Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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PATENT APPLICATION
CRUSTACEAN TRAP
Inventor: Erick Bendure
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] Priority is claimed U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/719,822,
filed
Aug. 20, 2018 and entitled "CRAB POT," the entirety of which is hereby
incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Crustacean traps, such as crab, prawn, and shrimp traps, are devices
which are
dropped off of fishing boats to the sea floor in order to catch crustaceans. A
variety of crustacean
trap designs have been developed.
[0003] The basic elements of a crab trap, also referred to as a crab pot,
generally
include a cage with hinged doors that open inward only. Bait is fastened
inside the cage. Crabs
push the doors open to enter the cage, and the crabs become trapped inside
when they are
subsequently unable to push the doors outward. A long line is attached at the
top of the cage, and
a buoy is tied to an opposite end of the line. The buoy floats at the water's
surface while the crab
pot is left on the sea floor for a period of time. Prawn and shrimp traps are
similar to crab traps,
in that they are generally configured as cages that sink to the sea floor, and
which have entrances
that are more easily entered than exited.
[0004] Fishermen generally load multiple crab or prawn/shrimp traps on a boat,
sail to
their fishing grounds, bait the traps, and drop them overboard in various
locations. The fishermen
may then return to shore to retrieve additional traps as desired, repeating
the operation as needed
to deploy the desired number of traps. They then return to the traps, pull
them back to the
surface, and retrieve any crustaceans trapped inside. They may again make
several trips as
needed to return the traps to shore or to the next fishing grounds.
[0005] Crustacean fishing is labor intensive, and there there is a need in the
industry for
improved trap designs which can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of
crustacean fishing
operations.
SUMMARY
[0006] This disclosure presents improved crustacean traps along with methods
of
manufacturing and using the improved traps. In some examples, an improved
crustacean trap
may comprise a trap frame. The trap frame can include a floor frame section
and a ceiling frame
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section. The surface area of the ceiling frame section can be larger than the
surface area of the
floor frame section. A plurality of angled struts can connect the floor frame
section to the ceiling
frame section. The angled struts define a tapered or angled side between the
floor frame section
and the ceiling frame section.
[0007] The trap frame may be surrounded with mesh, including a floor mesh
extending
over the floor surface area, a side mesh extending over portions of the
tapered side, and a ceiling
mesh extending over the ceiling surface area. One or more entrances through
the tapered side can
comprise an entrance mesh extending inwardly from a portion of the tapered
side to an entrance
frame. The entrance frame can be movable with respect to the trap frame, as
described further
herein.
[0008] The disclosed crustacean traps can allow nested stacking of multiple
crustacean
traps. First, the tapered sides of the crustacean traps allow nested stacking
of traps. Second, the
ceiling mesh can be releasable to allow nested stacking of multiple crustacean
traps, and the
ceiling mesh can be restorable for crustacean trap deployment. Third, entrance
frames can also
be movable or collapsible to facilitate nested stacking. A tensioning element
can pull the
entrance frames inwardly to hold the entrance frames in place for fishing. The
tensioning
element can be released to allow the entrance frames to rotate, collapse or
otherwise or move
aside for nested stacking. Further aspects of the invention are described in
detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Various features and attendant advantages of the disclosed technologies
will
become fully appreciated when considered in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in
which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout
the several views,
and wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an example crab trap frame, as one example of a
crustacean
trap frame, along with entrance frames, a tensioning element and a weight bar.
[0011] FIG. 2 provides another view of the example crab trap frame introduced
in FIG.
1.
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates the example crab trap frame introduced in FIG. 1,
along with
example entrance meshes installed at entrances thereof.
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates the example crab trap frame introduced in FIG. 1,
along with
example side and floor mesh installed thereon.
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates an example first complete crab trap.
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates an example second complete crab trap.
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates nested stacking of multiple crustacean traps.
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[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates an example prawn and shrimp trap.
[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates an elevation view of the example prawn and shrimp
trap
introduced in FIG. 8.
[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates the example prawn and shrimp trap introduced in
FIG. 8, and
further comprising a collapsible ceiling mesh.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Prior to explaining embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be
understood
that this disclosure is not limited to the details of construction or
arrangements of the
components and method steps set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings.
Embodiments of this disclosure are capable of other embodiments and of being
practiced and
carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology
and terminology
employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be
regarded as limiting.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an example crab trap frame, as one example of a
crustacean
trap frame, and FIG. 1 further illustrates entrance frames, a tensioning
element and a weight bar,
in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure.
The trap frame
100 may be made, e.g., of stainless steel, rubber coated mild steel, Polly
Vinyl Chloride (PVC)
coated steel, or other suitably rigid and corrosion resistant material. The
trap frame 100 includes
a floor frame section 104 defining a floor surface area. The term "surface
area" as used herein
does not necessarily imply the presence of a surface, but can be simply the
area defined by the
surrounding element. In the illustrated embodiment, the floor frame section
104 includes a
circular ring at the bottom of the trap frame 100. The trap frame 100 further
includes a ceiling
frame section 102 defining a ceiling surface area which is larger than the
floor surface area. In
the illustrated embodiment, the ceiling frame section 102 includes a circular
ring at the top of the
trap frame 100.
[0022] The trap frame 100 further includes a plurality of angled struts, such
as example
angled strut 106 and example angled strut 122, which connect the floor frame
section 104 to the
ceiling frame section 102 and define a tapered side between the floor frame
section 104 and the
ceiling frame section 102. In the illustrated embodiment, there are nine (9)
angled struts,
although more or fewer angled struts may be appropriate for other embodiments.
The tapered
side between the floor frame section 104 and the ceiling frame section 102
comprises an outer
"surface" of the conical shape defined by the trap frame 100 ¨ although again,
there is not
necessarily any actual material surface, as will be understood from FIG. 1. In
some
embodiments, an angle at which the angled struts connect to the floor frame
section and the
ceiling frame section can comprise, e.g., a ten to twenty degree angle, for
example, a fifteen
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degree angle, as measured from vectors extending normal (perpendicular) from
the floor surface
area or ceiling surface area, respectively.
[0023] Circular "escape rings" 120 are attached between some of the angled
struts. By
law, crab traps must have at least two escape rings of four and one quarter
(4.25) inches in size,
located in the top half of the crab trap. As an optional additional feature,
crossbars 118 can
extend between angled struts, as shown, to form escape windows for undersize
crabs. The escape
windows can be over the entrances to the crustacean trap, as shown. Vertical
elements 119 can
optionally divide escape windows into multiple sections as desired.
[0024] A lid 150 can be attached to the trap frame 100, e.g., by hinge
elements 152.
The lid 150 can be semicircular and openable and closable to access an
interior of the crustacean
trap without releasing a ceiling mesh. The releasable ceiling mesh is
discussed further in
connection with FIG. 6.
[0025] Entrance frames 108 can also optionally be attached to the trap frame
100. In the
illustrated embodiment, entrance frames 108 are attached by entrance frame
hinge elements 110
to support struts 116, and support struts 116 are welded to the trap frame
100. Support struts 116
can include elements extending inwardly from the trap frame 100 into the
crustacean trap, as
shown. Support struts 116 can optionally be vertically braced to angled
struts, as shown. Support
struts 116 can include crossbar elements that support the hinge elements 110,
as shown. Entrance
frames 108 can rotate forward and backward on the support struts 116, thereby
allowing entrance
frames 108 to rotate up for fishing, and down for nested stacking of traps. In
another example
embodiment, entrance frames need not be attached to the trap frame, for
example as illustrated in
FIG. 8.
[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, one-way gates 112 are attached by gate
hinges
114 to the entrance frames 108. The illustrated one-way gates 112 comprise "U"
shaped metal
elements with arms that extend downwardly below the crossbar elements of
support struts 116,
so that the one-way gates 112 can swing inwardly into the trap, but cannot
swing outwardly.
[0027] FIG. 1 furthermore illustrates a tensioning element 130. The tensioning
element
130 can comprise, e.g., a wire, a line, a twine, a cord fitted with a coil
spring, or an elastic
element such as a bungee cord, secured to the entrance frames 108, in order to
pull the entrance
frames 108 inwardly. The tension applied by tensioning element 130 is
countered by tension
applied in an opposite direction by entrance mesh, as shown for example in
FIG. 3. The entrance
frames 108 can be held upright by the tensioning element 130 and the entrance
mesh. In some
embodiments, springs may be used to bias the entrance frames 108 into either a
vertical
(restored) or horizontal (collapsed) position. The tensioning element 130 can
be releasable to
allow the entrance frames 108 to collapse by rotating on the entrance frame
hinge elements 110,
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to facilitate nested stacking of multiple crustacean traps. Bait may be
conveniently zip-tied or
otherwise attached to the tensioning element 130.
[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the tensioning element 130 is shared by
the three
entrance frames 108 by extending between the entrance frames 108.
Alternatively, multiple
tensioning elements 130 could be used, e.g., one tensioning element 130 for
each of entrance
frames 108. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the tensioning element
130 forms a full
triangle. In some embodiments, tensioning element 130 need not complete the
circuit, for
example, it may include just two legs of the triangle and remain similarly
functional. In some
embodiments, tensioning element 130 can include a hook or other fastener to
fasten and release
tensioning element 130 from the entrance frames 108. Alternatively, tensioning
element 130 can
comprise an elastic material to allow entrance frames 108 to rotate outwardly
towards the sides
of the trap.
[0029] FIG. 1 also illustrates a weight bar 140 attached to the floor frame
section 104.
In the illustrated embodiment, the weight bar 140 is a thicker gauge than the
trap frame 100, and
the weight bar 140 is configured in a "Y" shape consisting of three members
joined at a middle
of the floor surface area. The weight bar 140 is attached to the floor frame
section 104 at a
perimeter of the floor surface area. Weight bar 140 members may have threaded
posts affixed
thereto and extending upwardly therefrom. The threaded posts are designed to
fit an anode 142
made of zinc or aluminum. The purpose of this anode 142 is to minimize
electrolysis created by
positively charged salt water moving through the trap while grounded to the
sea floor, thereby
preventing corrosion of the trap frame 100.
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates multiple entrance frames 108 which can attach to
multiple
entrance meshes, as illustrated in FIG. 3, to form multiple entrances into the
crustacean trap.
While FIG. 1 illustrates three entrance frames 108, it will be appreciated
that any number of
entrance frames 108 can be included, for example, the crustacean trap can
consist of three, six,
nine, or twelve entrance frames 108 in various alternative embodiments.
[0031] FIG. 2 provides another view of the example crab trap frame introduced
in FIG.
1, in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subject
disclosure. Repetitive
description of like elements is omitted for the sake of brevity. FIG. 2
illustrates an open lid 150
and a threaded post 202 extending from the weight bar 140. The anode 142 can
comprise a
threaded hole to screw and unscrew the anode 142 on the threaded post 202.
While the example
threaded post 202 extends from the middle of the weight bar 140, the threaded
post 202 can be
positioned anywhere on weight bar 140. Furthermore, embodiments can include
multiple
threaded posts 202 for multiple anodes 142. The threaded post 202 is one
example fastener to
fasten an anode 140 to the trap, other fasteners may be used in other
embodiments.
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[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates the example crab trap frame introduced in FIG. 1,
along with
example entrance meshes installed at entrances thereof, in accordance with
various aspects and
embodiments of the subject disclosure. Repetitive description of like elements
is omitted for the
sake of brevity. The illustrated entrance meshes each comprise an upper mesh
302 having
relatively larger mesh openings, and a lower mesh 304 having relatively
smaller mesh openings.
The smaller openings of the lower mesh 304, e.g., a one and a half (1.5) inch
mesh, can facilitate
travel over lower mesh 304 by crabs. The larger openings of the upper mesh
302, e.g., a four (4)
inch mesh, can comprise a same mesh as used for the floor mesh, ceiling mesh,
and side mesh.
[0033] The illustrated entrance meshes extend inwardly from respective
portions of the
tapered side of the trap frame 100. Inward ends of the respective entrance
meshes are attached to
respective entrance frames 108 as well as the crossbar elements of respective
support struts 116.
Outward ends of the respective entrance meshes attach to respective portions
of the trap frame
100. FIG. 3 illustrates how the tensioning element 130 can be countered by
tension in the
entrance meshes in order to hold the entrance frames 108 upright. Release of
the tensioning
element 130 can allow the entrance frames 108 to rotate outward toward the
tapered side of the
trap frame 100.
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates the example crab trap frame introduced in FIG. 1,
along with
example side and floor mesh installed thereon, in accordance with various
aspects and
embodiments of the subject disclosure. Repetitive description of like elements
is omitted for the
sake of brevity. FIG. 4 includes a floor mesh 404 extending over the floor
surface area of the trap
frame 100, and a side mesh 402 extending over a first portion of the tapered
side, wherein
additional side mesh panels extend over additional portions of the tapered
side. In FIG. 4, side
mesh 402 extends over a first portion of the tapered side, and a second
portion of the tapered
side, immediately to the right of side mesh 402, is used for an entrance mesh
extending inwardly
from the second portion of the tapered side. Additional portions of the
tapered side are used for
additional side mesh panels and additional entrances.
[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates an example first complete crab trap in accordance
with various
aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure. Repetitive description of
like elements is
omitted for the sake of brevity. First complete crab trap 500 includes the
trap frame introduced in
FIG. 1, along with the other elements from FIGS. 1-4 and a first example
ceiling mesh 502
installed thereon. In FIG. 5, the ceiling mesh 502 comprises a web of flexible
cord extending
between the lid 150 and a back portion of the ceiling frame section 102. When
the lid 150 is
closed, the ceiling mesh 502 extends over the entire ceiling surface area.
When the lid 150 is
open, the ceiling mesh 502 extends over half of the ceiling surface area,
allowing for easy access
to the interior of the crab trap.
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[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates an example second complete crab trap in accordance
with
various aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure. Repetitive
description of like
elements is omitted for the sake of brevity. Second complete crab trap 600
includes the trap
frame introduced in FIG. 1, along with the other elements from FIGS. 1-4 and a
second example
ceiling mesh 602 installed thereon. Like the ceiling mesh 502, the ceiling
mesh 602 comprises a
web of flexible cord extending between the lid 150 and a back portion of the
ceiling frame
section 102. The ceiling mesh 602 is furthermore releasable to allow nested
stacking of multiple
crustacean traps, and the ceiling mesh 602 is restorable for crustacean trap
deployment. In the
illustrated embodiment, a drawstring 604, also referred to as a purse string,
can be tightened to
draw the ceiling mesh 602 together in the middle thereof. The drawstring 604
can then be pulled
around the ceiling frame section 102 and secured, e.g., by a hook, to the
ceiling mesh 602, in
order to secure the ceiling mesh 602 in a restored configuration for fishing.
The drawstring 604
can be released to loosen the middle of the ceiling mesh 602, allowing the
ceiling mesh 602 to
collapse into the crustacean trap to facilitate nested stacking of multiple
traps.
[0037] FIG. 6 furthermore illustrates a lid securing device 606 to secure the
lid 150 in a
closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid securing device 606
comprises an elastic
band attached to the ceiling frame section 102 and fitted with a hook, wherein
the elastic band
extends over the lid 150 and the hook attaches to the ceiling mesh 602 to
secure the lid 150 in a
closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid securing device 606
comprises two leg
members which attach to the lid 150, and a third leg member which attaches to
the two leg
members and includes the hook to attach to the ceiling mesh 602. The
illustrated elastic band can
be replaced by numerous other means to hold the lid 150 closed, as will be
appreciated. A lid
securing device 606 can comprise, e.g., a rubber band or rubber inner tube, or
a stainless steel,
coated steel, or plastic hook or clip, or a twine made of cotton, nylon, poly,
or spectra.
[0038] With regard to meshes for use with the traps disclosed herein, the
meshes may
be made of any suitable material, e.g., a poly, nylon, spectra, PVC coated
wire, stainless steel, or
other web material. While ceiling meshes and entrance meshes are preferably
made of flexible
materials to allow for nested stacking, floor meshes and side meshes can be
rigid. Some portion
of the mesh on a trap, e.g., a portion of the ceiling or side mesh, may
comprise a cotton panel
which will eventually dissolve in seawater to allow escape from the traps, in
the event that a trap
is lost or otherwise left on the sea floor.
[0039] FIG. 7 illustrates nested stacking of multiple crustacean traps, in
accordance
with various aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure. FIG. 7
includes multiple
crustacean traps 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, and 706. Crustacean trap 701 is
nested inside
crustacean trap 702, crustacean trap 702 is nested inside crustacean trap 703,
crustacean trap 703
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is nested inside crustacean trap 704, and so on. As will be appreciated, the
tapered sides of
crustacean traps 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, and 706 allow the traps to stack in
the illustrated nested
fashion. Nested stacking increases the number of traps that can be carried on
a fishing boat,
thereby improving efficiency of fishing operations. The mesh portions of the
crustacean traps
701, 702, 703, 704, 705, and 706 are not included in FIG. 7 for clarity of
illustration. While FIG.
7 uses the crab traps of FIGS. 1-6 as an example, the prawn and shrimp traps
of FIGS. 8-10
allow for nested stacking in similar fashion.
[0040] FIG. 8 illustrates an example prawn and shrimp trap, as an example of a
crustacean trap in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the
subject disclosure.
The elements of the prawn and shrimp trap 800 are generally similar to those
of the crab trap
illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, and similar materials and design considerations can
be used. The ceiling
mesh is omitted from prawn and shrimp trap 800 in FIG. 8 in order to more
clearly depict the
other elements thereof.
[0041] Similar to the crab trap illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the prawn and shrimp
trap 800
comprises a trap frame comprising: a floor frame section 804 defining a floor
surface area, and a
ceiling frame section 802 defining a ceiling surface area, wherein the ceiling
surface area is
larger than the floor surface area. The illustrated floor frame section 804
and ceiling frame
section 802 are circular, however, other shapes such as rectangles and
polygons can be used in
other embodiments. A plurality of angled struts 806 connect the floor frame
section 804 to the
ceiling frame section 802 and define a tapered side between the floor frame
section 804 and the
ceiling frame section 802.
[0042] The trap frame for prawn and shrimp trap 800 further includes a middle
frame
section 806, positioned between the floor frame section 804 and the ceiling
frame section 802,
and defining a middle surface area between the floor surface area and the
ceiling surface area. In
the illustrated embodiment, middle frame section 806 is positioned below the
midpoint between
the floor frame section 804 and the ceiling frame section 802.
[0043] The prawn and shrimp trap 800 can comprise a weight bar 840, a floor
mesh 826
extending over the floor surface area, and a side mesh 824 extending over
portions of the tapered
side, similar to the crab trap illustrated in FIGS. 1-6. However, in the
illustrated embodiment,
below the middle frame section 806 the side mesh 824 extends completely around
the tapered
side of the prawn and shrimp trap 800, because the entrances are in portions
of the tapered side
that are above the middle frame section 806.
[0044] Entrance meshes 822 extend inwardly from respective portions of the
trap frame
to respective entrance frames 810. Entrance meshes 822 are wider at the
tapered side, and
become narrower as they extend to entrance frames 810. The entrance frames 810
are attached to
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the entrance meshes 822 and form entrances into the crustacean trap 800.
Unlike the crab trap
design, the entrance frames 810 for the prawn and shrimp trap 800 are free
floating by remaining
unattached to any rigid support struts. Tensioning elements 830 can pull the
entrance frames 810
inwardly, countered by tension from the entrance meshes 822, to hold the
entrance frames 810 in
their fishing positions. Tensioning elements 830 can be releasable, e.g., by
hooking or otherwise
releasably fastening to entrance frames 810, to allow the entrance frames 810
to collapse by
releasing tension on the entrance meshes 822, to facilitate nested stacking of
multiple crustacean
traps.
[0045] While the prawn and shrimp trap 800 illustrated in FIG. 8 comprises
three
entrance meshes 822, it will be appreciated that larger and smaller
embodiments can be made.
For example, versions with six, nine, twelve, or another number of entrances
can be made
according to the principles disclosed herein.
[0046] FIG. 9 illustrates an elevation view of the example prawn and shrimp
trap
introduced in FIG. 8, in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of
the subject
disclosure. Repetitive description of like elements is omitted for the sake of
brevity. FIG. 9
illustrates a sewing line 902 to sew mesh onto the trap frame. In general, the
meshes disclosed
herein can be tied, sewn, or otherwise attached to the trap frame.
[0047] FIG. 10 illustrates the example prawn and shrimp trap introduced in
FIG. 8, and
further comprising a collapsible ceiling mesh, in accordance with various
aspects and
embodiments of the subject disclosure. Repetitive description of like elements
is omitted for the
sake of brevity. In FIG. 10, a ceiling mesh 1002 extends over the ceiling
surface area of the
prawn and shrimp trap 800. The ceiling mesh 1002 is releasable to allow nested
stacking of
multiple crustacean traps, and the ceiling mesh 1002 is restorable for
crustacean trap
deployment.
[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, a drawstring 1004, similar to the
drawstring 604
illustrated in FIG. 6, can be tightened to draw the ceiling mesh 1002 together
in the middle
thereof. The drawstring 1004 can then be pulled around the ceiling frame
section 802 and
secured, e.g., by a hook, to the ceiling mesh 1002, in order to secure the
ceiling mesh 1002 in a
restored configuration for fishing. The drawstring 1004 can be released to
loosen the middle of
the ceiling mesh 1002, allowing the ceiling mesh 1002 to collapse into the
crustacean trap to
facilitate nested stacking of multiple traps.
[0049] The embodiments illustrated herein are examples only, and numerous
variations
are possible as will be appreciated. Variations in size, shape, and weight may
be made. Example
dimensions may be, e.g., two to six feet in diameter. Example shapes may be
circular as shown
herein, or oval, square, rectangular or triangular. Example weights may be six
to one hundred
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twenty (120) pounds, most of which is determined by dimensions and frame
sizing. Frame joints
may be welded or cast, or held together with bolts or other fasteners. The
number of entrance
frames may vary, e.g., from one to twelve entrance frames.
[0050] For manufacturing the disclosed crustacean traps, steps may generally
include
the following. While these steps may be performed in the described sequence,
the sequence can
also be modified as will be appreciated. Also, some of the steps may be
omitted in connection
with manufacturing some embodiments, e.g., fewer steps may be needed to
manufacture the
simpler prawn and shrimp embodiments disclosed herein.
[0051] The frame can be constructed of steel or other material as disclosed
herein.
Floor and ceiling frame sections can be made in their different sizes and
welded together with
angled struts to form a conical shape. The weight bar can then be added to the
frame. The weight
bar may be "Y" shaped or for example a double cross bar ranging in weight,
length and thickness
of steel from one to one hundred twenty (120) pounds depending on the
application (lighter for
sport applications or heavier for ocean commercial applications). The escape
rings may then be
attached, typically no less than two and up to six escape rings, for faster
release of small crabs
and made from the same materials as the frame.
[0052] The entrance frames can be constructed of the same materials as the
frame.
Construction can comprise bending or shaping stainless steel or other
materials, and attaching
entrance frames with hinges such as swivel joints to allow rotation of the
entrance frames. Once
the entrance frames are made and optionally attached, the upper and lower
entrance meshes can
be attached. Side mesh can then be installed, including tapered panels between
entrances and
escape rings. Panels of webbing may be sewn or attached. The floor mesh may
then be attached,
by sewing or attaching mesh to the floor frame section.
[0053] In embodiments comprising one-way gate members, the one-way gate
members
can be installed by fitting them on the entrance frames. One-way gate members
may be single or
double and made of stainless or coated steel.
[0054] The lid can be attached to the frame. The lid can be fitted and the lid
hinges can
be welded to the ceiling frame section so that the lid can open manually by
the operator of the
trap. The lid can be closed and secured in its operating position with the lid
securing device 606.
[0055] The collapsing ceiling mesh can be attached to the trap by sewing or
attaching
half to ceiling frame section, and half to the lid. The collapsing ceiling
mesh can be drawn closed
by a purse string closure in the center of the top most portion of the trap.
An elastic material such
as bungee cord, rubber inner tube or rubber band and a plastic, stainless or
coated steel hook or
snap may be used on the end of the purse string to secure the collapsing
ceiling mesh in the
closed (restored) position during operation or unsecured / relaxed position
for nesting the traps.
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[0056] Finally, a dissolving panel of cotton or other material can be attached
a mesh
section of the trap.
[0057] Methods of using the disclosed crustacean traps will be readily
apparent to those
of skill in the art. In general, methods may include releasing the ceiling
mesh drawstring and the
entrance frame tensioning element to collapse the ceiling mesh and entrance
frames. The traps
can then be stacked in a nested fashion. When restoring the traps for
deployment, the traps can
be unstacked and the ceiling mesh can be restored to its tightened position by
pulling the
drawstring tight and fastening the drawstring in a closed position. The lid
may be opened, and
the tensioning element(s) can be restored to restore the entrance frames in
their fishing positions.
Bait may be attached inside the traps, e.g., to the tensioning elements. The
lid may be closed and
fastened shut using the lid securing device. With a line and buoy attached to
the trap, the trap is
now ready to fish. The trap may be dropped overboard and the weight bar and
tapered sides will
guarantee that the trap lands on the sea floor in the correct upright
position.
[0058] While various embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and
embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in art.
11
