GB2624491A - An osicllating wave generator device for an aquarium - Google Patents

Abstract

A wave generator device for an aquarium with a motor 1 to drive a submersible shaft 7in an oscillating motion. Connected to the shaft is a connection platform 10 for receiving a wave-making unit. The position of the connection platform is variable by an adjustment means such as holes 9 on the shaft to allow the platform 10 to be attached in different positions using washers 11. Alternatively, the adjustment means may be a sliding carriage or telescopic mechanism. This allows the direction of the waves produced to be varied. There may be clamping means 12 to attach the housing 1 to a side panel of the aquarium. The clamping means may be removably attached to the housing 1 to enable vertical and horizontal orientations and it may slide relative to the housing. The connection platform may be ferro-magnetic, flat and disc shaped. It may be made in steel and coated in enamel, powder, rubber or polymetric material. Switch 2 and control dial 3 may vary the oscillation.

Description

AN OSICLLATING WAVE GENERATOR DEVICE FOR AN AQUARIUM

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to wave generator which has means to oscillate and has particular but not exclusive application to such generators for aquariums. The term wave generator should also be construed to include water current generators, and reference to "wave" can be also construed as reference to "current".

Background

Wave generators for aquariums are known. Aquarium hobbyists all prefer their own manufacturer types of generator. A problem is that such wave generators only generate waves in one direction. Most wave generators are designed with an integral magnet inside them and also come with a separate magnet that you put on the outside of the aquarium hence one then sandwiches the glass and the two magnets attract and hold the wave generator in your fixed selected position within the aquarium.

It is an object of the invention to provide means to allow a wave generator to provide waves in a variety of directions and further providing such means which can be used with off the shelf standard wave generators and be used in a simple fashion without obstruction or the need for excessive external components.

It is a further object to provide wave generators which a submergible and whose depth can be varied in a simple fashion,

Prior Art

OceanMotion double rotary unit discloses a rotary unit for a flow pump httDs:/!www.seawatersoftltions.delen/oroducts!2rcearmotion-d * 'nheit-1

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an oscillating wave generator device for an aquarium comprising: a motor, a submersible shaft adapted to be driven by the motor in an oscillating motion, at least one connection platform for receiving a wave-making unit is connected to the shaft; wherein position of the connection platform is variable by means of an adjustment means.

The device provides a means for safely using a motor in an aquarium environment to oscillate the shaft and thereby the wave-making unit. The adjustment means enables the wave-making unit to be used at variable depths in the aquarium to meet the user's requirements.

The device can replicate the swirling and random water currents that fish and corals may experience in their natural environment. The device also helps with the movement of detritus by prevent detritus from settling on rocks and corals within the aquarium.

The device can also be used to disperse food to the inhabitants of the aquarium reef so encouraging them to eat as if they were in a wild environment.

The device also prevents corals from attacking each other by allowing the current created to wash over some corals or anemones which discourages them to reach up or extend and attack other corals.

A fixed wave maker only circulates water directly in front of it and covers approximately 45 degree disbursement whereas the present invention provides a much wider range of wave generation.

The term "oscillate" should be construed as rotating over a certain angle in one rotational direction and then rotating in the other rotational direction over a certain angle and this cycle repeated, i.e. in a similar fashion to a desktop fan that sweeps to and fro.

The motor generates an oscillating motion of the shaft to which the wave-making unit is attached. Preferably the oscillatory motion of the shaft can be provided by various means which would be readily realised by the skilled person, such as through corresponding motor control or via a cam mechanism.

Preferably the motor may be a 12 volt direct current quiet running motor that powers a gearbox to the shaft to provide oscillation through a fixed range. Ideally the range of movement is through at least 100 degrees and ideally through at least 110 degrees angle range.

Preferably the device can be operated at variable speeds of oscillation of the shaft and hence the attached wave-making unit is able to oscillate at variable selected speeds. This allows an aquarist to select preferred speeds for requirements.

The connection platform, or two more connection platforms, may be provided at different locations along the shaft by means of the adjustment means.

Different adjustment means may be provided on the shaft, or by means of the shaft in order to enable the connection platform to be at different positions.

Typically at least one connection platform for attaching a wave-making unit may be located at the distal end of the shaft.

For example the adjustment means may comprise having multiple attachment points along the shaft, or the adjustment means may comprise a sliding mechanism along the length of the shaft to allow the wave-making unit to be attached to the connection platform(s) at different positions on the shaft.

Advantageously this allows the position of the wave-making unit to be changed at any time. For example, as aquarium reefs grow this may necessitate that the wave-making unit is repositioned so that waves are distributed differently to enhance growth.

Preferably the device includes vertical adjustment means to adjust the position of the connection platform vertically along the shaft.

The vertical adjustment means may include a series of holes vertically distributed along the shaft. Typically the connection platform includes a connection means such as a pin or screw means to attach the connection platform to the shaft via the holes.

In an alternative embodiment the vertical adjustment means may comprise an elongate vertical slot with a carriage means that receives the connection platform. For example a carriage means may be provided to run along a slot on the shaft to receive the connection platform. The carriage means may move along a slot to allow selected positioning.

In an alternative embodiment an outer face of the shaft may include an external ridge or rail along which a carriage means that receives the connection platform is moveable.

In yet a further embodiment the shaft may be telescopic enabling position of the connection platform to be adjusted by telescopic adjustment of length of the shaft, or alternatively the shaft may include a telescoping mechanism that has a carriage that is moveable by the telescoping mechanism. For example the shaft may have an outer cuff with a slot through which a carriage connects to an inner concentric tube. The carriage can move and be locked at selected positions along the slot and the carriage is adapted to receive the connection platform.

Preferably the connection platform is fabricated from a ferro-magnetic material to enable magnetic connection of wave-making units. Advantageously many standard wave-making units include a magnet as they are often supplied with a magnetic connection means. Thus the invention makes use of the fact that most wave generators have an integral magnet inside them In this way the connection platform is adapted to interface with a wave-making unit, which is magnetic so that it can be connected to the connection platform without the need for mechanical connection only magnetic attraction.

Advantageously therefore, the wave-making unit is fully submersible in use and does not require any components on the exterior of the aquarium glass to secure the wave-making unit as is the requirement for most traditional systems.

The connection platform provides a quick and easy way for a user to connect their preferred wave-making unit and to change the unit when required. Furthermore, as the connection platform is removable a user can change the connection platform to match the device that they wish to use.

Once the wave-making unit is attached the power supply cable of the wave-waking unit is typically run up the shaft and passes over the lip of the aquarium. It is appreciated that the cable may be secured to the shaft, for example by a cable tie or cable clips. In some embodiments the shaft may be modified to enable the cable to run within the void of the shaft.

In a preferred embodiment the connection platform may be substantially flat.

In a preferred embodiment the connection platform may be disc shaped.

In a preferred embodiment the connection platform may be formed substantially of steel. More preferably the connection platform is formed from marine grade stainless steel.

To enhance the longevity of the connection platform it may be coated, for example the connection platform may be enamelled, powder coated, or is coated with a rubber or polymeric material.

In a preferred embodiment the connection platform may be double powder coated.

The connection platform may include a washer, such as a rubber or polymeric washer adapted to interface with a wave-making unit. The washer provides a flat attachment surface that reduces the likelihood of loosening and also may act to protect the contact surfaces between the connection platform and the shaft.

In some embodiments the connection platform and wave-making unit are adapted to be able to tilt with respect to each other by means of the connection between the parts. For example the connection platform may have slight curvatures (concave/convex) to mate with a corresponding convex/concave surface) of the wave-making unit which provides a means to tilt or angle these two components relative to each other.

In an alternative embodiment the connection platform may connect to the wave-making unit by a joint that enables tilt, such as a ball and socket joint. In this way a user can fine adjust the direction of flow from the wave-making unit.

In preferred embodiments the motor is contained in a housing to protect and enclose the motor components. Advantageously this allows the motor to be waterproof and all moving parts and electrical parts to be concealed from a user for safety.

Typically the housing is a box with a lid and an opening through which a spindle of the motor is located for engagement with the shaft. In this way component parts can be located in the box, and fully enclosed by the lid. It is appreciated that in some embodiments the lid may attach by a waterproof seal and that the spindle of the motor may also project through a waterproof seal to protect the components from exposure to water or moisture.

Preferably the housing is connected to a clamping means that is used to connect the device to an aquarium. The clamping means is preferably adapted to be fixed to the top of a panel of an aquarium.

Advantageously the inclusion of clamping means allows for an oscillating wave generator device to be attached to different sizes and styles of aquarium, by connection to panels of the aquarium that are typically glass panels.

In a preferred embodiment the clamping means includes an adjustable clamp so that the clamping means can be attached to most types and sizes of aquarium. For example the clamp may accommodate panels from 6 mm up to 20mm thickness.

Preferably the clamp is adjustable by means of a tightening mechanism to allow for connection of the clamp to different thickness of panels. For example a clamping plate on a threaded arm may permit incremental adjustment of the clamping plate against the panel until the clamp is securely fitted.

In some embodiments a means may be provided also to adjust the angle of the housing relative to the clamp and the panel. This may be proved by for example a rotatable connecting member between the clamp and the housing. In this way the housing may be enabled to pivot about the clamp to change position of the shaft.

Alternatively the clamping means may be connectable to the housing in different orientations by means of connectors on the surface of either part. For example the device may have sliding means such that the housing that contains the motor is adapted to be slide vertically and/or horizontally relative to the clamping means providing the means to vary the position of the housing relative to the clamping means.

The sliding means may comprise one or more rail, slot or groove means on the housing or clamping means to allow relative movement.

In some embodiments the connection platform may be adapted to be fixed to the shaft at different relative angles about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. Advantageously the different configurations can provide adjustment of the midpoint of oscillation of the shaft relative to the aquarium, thereby providing further adjustment options for the direction of flow from the wave-making unit.

In yet a further embodiment the shaft can be fixed to the spindle of the motor at different relative angles about the longitudinal axis of the shaft to provide adjustment of the mid-point of oscillation of the shaft relative to the aquarium.

In some embodiments one or more coral propagation member may be attached to the shaft so that the coral propagation members also oscillate. It is appreciated that in some embodiments the coral propagation members may be adapted to fit to the adjustment means and/or to a connection platform to remove requirement for additional attachment means and to enable removal when required.

Brief Description of Figures

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, and with reference to the following figures of which: Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 shows front, back and both side elevations of a device according to one example; Figures 5a, 5b and 6 shows examples of means to move/adjust the connection platform (disc) vertically along the oscillating shaft; Figures 7 to 12 show the various faces of the housing (motor-containing box); Figure 13 to 16 shows components of the rails/means to adjust the housing relative to the clamp, Figures 17 to 20 show components of the clamping means; Figure 21 shows a lid that is fitted to an upper surface of the housing with openings for volt socket and control dial; Figures 22 and 23 show the connection platform for the wave-making unit (disc) with washer; and; Figure 24 shows a transformer plug and adaptor.

Detailed Description of Figures

Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 shows front, back and both side elevations of a device 20 according to one example.

Reference numeral 1 is a housing which contains a drive motor (not shown) for oscillating the shaft 7.

The motor may be a 12 volt DC brushed electric motor which is of variable speed and the speed can be altered by the control dial 3 in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction.

The housing 1 includes a control dial 3. The control dial can be used to vary oscillation speeds and is also a switch that turns the oscillator on and off.

It is appreciated that the housing 1 may also include other associated components such as a cam or gearbox components.

The housing may be in the form of a black box that has marker paint sealed on access screws.

In the pictured embodiment the shaft 7 is connected to the shaft spindle 6 by means of a grub screw 8. Preferably the grub screw 8 is an A4 stainless steel grub screw.

The shaft 7 can be connected to the shaft spindle 6 by means of the grub screw 8 at a desired angle to direct the oscillating range to the desired area. This configuration allows the aquarist to easily alter the mid-point of oscillation (see Figure 2).

The oscillating shaft 7 extends downwards from the housing 1 when in use.

A connection platform 10 is provided in the pictured embodiments at a distal end of the shaft 7, but it is appreciated that connection platforms can be provided at different levels or at two or more levels.

The connection platform 10 is shown in the form of a magnetic steel disc at the distal end of the shaft 7 and is submerged under aquarium water when in use.

In the pictured embodiment the connection platform 10 (disc) is connected by a bolt (not visible) and includes a washer 11.

In Figures 1 to 4 the shaft 7 has location holes 9 (adjustment means) spaced along its length that allows the disc shaped connection platform 10 to be located at different positions. This enables the wave-making unit that is attached to the connection platform 10 to be placed at different depths the aquarist chooses. Surplus length of the shaft 7 can also be cut off and disposed of in a safe and environmental way.

The holes 9 maybe threaded to receive a threaded bolt provided on the connection platform 10.

The housing 1 is connected to a clamping means 12 (see Figure 2) which allows attachment by the clamping means 12 to the top of a side panel (typically a glass panel) of the aquarium.

The clamping means 12 has a clamp 16, 16A which includes a slot 19 that receives the aquarium side panel. The clamp 16, 16A has an adjustable screw means 16 with a foot plate 16A arranged in the slot 19 that engages with and is tightened against the aquarium panel. Therefore the device can be used for a variety of thickness of panel.

In the pictured embodiments there are bolt insert points 14, 15 that are moulded into the clamping means 12. The screw means 16 of the clamp is shown in the drawings as being received through bolt insert 15. It is appreciated that the screw means 16 may be received through either bolt insert point 14, 15 providing the option for the foot plate to be located through either side of the slot 19.

A specially designed clamping means 12 has been designed to slide on to the housing 1 on glide rails 4, 5. Typically there are two sets of glide rails that may be provided, one set for rimless aquariums and one set for braced aquariums.

The clamping means 12 can be attached to two ways, either in a horizontal clamping position or in the vertical position using rails 13.

The housing 1 may be slidably mounted in relation to the clamping means 12 as shown by the arrows in Figure 1 indicating adjustment in both a vertical and/or a horizontal direction via rails 4 or 5. This allows the depth of the connection platform 10 to be varied (vertical) and the offset from the aquarium wall of the oscillating shaft to be varied.

With reference to Figures 5A and 5B an alternative sliding mechanism 100, 101 is provided for receiving the connecting platform 10 to the shaft 7 and adjusting position of the platform 10 on the shaft 7 by sliding.

A carriage means 101 moves along a vertical slot 100 in the shaft 7 so as to provide continual and fine adjustment of the depth of the connection platform 10 when submerged in the aquarium. Fixing means for locking the carriage when at the desired location are not shown, but it is appreciated means such as a pin, ratchet mechanism or friction fitting may be used to lock the carriage at the required position in the slot.

Figure 6 shows a similar embodiment to the mechanism shown in Figures 5A and 5B where an internal tube 102 is arranged within the shaft 7 to provide a telescopic mechanism The carriage means 101 is connected to the internal tube 102.

Figures 7 to 12 show the various faces of the housing 1 (motor containing box) and indicate location of a volt socket 2, a variable speed dial 3 that also serves as an on/off switch.

Sides of the housing 1 have slide rails 4, 5 for adjustment of position of the housing along a track (not shown in these Figures). The two sets of slide rails 4, 5 are each provided on a different face of the housing 1 giving alternative attachment options/ A drive shaft spindle 6 extends from a lower face of the housing 1.

Figure 13 to 16 shows the clamping means 12 in different orientations with moulded bolt insert regions 14, 15 through which the screw means 16 can be received. Figures 14 and 16 also show the rails 13 to enable the clamping means 12 to attach to the slide rails 4, 5 on housing 1.

Figures 17 to 20 show components of the clamping means 12 separately.

Figure 21 shows a lid that is part of the housing 1 which has apertures through which the volt socket 2 and control dial 3 extend (not shown in Figure 21 but referenced to indicate the opening through which the parts would extend) and four screw holes (1A).

Figures 22 and 23 show the connection platform for the wave-maker (disc) with washer.

Figure 24 shows and example of a transformer 17, a plug 18 (male jack) and male jack lead adaptor 18A. The transformer 17 has the jack plug 18A inserted into the volt socket 2, such that the device 20 can be switched on by turning control dial 3 and speed of the motor can be adjusted by further turning of the control dial 3.

Claims (23)

1. Claims 1. An oscillating wave generator device for an aquarium comprising: a motor, a submersible shaft adapted to be driven by the motor in an oscillating motion, at least one connection platform for receiving a wave-making unit is connected to the shaft; wherein position of the connection platform is variable by means of an adjustment means.
2. 2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one connection platform to attach a wave-making unit is located at a distal end of the shaft.
3. 3. A device as claimed in claims 1 or claim 2 wherein the at least one connection platform is fabricated from a ferro-magnetic material.
4. 4. A device as claimed in any preceding claim where the at least one connection platform is substantially flat.
5. 5. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the at least one connection platform is disc shaped.
6. 6. A device as claimed in any preceding claim where the at least one connection platform is formed substantially of steel.
7. A device as claimed in any preceding claim where the at least one connection platform is enamelled, powder coated, or is coated with a rubber or polymeric material.
8. 8. A device as claimed in any preceding claim where the at least one connection platform includes a washer adapted to interface with the wave-making unit.
9. 9. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the motor is contained in a housing.
10. 10.A device according to claim 9 wherein the housing includes a clamping means to connect the housing to a panel on an aquarium.
11. 11.A device as claimed in claim 10 wherein the clamping means is removably attached to the housing by an attachment means.
12. 12.A device as claimed in claim 11 wherein the attachment means enables the clamping means to be fitted in vertical and horizontal orientations.
13. 13.A device as claimed in claim 12 wherein the attachment means enables the housing to slide vertically and/or horizontally relative to the clamping means providing the means to vary the position of the housing relative to the clamping means.
14. 14.A device as claimed in claim 13 wherein the sliding means comprises one or more rail, slot or groove means on the housing or clamping means to allow relative movement.
15. 15.A device as claimed in any preceding claims wherein the adjustment means is a vertical adjustment means that comprises a series of spaced holes vertically distributed along the shaft for receiving a corresponding portion of the connection platform.
16. 16.A device as claimed in claim 15 wherein the corresponding portion is a pin or screw means to attach the connection platform to the shaft via the holes.
17. 17.A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14 wherein the adjustment means comprises a sliding carriage provided in elongate vertical slot or on a ridge or rail for receiving the connection platform.
18. 18.A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14 wherein the adjustment means comprises a telescopic mechanism.
19. 19.A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the connection platform is adapted to be fixed to the shaft at different relative angles about the longitudinal axis of the shaft to provide adjustment of the mid-point of oscillation of the shaft relative to the aquarium.
20. 20.A device as claim in any preceding claim wherein the shaft can be fixed to the spindle of the motor at different relative angles about the longitudinal axis of the shaft to provide adjustment of the mid-point of oscillation of the shaft relative to the aquarium.
21. 21.A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the connection platform and wave-making unit are adapted to be able to tilt with respect to each other by means of connection between the pads.
22. 22.A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the connection platform and wave-making unit are adapted to be able to tilt with respect to each other by means of a joint between the parts.
23. 23.A device as claimed in any preceding claim including at least one coral propagation element attached to the shaft by the adjustment means or at least one connection platform.