AU2018200143A1 - A buoy marker - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a buoy marker 10 which comprises a housing 12 sealed against the ingress of fluid and configured for operative fitment to a line 7. The marker 10 includes an indicator 14 housed within the housing 12 and which is configured to indicate the housing 12 when the indicator 14 is active. The marker 10 also includes energising means 16 housed within the housing 12 and configured to energise the indicator 14, when in use. Further included is an ambient light sensor 18 for sensing ambient light around the housing 12 and is further adapted to activate the indicator 14 once the ambient light falls below a particular threshold. 14 Fig. 2 14 Fig. 3 21 Fig. 4 Fig. 5

Description

A BUOY MARKER

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to a buoy marker and an associated method of marking a buoy.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application .

[0003] Fishing is an ancient practice occurring worldwide on various commercial, traditional and recreational scales. Various techniques exist for catching different types of aquatic animals. One technique uses traps, where some manner of fishing trap is placed in an aquatic environment to trap aquatic animals, such as fish, crustaceans, etc. In many cases, a long rope is attached to a trap, at the end of which is a float or buoy to indicate a position of the trap, generally when submerged, and to allow retrieval thereof.

[0004] One example of a fishing technique utilising traps is the practice of cray or rock lobster fishing. For example, in Western Australia, there are roughly 47,000 cray or rock lobster or fishing licence holders as of 2016. Each licensee can operate 2 cray fishing traps or pots. During the cray fishing season, such cray pots are used along with partially submerged lengths of rope attached to floating buoys. Due to the large number of cray fisherman, such pots and ropes can cover large areas of coastal waters. Cray fishing pots are generally fished using motorised vessels, which means that during peak fishing season, it is extremely difficult to navigate such areas, particularly if a fisherman wants to retrieve their own cray pots.

[0005] A further complication is that the Western Australian Department of Fisheries allows licence holders to begin pulling their pots at 4.30am and must cease by 7.30pm. At the start of the season, the sun does not rise until 5.30am and sets at 6.30pm. This results in vessels navigating through extremely dangerous waters in the dark where numerous ropes and buoys occur.

[0006] In such circumstances, potential hazards include floating and/or submerged ropes wrapping around or fouling propellers. Once a propeller is entangled in these ropes, the vessel cannot move, which can potentially lead to vessels colliding with reefs, endangering crew. Similarly, ropes and buoys that are run over by propellers can damage an engine and a run-over buoy or float can get propelled into the air, potentially colliding with persons or other vessels.

[0007] Other hazards include buoys or floats becoming severed from their ropes, leading to rope floating around that may harm marine animals, loss of fishing equipment, as well as marine life getting caught in lost cray pots and cut ropes and floats littering beaches and lost pots littering the sea bed, potentially trapping animals.

[0008] In Western Australia, cray fishing season also coinsides with the re-opening of the West Coast demersal fin fish season. These fish are mainly targeted in the hours before dawn or after dusk, leading to further boat traffic often through areas blanketed wjith cray pots during periods of reduced visibility.

[0009] The present invention was conceived with these shortcomings in mind.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In this specification, reference to a 'line7 includes reference to any suitable rope, cord, string, cable, wire, or the like, which is generally useable for attachment to a buoy or float in an aquatic environment. Similarly, reference to a 'buoy' in this specification is to be taken to include reference to any suitable buoy or float useable for marking a location or position of a fishing trap, net, or similar aquatic device.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a buoy marker comprising: a housing sealed against the ingress of fluid and configured for operative fitment to a line; an indicator housed within said housing and configured to indicate the housing, when active; energising means housed within said housing and configured to energise the indicator, in use; and an ambient light sensor for sensing ambient light around the housing, and configured to activate the indicator once the ambient light falls below a particular threshold.

[0012] In an example, the housing is configured for fitment to a line by said housing defining a funnel-shape with the indicator located on a wider upper portion thereof, a narrower lower portion shaped and dimensioned for operative fitment into a channel defined by a buoy, the funnel shape further defining an inner channel through which a line is receivable, so that a knot in said line is receivable by a flared portion at an upper portion of said inner channel.

[0013] In another example, the housing is configured for fitment to a line by defining attachment apertures via which a line is securable to the housing.

[0014] In another example, the housing is configured for fitment to a line by defining a toroidal shape, said line operatively passed through a central channel of said toroidal housing .

[0015] Typically, the housing comprises a substantially transparent upper portion covering the indicator and light sensor .

[0016] Typically, the housing is moulded over the indicator, energising means and light sensor to form a sealed unit of unitary construction.

[0017] Typ ically, the indicator comprises a visual indicator in the form of a visible light emitter.

[0018] Typ ically, the indicator comprises a light emitting diode (LED) arrangement.

[0019] In one example, the light emitting diode arrangement is programmable so that a frequency and/or period of light emission are selectable.

[0020] Typically, the indicator comprises an audible indicator in the form of a sound emitter emitting sound in a frequency range of 1Hz to 20,000Hz.

[0021] Typically, the energising means comprises at least one electrochemical cell configured to provide electrical energy to the indicator.

[0022] Typically, in one example the energising means comprises a replaceable battery.

[0023] In a further example, the energising means comprises a photo voltaic arrangement for solar charging a suitable electrical storage means.

[0024] In a further example, the energising means comprises a wave energy converter configured to charge a suitable electrical storage means.

[0025] Typically, the housing comprises a luminescent material and/or coating.

[0026] In one example, the buoy marker includes a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) locator with a transmitter for transmitting a positional signal to a suitable receiver.

[0027] In one example, the buoy marker includes a camera and transmitter for transmitting images to a suitable receiver .

[0028] in one example, the buoy marker includes a switch adapted to connect or disconnect the energising means from the indicator and/or light sensor.

[0029] Typically, the switch comprises a magnetic switch configured to function through the housing without compromising a fluid sealing ability of the housing, e.g. a magnetic switch, etc.

[0030] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of marking a buoy comprising the steps of : attaching a buoy marker in accordance with the first aspect of the invention to a line and buoy; and installing the line and buoy with buoy marker to a suitable fishing trap in an aquatic environment.

[0031] m one example, the step of attaching the buoy marker to the line and buoy includes passing said line through attachment apertures defined by a housing of the marker and tying a knot in the line.

[0032] Typically, the step of attaching the buoy marker to the line and buoy includes passing said line through attachment apertures defined by a housing of the marker and securing the line by means of a cable tie or tie-wrap.

[0033] In one example, the step of attaching the buoy marker to the line and buoy includes passing the line through a channel defined by the buoy and subsequently through an inner channel of the funnel shaped housing of the marker from a narrower end to a wider end thereof, and tying a knot in the line, so that the narrower end of the housing fits into the buoy channel and the knot is receivable by a flared portion at the wider portion of said inner channel of the buoy.

[0034] In another example, the step of attaching the buoy marker to the line and buoy includes passing the line through a central channel defined by a toroidal buoy housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a typical fishing trap with accompanying line and buoy installed in an aquatic environment;

Figure 2 is a side-view diagrammatic representation of one example of a buoy marker in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

Figure 3 is a front-view diagrammatic representation of the buoy marker of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a front-view diagrammatic representation of the buoy marker of Figure 3 showing an example of an attached line;

Figure 5 is a perspective-view diagrammatic representation of the buoy marker of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a plan-view diagrammatic representation of a preferred embodiment of a buoy marker in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 7 is a side-view cross-sectional diagrammatic representation of the buoy marker of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a side-view cross-sectional diagrammatic representation of the buoy marker of Figure 6 fitted to a buoy;

Figure 9 is a perspective-view diagrammatic representation of a further embodiment of the buoy marker in accordance with an aspect of the invention; and

Figure 10 is side-view cross-sectional diagrammatic representation of the buoy marker of Figure 9 fitted to a buoy, in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several nonlimiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention to the skilled addressee. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout.

[0036] With reference now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 shows a typical fishing trap 4 with accompanying line 7 and buoy 8 installed in an aquatic environment, typically a body of water 9, as shown. Arrow 3 indicates an example direction of current, wind and/or swell, driving the buoys 8 away from the submerged trap 4. In such a manner, a high-risk zone 5 is created which, should a boat or similar vessel pass into, can lead to an entangled propeller or damage to the line 7 and/or buoys 8, as described in the background section above. Similarly, the direction of wind, current and/or swell 3 forms a low-risk zone 6, where the line 7 and/or buoys 8 do not form an obstacle for safe boat or vessel passage.

[0037] As will be appreciated by the skilled addressee, the direction 3 can easily change depending on weather conditions and similar circumstances, thus highlighting the need for clear and accurate indication of the buoys 8.

[0038] Accordingly, referring now to Figures 2 to 8, the present invention broadly discloses a buoy marker 10 which comprises a housing 12 sealed against the ingress of fluid and configured for operative fitment to a line 7. It is to be appreciated that various ways of sealing the housing is possible, as is well understood in the art. The marker 10 further includes an indicator 14 housed within the housing 12 and which is configured to indicate the housing 12, when the indicator 14 is active.

[0039] The marker 10 also includes some manner of energising means 16 which is housed within the housing 12 and is configured to energise the indicator 14, when in use. Further included is an ambient light sensor 18 for sensing ambient light around the housing 12, and which is further adapted to activate the indicator 14 once the ambient light falls below a particular threshold.

[0040] In one example, shown in Figures 6 to 8, the housing 12 is configured for fitment to a line 7 by the housing 12 defining a funnel-shape with the indicator 14 located on a wider upper portion 22 thereof. A narrower lower portion 24 is shaped and dimensioned for operative fitment into a channel 26 defined by a buoy 8. The funnel shaped housing 12 further defines an inner channel 28 through which a line 7 is receivable, so that a knot 32 in the line 7 is receivable by a flared portion 30 at the upper portion 22 of the inner channel 28, as shown.

[0041] In another example shown in Figures 2 to 5, the housing 12 is configured for fitment to a line 7 by defining attachment points, lugs or similar suitable apertures 20 via which a line 7 is securable to the housing 12. The skilled addressee will appreciate that the housing 12 can be attached to a line 7 in various ways, one example of which may include a cable tie or tie-wrap 21, as shown.

[0042] In general, the housing 12 comprises a substantially transparent upper portion which covers the indicator 14 and light sensor 16. For example, the housing 12 may comprise some manner of clear resin which is moulded over the indicator 14, energising means 16 and light sensor 18 to form a sealed unit of unitary construction. The housing 12 may also further comprise a luminescent material and/or coating to increase visibility in darker conditions.

[0043] Typically, the indicator 14 comprises a visual indicator in the form of a visible light emitter, such as a light emitting diode (LED) arrangement. In one example, the light emitting diode arrangement can be programmable so that a frequency and/or period of light emission are selectable. In addition, the indicator 14 may also comprises an audible indicator in the form of a sound emitter emitting sound in a frequency range of 1Hz to 20,000Hz, i.e. the human audio range.

[0044] The skilled addressee will appreciate that various configurations are possible for suitable energising means 16. For example, the energising means 16 may comprises at least one electrochemical cell configured to provide electrical energy to the indicator 15. The energising means 16 may also comprise a replaceable battery, or a suitable photo voltaic arrangement for solar charging a suitable electrical storage means, such as the cell, a battery, or a capacitor, etc. In a yet further example, the energising means 16 may comprise a wave energy converter configured to charge such a suitable electrical storage means, so that energy can be harvested from the aquatic environment directly, or the like.

[0045] In one example, the buoy marker 10 includes a switch (not shown) adapted to connect or disconnect the energising means 16 from the indicator 14 and/or light sensor 18. Typically, the switch comprises a magnetic switch configured to function through the housing 12 without compromising a fluid sealing ability of the housing 12.

[0046] For example, a magnetic switch can be used to turn the marker 10 on. Once manufacturing is completed, the marker 10 may be in standby mode until it is time to deploy the marker 10. A user can then place a suitable magnet to a side of the housing 12 to turn it on. The marker 10 may also be turned off by placing a suitable magnet beside the housing, or the like.

[0047] It is also to be appreciated that the buoy marker 10 can include additional components for providing additional functionality. For example, the buoy marker 10 may include a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) locator with a transmitter for transmitting a positional signal to a suitable receiver. Similarly, in one example, the buoy marker 10 may include a camera and transmitter for transmitting images to a suitable receiver. Typically, the camera may include a motion or tamper sensing means.

[0048] For example, the marker 10 may be configured to communicate with a mobile phone via a suitable application, so that a user is able to track a geolocation of the marker 10, and/or is able to access a suitable camera on the marker 10 if the tamper sensing means alerts the user that someone is moving or tampering with the marker 10 or attached line 7 or trap 4. Such features provide additional security and verifiability to trap fishing practices.

[0049] With reference to Figures 9 and 10, a further embodiment of the buoy marker 10 is shown. In this example, the housing 12 is configured for fitment to a line 7 by defining a toroidal shape, as shown. This toroidal or 'doughnut' shaped housing 12 can be attached to a buoy 8 by operatively passing line 7 through a central channel as shown, with a knot 32 tied to prevent the marker 10 from detaching from the buoy 8, a shown.

[0050] It is also to be appreciated that the present invention provides for an associated method of marking a buoy. Such a method generally comprises the steps of attaching a buoy marker 10, as described above, to a line 7 and buoy 8, and installing the line 7 and buoy 8 with buoy marker 10 to a suitable fishing trap 4 in an aquatic environment, generally as shown in Figure 1.

[0051] As described above, in one example, the step of attaching the buoy marker 10 to the line 7 and buoy 8 may include passing the line through attachment points, lugs or apertures 20 defined by the housing 12 of the marker 10 and tying a knot in the line 7. Similarly, the step of attaching the buoy marker 10 to the line 7 and buoy 8 may include passing said line through such attachment points, lugs or apertures 20 defined by the housing 12 of the marker 10 and securing the line 7 by means of a cable tie or tie-wrap 21.

[0052] In one embodiment, the step of attaching the buoy marker 10 to the line 7 and buoy 8 includes passing the line 7 through a channel 26 defined by the buoy 8 and subsequently through an inner channel 28 of the funnel shaped housing of the marker 10 from a narrower end 24 to a wider end 22 thereof, and tying a knot 32 in the line, so that the narrower end 24 of the housing 12 fits into the buoy channel 26 and the knot 32 is receivable by a flared portion 30 at the wider portion 22 of said inner channel 26 of the buoy 8.

[0053] As described above, the housing 12 may also be toroidal shaped, such that the line 7 is passed through a central channel or passage of said housing 12 to keep it in place on the buoy, typically with a suitably-sized knot in the line .

[0054] In the above-described manner, during times of low light visibility, the light sensor 18 activates the LED indicator 14 turning on the unique timing blink. This blinking light immediately allows the potentially hazardous lengths of submerged ropes, which are held in place by the float/buoy 8 against the ocean swell, to be visible to any marine traffic. By marking these potential unattended hazards at times of low visibility, mainly night time, vessels can easily identify the low-risk zone 6 of a fishing trap installation.

[0055] Opt ional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. In the example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee .

[0056] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter .

[0057] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer," "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0058] It is to be appreciated that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the invention, or similar exemplary language (e.g., "such as") herein, is not made in an exclusive sense. Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and/or graphically, for carrying out the claimed subject matter.

[0059] Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Variations (e.g. modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor (s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor(s) intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

[00 60] Any method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

Claims (24)

1. A buoy marker comprising: a housing sealed against the ingress of fluid and configured for operative fitment to a line; an indicator housed within said housing and configured to indicate the housing, when active; energising means housed within said housing and configured to energise the indicator, in use; and an ambient light sensor for sensing ambient light around the housing, and configured to activate the indicator once the ambient light falls below a particular threshold.

2. The buoy marker of claim 1, wherein the housing is configured for fitment to a line by said housing defining a funnel-shape with the indicator located on a wider upper portion thereof, a narrower lower portion shaped and dimensioned for operative fitment into a channel defined by a buoy, the funnel shape further defining an inner channel through which a line is receivable, so that a knot in said line is receivable by a flared portion at an upper portion of said inner channel.

3. The buoy marker of claim 1, wherein the housing is configured for fitment to a line by said housing defining a toroidal shape, said line operatively passed through a central channel of such toroidal housing.

4. The buoy marker of claim 1, wherein the housing is configured for fitment to a line by defining attachment apertures via which a line is securable to the housing.

5. The buoy marker of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the housing comprises a substantially transparent upper portion covering the indicator and light sensor.

6. The buoy marker of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the housing is moulded over the indicator, energising means and light sensor to form a sealed unit of unitary construction.

7. The buoy marker of any of claims 1 to65, wherein the indicator comprises a visual indicator in the form of a visible light emitter.

8. The buoy marker of claim 7, wherein the indicator comprises a light emitting diode (LED) arrangement.

9. The buoy marker of claim 8, wherein the light emitting diode arrangement is programmable so that a frequency and/or period of light emission are selectable.

10. The buoy marker of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the indicator comprises an audible indicator in the form of a sound emitter emitting sound in a frequency range of 1Hz to 20,000Hz.

11. The buoy marker of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the energising means comprises at least one electrochemical cell configured to provide electrical energy to the indicator.

12. The buoy marker of claim 11, wherein the energising means comprises a replaceable battery.

13. The buoy marker of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the energising means comprises a photo voltaic arrangement for solar charging a suitable electrical storage means.

14. The buoy marker of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the energising means comprises a wave energy converter configured to charge a suitable electrical storage means.

15. The buoy marker of any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the housing comprises a luminescent material and/or coating.

16. The buoy marker of any of claims 1 to 15, which includes a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) locator with a transmitter for transmitting a positional signal to a suitable receiver.

17. The buoy marker of any of claims 1 to 16, which includes a camera and transmitter for transmitting images to a suitable receiver.

18. The buoy marker of any of claims 1 to 17, which includes a switch adapted to connect or disconnect the energising means from the indicator and/or light sensor.

19. The buoy marker of claim 18, wherein the switch comprises a magnetic switch configured to function through the housing without compromising a fluid sealing ability of the housing.

20. A method of marking a buoy comprising the steps of: attaching a buoy marker according to any of claims 1 to 19 to a line and buoy; and installing the line and buoy with buoy marker to a suitable fishing trap in an aquatic environment.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of attaching the buoy marker to the line and buoy includes passing said line through attachment apertures defined by a housing of the marker and tying a knot in the line.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of attaching the buoy marker to the line and buoy includes passing said line through attachment apertures defined by a housing of the marker and securing the line by means of a cable tie or tie-wrap .

23. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of attaching the buoy marker to the line and buoy includes passing the line through a channel defined by the buoy and subsequently through an inner channel of the funnel shaped housing of the marker from a narrower end to a wider end thereof, and tying a knot in the line, so that the narrower end of the housing fits into the buoy channel and the knot is receivable by a flared portion at the wider portion of said inner channel of the buoy.

24. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of attaching the buoy marker to the line and buoy includes passing the line through the buoy and a central channel defined by a toroidal buoy housing and tying a knot in the line.