inside the terrarium for ‘animals to use. These items, however, can he unwieldy and dificult socure, parcularly where they are sel-support- ing or leaned into the corners ofthe walls 10006] Accordingly, there remains room for improvement fin the field of temariums to provide easier access to the interior, less eluner for accessories, better ventilation, easy shipping, and efficient ue of space. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 10007] A terrarium including a ase, a support column, 2 top, and one or more arcuate panels with a closure is provided, Dee. 19, 2019 ‘one embodiment, the base can include one ot wanes, and the top caa inelude one oF more top channels. The top ean be supported entirely by the support column ata fst preselected distance from the base, [009] In another embodiment, the arcuate panels can ‘extend between the top and the base, and ean be disposed in the top channel and the base channel. A frst panel can include fist and second side edges, separated from one ‘another optionally forming an opening. between the top and the base, [0010] Instill another embodiment, second arcuate pane! fan be disposed in another top channel and another base channel. This second arcuate panel can form a closure over the opening. The second arcuste panel can be slidshly isposed inthe other top and base channels to enable itto be slid over and away from the opening to expose an intemal ‘compartment of the terrarium. [0011] Ineven another embodiment, the atleast one of the first and second arcuate panels isa transparent pancl so that ‘user cat View inside the terrarium to thereby observe plants and animals therein, [0012] In yet another embodiment, the support column can define an interior bore, extending ffom an upper end to a lower end, effectively forming a chimney oF ventilation conduit for the internal compariment. The bottom of the ‘chimney can he open to an underside ofthe base to permit airflow nader the hase aa into the chimney. [0013] In a further embodiment. the support column can include first air vents in the lower end and socond air vents in the upper end. These vents cua be selectively opened and closed to modulate ventilation and air flow through the chimney and thus the intemal compartment [0014] In sl a further embodiment, the interior bore can house an electrical cord andior a conduit which extends ‘upward within the interior bore toward the top. The top eaa ‘include light that projects radiation ino. the intemal compartment, and the eletical cord can be joined with the Tight to power. The electrical cord optionally can be joined with Heater or some other eletscal device disposed in the internal compartment. The conduit ean be joined with watering bucket, which can intermittently drip water int the internal compartment [015] In yet a fuer embodient, a suppor rng can be joined with the columa. The suppor rng can be configured to support various accessories within the tersrium. Tor ‘example, the support ring can be joined with a watering receptacle, a platiorm and/or a perch. The support ring engages the column andl supports the accessory ata prese- lected distance from the base, usually depending on the ype fof animal housed in the terarium. A user can adjust the location of the support ring relative to the column and thereby adjust the preselected distance o fine tune it for a particular animal [0016] In even a futher emboxtiment, one or more spacers fan be used to engage and support the support rings. The spacers also ean selectively space the support rings ver cally slong the support column so that sir vents snd opening inthe column are easily accessible. [0017] In another embodiment, the terrarium ean include ‘base, atop and a support column extending upward from the base and engaging the top to support the top. The top ean include a top channel and the base can include a base ‘channel having an upper support rim. A panel ean be slidable isposed inthe top channel and base elanne. A frst Noater US 2019/0380312 Al projection can be joined with the panel and can slidably hange the upper support tim, [0018] In still another embodiment, the first floater pro- Jeston can support the fone! relative fo the base channel ‘och ha firt panel lower easily eogage a bse tunnel bottom all, and optionally disposed out of ontact oF engagement withthe bse channel bors wall This can enhanes the sliding aston ofthe panel rave the bane channa. [0019] In yet another embodiment, the first floater projec thou canbe joined wi he panel adjacent a pane fs sie ‘ge, eoealy net ist end ofthe pane. second later progcton can be joined withthe panel adjacent panel second side edge, generally near # second, distal end of the panel The eccond fear projection can soppoa tbe panel Featve tthe bse chanel ainent the secon end sich hat the fist panel lower ge minimally-engnges the bse funnel bottom wall, and optionally i asposed out of onct of engagement withthe be channel bons Wall This ean futer eohance the sliding action of the pane rslave othe base channel [0020] In even another embodiment, the first floater pro- Jeston canbe inthe fom of handle sch tata use ean fngige the handle and side the first pane, relative tothe thse chanel and the top channel all while the handle ‘oppons the fist pal lower edge shove chanel boom tv so thi he panel lds fete inthe base channel Optionally, the first floater projection can completely sup~ pert the ist panel ove the chanel bot wal so hat the Fist panel lower edge does not engnge tat chanel boom wall during operation ofthe fst panel, and optionally is Spaced «gap from tit chanel baton wal [0024] "In sill even another embodiment, he fint pons fan be an arcu panel and can icine ait foster proetion that forma handle orented generally vertally Ba fint end ofthe fist pane, well a4 second ster projection at a second eno the fist pane The fist pane fan form a chsire over an opening. The fist Hosier and Second floater projections tan engage & potion ofa base ‘anne and suport substantial portion ofthe weigh ofthe fiat panel so ti first peel ower edge fous above a ‘inne oriom wall ofthe base channel, reducing tion of that lower edge engaging the hase cine so hat the arouse panel opens easily {0022} Insilla futher embodiment, smsthod of wsng the terri i provided, The metbod can include. plcing & Save incning a fst Bae channel. on o suppor sures: joining support column withthe ose, the spon ecm ‘etning an iter bore that forms a chins adapted to ‘conveys iom adjacent the base upward ining atop with the support column th op inching ist op esol top bein sopprt entirely by the support column ata int prosleted dnance from the bass: moving sis ft, planar Sheet inthe fist base chanel and in theirs op channel 0 {eto bend efit ot planar sheet a ft cust panc, fomingan opening beeen fst an second endo he ist sncnt nel and forming close over the oping ith a Second arate panel [0023] The coment embodiments of the tararium and relat mods of provide beni inthe Fld that prev fwsly have boon unachievable. For example, whee the fppor column suppors entirely the tp, no addtional Siw is need support the tp. Thus, the acute panels can be siable and movable reative to the top Dee. 19, 2019 ‘without altering the integrity of the terrarium. Where the support column forms a chimney, tht component provides ventilation that was not previously available, Where the chimney is associated wih selectively modifiable air veas, ‘user can precisely modulate ventilation and heat in the internal compartment. Where the modular support rings and accessories ate included, 9 user ean custom build their own terrarium based on their personal preferences or those of the animals housed therein. In eases Where the support eoluma Jncludes a interior bore. unsighlly electrical cords and other conkuits can be selectively concealed therein. In alton, where the arate panels are iitally provided as Dat planar sheets, thase sheets, as well as the other components of the {emariua can be shipped ia a relatively Mat, manageable configuration and in associated packaging. [0024] These and other objects, advantages, and features ‘of the invention will be mote fully understood ane appre- ciated by reference to the description ofthe curent embod ‘meat and the drawings. [002S] Before the embodiments of the invention are ‘explained in dol it is to be understood thatthe invention is not limited to the deals of operation orto the details of constriction and the artangement of the components set {orth in the following description or illustrated inthe draw ings. The invention may be implemented in various oth ‘embodiments and of being practiced or being earied out sltemative ways not expressly disclosed herein, Aso, itis t0 be understood that the phraseology and terminology used hercin are forthe purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “eompris- jing” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items Tisted thereafter and equivalents thereof as wel as aalitional items and equivalents thereof, Further, enameration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless chenwise expressly stated, the use of enumeration shoud ‘not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific fonder of number of components. Nor should the tse of ‘enumeration be construed as excluding from the scope ofthe invention any additional steps or components that might be ‘combined wit or into the enumerated steps or components BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a terrarium of a ceurtent embodiment in an open mode: [0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the terarium in a elosed mode: [0028] FIG. 2s a section view ofa top and panels of the {errarium taken slong fine 2A-2A in FIG. 2 [029] FIG. 3 is a wp view of a base and a top of the [0030] FIG. 4 isa bottom view of the base; [031] FIG. 5 isa perspective view of a support column installed relative tothe base [0032] FIG. 6 isa perspective view ofa lower ventilation ‘nit being installed On the support column [0033] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a spacer being ingaled on the support columns [034] FIG. 8 isa perspective view of sopport ring joined ‘with a platform being installed on the support column [035] "FIG. 9 isa perspective view of an upper ventilation ‘unit being installed on the support columns [0036] FIG. 10s. perspective view ofthe support column being occupied by differnt suppor rings, accessories and ventilation units; US 2019/0380312 Al 10037] FIG. 11 isa perspective view ofa locking meee soe that prevents the top Som rating relative to the support column; 10038] FIG. 12 isa perspective view ofa bedding barter Placed adjacent channels ofthe base 10039] FIG. 13 is @ top perspective view of the top Including hts [0040] FG. 14 a ponpectve view ofa Mt, plana sheet ‘of polymerie material belore installation relative tothe op and bases [0041] FG, 18 i « perspective view of the Ht, planae shoot being moved ina channe ofthe Base soa o ena the fat plana sect into fst arevate pans [0042] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an intoduoee ‘hanno within which arente shoes can be installed relative to a foto channel: 10043] "1G, 17 perspective view of stop in the base ‘hana in relation to an aeuate panel, 10044} FIG. 18 sa perspective view ofthe tearm with the frst arcuate pane fully installed thei: 0045] FIG. 19 i a perspective view ofa second arcuate panel being installed in another base channel, and being Introduced thereto through the inducer chanel, 10045} FIG. 20 sa perspective view of the second arcuate panel closing a closure formed by the fist arcuate panel, [0047] FIG. 21 is 8 perspective view of panel lok tht prevets the second aeuste pane! from being opened ea tive to the opening: 0048) FIG. 22 is 9 top rear porpective view of the teearinm in a close mode [0049] FIG. 23 is a front view of the terrarium in the ‘closed mode: [0050] FIG. 24 isa rearview of the terarium inthe closed mode: [0051] FIG. 25 is a teft side view of the terrarium in a ‘closed mode, the right side being « mirror image thereof, [0082] FIG. 26 isa perspective view of a first altemative ‘embostiment of the terrarium within eletrcal devi being installed through the support calm 10053] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of thereof, with a ‘concealer spacer disposed adjacent an electrical cord ofthe ‘devi: 10054) FIG. 28is.a perspective view thereof with a conduit being disposed ia the support columa and projecting out therefeom: [W055] FIG. 29 ia perspective view ofthe first alternative ‘embodiment of the terisium with fat planar sheet of ‘material about to be installed therein; 10056] FIG. 30 sa perspective view ofthe first alternative ‘embodiment of the terrarium, with all areuate panels installed, and fully forming an internal compartment therein: [0087] FIG. 31 isa top plan view of a second altemative ‘embodiment, illustrating hinged panel doors for access to the intemal compartment ofthe terrarium; {0058} FIG. 32 is «top plan view of a third altemstive ‘embodiment, illustating «single arcuate panel and a hinged pane} for aecess to the internal comparment of the ter 10059] FIG. 33 is a front view of @ fourth altemative ‘embodiment including multiple, non-central support col 0060] FIG. 34 isa top plan view of the support columns ‘and associated arcuate panel Dee. 19, 2019 [0061] FIG. 38s a perspective view ofthe fith alternative embodiment of the terrarium, with all arcuate panels installed, and illustrating a frst foster projection that sup- ports a closure panel ata first ead within a base channel [0062] FIG. 36 is another perspective view there, illus- {nating a second Moater projection that supports the closure ‘panel ata second end within the base channel [0063] FIG. 37 is atop view of the terarium with 9 top ‘emoved from the closure pane and other panes, ustrating the top channel of atop of the teariums and [0064] FIG. 38 isa perspective view ofthe era the top removed, illustating another fixed panel DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS, [0065] _A current embodiment ofthe terrarium islstated in FIGS. 1-21, and generally designated 10. The terrarium can include a base 20, top 30 anda support column 40. The support column can be conligured to define an interior bore 43 that extends from a fist or lower end to a second or ‘upper aad 42. The interior bore 43 can fom a chimney within the confines of the terarium. This chimney can provide Venilation and can circulate air within the intemal ‘compartment $0 of the terarium via a system of one oF more vents, for example lower and upper vents 41V and 42V. The support column 40 also can be constructed so that it sub- ‘Stantially entirely sports the top 30 relative to the base 20, holding the top a fist preselected distance DI therefrom. ‘The support column can support optionally 95%-100% of the weight of the top 30, while the one oF more arcuate pancls 61 and 62 optionally can support $%0% of the ‘weight ofthe top 30 [0066] The arcuate panels themselves can be constructed initially a Nat, planar sheets of misteial. When the Mat sheets are initially slid into respective channels of the top ‘and the base, the sheets bend and conform to an arcuate shape, thereby foming the arcuate panels 61 and 62. The ‘arcuate panels can be configured 0 that the fst arcuate panel 61, after installation, remains substantially stationary relative fo its channel, a8 Well a8 the top and the base. This fist arcuate ponel also can form an opening 990 between its Jeft and sight side edges 61L and 61R, as shown in FIG. 1 The second arcuste panel 62 can form a elosute over this ‘opening as shown in FIGS, 2 and 22-24, Optionally, the sovond! arcuate panel 62 can slide relative w the top and base, generally parallel o the first panel, to open and close the opening 900. [0067] As used herein, a terarium ean refer to a vivarium Tor animals andor plans, optionally including atleast one transparent panel so the same can be viewed by a user The terrarium herein can be used with any type of amphibian oF replile, such as lizands, frogs, snakes, alligators, salaman- ers, newts al the like. The terrarium also can be used with aguatc animals, such as various types of fish and the like ‘The terrarium can be used with land dwelling oF wee

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