Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
AQUATIC TRAP
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a non-provisional claiming priority to United States
Provisional
Application Number 63/039,029, entitled "AQUATIC TRAP," filed June 15, 2020.
The prior
application is incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Aquatic 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
and fish. A variety of
aquatic 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] Fishing is labor intensive, and there is a need in the industry for
improved trap
designs which can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of fishing
operations.
SUMMARY
[0006] This disclosure presents improved aquatic traps along with methods of
manufacturing and using the improved traps. In some examples, an improved
aquatic trap may
comprise a trap frame. The trap frame can include a floor frame section and a
ceiling frame
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-02-25
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, and
in some
embodiments, the entrance frame can be a self-erecting entrance frame which
lies flat when the
trap is stacked, and which self-erects into a vertical orientation when the
trap is unstacked, as
described further herein.
[0008] The disclosed aquatic traps can allow nested stacking of multiple
aquatic traps.
First, the tapered sides of the traps allow nested stacking of traps. Second,
the ceiling mesh can
be releasable to allow nested stacking of multiple traps, and the ceiling mesh
can be restorable
for trap deployment. Third, entrance frames can also be movable or collapsible
to facilitate
nested stacking. For traps without self-erecting entrance frames, 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.
[0009] The disclosed traps can furthermore include features for adjusting trap
weight.
In an example embodiment, a weight bar can be affixed to the trap frame, and
the weight bar can
include attachment points for removable weighting elements. Further aspects of
the invention are
described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] 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:
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an example trap frame along with entrance frames, a
tensioning element and a weight bar.
[0012] FIG. 2 provides another view of the example trap frame introduced in
FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates the example trap frame introduced in FIG. 1, along
with
example entrance meshes installed at entrances thereof.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-02-25
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates the example trap frame introduced in FIG. 1, along
with
example side and floor mesh installed thereon.
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates an example first complete trap.
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates an example second complete trap.
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates nested stacking of multiple traps.
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates an example prawn and shrimp trap.
[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates an elevation view of the example prawn and shrimp
trap
introduced in FIG. 8.
[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates the example prawn and shrimp trap introduced in
FIG. 8, and
further comprising a collapsible ceiling mesh.
[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates an example self-erecting entrance frame, as well as
a wide
aspect ratio entrance frame.
[0022] FIG. 12 provides a front elevation view of another example self-
erecting
entrance frame.
[0023] FIG. 13 provides a side elevation view of the example self-erecting
entrance
frame introduced in FIG. 12.
[0024] FIG. 14 provides a side elevation view of an aquatic trap frame
comprising a
self-erecting entrance frame that uses the biasing mechanisms introduced in
FIG. 11 and FIG. 12.
[0025] FIG. 15 illustrates an example aquatic trap frame comprising a weight
adjustment system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] 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.
[0027] Embodiments according to FIGS. 1-6 can optionally be used to catch
crab, and
so may be referred to herein as a crab trap. Embodiments according to FIGS. 8-
10 can optionally
be used to catch prawn and shrimp, and so may be referred to herein as a prawn
and shrimp trap.
Embodiments according to FIGS. 1-6 which incorporate wide aspect ratio
entrance frames,
illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, in place of the entrance frames illustrated in
FIGS. 1-6, can
optionally be used to catch flat fish, and so may be referred to herein as
flat fish traps. However,
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-02-25
it will be appreciated that all of the disclosed traps incorporate many
similar elements, and any
trap can be used as desired to attempt to catch any desired crustacean or
fish.
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates an example 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. In some embodiments, a trap frame 100 can be
made of composite
material, optionally through a 3D printing process. 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.
[0029] 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 106, 122 connect to the floor
frame section 104
and the ceiling frame section 102 can comprise, e.g., a ten to twenty degree
angle, for example, a
fifteen degree angle, as measured from vectors extending normal
(perpendicular) from the floor
surface area or ceiling surface area, respectively.
[0030] Circular "escape rings" 120 can be attached between some of the angled
struts.
By Washington State 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. Other
jurisdictions may have other
escape mechanism requirements and the trap frame 100 can be modified to comply
with the
applicable requirements. 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 trap, as shown. Vertical elements 119 can
optionally divide escape
windows into multiple sections as desired.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-02-25
[0031] 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 trap
without releasing a ceiling mesh, e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 5. The
releasable ceiling mesh is
discussed further in connection with FIG. 6.
[0032] 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 braced to the angled struts 106
for better vertical
strength, 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 108 need not
be attached to
the trap frame 100, for example as illustrated in FIG. 8.
[0033] In some embodiments the entrance frames 108 can comprise wide aspect
ratio
frames, with a relatively large width dimension and a relatively short height
dimension, e.g., as
illustrated in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12. Furthermore, regardless of aspect ratio,
the entrance frames
108 can optionally comprise self-erecting entrance frames, e.g., as
illustrated in FIG. 11, FIG. 12,
and FIG. 13. Self-erecting entrance frames need not necessarily employ a
tensioning element
130.
[0034] 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 can 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] The tensioning element 130 can be releasable to allow the entrance
frames 108
to collapse by rotating on the entrance frame hinge elements 110, to
facilitate nested stacking of
multiple traps. Bait may be conveniently zip-tied or otherwise attached to the
tensioning element
130.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-02-25
[0037] In some embodiments, springs or other biasing mechanisms may be used to
bias
the entrance frames 108 into either a vertical (restored) or horizontal
(collapsed) position. For
self-erecting entrance frames, such as illustrated in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12,
entrance frames can be
biased into a vertical (restored) position, and entrance frames can be held
upright by the biasing
mechanism and the entrance mesh. When traps are stacked, self-erecting
entrance frames can be
forced to collapse into a horizontal (collapsed) position by the weight of a
trap stacked above
which overcomes the biasing mechanism. The self-erecting entrance frames
therefore rotate on
the entrance frame hinge elements 110, to facilitate nested stacking of
multiple traps. Bait may
be conveniently attached anywhere within the aquatic trap 100.
[0038] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, 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.
[0039] 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, or, conversely, threaded holes into
which threaded
posts can be screwed, or other fasteners such as magnets, snaps, clips, ties,
slots or the like. In
the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, 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.
[0040] In some embodiments, such as illustrated in FIG. 15, a weight bar can
optionally
be made of a relatively lightweight material, and the weight bar members may
comprise
fasteners such as threaded posts or the like, described above, for the purpose
of attaching weights
to the weight bar, thereby permitting adjustment of the trap weight. It can be
desirable to adjust
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-02-25
the weight of the traps for a variety of reasons, e.g., for different expected
current strength, or to
allow for lightweight storage and transport of the traps.
[0041] 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
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 trap can consist of three, six, nine, or
twelve entrance
frames 108 in various alternative embodiments.
[0042] FIG. 2 provides another view of the example trap frame 100 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, or for attachment of weights as
described in
connection with FIG. 15. The threaded post 202 is one example fastener to
fasten an anode 140
to the trap, other fasteners may be used in other embodiments.
[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates the example trap frame 100 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, e.g., 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.
[0044] 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.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-02-25
[0045] FIG. 4 illustrates the example trap frame 100 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.
[0046] FIG. 5 illustrates an example first complete 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 trap 500 includes the trap
frame 100 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.
[0047] FIG. 6 illustrates an example second complete 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 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 traps, and the
ceiling mesh 602 is restorable for 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.
[0048] In another variation of the illustrated second complete trap 600, the
floor mesh,
e.g., floor mesh 404 such as illustrated in FIG. 4, can optionally also be
releasable and restorable,
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-02-25
e.g., by including a floor mesh drawstring similar to ceiling mesh drawstring
604. Additionally,
the floor frame section 104 introduced in FIG. 1 can optionally include a lid
similar to ceiling lid
150, and the lid in the floor frame section 104 can be in addition to the
ceiling lid 150, or instead
of the ceiling lid 150. By fitting the floor frame section 104 with a
drawstring, a lid, or both a
drawstring and a lid, the second complete trap 600 can optionally be flipped
over to fish in an
upside-down orientation. Embodiments can optionally be configured to fish
exclusively right-
side-up, e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 6, exclusively upside-down, or in both
right-side-up and
upside-down orientations, allowing fishermen to select a desired orientation
based on conditions.
The weight bar 140 can optionally be removed or the illustrated embodiment can
be modified to
support embodiments that are configured to fish upside-down or both right-side-
up and upside-
down.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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
optionally 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 designed to 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.
[0051] FIG. 7 illustrates nested stacking of multiple traps, in accordance
with various
aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure. FIG. 7 includes multiple
traps 701, 702, 703,
704, 705, and 706. Trap 701 is nested inside trap 702, trap 702 is nested
inside trap 703, trap 703
is nested inside trap 704, and so on. As will be appreciated, the tapered
sides of 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 traps 701, 702, 703, 704, 705,
and 706 are not
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-02-25
included in FIG. 7 for clarity of illustration. While FIG. 7 uses the traps of
FIGS. 1-6 as an
example, the prawn and shrimp traps of FIGS. 8-10 allow for nested stacking in
similar fashion.
[0052] FIG. 8 illustrates an example prawn and shrimp trap, as an example of a
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 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.
[0053] Similar to the 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.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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 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.
[0056] 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
the entrance meshes 822 and form entrances into the crustacean trap 800.
Unlike the crab trap
design illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, 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
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-02-25
the entrance frames 810 to collapse by releasing tension on the entrance
meshes 822, to facilitate
nested stacking of multiple crustacean traps.
10057] 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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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 traps, and the ceiling mesh 1002 is restorable for trap deployment.
[0060] 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
trap to facilitate
nested stacking of multiple traps.
[0061] FIG. 11 illustrates an example self-erecting entrance frame, as well as
a wide
aspect ratio entrance frame, in accordance with various aspects and
embodiments of the subject
disclosure. In some embodiments, entrance frames such as illustrated in FIG.
11 can be
incorporated into traps such as illustrated in FIGS. 1-6.
[0062] FIG. 11 includes an entrance frame 1108 analogous to the entrance frame
108
introduced in FIG. 1, a support strut crossbar element 1116 analogous to the
crossbar of support
strut 116 introduced in FIG. 1, and entrance frame hinge elements 1110
analogous to the
entrance frame hinge elements 110 introduced in FIG. 1. In addition, FIG. 11
includes biasing
mechanisms in the form of coils 1150, which may also be described as torsion
springs, wrapped
around the support strut crossbar element 1116, the coils 1150 each comprising
a leg which can
11
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-02-25
extend up a side of the entrance frame 1108 to an attachment point 1151. The
attachment point
1151 can comprise a weld or other means of affixing the coil leg on the
entrance frame 1108.
[0063] The coils 1150 can bias the entrance frame 1108 in an upward / forward
direction. The entrance frame 1108 can be pushed back / down into a horizontal
orientation, e.g.,
by hand or by the weight of another trap stacked on top of the entrance frame
1108. However,
when released, the coils 1150 can return the entrance frame 1108 to the upward
/ forward
orientation. When an upper mesh, e.g., upper mesh 302 (illustrated in FIG. 1)
is in place, the
coils 1150 can pull the upper mesh 302 tight and the upper mesh 302 can "pull
back" on the
entrance frame 1108 to hold the entrance frame 1108 in the vertical
orientation.
[0064] In an aspect, the entrance frame 1108 can optionally be fitted with one
or more
one-way gates, such as the one-way gates 112 illustrated in FIG. 1.
Alternatively, in some
embodiments, an obstructing mesh can partially obstruct the opening of the
entrance frame 1108.
For example, an upper mesh 302 can extend over the top of the entrance frame
1108 and extend
downward to form an obstructing mesh curtain over the entrance frame 1108. The
obstructing
mesh can optionally also be attached along at least portions of the sides of
the entrance frame
1108, in order to better obstruct exit from the trap. In still further
embodiments, which may be
appropriate for some applications, the entrance frame 1108 can remain
unobstructed.
[0065] The entrance frame 1108 is a wide aspect ratio entrance frame. A wide
aspect
ratio entrance frame, as defined herein, is an entrance frame with a width to
height aspect ratio
equal or greater to 3:1. The width dimension illustrated in FIG. 11 can be
three or more times
larger than the height dimension illustrated in FIG. 11. In some embodiments,
wide aspect ratio
entrance frames according to this disclosure can comprise entrance frames with
a width to height
aspect ratio equal or greater to 4:1. In some embodiments, wide aspect ratio
entrance frames
according to this disclosure can comprise entrance frames with a width to
height aspect ratio
equal or greater to 5:1. In some embodiments, wide aspect ratio entrance
frames according to this
disclosure can comprise entrance frames with a width to height aspect ratio
equal or greater to
6:1. Wide aspect ratio entrance frames are particularly useful for catching
flat fish. A variety of
flat fish species exist and are of different sizes. Therefore the overall size
of the illustrated
entrance frame 1108 can range from small, e.g., about one foot wide, to quite
large, e.g., about
three or more feet wide.
[0066] FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 illustrate another example self-erecting entrance
frame in
accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure.
FIG. 12 provides a
front elevation view of the example self-erecting entrance frame 1208, and
FIG. 13 provides a
side elevation view of the example self-erecting entrance frame 1208. The
illustrated entrance
12
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-02-25
frame 1208 can be a wide aspect ratio entrance frame, similar in dimensions to
the entrance
frame 1108 illustrated in FIG. 11.
10067] FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 include entrance frame 1208, analogous to the
entrance
frame 108 introduced in FIG. 1, a support strut crossbar element 1216
analogous to the crossbar
of support strut 116 introduced in FIG. 1, entrance frame hinge elements 1210
analogous to the
entrance frame hinge elements 110 introduced in FIG. 1, and an upper mesh 1202
analogous to
the upper mesh 302 introduced in FIG. 3. In addition, FIG. 12 and FIG. 13
include an example
frame lever 1275 that extends from the entrance frame hinge elements 1210, a
floor frame
section 1204 analogous to the floor frame section 104 introduced in FIG. 1,
and biasing
mechanisms in the form of elastic bands 1250 attached between the frame lever
1275 and the
floor frame section 1204. Example attachment points 1251 indicate attachments
between the
elastic bands 1250, the frame lever 1275, and the floor frame section 1204.
The elastic bands
1250 can be tied or otherwise fastened at the attachment points 1251.
[0068] The elastic bands 1250 can pull the frame lever 1275 to bias the
entrance frame
1208 in an upward / forward direction. The entrance frame 1208 can be pushed
back / down into
a horizontal orientation, e.g., by hand or by the weight of another trap
stacked on top of the
entrance frame 1208. However, when released, the elastic bands 1250 can return
the entrance
frame 1208 to the upward / forward orientation. The elastic bands 1250 can
pull the upper mesh
1202 tight and the upper mesh 1202 can "pull back" on the entrance frame 1208
to hold the
entrance frame 1208 in the vertical orientation.
[0069] In some embodiments, the frame lever 1275 can form an angle 0 with the
entrance frame 1208, as illustrated in FIG. 13. The angle 0 can be between 90
and 180 degrees,
e.g., 165 degrees. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the elastic bands
1250 can attach
anywhere in a radially outward direction from the frame lever 1275, and the
elastic bands 1250
need not necessarily attach to the floor frame section 1204 as shown in FIG.
12. In an aspect, the
entrance frame 1208 can optionally be fitted with one or more one-way gates,
or with an
obstructing mesh, or the entrance frame 1208 can remain unobstructed, as
discussed above with
reference to entrance frame 1108.
[0070] FIG. 14 provides a side elevation view of an aquatic trap frame 1400
comprising
a self-erecting entrance frame that uses the biasing mechanisms introduced in
FIG. 11 and FIG.
12, in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subject
disclosure. FIG. 14
includes a ceiling frame section 102, a floor frame section 104, angled struts
106, support struts
116, and a meshed entrance into the trap, which can be understood by reference
to FIGS. 1-6.
The meshed entrance includes a self-erecting entrance frame 1408, with
entrance meshes
installed, e.g., including ceiling mesh 1402.
13
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-02-25
[0071] FIG. 14 demonstrates the use of two different biasing mechanisms in
connection
with self-erecting entrance frame 1408. FIG. 14 includes a coil 1150 such as
introduced in FIG.
11, and a frame lever 1275 with elastic bands 1250 such as introduced in FIGS.
12 and 13. While
some embodiments can include two or more different biasing mechanisms as
shown, other
embodiments may include one biasing mechanism and omit the other biasing
mechanism.
[0072] FIG. 15 provides a top view of an aquatic trap frame 1500 comprising a
weight
adjustment system, in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the
subject
disclosure. The illustrated aquatic trap frame 1500 can include elements of
any of the trap frames
disclosed herein, e.g., elements of trap frame 100 such as illustrated in FIG.
1. For example, the
aquatic trap frame 1500 can include a lid 150, a top frame section 102, a
bottom frame section
104, angled struts 106 that define a tapered side wall, and entrances. An
example entrance is
illustrated in FIG. 15.
[0073] The aquatic trap frame 1500 can furthermore be fitted with a weight bar
1540,
analogous to the weight bar 140 introduced in FIG. 1. However, in FIG. 15, the
weight bar 1540
can optionally be lighter weight than the weight bar 140, e.g., by making the
weight bar 1540
from a same or similar material and gauge as other elements of the aquatic
trap frame 1500, such
as the material used for top frame section 102 and bottom frame section 104.
Instead of being a
fixed weight, the weight bar 1540 can be a part of a weight adjustment system
that includes
distributed weight attachment points 1541 and weights 1542. The weight
adjustment system
comprising weight bar 1540, weight attachment points 1541, and weights 1542
can allow
custom, reconfigurable weighting of the aquatic trap frame 1500.
[0074] The weight attachment points 1541 can comprise threaded posts, threaded
holes,
or other structures to attach and remove weights 1542. FIG. 15 illustrates one
weight attachment
point 1541, understanding that additional weight attachment points 1541 are
disposed under each
of the weights 1542. The weight attachment points 1541 can be distributed
symmetrically around
the perimeter of the aquatic trap frame 1500. For example, weight attachment
points 1541 can be
positioned at an end of each member of the weight bar 1540, at a same distance
from the bottom
frame section 104, as shown. Further weight attachment points 1541 can be
optionally be
positioned in balanced, symmetrical fashion, on the weight bar 1540 or
elsewhere on the aquatic
trap frame 1500. For example, a weight attachment point 1541 can be positioned
in the center of
the weight bar 1540, as shown by the presence of a weight 1542 at that
location. In addition to
the weight attachment points 1541, the weight bar 1540 can include an
attachment point 1543 for
an anode such as anode 142, illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0075] In an embodiment, the weight bar 1540 can be constructed of the same
material
as the rest of the aquatic trap frame 1500, e.g., stainless steel, or
optionally, composite material,
14
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-02-25
optionally manufactured through a 3D printing process. Threaded nuts, e.g.,
half inch hex nuts,
can be welded to the weight bar 1540 to serve as attachment points 1541.
Weights 1542 can be
configured to removably attach to weight attachment points 1541, e.g., weights
1542 can
comprise threaded posts that screw into the threaded nuts. Weights 1542 can
optionally be made
of rubber-dipped metal, and can comprise, e.g., four inch diameter disks
weighing about seven
pounds. Alternatively, weights 1542 can be made of any suitable material, and
can be of any
size, shape, and weight as may be desired for particular embodiments. A
variety of different
weights 1542 can optionally be employed for different fishing conditions.
Weights 1542
weighing about three pounds to about twenty pounds each should be suitable for
most trap sizes
and fishing conditions.
[0076] While the illustrated attachment points 1541 are on the weight bar
1540, it will
be appreciated that embodiments may vary by placing the attachment points 1541
in other
locations, e.g., distributed around the floor section 104 of the aquatic trap
frame 1500. In such
embodiments, the weight bar 1540 can optionally be eliminated from the aquatic
trap frame
1500.
[0077] 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
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.
[0078] To manufacture 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.
[0079] The frame can be constructed of steel, composite, 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 (or other material) 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.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-02-25
[0080] 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. In
some embodiments, entrance frames can be made of composite material through a
3D printing
process. 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.
[0081] 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.
[0082] 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.
[0083] 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.
[0084] Finally, a dissolving panel of cotton or other material can be attached
as a mesh
section of the trap.
[0085] Methods of using the disclosed 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.
[0086] While various embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and
embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in art.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-02-25
