Device for fixing a flexible tube to an aquarium tank

Abstract

A fixing device for fixing a flexible tube to an aquarium tank, of the type including a support element for the flexible tube having a substantially U-like curved shape and suitable to be engaged astride an edge of the tank. The support element includes a first half-shell and a second half-shell juxtaposed to each other to form a housing seat of predetermined section for housing the flexible tube.

1 . A fixing device for fixing a flexible tube to an aquarium tank, of the type comprising a support element for the tube having substantially U-like curved shape and suitable to be engaged astride an edge of the tank, wherein the support element comprises a first half-shell and a second half-shell juxtaposed to each other to form a housing seat of predetermined section for housing the flexible tube.  
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein each one of said first and second half-shells substantially has the shape of a half-tube piece so as to define a substantially tubular housing seat.  
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 1 , further comprising regulation means for regulating the mutual juxtaposition of said two half-shells so as to vary the section of the housing seat.  
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 3 , wherein said regulation means comprise at least one pair of coupling teeth opposed and parallel to each other and suitable to be engaged in respective notches.  
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 4 , further comprising manoeuvring tongues for the disengagement of the coupling teeth of the notches ( 30 ).  
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 4 , wherein a first pair of teeth is formed on a respective edge of said first half-shell facing said second half-shell and a respective first pair of notches is made on a respective edge of said second half-shell, facing said first half-shell.  
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 4 , wherein a second pair of teeth is formed on a respective edge of said second half-shell facing said first half-shell and a respective second pair of notches is made on a respective edge of said first half-shell, facing said second half-shell.  
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 6 , wherein said first pair of teeth and said first pair of respective notches are formed on a portion of curvature respectively of said first half-shell and of said second half-shell.  
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 1 , further comprising guide means for guiding the juxtaposition of said first half-shell and of said second half-shell.  
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 9 , wherein said guide means comprise a pair of ribs opposed and parallel to each other suitable to be inserted in corresponding slits.  
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said first half-shell serves as an intrados half-shell suitable to be mounted directly astride the edge of the tank, and wherein said second half-shell serves as an extrados half-shell placed above said first half-shell.  
     
     
         12 . The device according to  claim 11 , wherein said first half-shell comprises a first branch, intended to be placed outside the edge of the tank and made in such a way as to have a determined stiffness, and a second branch intended to be placed inside the edge of the tank and made in such a way as to have a higher elasticity than said first branch.  
     
     
         13 . The device according to  claim 12 , wherein close to the opposite ends of the first branch and of the second branch, said first half-shell comprises a pair of seats for the insertion of a rubber bulb or of a suction cup suitable to adhere to the edge of the tank mouth.  
     
     
         14 . The device according to  claim 12 , wherein said first half-shell comprises a portion of curvature which connects the two branches and which is provided with a reinforcing pad.  
     
     
         15 . The device according to  claim 11 , wherein said second half-shell exhibits a branch intended to be placed outside the edge of the tank mouth and a second branch intended to be placed inside the edge of the tank mouth and having elasticity different from said first branch.  
     
     
         16 . The device according to  claim 15 , wherein said first branch is made of stiff material and wherein said second branch is provided with an open ring which is connected to the first branch by means of a brace-like portion.