GB2511271A

GB2511271A - Trapping arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2511271A
Application number: GB201116244A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Leo William Julies Pope
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-09-20
Filing date: 2011-09-20
Publication date: 2014-09-03
Anticipated expiration: 2031-09-20
Also published as: GB2511271B; GB201116244D0

Abstract

A trapping device for trapping shellfish comprising a first frame (10, fig 1) having a plurality of rigidly coupled frame members 11-1, 11-2 and a second frame (20, fig 1) having a plurality of smaller frame members interconnected by a net 30. The second frame is reconfigurable between a collapsed configuration in which the second frame extends within the first frame for storage, and an extended configuration in which it extends from the first frame to define one or more trapping enclosures for the shellfish. Preferably the device is provided with a plurality of partitions between the respective frames to define a plurality of trap enclosures. Preferably the frame members are hollow and provided with air holes to aid buoyancy. The device preferably comprises a grapple for securing the device on the seabed of other surface.

Description

Trapping Arrangement The present invention relates to a trapping arrangement and particularly, but not exclusively to a trapping arrangement for trapping shellfish.

Shellfish such as crabs and lobsters are typically caught in heavy rigid cages, or so-called pots, which are lowered upon a seabed from a fishing vessel and then left for a period. The shellfish which become lured into the pots subsequently become trapped.

The pots and thus the trapped shellfish are then returned to a fishing vessel and the shell fish are emptied onto the deck of the vessel for separating and sorting into various chambers of the vessel.

The shellfish are typically caught in cold waters in often hazardous conditions and as such it can be difficult to manoeuvre the pots upon the vessel, particularly when water upon the pots freezes and couples several together. Moreover, the pots are known to take up a significant space upon vessels and as such it is often difficult to readily secure and unsecure the pots as necessary.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a trapping arrangement for trapping shellfish, the arrangement comprising a first frame and a second frame, the second frame being reconfigurable between a collapsed configuration in which the second frame extends within the first frame, and an extended configuration in which the second frame extends from the first frame to define at least one trapping enclosure.

Advantageously, the reconfigurable nature of the second frame provides for a large trapping enclosure for trapping shellfish, when arranged in an extended configuration, whereas the retracted configuration provides for a reduced volume of the arrangement when arranged upon a deck of a fishing vessel, for example. The arrangement thus provides for an increased trapping enclosure volume, for trapping additional shellfish, while also reducing the occupied deck space of the vessel.

Preferably, the second frame comprises a plurality of frame members which are moveable with respect to each other and the first frame and are arranged to stack within the first frame. In contrast, the first frame preferably comprises a plurality of frame members which are substantially rigidly coupled.

Preferably, the frame members of the arrangement are arranged to extend in substantially parallel planes and are orientated such that a normal to each plane extends substantially along a longitudinal axis of the arrangement.

Preferably, the arrangement further comprises a cover which is arranged to extend over the first and second frames to define a first enclosure and a second enclosure, respectively. The cover is preferably arranged to couple the frame members of the second frame with the frame members of the first frame, and preferably comprises a netting or similar. In this manner, the cover and orientation of frame members of the second frame are arranged to provide a concertina-like movement of the second enclosure between the retracted and extended configuration.

Preferably, the first and second enclosures are arranged to cooperate to define the at least one trapping enclosure which extends along a length of the arrangement.

Alternatively, the arrangement further comprises a plurality of partitions which separately extend between respective frame members, to define a plurality of trapping enclosures therebetween.

The or each trapping enclosure preferably comprises at least one opening which permits shellfish and the like to pass into the or each respective trapping enclosure, and substantially prevent shellfish from passing out therefrom. Preferably, the or each opening comprises a plurality of projections disposed around a periphery thereof which extend into the enclosure. The projections preferably converge in a direction which is into the respective trapping enclosure, to substantially restrict the size of the opening from within the trapping enclosure.

The frame members of the first and second frames, preferably separately comprise a base portion and a support portion which is arranged to extend from the base.

Preferably, the support portion of at least one frame member comprises buoyancy means for suitably orientating the arrangement in water.

The frame members are preferably hollow and the buoyancy means preferably comprises an air filled section of the support portion. Preferably, the base portion and at least a portion of the support portion comprises a plurality of apertures for releasing air within the respective base and support portion, so that water for example, can pass into the respective portions through the apertures to weigh down the respective frame member.

The arrangement preferably further comprises a grapple for securing the arrangement upon a seabed for example. Preferably, the grapple is arranged to extend from the underside of the frame to secure the first frame, namely the rear of the arrangement, during use. The arrangement preferably comprises or further comprises a grapple disposed upon the frame member of the second frame, which is arranged to extend furthermost from the first frame, and is arranged to secure the front of the arrangement during use.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a trapping arrangement arranged according to an embodiment of the present invention, arranged in an extended configuration; Figure 2 is a perspective view the trapping arrangement illustrated in figure 1, arranged in a retracted configuration; Figure 3 is a magnified view of a portion of a frame member; Figure 4 is a magnified view of an opening to a trapping enclosure; Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of the trapping arrangement illustrated in figure 1 comprising a single elongate trapping enclosure; Figure 6a is a perspective view of the trapping arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention being deployed upon a seabed; Figure 6b is a perspective view of the trapping arrangement illustrated in figure 6a being recovered from a seabed; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a trapping arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention being unloaded of shellfish; and, Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of the trapping arrangement illustrated in figure 1 comprising a plurality of trapping enclosures; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a stacked arrangement of trapping arrangements.

Referring to figures 1 and 2 of the drawings there is illustrated a trapping arrangement T according to a first embodiment of the present invention arranged in an extended and retracted configuration, respectively. The arrangement comprises a first frame 10, a second frame 20 and a cover 30, and is arranged for catching shell fish, such as crabs.

The first frame 10 comprises two frame members 11-1, 11-2 arranged to extend in substantially parallel planes. Each frame member 11 is substantially D-shaped, and comprises a linear base portion 11 a and an arcuate support portion 11 b which extends along an arcto eitherend of the base portion ha. Theframe members 11 areformed of a hollow tube and comprise a plurality of apertures 110 for passing fluids, namely air A and water W, between the interior and exterior of the hollow tube as illustrated in figure 3 of the drawings. The first frame 10 further comprises support braces 12 which extend between the frame members 11 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the planes of the frame members 11. The support braces 12 serve to rigidly couple the frame members 11 to form a substantially rigid frame 10 for housing the second frame 20 when in the retracted configuration.

The second frame 20 similarly comprises a plurality of frame members 21 arranged to extend in substantially parallel planes. Each frame member 21 is substantially D-shaped and comprises a linear base portion 21a and a curved support portion 21b which extends along an arc to either end of the base portion 21a, and are sized to fit within the structure of the first frame 10. The relative size of the first and second frame members 11, 21 enables the second frame 20 to stack within the first frame 10 in the retracted configuration. Each of the frame members 21 are similarly formed of a hollow tube and comprise a plurality of apertures 210 for passing fluids, namely air A and water W, between the interior and exterior thereof The cover 30 is formed of netting material and is arranged to extend around an interior of the first frame 10 and the second frame 20 to define a trapping enclosure E. The cover 30 is secured to each frame member 11, 21 of the first and second frames 10, 20 and is thus arranged to couple the frame members 11, 21 of the arrangement I together. The cover 30 is closed at a distal end of the arrangement T, namely at frame member 21-1 which is arranged to extend furthermost from the first frame 10. The proximal end of the cover 30 is coupled to an internal periphery of the proximal frame member 11-2 to define an aperture 32 through which shellfish may be removed.

The trapping arrangement T further comprises a door 40 as illustrated in figure 4 of the drawings, disposed at the proximal end of the arrangement 1, which is reconfigurable between a closed configuration, in which the aperture 32 is substantially closed to define the trapping enclosure E, and an open configuration in which the aperture 32 is substantially open so that shellfish may be removed therefrom. The door 40 comprises a door frame 41 of substantially the same size and shape as the frame members 11 of the first frame 10, and a cover 42, such as a netting, which extends across the door frame 41. The door frame 41 is hingedly coupled to the distal frame member 11-2 of the first frame 10 and secured in the closed configuration, by locking means, such as a latch 43.

The cover 30 comprises a plurality of openings 31 disposed along the length thereof, as illustrated in figure 5 which permit shellfish and the like to pass into the trapping enclosure E. Referring to figure 4 of the drawings, the openings 31 comprises a plurality of projections 32 disposed around a periphery thereof which permit shellfish to enter the enclosure E but which substantially prevent shellfish from passing out therefrom. The projections 32 extend into the trapping enclosure E and converge in a direction which is into the trapping enclosure E, to substantially restrict the size of the opening 31 from within the trapping enclosure E. The trapping arrangement T further comprises a first and second grapple 50a, 5Db for securing the arrangement upon a seabed, as illustrated in figures 6a and 6b of the drawings. The first grapple 50a comprises a pair of barbs 51 which extend downwardly from the underside of the base portion 11 a of the proximal frame member 11-2. The barbs 51 are arranged to penetrate the sea bed for example to securely hold the arrangement T in place. The second grapple SOb comprises a substantially triangular frame 52 which is hingedly coupled to the base portion 21a of the distal frame member 21-1. An apex 53 of the second grapple SOb is arranged to extend away from the base portion 21a and is coupled to a tether 60, such as a chain or rope for securing the arrangement to a fishing vessel 70, for example. The grapple SOb is arranged to pivot about the base portion 21a of the distal frame member 21-1 to come to rest upon the sea bed, for example. The weight of the grapple SOb is further arranged to bias the grapple SOb into the sea bed to anchor the arrangement T in place. In a further embodiment, the second grapple SOb may further comprise a pair of barbs 55 (only one of which is illustrated in figure 6a of the drawings) rigidly coupled to the section of the grapple frame 52 which is hingedly coupled to the base portion 21a of the distal frame member 21-1. Accordingly, as the grapple 540b pivots about the base portion 21a of the distal frame member 21-1, the barbs 55 disposed thereon are arranged to pivot into and out from the sea bed, respectively.

When the arrangement is configured in the retracted configuration, the frame member 21-10 of the second frame 20 is arranged to extend proximate the frame member 11-2 of the first frame 10, and frame member 21-1 of the second frame 20 is arranged to extend proximate the frame member 11-1 of the first frame 10. The portion of the cover 30 that extends along the second frame 20 therefore resembles a collapsed concertina, whilst the portion of the cover 30 that extends between the two frame members 11-1 and 11-2 of the first frame 10 remains substantially taut. The concertina folding of the trapping arrangement T minimises the storage space required upon a vessel 70, whilst the rigid first frame 10 enables stacking of multiple trapping arrangements T in the retracted configuration.

In the extended configuration, the frame member 21-10 of the second frame 20 is arranged to extend proximate the frame member 11-1 of the first frame 10. As the trapping arrangement T is lowered into the water, the apertures 110, 210 disposed in the hollow frame members 11, 21 of frame members 11, 21 enable the release of air A from the interior thereof and the penetration of water W therein. The partial replacement of air A with water W in the interior of the frame members 11, 21 sufficiently alters the density of the frame members 11, 21 to enable the trapping arrangement to sink to the bottom of the sea. Furthermore, owing to the differing densities of air A and water W, the water W becomes disposed within the base portion 1 la and the lower region of the support portion 11 b of the frame member 11, whereas the air A is arranged to fill the upper region of the support portion 11 b of the frame member (as illustrated in figure 3 of the drawings). This ensures that the trapping arrangement T sinks to the sea bed suitably orientated with the base portion of each frame member 11, 21 disposed lowermost of the arrangement I as illustrated in figure 6 of the drawings.

Referring to figure 6, as the trapping arrangement is lowered onto the sea bed, the grapples 50a, 50b becomes embedded therein to secure the first and second frame 10, to the sea bed. Shellfish such as crabs or lobsters may enter the trapping enclosure E through the opening 31, particularly if some form of bait (not shown) is disposed within the enclosure F. As a shellfish enters through the opening 31, the projections 32 resiliently deform in an outwardly direction so as to allow the shellfish to pass through the opening 31 and into the trapping enclosure F. Once the shellfish have entered the trapping enclosure E, the projections 32 return to their original configuration, thereby restricting the size of the opening 31 from within the trapping enclosure F to prevent the shellfish from exiting through the opening 31.

Referring to figure 7 of the drawings, in order to remove the shellfish, the trapping arrangement is lifted by pulling the tether 60 to lift the proximal end of the arrangement T, namely the second grapple 50b out from the sea. Once fully removed from the sea, the arrangement T is arranged to hang from the tether 60 in a substantially vertical orientation so that a fisherman, for example may open the door 40 so that the shellfish can fall from within the enclosure onto the deck of the vessel 70, whereupon they may be separated and sorted into various chambers 71 of the fishing vessel 70.

Referring to figure 8 of the drawings, there is illustrated a portion of a second frame 20 of a trapping arrangement T according to a second embodiment of the present invention arranged in an extended configuration. The arrangement T of the second embodiment is substantially the same as the arrangement T of the first embodiment and as such, like features have been referenced using the same numerals. The arrangement T of the second embodiment comprises a first frame (not shown), a second frame 20, and a cover 30, similar to the first embodiment. However the frame members 21 of the second frame 20 of the second embodiment further separately comprise a partition 22, such as a net, which is arranged to extend between the base portion 21a and the support portion 21b of the respective members 21 to define a plurality of trapping enclosures E-1, E-2, E-3. It is envisaged that the arrangement of the second embodiment is better suited for the trapping of lobsters which, due to their territorial nature, are likely to attack one another if contained within the same enclosure E. The trapping enclosures F of the second embodiment separately comprise an opening 31 for enabling shellfish, such as lobsters to pass therein. Similar to the first embodiment, the opening 31 comprises a plurality of projections 32 (not shown in figure 8) disposed around a periphery thereof for permitting shellfish to enter the respective enclosure E but which prevent shellfish from passing out therefrom. The projections 32 extend into the respective trapping enclosure F and converge in a direction which is into the respective trapping enclosure F to substantially restrict the size of the opening 31 from within the trapping enclosure E. In a third embodiment which is not illustrated, the flexible cover 30 extends from a closed position at the distal frame member 21-1 of the second frame 20 to an internal periphery of the proximal frame member 11-1 of the first frame 10. The trapping arrangement further comprises a second cover (not shown), which extends from the proximal frame member 11-1 of the first frame 10 to the distal frame member 11-2 of the first frame 10.

This second cover (not shown) is formed of a rigid mesh, and therefore offers additional structural support to the first frame 10.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the distal frame member 11-1 of the first frame comprises a plurality of locating sockets 45 (as illustrated in figure 2 of the drawings) disposed therein, which are arranged to separately receive a projection 44 disposed upon the door frame 41 of a further arrangement T, as illustrated in figure 9 of the drawings. The projections 44 and apertures (not shown) enable several arrangements to be suitably stacked and further minimise any slipping of the arrangements when arranged in a stacked configuration.

From the foregoing therefore, the trapping arrangements according to the above described embodiments, provide for an improved trapping of shellfish.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A trapping device for trapping shellfish, the device comprising a first frame and a second frame, the second frame being reconfigurable between a collapsed configuration in which the second frame extends within the first frame, and an extended configuration in which the second frame extends from the first frame to define at least one trapping enclosure.
2. A trapping device as claimed in claim 1, in which the second frame comprises a plurality of frame members which are moveable with respect to each other and the first frame and are arranged to stack within the first frame.
3. A trapping device as claimed in claim 2, in which the first frame comprises a plurality of frame members which are substantially rigidly coupled, the second frame members being sized to fit within the frame members of the second frame.
4. A trapping device as claimed in claim 2, in which the frame members are arranged to extend in substantially parallel planes and are orientated such that a normal to each plane extends substantially along a longitudinal axis of the 0 20 arrangement.
5. A trapping device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a cover which is arranged to extend over the first and second frames to define a first enclosure and a second enclosure, respectively.
6. A trapping device as claimed in claim 5 appended to claim 3, in which the cover is arranged to couple the frame members of the second frame with the frame members of the first frame.
7. A trapping device as claimed in claim 5 or 6, in which the cover comprises netting.
8. A trapping device as claimed in claim 5 appended to claim 2, in which the cover and orientation of frame members of the second frame are arranged to provide a concertina-like movement of the second enclosure between the retracted and extended configuration.
9. A trapping device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first and second enclosures are arranged to cooperate to define the at least one trapping enclosure which extends along a length of the device.
10. A trapping device as claimed in any of claims 2 to 8, which further comprises a plurality of partitions which separately extend between respective frame members, to define a plurality of trapping enclosures therebetween.
11. A trapping device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the or each trapping enclosure comprises at least one opening which respective permit shellfish and the like to pass into the or each trapping enclosure, and substantially prevent shellfish from passing out therefrom.
12. A trapping device as claimed in claim 11, in which the or each opening comprises a plurality of projections disposed around a periphery thereof which extend into the enclosure.
13.A trapping device as claimed in claim 12, in which the projections converge in a direction which is into the respective trapping enclosure, to substantially restrict the size of the opening from within the trapping enclosure.
14. A trapping device as claimed in claim 3, in which the frame members of the first and second frames separately comprise a base portion and a support portion which is arranged to extend from the base.
15. A trapping device as claimed in claim 14 in which, the support portion of at least one frame member comprises buoyancy means for suitably orientating the device in water.
16. A trapping device as claimed in claim 15, in which the frame members are hollow and the buoyancy means comprises an air filled section of the support portion.
17. A trapping device as claimed in claim 16, in which the base portion and at least a portion of the support portion comprises a plurality of apertures for releasing air within the respective base and support portion.
18. A trapping device as claimed in any preceding claim, which comprises a grapple for securing the device upon a seabed or other surface.
19.A trapping device as claimed in claim 18 as appended to claim 3, in which the grapple is arranged to extend from the underside of the frame to secure the first frame during use.
20. A trapping device as claimed in claim 3, comprising a grapple disposed upon the frame member of the second frame, which is arranged to extend furthermost from the first frame, and is arranged to secure the front of the device during use.
21. A trapping device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.