AU2015218469A1 - A frame for use in subtidal aquaculture - Google Patents

Abstract

A frame for use in subtidal aquaculture wherein multiple aquaculture baskets can be stacked within the frame for submersion in water, and wherein the frame prevents excess movement or damage to the goods being cultivated. The frame comprises a top assembly and sides and is locked using hooks. Fi0 Fig 4

Description

ι A frame for use in subtidal aquaculture 2015218469 26 Aug 2015

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a subtidal frame for the suspension of multiple aquaculture baskets in water.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] It is common for molluscs such as oysters to be grown on a commercial scale in artificial environments in early stages of growth. Typically, the stock is then transferred to sea environments for what is known as “grow out”. Cultivation of oysters can be accomplished by initially growing the spat in special tanks until they reach a juvenile size when they can be transferred to containers in intertidal or sub-tidal sites. Typically, the containers are in the form of baskets having perforated walls which enable water to flow through the baskets where the oysters use the water flow to obtain nutrients from the water as well as flushing impurities away.

[0003] One method of farming is to cultivate the oysters constantly below the water line in a subtidal zone which allows the oysters to feed 24 hours a day. As the oysters are constantly feeding this leads to rapid growth and therefore the oysters can be harvested much sooner than intertidal farmed oysters. Known methods of subtidal farming include the attaching of multiple baskets them via rope so they can be submerged under the water line.

[0004] Whilst rope is sufficient for calm subtidal environments, it is also common for oyster farms to be located in more aggressive environments with choppy water or high wave action. In such environments the rope may not be adequate to secure the baskets together, and they may experience a great deal of movement under the water causing the rope to stretch, disengaging the baskets. The baskets can also become quite heavy as the oysters mature and accordingly there is the risk that the rope may break when the baskets are removed from the water.

[0005] The object of this invention is to provide a subtidal frame for oyster baskets that alleviates the above problems, or at least provides the public with a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In a first aspect the invention comprises a frame comprising two identical U-shaped sides and a top assembly, wherein the frame is adapted to contain multiple aquaculture baskets; 2 2015218469 26 Aug 2015 [0007] In preference the top assembly comprises at least two parallel longitudinal rods and two parallel transverse rods and wherein the ends of the transverse rods form hooks; [0008] In preference the U-shaped sides comprise a longitudinal rod and two perpendicular rods, and wherein the ends of the perpendicular rods form hooks; [0009] In preference the hooks of the perpendicular rods are formed after the attachment of aquaculture baskets; [0010] In preference the aquaculture baskets contain end caps including hollow tubes, and wherein the baskets are attached to the sides through the insertion of the perpendicular rods through the said tubes; [0011] In preference the sides are connected to the top assembly through attachment of the hooks of the perpendicular rods to the hooks of the transverse rods; [0012] In preference the frame also contains a base formed from two base rods with hooks which attach to the sides; and [0013] In preference the transverse rods of the top assembly contain an arch for the insertion of support means allowing the frame to be suspended below water.

[0014] 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

[0015] 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.

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a subtidal frame with two sides and a top assembly; [0017] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the subtidal frame with two sides, a base and a top assembly; 2015218469 26 Aug 2015 3 [0018] Figure 3 a is a top view of the top assembly of the subtidal frame with two longitudinal rods and two transverse rods; [0019] Figure 3 b is a perspective view of the top assembly of the subtidal frame with two longitudinal rods and two transverse rods; [0020] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the subtidal frame with a plurality of oyster baskets attached; [0021] Figure 5 an expanded view of the base of the subtidal frame with oyster baskets attached; and [0022] Figure 6 an expanded view of the top assembly of the subtidal frame with oyster baskets attached. [0023] LIST OF COMPONENTS 20 frame 22 sides 24 top assembly 26 longitudinal rods 28 transverse rods 30 arch 32 rod hook 34 ends 36 base rods 38 base 40 oyster basket 42 end cap 44 side rods 46 tubes

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] 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 4 illustration. 2015218469 26 Aug 2015 [0025] Turning now to the drawings there is illustrated in Figure 1 a frame 20 comprising two identical sides 22 and a top assembly 24. Each side is U-shaped and sized to accommodate standard oyster baskets used in subtidal farming. The top assembly 24 comprises two parallel longitudinal rods 26 and two parallel transverse rods 28. In preference, the transverse rods include a triangular shaped arch to enable the frame 20 to be strung on ropes or rods to suspend it under the water line.

[0026] The transverse rods 28 also contain hooks or bends 32 at each end which enable the ends of the sides to be bent over them thus locking the oyster baskets in place. To remove the oyster baskets the ends 34 are straightened upwards and the frame can simply slide of the baskets. The sides 22 and top assembly 24 are therefore attached by bending ends 34 over the hooks 32 forming a strong connection which is unlikely to come loose or be damaged, with the simplicity of the design being user friendly and cost effective.

[0027] The frame 20 can also include two further longitudinal rods 36 which are attached to the bottom of the sides 22 via hooks 38 to form a base 36 as illustrated in Figure 2. This forms a solid foundation on which the oyster baskets 40 can be stacked. This prevents sagging of the baskets once attached to the frame 20 as they can become quite heavy once in the water and full of harvested oysters. The base 38 therefore adds rigidity and strength to the overall frame 20.

[0028] In preference, the frame 20 is made from stainless steel and includes a protective coating.

[0029] Illustrated in Figure 3 A is a top view of the top assembly in which the hooks 32 can be seen more clearly, wherein they are bent inwardly towards the longitudinal rods. The assembly is also illustrated in perspective view in Figure 3B wherein the arch 30 can be clearly seen.

[0030] In Figure 4 there is illustrated the frame 20 with a plurality of oyster baskets 40 which are attached to the frame 20 and stacked vertically on top of one another. This is an advantage over known methods, which include a series of baskets strung together and suspended under the water line. The present invention accommodates a plurality of baskets 40 held securely within the frame 20 allowing for the cultivation of many oysters within such baskets in a small amount of space. This adds precision to the process in an economy of space and costs, allowing the grower to cultivate a greater number of oysters in a small space of ocean than the known methods.

[0031] The frame 20 also ensures that the baskets 40 are held securely and are less disturbed 5 2015218469 26 Aug 2015 by strong water and waves. This can increase the number of oysters successfully harvested and also ensures ease of collection. In previous methods, a chain of attached baskets needed to be retrieved which could be time consuming. With the present invention, the frame 20 is attached to rope or rod via the arch 30, with the frame 20 hanging suspended under the water line. To retrieve the oyster baskets the grower need only lift up the frame out of the water using a boat davit in a single movement.

[0032] The frame 20 can be easily constructed and requires no technical expertise or specialised equipment. Prior to construction the sides 22 contain two straight rods 44 onto which the oyster baskets 40 can be attached. This is achieved though sliding the end caps 42 on each end of the basket 40 onto the sides 22, the said end caps 42 containing tubes 46 or apertures through which the side rods 44 can be inserted as illustrated in Figure 5. The same method is repeated for the remaining baskets until the frame 20 is fully stacked, with each basket being held securely and unable to be moved or disturbed by rough waters.

[0033] The side rods 44 are then bent to create the hooks 34, further securing the baskets inside the frame. The rods 44 are to be bent outwardly from the frame 20 to form outward facing ends 34 which can then be attached to the inward facing hooks 32 of the top assembly 24 as seen in Figure 6.

[0034] Therefore, the attachment of the hooks 32 and ends 34 of the respective top assembly 20 and sides 22 form the secure frame 20 with the oyster baskets 40 contained within as illustrated in Figure 4. The oyster baskets 40 can be accessed through the end caps 42 allowing the grower to add and remove oysters during the cultivation process without needing to remove individual baskets from the frame 20.

[0035] The reader will now appreciate the present invention which is a frame for containing oyster baskets for use in subtidal conditions, wherein the baskets are secured within the frame to prevent movement or damage to the baskets during cultivation. The frame construction is also cost effective allowing the use of multiple baskets in a small space of water whilst still providing the necessary strength and support. Whilst the invention is particularly directed to oyster cultivation, it is to be understood that the invention can be used for any aquaculture in subtidal environments.

[0036] Whilst the frame does not prevent movement of the oysters inside, it prevents movement of the baskets itself putting them all under compression into one unit. Oysters can still move inside the basket which promotes consistent shape and knocks of the shell to produce 2015218469 26 Aug 2015 6 strong shells.

[0037] Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the present invention 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 and spirit 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.

[0038] 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 (8)

1. A frame comprising two identical U-shaped sides and a top assembly, wherein the frame is adapted to contain multiple aquaculture baskets.

2. A frame according to claim 1 wherein the top assembly comprises at least two parallel longitudinal rods and two parallel transverse rods and wherein the ends of the transverse rods form hooks.

3. A frame according to any of the above claims wherein the U-shaped sides comprise a longitudinal rod and two perpendicular rods, and wherein the ends of the perpendicular rods form hooks.

4. A frame according to any of the above claims wherein the hooks of the perpendicular rods are formed after the attachment of aquaculture baskets.

5. A frame according to any of the above claims wherein the aquaculture baskets contain end caps including hollow tubes, and wherein the baskets are attached to the sides through the insertion of the perpendicular rods through the said tubes.

6. A frame according to any of the above claims wherein the sides are connected to the top assembly through attachment of the hooks of the perpendicular rods to the hooks of the transverse rods.

7. A frame according to any of the above claims wherein the frame also contains a base formed from two base rods with hooks which attach to the sides.

8. A frame according to any of the above claims wherein the transverse rods of the top assembly contain an arch for the insertion of support means allowing the frame to be suspended below water.