WO2018027283A1

WO2018027283A1 - Floatation device for an oyster basket

Info

Publication number: WO2018027283A1
Application number: PCT/AU2017/050857
Authority: WO
Inventors: Garry Thompson
Original assignee: Seapa Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Seapa Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2016-08-12
Filing date: 2017-08-11
Publication date: 2018-02-15
Anticipated expiration: 2019-02-12

Abstract

A floatation device for an oyster basket. The float can be attached to a longline that is already in place without the need to cut the line. The float rotatably attaches to the line allowing the float assembly to be easily rotated to submerge or expose the attached oyster basket. Further features are provided such as handles to ease manipulation and the ability to sink the assembly to avoid freezing.

Description

Floatation Device for an Oyster Basket

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to equipment for oyster

production, in particular a floatation device for an oyster basket.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] The applicant has pioneered the use of floatation devices in conjunction with oyster baskets as disclosed in Australian Patent Application No. 2016200539, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. In essence, the previously disclosed invention details a simple float assembly that allows an oyster basket to be selectable submerged or exposed to the air. This allows oysters to be

periodically dried to help strengthen them amongst other benefits.

[0003] Whilst effective, the prior art system had some limitations in relation to the floatation device which comprised a sealed hollow body with rope attachment points at either end. Whilst suitable for a single float assembly which could be easily attached to a rope, the attachment points proved burdensome when forming a linear array of float assemblies as a discrete section of rope was required between each assembly, and had to be tied to each assembly. An existing longline in the water could not be used unless it was cut. This proved timely to construct and susceptible to failure as if one single know came undone. Also it proved difficult to position float assemblies close to each other and more importantly difficult to rotate one float assembly without affecting its tethered neighbour.

[0004] In one aspect there is described a floatation device for an oyster basket that can be easily attached to a longline to alleviate the above problems, or at least provide the public with a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In a first aspect, there is disclosed a float for rumbling shellfish in aquatic environments. The float includes a body having a length, a width, an upper exterior surface, and a lower exterior surface; at least one line attachment portion configured to allow the body to attach to a line, the line attachment portion being positioned along a longitudinal plane bisecting the width of the body; and at least one basket attachment portion configured to allow the body to attach to a basket adapted to retain shellfish.

[0006] In another aspect, there is disclosed a method for rumbling shellfish in an aquatic environment. The method includes: attaching a float to a line; attaching a basket to only one side of the float; rotating the float about the line so that the basket is either submerged below the float, or positioned above the float.

[0007] In a further aspect, there is disclosed a float for rumbling shellfish in aquatic environments. The float includes: a body having a length, a width, an upper exterior surface, and a lower exterior surface; at least float engagement portion configured to allow the body to attach to another float, the float engagement portion being positioned along a longitudinal plane bisecting the width of the body; and at least one basket attachment portion configured to allow the body to attach to a basket adapted to retain shellfish.

[0008] In yet a further aspect, there is disclosed a method for rumbling shellfish in an aquatic environment. The method includes: attaching a first float to a second float; attaching a basket to only one side of the first float; rotating the first float about an attachment point with the second float so that the basket is either submerged below the first float, or positioned above the first float.

[0009] In an additional aspect the invention includes floatation device for an oyster basket including a buoyant body and means for attachment to a longline.

Preferably the body is rotatably attached to the longline. Preferably the floatation device includes two attachment means. In preference the body is hollow and includes at least one removable seal, preferably two. The floatation device may further comprise handles. Preferably the body is of a rectangular shape with four vertices and has rope mounting holes at each vertex. The body may include protruding buffers at either end which preferably include removable wear plates.

[0010] In another aspect the invention provides an attachment means for attaching to a longline comprising a first conduit half and a second conduit half wherein the first and second conduit halves are brought together around the longline. Preferably the attachment means comprises a body incorporating the first conduit half and a tab extending from the body first conduit half and a tab extending from the body incorporating the second conduit half, wherein the tab is hinged to allow the two conduit halves to be brought together. The attachment means may include a flange to prevent movement of the attachment means through an aperture in a first direction and spring elements to prevent movement of the attachment means through an aperture in a second direction. The invention further provides a floatation device for an oyster basket including an aperture for accepting an attachment means as described above, wherein the aperture is adapted to hold the first conduit half in engagement with the second conduit half.

[0011] In a further aspect the invention provides an attachment means for attaching an oyster basket to a floatation device, including a first latch half attached to the oyster basket and a second latch half attached to the floatation device.

Preferably the first latch half is attached to the oyster basket by a flexible tether and the second latch half is attached to the floatation device by a flexible stalk. Preferably the second latch half is biased away from the first latch half. In preference the first latch half comprises a tapered receptacle and the second latch half includes a tapered head and preferably the first latch half further includes a jaw for engaging the tapered head.

[0012] It should be noted that any one of the aspects mentioned above may include any of the features of any of the other aspects mentioned above and may include any of the features of any of the embodiments described below as

appropriate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed

Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows.

[0014] Figure 1 shows an oyster basket float assembly with the oyster basket an exposed position.

[0015] Figure 2 shows an oyster basket float assembly with the oyster basket underwater.

[0016] Figure 3 shows a float system with including multiple float

assemblies attached to a longline and with all oyster baskets exposed.

[0017] Figure 4 shows a float system with float assemblies being rotated to place the oyster baskets underwater.

[0018] Figure 5 shows the basket side of a float.

[0019] Figure 6 shows the non-basket side of a float.

[0020] Figure 7 shows a stalk assembly used to attach an oyster basket to a float and a float to a longline.

[0021] Figures 8A to 8D show a longline being attached to a float by a stalk assembly.

[0022] Figures 9A and 9B show a taper latch being fitted to an oyster basket by a flexible strap.

[0023] Figures 10A and 10B show an oyster basket being attached to a float.

[0024] Figures 1 1 A to 1 1 D show details of a taper latch.

[0025] Figure 12A to 12C show a clamp being fitted to a taper latch.

[0026] Figure 13A and 13B show a stalk assembly mating with a taper latch.

[0027] Figure 14A shows a buffer wear plate in isolation.

[0028] Figure 14B shows a buffer wear plate fitted to a float.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts. Dimensions of certain parts shown in the drawings may have been modified and/or exaggerated for the purposes of clarity or illustration. [0030] The present disclosure provides a floatation device for an oyster basket with many improvements over the known prior art. Most notably the float can be attached to a longline that is already in place without the need to cut the line. The float rotatably attaches to the line allowing the float assembly to be easily rotated to submerge or expose the attached oyster basket. Further features are provided such as handles to ease manipulation and the ability to sink the assembly to avoid freezing. The float will be discussed below in the context of the assembly in which it is used.

[0031] A float assembly incorporating the invention is shown as 20 in Figure 1 . In essence, the float assembly includes a float 50 to which an oyster basket 30 is attached. The float is rotatably attached to a longline 21 and may float in water in a first orientation as shown in Figure 1 wherein the oyster basket sits above the float and out of the water, or in a second orientation as shown in Figure 2 in which the oyster basket sits below the float and is submerged. For representational clarity water is not shown in the Figures. The float has sufficient buoyancy such that it will sit with its uppermost surface out of the water when supporting a fully laden oyster basket.

[0032] Typically multiple float assemblies are attached to the same longline to form a float system 25 as shown in Figure 3 in which each of the float assemblies is oriented such that the oyster baskets are exposed. The floats include an end buffer (detailed below) at each end which allows the float system to bend. In Figure 4 float assemblies are being rotated to submerge the oyster baskets.

[0033] A float is shown in isolation in Figures 5 and 6, with the float in a first orientation in Figure 5 in which the basket side 51 A of the float body is seen and in a second orientation in Figure 6 in which the non-basket side 51 B of the float body is seen. The float includes a planar body with saddles 52 for supporting an oyster basket 30. The float is wider than the oyster basket to provide lateral stability and is hollow to provide sufficient buoyancy for a fully laden oyster basket. Caps 55 provide access to the inside of the float allowing it to be sunk if needed, such as in extreme cold conditions where there is a danger of the water freezing. In such conditions it is desirable to sink the oyster baskets so that the oysters are not frozen. Two caps are fitted on opposing edges of the float to ensure that large pockets of air are not trapped in the float which could prevent it from sinking. On the non-basket side 51 B can be seen longline channel 58 through which passes a longline to which the float is attached via stalk assemblies (discussed below) which sit in the stalk assembly mounting holes 56. The longline is free to rotate in the channel and the stalk assemblies which effectively act as a bearing. This allows the float assembly to be easily rotated whilst still being retained by the longline. On the non-basket side are stacking recesses 59 which complement the shape of the saddles 52 to allow floats to be stacked upon each other efficiently. Rope holes 57 in each corner of the float provide versatile securing options for a float assembly whilst handles 53 ease handling of a float assembly and are particularly convenient when flipping over a float assembly as shown in Figure 4. End buffers 54 allow float assemblies sitting adjacent to each other on a longline to yaw as can be seen in Figure 3. As the end buffers of adjacent float assemblies may rub each other and wear, they can be fitted with replaceable wear plates 99 shown in isolation in Figure 14 and fitted to a float in Figure 15.

[0034] In use a float 50 has an oyster basket attached to it and is itself attached to a longline. Both of these attachments are achieved with the aid of a stalk assembly 60 as shown in Figure 7, the bottom portion being used to attach a longline to the float whilst the top portion attaches to an oyster basket with the aid of a taper latch. The two different functions could have been performed by two different elements, but have been combined together to minimise parts count, cost and assembly time. The longline attachment functionality will be discussed first with the aid of Figure 7 and Figures 8A to 8D, the basket attachment functionality will be discussed with the aid of Figures 7 and 9A to 13B.

[0035] The stalk assembly 60 as seen in Figure 7 includes a body 61 designed for a slight interference fit with the stalk assembly mounting holes 56 of the float 50. Flange 66 prevents the stalk assembly from completely passing through the mounting hole 56 in a first direction whilst spring arms 67 prevent the stalk assembly from dislodging in a second direction. The spring arms can be

compressed if the stalk assembly needs to be removed. The assembly includes a conduit through which a longline may pass; the conduit being of greater internal diameter than the longline so that the assembly can rotate freely about the longline. The conduit is formed in two halves so that it can be attached at any desired position along a longline instead of having to thread the longline through. A first half of the conduit 62 is formed between the body 61 and flange 66; the second half of the conduit 63 is formed at the end of a tab 64 descending from the flange 66 where it joins by a hinge section 64.

[0036] Attachment to a longline 21 is shown in Figures 8A to 8D. The stalk assembly 60 is pushed partially into the float 50 such that the body 61 engages with the mounting hole 56 and the retaining arm 71 is directed towards the float. The longline 21 is positioned in the first conduit half 62, and then the second conduit half 63 is rotated into position to also engage the longline. The stalk assembly is then pushed further into the mounting hole until the flange engages with the float. At this point the spring arms 67 will deploy to keep the stalk assembly in place. The two halves of the conduit are now inside the mounting hole which holds them in position. A second stalk assembly is fitted to the float in a similar manner. Once the stalk assemblies have been fitted the float assembly is effectively attached to the longline, but free to rotate about it. The longline will not contact the float 50 as it passes through the longline channel 58 and will only make minimal contact with the inner surface of the conduit formed by the stalk assembly. This configuration facilitates easy rotation and minimal wear, with any wear mostly occurring on the stalk assembly which can be readily replaced if needed. Having two stalk

assemblies engaging the longline also provides redundancy, ensuring that a float assembly is not lost following a single point of failure.

[0037] The stalk assembly 60 is also used to attach an oyster basket 30 to the float 50 in conjunction with a taper latch 80. Attachment of a the taper latch to an oyster basket is shown in Figures 9A and 9B which is then in turn attached to a float as shown in Figures 10A and 10B. Details of the taper latch structure and its operation can be appreciated with the aid of Figures 10A to 13B.

[0038] Figure 9A shows an oyster basket 30 which includes a mesh body 31 and end caps 32. Along the length of the body is a spine 33 which holds in place flexible links 40 positioned towards either end. Figure 9B shows taper latches 80 attached to the flexible links. The tapered latches may be used as a form of handle to aid in manipulation of the oyster basket and as they are attached by a flexible link at one end only they have a fair degree of freedom of movement. The tapered latches are shown at an angle of approximately 45° to the oyster basket and may easily be put into other positions as seen in other Figures. [0039] In Figures 10A and 10B the oyster basket 30 is lowered onto the saddles 52 of the float 50 and then the taper latches 80 are engaged with the stalk assemblies 60 to secure the oyster basket in place. Close tolerances of the components facilitate the basket being held down firmly on the saddles and unable to move in any direction. The stalk assemblies are biased to angle slightly away from the oyster basket to help ensure they are not in the way as the basket is put into position. Once the basket is in position the stalks are easily manipulated into position with the retaining arms 71 on top of the end caps. The underside of the retaining arms may include a gripping element such as the saw teeth 72 as shown in Figure 7.

[0040] A taper latch 80 is shown in conjunction with a flexible link 40 in detail in Figures 1 1 A to 1 1 D. The taper latch includes a body 81 with mouth 83 at a first end for engaging with the flexible link and a tapered retaining cavity 86 at a second end for engaging with the tapered head 74 of a stalk assembly 60. Feet 82 position the latch and prevent lateral movement when it sits atop an oyster basket 30 and straddles the spine 33 of the basket as can be seen in Figure 10B. To releasably lock the head 74 of the stalk assembly within the retaining cavity 86, the taper latch incorporates a clamp 90 conveniently formed as a separate member. Fitting and retention of the clamp 90 is discussed below with the aid of Figure 12A to 12C. As shown in Figure 1 1 B, the clamp 90 includes a body 91 with jaw 95 which partially occludes retaining cavity 86 to retain the tapered head 74 of the stalk assembly (Figure 12B). Opposed spring arm 94 allows for temporary movement of the jaw to engage/disengage the tapered head. Thumb grip 96 provides grip as well as a visual clue for operating the clamping mechanism of the latch. The jaw is engaged when the clamp is in its neutral position thus minimising long term stress on the clamp.

[0041] Referring to Figures 1 1 C and 1 1 D, the flexible strap 40, shown detached from the taper latch in Figure 1 1 C, includes a flexible body 41 with splayed legs 45 at a first end for attachment to an oyster basket (as seen in Figure 9A) and at a second end head 42, shoulders 43 and neck 44 for attachment to the taper latch. To attach the taper latch its mouth 83 is pushed against the neck 44 until the barbs 85 pass and then retain the shoulders 43 of the strap.

[0042] Figures 12A to 12C show a clamp 90 being fitted to a taper latch 80. The clamp slides into a slot on the side of the taper latch and is held in place by first and second retaining springs 92 and 93 which are integrally formed with the clamp.

[0043] The connection of the taper latch 80 to the stalk assembly 60 is shown close up in Figures 13A and 13B. The tapered retaining cavity 86 and tapered head 74 are both tapered to ease the attachment process; the taper latch is merely pushed down upon the head without the need for careful alignment, making the attachment possible in rough marine environments. As it is being attached the taper of the head temporarily displaces the jaw 95 (not visible in these figures) as it is pushed into place. The jaw springs back into position afterwards against the neck 73 of the stalk assembly thus retaining the head 74 (and therefore the stalk assembly). The retaining cavity 86 also includes a small opening through the top of the taper latch through which the head 74 emerges slightly thus providing visual feedback that the two components are engaged. To release the taper latch from the stalk assembly the thumb grip 96 is pushed to release the jaw 95 from the neck 73 and head 74 thus allowing the stalk assembly and taper latch to separate.

[0044] The reader will now appreciate the present disclosure which provides a floatation device for an oyster basket with many improvements over the known prior art. For example only, the float can be attached to a longline that is already in place without the need to cut the line. The float rotatably attaches to the line allowing the float assembly to be easily rotated to submerge or expose the attached oyster basket. Further features may be provided such as handles to ease manipulation and the ability to sink the assembly to avoid freezing.

[0045] The foregoing description is by way of example only, and may be varied considerably without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example only, where desired, the float may have one side that is substantially planar, while the other side is generally curved. The float may be made of a plastic material that is stiff (not flexible). The material may be transparent or translucent. Preferably, the material is coated with a film to inhibit growth of marine organisms. The float may be formed in a variety of ways, for example only, by injection molding.

[0046] Preferably, the float is dimensioned such that the width is greater than the maximum width of a basket being attached thereto. In similar fashion, the length of the float is preferably longer than the maximum length of the basket being attached thereto. In a preferred aspect, the width of the float provides shade to the basket when submerged, shielding the marine animals from direct sunlight while residing in the basket and reducing the unwanted growth of other parasitic marine organisms on the basket. The width of the float may also provide an advantage in inhibiting the unintentional rotation of the float. In one or more embodiments, the float may be configured for stacking with other floats. For example only, a first float may be configured with a line attachment portion, with a second, stackable float having a basket engagement portion.

[0047] The float may have a hollow interior for containment of air, or may include a foam or other buoyant material as a core. The float may have an outer skin of plastic with a different inner, core material.

[0048] The attachment of the longline to the float may be by way of a variety of mechanisms. For example only, a longitudinal groove may be configured with an opening slightly less than the maximum width of the longline to facilitate a snap engagement of the longline with the float. Other engagement mechanisms may be used, such as slideable locks or adjustable clamps. The attachment mechanism(s) may be integrally formed with the float if desired. It will be appreciated that in one or more embodiments, attachment with a longline is not required. For example only, the float may be configured with a float engagement portion instead of, or in addition to a line attachment portion. A float configured with a float engagement portion can then directly engage another float without a longline. Such an engagement portion may be formed via a male/female coupling. Other engagement arrangements may be used as desired, for example, ball and socket, spring lock, etc. Preferably the mechanical engagement between floats will permit rotation of the floats relative to one another. It will be appreciated that lines other than longlines may be used to string floats to one another in situations where the floats are not directly attached to one another. For example, one or more floats may be attached together with a rope, tether or cable of a variety of lengths as desired.

[0049] The basket attachment portion may be configured in a variety of ways to engage the basket. For example only, the basket attachment portion may include a flexible tab to interlock with a corresponding recess. Alternatively, the basket attachment portion may include a spring lock. As a further alternative, the basket attachment portion may include a slideable pin or bar insertable into an interlocking groove. Pulling the pin or bar out permits the detachment of the basket from the float. The basket attachment portion may be integrally formed with the float. The basket attachment portion may be configured to have an adjustable height. For example only, the stalk (described above), may be configured with a ratcheting mechanism relative to the float to permit an adjustable height to lift or lower an attached basket relative to the float.

[0050] Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the present disclosure without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus. Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in this field.

[0051] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1 . A float for rumbling shellfish in aquatic environments, comprising:

a body having a length, a width, an upper exterior surface, and a lower exterior surface;

at least one line attachment portion configured to allow said body to attach to a line, said line attachment portion being positioned along a longitudinal plane bisecting the width of said body; and

at least one basket attachment portion configured to allow said body to attach to a basket adapted to retain shellfish.

2. The float of claim 1 , wherein said line attachment portion is offset from a plane bisecting a depth from said lower exterior surface to said upper exterior surface.

3. The float of either claim 1 or 2, wherein said line attachment portion is configured to permit said body to rotate relative to the line when engaged thereto.

4. The float of either claim 1 or 2, wherein said line attachment portion is configured to clamp said body to the line when engaged thereto.

5. The float of any one of the above claims, wherein said body includes a groove sized and configured to accommodate the line therein.

6. The float of any one of the above claims, wherein said body includes a saddle sized and configured to accommodate a basket having a width less than a maximum width of said body.

7. The float of any one of the above claims, wherein said basket attachment potion includes a clamp to clamp the basket to said body.

8. The float of claim 7, wherein said clamp is configured to releasably engage the basket.

9. The float of any one of the above claims, wherein said basket attachment portion extends from only one of said upper exterior surface and said lower exterior surface.

10. The float of any one of the above claims, wherein said basket attachment portion is releasably engageable from said body.

1 1 . The float of any one of the above claims, wherein said basket attachment portion is at a first end of a stalk and said line attachment portion is at a second end of said stalk.

12. The float of claim 1 1 , wherein said body includes a channel configured to facilitate engagement of said stalk therethrough.

13. A method for rumbling shellfish in an aquatic environment, comprising:

attaching a float to a line;

attaching a basket to only one side of the float;

rotating the float about the line so that the basket is either submerged below the float, or positioned above the float.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising attaching a plurality of floats to the line, and rotating at least one float independently of another float along the same line.

15. The method of either claim 13 or 14, further comprising completely submerging the float.

16. The method of any one of claims 13-15, wherein the step of attaching the basket is performed prior to the step of attaching the float to the line.

17. The method of any one of claims 13-16, wherein the step of attaching the basket includes releasably clamping the basket to the float.

18. The method of any one of claims 13-17, wherein the step of attaching the basket includes attaching a basket having a maximum width that is less than a maximum width of the float.

19. The method of any one of claims 13-18, wherein the steps of attaching the float and attaching the basket are performed using a common stalk.

20. The method of any one of claims 13-19, wherein the step of attaching the float includes securing the float to the line so that the float rotates relative to the line.

21 . A float for rumbling shellfish in aquatic environments, comprising:

at least float engagement portion configured to allow said body to attach to another float, said float engagement portion being positioned along a longitudinal plane bisecting the width of said body; and

22. The float of claim 21 , wherein said float engagement portion includes at least one of a male or female coupling.

23. A method for rumbling shellfish in an aquatic environment, comprising:

attaching a first float to a second float;

attaching a basket to only one side of the first float; rotating the first float about an attachment point with the second float so that the basket is either submerged below the first float, or positioned above the first float.