NZ723319A - Collapsible Craypot - Google Patents

Abstract

collapsible craypot (10) comprising a plurality of first interconnected panels (18) and a plurality of first releasable fixing means (30). Each first interconnected panel (18) has a periphery (24) and at least one of the first interconnected panels (18) has an opening (20). Each first interconnected panel (18) is pivotally connected at its periphery (24) with at least one other first interconnected panel (18) such that, when assembled, the first interconnected panels (18) form sides of the collapsible craypot (10) that support each other. A first interconnected panel (18) having an opening (20) forms a top of the collapsible craypot (10). The first interconnected panels (18) are secured in position by way of the plurality of first releasable fixing means (30). ed panel (18) is pivotally connected at its periphery (24) with at least one other first interconnected panel (18) such that, when assembled, the first interconnected panels (18) form sides of the collapsible craypot (10) that support each other. A first interconnected panel (18) having an opening (20) forms a top of the collapsible craypot (10). The first interconnected panels (18) are secured in position by way of the plurality of first releasable fixing means (30).

Description

“COLLAPSIBLE CRAYPOT” FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a cover for a collapsible craypot. While the invention is particularly suited to capturing crustaceans, it has equal application in capturing fish.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the application.

Recreational fisherman often seek to capture crustaceans using craypots.

However, traditional craypots generally come pre-assembled. This takes up significant room on the boat, as well as on the vehicle used to transport the craypot to the boat. It also means that significant space needs to be set aside for storage of the craypot when not in use.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a craypot that can be segmented and collapsed so as to facilitate easy transfer and storage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Throughout this document, unless otherwise indicated to the contrary, the terms “comprising”, “consisting of”, and the like, are to be construed as non- exhaustive, or in other words, as meaning “including, but not limited to”.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is a collapsible craypot comprising: a plurality of first interconnected panels, each first interconnected panel having a periphery and at least one of the first interconnected panels having an opening; and a plurality of first releasable fixing means, where, each first interconnected panel is pivotally connected at its periphery with at least one other first interconnected panel such that, when assembled, the first interconnected panels forming sides of the collapsible craypot support each other and a first interconnected panel having an opening forms a top of the collapsible craypot and where the first interconnected panels are secured in position by way of the plurality of first releasable fixing means.

The first interconnected panels forming sides of the collapsible craypot are preferably trapezoidal in shape. Furthermore it is beneficial if at least one of the first interconnected panels forming sides of the collapsible craypot has an opening to allow for the escape of undersized crustaceans and/or fish.

The collapsible craypot may also include a bait box, the bait box comprising a plurality of second interconnected panels, each second interconnected panel having a periphery; and a plurality of second releasable fixing means, where, each second interconnected panel is pivotally connected at its periphery with at least one other second interconnected panel and where the second interconnected panels are secured in position by way of the plurality of second releasable fixing means. Preferably, the bait box is secured to the collapsible craypot by way of at least one of the plurality of first releasable fixing means.

The collapsible craypot may also include a neck, the neck comprising a plurality of third interconnected panels, each third interconnected panel having a periphery; and where, each third interconnected panel is pivotally connected at its periphery with at least one other third interconnected panel and where the third interconnected panels are secured in position by way of at least one of the plurality of first releasable fixing means. Each third interconnected panel may incorporate a catch handle.

Each set of interconnected panels may be pivotally connected by way of a welded hinge. Similarly, each set of releasable fixing means preferably takes the form of a hooked restraining strap.

The hooked restraining strap may be knotted to a first interconnected panel or second interconnected panel as appropriate.

A weight bar may also be used with the collapsible container. The weight bar has at least one flange attached to each end, where the weight bar is able to be releasably attached to a first interconnected panel by way of a restraining strap extending between the flanges.

In a second aspect of the invention there is a weight bar for use with a craypot having at least one flange positioned at either end of the weight bar, where the weight bar is able to be releasably attached to one side of the craypot by way of a restraining strap extending between the flanges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an exploded plan view of a main housing of a collapsible craypot according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the main housing as shown in Figure 1 in its assembled state.

Figure 3 is a top plan view of a neck of a collapsible craypot according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the neck as shown in Figure 3 in its assembled state.

Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a bait box of a collapsible craypot according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the bait box as shown in Figure 5 in its assembled state.

Figure 7 is a top plan view of the bait box as shown in Figure 5 in its collapsed state.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a weight bar for use with a craypot.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a general element of a collapsible craypot according to the first embodiment of the invention, the general element being in a collapsed state.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention there is a collapsible craypot 10 comprising a main housing 12, a bait box 14 and a neck 16. The main housing 12, bait box 14 and neck 16 are all separately collapsible components as described hereafter.

The main housing 12 comprises a plurality of interconnected panels 18. In this embodiment, panels 18a and 18f is rectangular in shape. Panels 18b through 18e are trapezoidal in shape. Panel 18f is significantly smaller in size than panel 18a and has an entrance hole 20 provided t herein.

A release hole 22 is provided in three of the trapezoidal panels (in this embodiment, the panels designated 18b, 18c and 18d). Each release hole 22 is rectangular in shape. The size of the release hole 22 will be described in more detail below.

The shape of each panel 18 is defined by a plurality of peripheral bars 24.

Extending between the peripheral bars 24 are a plurality of containment bars 26.

Ideally the containment bars 26 are arranged such that they: • intersect with one another to form a grid-like pattern along the full length (L) and height (H) of the panel 18; and • are equally spaced from each other at their points of connection to the peripheral bars 24 at a distance that prevents the intended fish or crustacean to be captured from being able to escape the pot 10.

In the case of trapezoidal panels 18b, 18c and 18d, the arrangement of the containment bars 26 is such that they do not extend into the release hole 22.

Each trapezoidal panel 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e is connected along its longest length (L ) to one side of panel 18a. In this embodiment, the connection is formed by enclosing part of the peripheral bar 24 forming the relevant side of panel 18a in a welded hinge 28 along with part of the peripheral bar 24 forming the longest length (L ) of the trapezoidal panel 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e.

Attached to each panel 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e at a position proximate a peripheral bar 24 are a plurality of elasticised restraining straps 30. Each restraining strap 30 has a first end 32 and a second end 34. The first end 32 secures the restraining strap 30 to the panel 18b, 18c, 18d or 18e by way of a knot as would be known to the person skilled in the art.

Attached to the second end 34 of the restraining strap 30 is a hook 36. The restraining strap, in its entirety, is best shown in Figure 9.

An additional pair of restraining straps 30 are attached to panel 18a. A set of four restraining straps 30 are also attached to panel 18f.

The bait box 14 also comprises a plurality of interconnected panels 38, a base 40 and a lid 42. In this embodiment, each interconnected panel 38 is rectangular in shape. The base 40 and lid 42 are square in shape.

Each of the interconnected panels 38, base 40 and lid 42 are formed from a plurality of containment bars 44. The containment bars 44 are arranged such that they intersect with one another to form a grid-like pattern along the full length (L ) and height (H ) of the panel 38. Like the containment bars 26 of panels 18, the containment bars 44 are also equally spaced from each other at a distance that prevents the intended fish or crustacean to be captured from being able to escape the bait box 14.

Each panel 38 is connected to its adjacent panels 38 by way of a plurality of welded hinges 46. The welded hinge 46 is of identical construction to welded hinge Additional welded hinges 46 are used to connect the base 40 to a panel 38 and to connect the lid 42 to the same panel 38.

Additional restraining straps 30 are also attached to panel 38.

The neck 16 comprises a plurality of four interconnected panels 48. The interconnected panels 48 are all square in shape. The construction of the interconnected panels 48, and their means of connection to each other, are the same as that used to construct the bait box 14.

The end result is that the neck 16 comprises a cube having two opposing open sides 50.

Arranged around the periphery of each interconnected panel 48 that surrounds a first open side 50a is a catch handle 52. The role of the catch handle 52 will be explained in more detail below.

Further restraining straps 30 are also attached to opposing sides of interconnected panels 48.

The invention will now be described in the context of its intended use.

The main housing 12 is laid out flat as shown in Figure [xxxx]. Once laid out, the user manipulates two adjacent interconnected panels 18 (say interconnected panels 18b and 18c) to pivot within their respective welded hinge 28 to form a corner. The retraining strap 30 attached to interconnected panel 18b is then stretched across the exterior of the interconnected panels 18b, 18c until hook 36 is able to be attached to one of the containment bars 26 of interconnected panel 18c.

It is important that once so connected, the restraining strap 30 remains taut to ensure that the interconnected panels 18b, 19c operate to provide support to each other.

The remaining interconnected panels 18d, 18e are then raised and secured in an identical manner. The end result is that the main housing 12 has the shape of a frustum.

Bait box 14 is the laid out as flat as possible. The interconnected panels 38 are then manipulated about their welded hinges 46 so as to form an open ended rectangular prism. The base 40 is then manipulated about its welded hinge so as to cover off one open end of the rectangular prism. The base 40 is then secured in this position by stretching the retaining strap 30 closest to the base 40 across the exterior of the base 40 to the interconnected panel 38 opposite the interconnected panel 38 to which the restraining strap 30 is attached. The hook 36 is then attached to one of the containment bars 44 such that the restraining strap 30 remains taught.

The lid 42 is then manipulated in this same way so as to cover off the other open end of the rectangular prism. The lid 42 is also secured in a similar manner as has been described for securing the base 40.

The bait box 14 is then inserted into the interior of the main housing 12, such that it sits on top of panel 18a proximate the restraining straps 30 attached thereto.

The restraining straps 30 are then manipulated in a manner as would be readily known to the person skilled in the art so as to secure the bait box 14 to panel 18a.

The neck 16 is then laid out as flat as possible. The interconnected panels 48 are similarly manipulated about their welded hinges 46 so as to form an open ended rectangular prism.

Interconnected panel 18f is then lifted so that its underside is exposed. Neck 16 is then manipulated such that its rectangular prism shape surrounds entrance hole 20 at its underside and the catch handles 52 abut the portions of the interconnected panel 18f that surround the entrance hole 20. The positioning of the catch handles 52 at these locations ensures that the neck 16 is not able to pass through the entrance hole 20.

The four restraining straps 30 attached to interconnecting panel 18f are then used to secure the neck 16 in this position in a manner substantially identical to that already described., The collapsible craypot 10 is then ready for use.

When finished with, the collapsible craypot 10 can be disassembled back to its collapsible form by essentially disconnecting the hooks 36 of the restraining straps 30 from the containment bars 26, 44 to which they are attached.

It is important to note that the release hole 22 should be of size and shape to meet local legal regulations regarding the capture of undersize crustaceans or fish.

Hence, if the collapsible craypot 10 does attract an undersize crustacean or fish, that animal is able to readily escape the craypot 10 by way of one of the release holes Figure 9 shows a general element of the collapsible craypot (i.e. a representative illustration of the main body, neck or bait box) in its collapsed form.

As is evident by this Figure, the general element is designed to be flat-packed and thus facilitate ease of transfer and storage.

In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention there is a weight bar 100 for use with the collapsible craypot 10 of the first embodiment.

The weight bar 100 comprises a central bar 102 having connecting flanges 104 at each end. Each connecting flange 104 extends away from the central bar 102 in the same direction. Furthermore, each connecting flange 104 has an aperture 106 provided in its free end 108.

The central bar 102 is made from a heavy material such as a plastic coated steel bar. Ideally, the net weight of the weight bar 100 should be in the order of 1.9 kilograms.

In use, each weight bar 100 is positioned so as to be adjacent the exterior side 110 of an interconnected panel 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e. The weight bar 100 is then affixed in this position by a restraining strap (not shown). The restraining strap used to retain the weight bar 100 is identical in construction to restraining strap 30, except that an additional hook 36 is also located at first end 30. This allows each hook 36 to be manipulated so that it is retained by way of aperture 106.

It is to be noted that the use of weight bars 100, in addition to using a heavy material for the construction of the craypot 10 generally, facilitates quick sinking of the craypot 100 and stationary anchoring of the craypot 10 on the seabed.

It should be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the above invention is not limited to the embodiments described. In particular, the following modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention: • [0052] While the invention has been described with reference to a specific number of restraining straps 30 attached to various aspects of the collapsible craypot 10, the number and positioning of such restraining straps 30 can be varied as is necessary and would be readily apparent to the person skilled in the art without impacting on the efficacy of the invention. • [0053] Other forms of restraining straps 30 may be used than that described above. For instance, hook and loop fasteners may be used to secure the interconnected panels 18 to each other. • [0054] Ideally, the containment bars 26 overlay each other such that, when assembled, the overlaying containment bars 26 faces the external environment. In this manner, the trapezoidal panels 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e can be moved into position without obstruction from one or more of the containment bars 26. However, it is noted by the applicant that even in the presence of the containment bars 26, the trapezoidal panels 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e can all be put in a position that does not materially impact on the working of the invention. • [0055] The catch handles 52 may be omitted. • [0056] While the catch handles 52 in the described embodiment are used to prevent the neck 16 from passing through the entrance hole 18 from the underside of interconnected panel 18f, the catch handles 52 can also be used to prevent the neck 16 from passing through the entrance hole 18 from the topside. The advantage of this approach is that the neck need not be manipulated manually during the assembly process, with gravity and the catch handles 52 keeping the neck 16 in the entrance hole 18 until it is secured in place by way of restraining straps 30. • [0057] The welded hinges 28 may be replaced by other means which facilitate pivotal connection between interconnected panels 18, 38, 48. • [0058] While the weight bar 100 has been described in a manner that allows it to be retained to the collapsible craypot 10 using a restraining strap of similar construction to the restraining straps 30, this need not be the case. Other forms of releasably fastening the weight bar 100 to a craypot could be employed as would be readily known to the person skilled in the art. • [0059] The neck 16 and/or the bait box 14 may be omitted as required.

It should be further appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Additions or modifications described, where not mutually exclusive, can be combined to form yet further embodiments that are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (15)

We Claim:

1. A collapsible craypot comprising: a plurality of first interconnected panels, each first interconnected panel having a periphery and at least one of the first interconnected panels having an opening; and a plurality of first releasable fixing means, where, each first interconnected panel is pivotally connected at its periphery with at least one other first interconnected panel such that, when assembled, the first interconnected panels forming sides of the collapsible craypot support each other and a first interconnected panel having an opening forms a top of the collapsible craypot and where the first interconnected panels are secured in position by way of the plurality of first releasable fixing means.

2. A collapsible craypot according to claim 1, where the first interconnected panels forming sides of the collapsible craypot are trapezoidal in shape.

3. A collapsible craypot according to claim 1 or claim 2, where at least one of the first interconnected panels forming sides of the collapsible craypot has an opening.

4. A collapsible craypot according to any preceding claim, further comprising a bait box, the bait box comprising a plurality of second interconnected panels, each second interconnected panel having a periphery; and a plurality of second releasable fixing means, where, each second interconnected panel is pivotally connected at its periphery with at least one other second interconnected panel and where the second interconnected panels are secured in position by way of the plurality of second releasable fixing means.

5. A collapsible craypot according to claim 4, where the bait box is secured to the collapsible craypot by way of at least one of the plurality of first releasable fixing means.

6. A collapsible craypot according to any preceding claim, further comprising a neck, the neck comprising a plurality of third interconnected panels, each third interconnected panel having a periphery; and where, each third interconnected panel is pivotally connected at its periphery with at least one other third interconnected panel and where the third interconnected panels are secured in position by way of at least one of the plurality of first releasable fixing means.

7. A collapsible craypot according to claim 6, where each third interconnected panel has a catch handle.

8. A collapsible craypot according to any one of claims 1 to 3, where the first interconnected panels are pivotally connected by way of a welded hinge.

9. A collapsible craypot according to any one of claims 4, 5 or 8, where the second interconnected panels are pivotally connected by way of a welded hinge.

10. A collapsible craypot according to any one of claims 6 to 9, where the third interconnected panels are pivotally connected by way of a welded hinge.

11. A collapsible craypot according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or 8 to 10, where the first releasable fixing means is a hooked restraining strap.

12. A collapsible craypot according to any one of claims 4, 5, 8, 9 or 11, where the second releasable fixing means is a hooked restraining strap.

13. A collapsible craypot according to claim 11 or claim 12, where the hooked restraining strap is knotted to a first interconnected panel or second interconnected panel as appropriate.

14. A collapsible craypot according to any preceding claim, further comprising a weight bar, the weight bar having at least one flange attached to each end, where the weight bar is able to be releasably attached to a first interconnected panel by way of a restraining strap extending between the flanges.

15. A weight bar for use with a craypot having at least one flange positioned at either end of the weight bar, where the weight bar is able to be releasably attached to one side of the craypot by way of a restraining strap extending between the flanges.