GB2396092A

GB2396092A - Collapsible Fishing Trap

Info

Publication number: GB2396092A
Application number: GB0228794A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brian John Poulten
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-12-10
Filing date: 2002-12-10
Publication date: 2004-06-16
Also published as: GB0228794D0

Abstract

A collapsible fishing trap 1 comprising upper 17,19 and lower 3 portions coupled by a plurality of foldable ribs 9. A frusto-conical funnel 33 may project toward the lower portion from the upper portion. The funnel may be formed from stiff plastics material and releasably attached to the upper portion by cable ties. The lower portion may be a planar ring, with a cross-piece across it. The ends 7 of the cross piece may be v-shaped and may have a weight 37 mounted on it. Preferably, a tubular net is fixed around the lower portion and releasably held at the upper portion by a lace 25. The net may have an opening adjacent to the lower portion. Preferably, each foldable rib comprises upper and lower rods, which are hinged together and overlap. Also claimed is a fishing trap having a net which is fixed to a lower portion and releasably attached to an upper portion.

Description

1 2396092

Collapsible Fishing Trap Description

The present invention relates to a collapsible fishing trap.

s Conventional lobster pots are not well suited for use on small boats, pleasure yachts or cruising vessels. Although they do not have a significant weight, they take up valuable storage space, which is at a premium on such craft.

10 According to the present invention there is provided a collapsible fishing trap comprising upper and lower portions coupled by a plurality of foldable ribs.

Preferably, the trap has a funnel that projects inwards from said upper portion. The funnel makes it more difficult for trapped crustaceans, for example, to escape from Is the trap.

A frusto-conical funnel can be used if the target is eels. However, for crustaceans, such as lobsters, a simple cylindrical funnel is preferred.

20 Preferably, the funnel is formed from a sheet of stiff plastics material held in an annular configuration by releasable coupling means, for example, by cable ties. The plastics material should be sufficiently pliable to allow it to be bent from a flat sheet into an annular configuration with ease, but stiff enough such that the funnel does not collapse.

Preferably, the funnel is releasably coupled to said upper portion, for example, by cable ties.

Preferably, said upper portion is substantially planar.

Preferably, the upper portion comprises first and second concentric rings connected by mesh.

- 2 Preferably, the lower portion is substantially planar.

Preferably, the lower portion comprises a ring and a mesh extending across the ring.

s Preferably, the lower portion includes a cross-piece extending across the ring, the ends of the cross-piece being V-shaped with the ends of the legs of the Vs being attached to the ring. More preferably, two of said cross-pieces are fixed within the ring at right angles to one another.

Preferably, a weight is mounted over one of said Vs. the weight being grooved to receive the V over which it is mounted. More preferably, a weight is mounted over each of said Vs of said cross-pieces.

15 Preferably, a tubular net is fixed at one end around said lower portion and releasably held, at its other end, at said upper portion.

Preferably, said net is releasably held to said upper portion by means of a lace threaded around the upper edge of the net and tied. The upper edge of the net 20 could be laced to said upper portion, although tying the lace tightly with the net pulled partially over the upper portion is sufficient to stop the net from falling back down. Preferably the net includes an access port located adjacent to said lower portion for 25 providing access to the trap for targets.

More preferably, the port comprises an opening in the net, the opening being substantially greater than the mesh size of the net.

30 Yet more preferably, the port includes a one-way gate device mounted in said opening.

- 3 Preferably, each foldable rib joining said upper and lower portions comprises upper and lower rods, which are hinged together and overlap such that a locking cylinder positioned on the rib in the region where the two rods overlap prevents the rib from bending at the hinge.

s According to the present invention there is provided a fishing trap comprising upper and lower portions, wherein the space between said portions is covered by a net that is fixed at one end around said lower portion and releasably held, at its other end at said upper portion.

Preferably, said net is releasably held to said upper portion by means of a lace threaded around the upper edge of the net and tied.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, 15 with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure I shows a lobster pot according to the present invention; and Figure 2a shows the frame of the lobster pot in Figure 1; and Figure 2b shows an enlarged view of the locking mechanism of a foldable rib of the frame in Figure 2a; and 20 Figure 2c shows an enlarged view of the coupling between a foldable rib and the frame of Figure 2a; and Figure 2d shows an enlarged view of a weight attached to the frame of Figure 2a; and Figure 3a shows how the frame of Figure 2a is collapsed; and 25 Figure 3b shows an enlarged view of the hinge on a foldable rib of the frame in Figure 3a; and Figure 4a illustrates the funnel of the lobster pot in Figure 1; and Figure 4b shows how the funnel of Figure 4a is formed; and Figure 4c shows how the funnel of Figure 4b is fixed; and 30 Figure 5a shows an eel trap with a frusto-conical funnel, according to the present mventon; and Figure 5b shows how the funnel of Figure 5a is formed; and

- 4 Figure 5c shows how the funnel of Figure 5a is fixed; and Figure 6 shows the lobster pot in Figure 1 with an additional access port.

Referring to Figures 1, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 3a and 3b, a collapsible lobster pot 1 s according to the present invention is generally frusto-conical in shape and comprises an internal collapsible steel frame 2 and a flexible mesh covering.

The collapsible stainless steel frame 2 comprises a circular base ring 3 (of diameter 60cm) across which are welded four braces 5, at right angles to one another. The 10 legs of a V-shaped section 7 on the outer end of each brace are welded to the base ring 3.

She upper part of the frame comprises first and second concentric circular rings 17, 19 in the same plane. The first concentric ring 17 has a larger diameter than the 15 second concentric ring 19, and is coupled to the second concentric ring 19 by two radial spacers 21.

The first concentric ring 17 is connected to the base ring 3 by the first, second, third and fourth collapsible ribs. The first rib 9 comprises and upper rod 11 and a 20 lower rod 13. The lower rod 13 is approximately twice as long as the upper rod 11.

The lower rod 13 is pivotally coupled to the base ring 3 so that it can swing radially inwards. The upper rod 11 is pivotally coupled to the first concentric ring 17 so that it can swing radially inwards. The two rods of the first rib 9 are hinged such 25 that they overlap above the hinge 12.

Two stops 14 are attached to the base ring 3, one on either side of the lower rod 13.

These stops 14 prevent the lower rod 13 from moving in any direction other than radially inwards or outwards.

A further two stops 14 are attached to the first concentric ring 17, one on either side of the upper rod 11. These stops 14 prevent the upper rod 11 from moving in any direction other than radially inwards or outwards.

- 5 A locking cylinder 15 slides down the upper rod 11 to encompass the part of the lower rod 13 that extends upwards beyond the hinge 12. This prevents relative motion between the two rods of the first rib 9. The diameter of the locking cylinder s 15 is such that it is free to slide along the upper rod 11 but is not large enough to pass over the nut and bolt that fix the two rods 11,13 together.

The second, third and fourth ribs are identical to the first rib 9.

10 A disc of stiff, plastic mesh 27 of the same diameter as the base ring 3 is attached to the base of the frame 2 by means of plastic cable ties around the circumference of the base ring 3 and at points along the braces 5.

A circular ring of plastic mesh 29 is attached to the top of the frame 2. The ring of 15 mesh 29 has an outer diameter equal to that of the first concentric ring 17 and an inner diameter equal to that of the second concentric ring 19. Plastic cable ties secure the ring of mesh 29 to the concentric rings 17, 19 of the frame 2.

A net 23 has a cylindrical shape with a diameter similar to that of the base ring 3.

20 The bottom edge of the net 23 is laced to the base ring 3 around its circumference.

A lace 25 is threaded around the upper edge of the net 23. When in use, the net 23 is drawn up over the first concentric ring 17 and the lace 25 is pulled tight and tied to prevent the net 23 from falling back down.

25 Four weights 37 are positioned at the ends of the four braces 5 within the base ring 3. A groove in the bottom of each weight 37 allows it to be located on top of the V-shaped section 7 at the outer end of each brace 5. Cable ties secure the weights 37 in place.

30 Two shackles 31 are attached to the top of the frame, one to each of the radial spacers 21 that connect the concentric rings 17, 19 together. The shackles 31 allow a rope to be attached to the lobster pot 1. The shackles 31 are free to hang from

- 6 the spacers 21 so that they do not protrude above the top surface of the frame 2 when it is folded flat.

Referring to Figures 4a, 4b and 4c, a cylindrical funnel 33 is formed from a flat s rectangular piece of plastic by means of bringing together the two short ends so that they overlap. The ends are secured by passing cable ties 36 through sets of holes 32 in each of the ends. The holes 32 are positioned such that when the cable ties 36 are fixed in place, the diameter of the cylindrical funnel 33 is similar to that of the second concentric ring 19. The cylindrical funnel 33 is inserted into the second 10 concentric ring 19 and secured to it by passing cable ties 38 around the ring 19 and through additional holes 34 along the upper edge of the funnel 33, so that the funnel 33 extends downwards into the main chamber of the pot 1.

The cable ties 36, 38 have a ratchet mechanism such that when tightened they will 15 not come undone and to be removed they must be cut or otherwise unfastened.

A method of using the apparatus previously detailed now follows.

Starting with the lobster pot 1 in its collapsed state, the top of the frame 2 is pulled 20 away from the base ring 3, extending each of the four ribs 9 until they are straight.

The locking cylinder 15 on each rib 9 is then slid into position.

The four weights 37 are secured to the base of the frame 2.

25 The cylindrical funnel 33 is formed and inserted into the top of the frame 2 and secured in place. The pot 1 is baited by placing an elastic band around the circumference of the cylindrical funnel 33. Bait is then be secured to the outside of the funnel 33 by placing it between the elastic band and the cylindrical funnel 33.

30 The net 23 is raised up and the lace 25 tied to hold it in place.

A short length of rope is connected between the shackles 31. One end of a tether is then attached to the mid-point the rope connecting the shackles 31, enabling the

- 7 user to raise and lower the pot 1 through the water. A Buoy or float is attached to the free end of the tether to mark the position of the pot 1 enabling the user to retrieve the pot 1.

5 The lobster pot 1 is now lowered into the water so that it sinks to the sea-bed. The weights 37 maintain the pot 1 in its correct orientation as it is lowered through the water. With the net 23 in the raised position, the only way into or out of the pot 1 is 10 through the cylindrical funnel 33. The extent of the protrusion of the funnel 33 into the pot 1 and the smoothness of its plastic surface, coupled with the angled sides of the pot 1, prevent lobsters and crabs from escaping once they have been lured inside.

15 After a period of time determined by the user, the lobster pot 1 is retrieved by locating the float and pulling on the tether.

The net 23 is untied and lowered allowing the user to easily remove the catch as well as to apply extra bait to the pot 1, if this is required.

When the user has finished using the pot 1, the cylindrical funnel 33 is removed and flattened by cutting or otherwise unfastening the cable ties 36, 38. With the net 23 lowered, the frame 2 is flattened by sliding each of the locking cylinders 15 up each of the ribs 9 and bending the ribs 9 inward so that the top and bottom of the frame 25 2 are brought together.

Referring to Figures 5a, 5b and 5c a collapsible eel trap 4 according to the present invention is the same as the lobster pot 1 described above except that a frusto-

conical funnel 35 is used instead of the cylindrical funnel 33 of the lobster pot 1.

The frusto-conical funnel 35 is formed from a flat arc of plastic, by means of bringing together the two straight edges of the arc so that they overlap. These ends are hxed together by passing cable ties 36 through sets of holes 32 in each of the

- 8 ends. The larger diameter opening of the funnel 35 is similar in size to that of the second concentric ring 19. The smaller diameter opening is of sufficient size to permit an eel to enter into the trap 4.

s The frusto-conical funnel 35 is inserted into the second concentric ring 19 with the small diameter opening facing into the main chamber of the trap 4, and secured to it by passing cable ties 38 around the ring 19 and through additional holes 34 along the upper edge of the funnel 35, so that the funnel 35 extends downwards into the main chamber of the trap 4.

Monofilament nylon lines 39 are attached around the circumference of the bottom of the frusto-conical funnel 35, and tied to the base of the frame 2 where the cross braces 5 intersect.

15 A method of using the apparatus previously detailed now follows.

Starting with the eel trap 4 in its collapsed state, the top of the frame 2 is pulled away from the base ring 3, extending each of the four ribs 9 until they are straight.

The locking cylinder 15 on each rib 9 is then slid into position.

The four weights 37 are secured to the base of the frame 2.

The frusto-conical funnel 35 is formed and inserted into the top of the frame 2 and secured in place. Bait can be placed in the bottom of the trap 4.

The net 23 is raised up and the lace 25 tied to hold it in place.

A short length of rope is connected between the shackles 31. One end of a tether is then attached to the mid-point of the rope connecting the shackles 31, enabling the 30 user to raise and lower the trap 4 through the water. A buoy or float is attached to the free end of the tether to mark the position of the trap 4 enabling the user to retrieve the trap 4.

The eel trap 4 is now lowered into the water so that it sinks to the seabed. The weights 37 maintain the trap 4 in its correct orientation as it is lowered through the water. s With the net 23 in the raised position, the only way into or out of the trap 4 is through the frusto-conical funnel 35. The monofilament nylon lines 39 attached to the bottom of the funnel 35 are sufficiently spaced so as to enable an eel to enter the trap 4.

10 The shape of the funnel 35 offers only a small area through which an eel can escape from the trap 4, additionally an eel trying to leave the trap 4 will make contact with the monofilament nylon lines 39 and become disorientated.

After a period of time determined by the user, the eel trap 4 is retrieved by locating 15 the float and pulling on the tether.

The net 23 is untied and lowered allowing the user to easily remove the catch as well as to apply extra bait to the trap 4, if this is required.

20 When the user has finished using the trap 4, the frusto-conical funnel 35 is removed and flattened by cutting or otherwise unfastening the cable ties 36, 38. With the net 23 lowered, the frame 2 is flattened by sliding each of the locking cylinders 15 up each of the ribs 9 and bending the ribs 9 inward so that the top and bottom of the frame 2 are brought together.

as Referring to Figure G. a further embodiment of the present invention is identical to the lobster pot 1 described above except for an additional access port 41 at the base of the net 23, just above the point at which the net 23 is attached to the base ring 3.

The access port 41 is fitted with a one-way lobster gate 40 such as the one described 30 in US-A-5974725. The gate 40 enables crustaceans to enter into the main chamber of the pot 1 but prevents them from leaving.

- 10 The method of use for this embodiment is the same as for the lobster pot 1 described above, with the exception that crustaceans will be able to enter the trap through both the top and side openings. When the lobster pot I is collapsed, the gate 40 in the side of the net 23 lies flat between the upper and lower portions of 5 the frame 2.

A still further embodiment is the same as the lobster pot 1 described above, except that all of the upper part of the frame 2 is covered by stiff mesh, so the only entrance into the pot 1 is through the access port 41 in the net 23.

Although a one-way gate 40 is preferably attached to the side access port 41, it is appreciated that the access port 41 could be formed solely from the net 23 itself.

Although the frame 2 of the collapsible fishing trap in the embodiments described 15 above is made from stainless steel, it is appreciated that it could be constructed from any marine durable material such a polymer or another of metal.

Although the first and second concentric rings 17, 19 and the base ring 3 of the frame 2 of the embodiments described above are circular in shape, it is appreciated 20 that they could be oval or polygonal in shape.

It is appreciated that a portion of the net 23 or of the stiff plastic mesh 27, 29 could be made from a biodegradable material such as cotton, hemp or sisal to enable any trapped creatures to escape from the trap if it is lost. Additionally, a portion of the 25 net 23 or mesh 27, 29 could be held in place by a biodegradable material such as cotton, hemp or sisal for the same reason.

Claims

- 11 Claims

1. A collapsible fishing trap comprising upper and lower portions coupled by a plurality of foldable ribs.

s

2. A trap according to claim 1, wherein a funnel projects inwards from said upper portion.

3. A trap according to claim 2, wherein the funnel is frusto-conical.

4. A trap according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the funnel is formed from a sheet of stiff plastics material held in an annular configuration by releasable coupling means. 15

5. A trap according to claim 4, wherein the releasable coupling means are cable ties.

6. A trap according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the funnel is releasably coupled to said upper portion.

7. A trap according to claim 6, wherein the funnel is coupled to said upper portion by cable ties.

8. A trap according to any preceding claim, wherein said upper portion is 2s substantially planar.

9. A trap according to any preceding claim, wherein the upper portion comprises first and second concentric rings connected by mesh.

30

10. A trap according to any preceding claim, wherein the lower portion is substantially planar.

- 12

11. A trap according to claim 1O, wherein the lower portion comprises a ring and a mesh extending across the ring.

12. A trap according to claim 11, wherein the lower portion includes a cross s piece extending across the ring, the ends of the cross-piece being V-shaped with the ends of the legs of the Vs being attached to the ring.

13. A trap according to claim 12, including a weight mounted over one of said Vs. the weight being grooved to receive the V over which it is mounted.

14. A trap according to any preceding claim, including a tubular net fixed at one end around said lower portion and releasably held, at its other end, at said upper portion.

15 15. A trap according to claim 14, wherein said net is releasably held to said upper portion by means of a lace threaded around the upper edge of the net and tied.

16. A trap according to claim 14 or 15, including access port located adjacent to 20 said lower portion for providing access to the trap for targets.

17. A trap according to claim 1G, wherein the port comprises an opening in the net, the opening being substantially greater than the mesh size of the net.

25

18. A trap according to claim 17, including a one-way gate device mounted in said opening.

19. A trap according to any preceding claim, wherein each foldable rib joining said upper and lower portions comprises upper and lower rods, which are hinged 30 together and overlap such that a locking cylinder positioned on the rib in the region where the two rods overlap prevents the rib from bending at the hinge.

- 13

20. A fishing trap comprising upper and lower portions, wherein the space between said portions is covered by a net that is fixed at one end around said lower portion and releasably held, at its other end at said upper portion.

s

21. A trap according to claim 20, wherein said net is releasably held to said upper portion by means of a lace threaded around the upper edge of the net and tied.