WO2007114714A1

WO2007114714A1 - A submersible marine marker arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2007114714A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2007/000066
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sarah Ashleigh Trass
Original assignee: Sarah Ashleigh Trass
Priority date: 2006-03-31
Filing date: 2007-03-30
Publication date: 2007-10-11

Abstract

A submersible marine marker arrangement. It includes a buoy, an item to be marked by the buoy, to be sunk to the bottom of a body of water and that is tethered to the buoy in a manner to be able to assume two tethered conditions. A first tethered condition defines a maximum distance of separation between the buoy and the item. The second tethered condition temporarily constrains the distance of separation from reaching the maximum. A timer controlled release mechanism can hold the buoy and the item in the second tethered condition for a predetermined time after which it is released to send the buoy to the surface.

Description

A SUBMERSIBLE MARINE MARKER ARRANGEMENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a submersible marine marker arrangement.

BACKGROUND

Craypots and other marine traps or agriculture devices are often set for both commercial and recreational purposes in locations where poaching is prevalent. Craypots are usually set by sinking a craypot to the ocean floor that is attached to a marker buoy, floating at the surface of the ocean to designate the location. The marker buoy will be attached to the craypot by a rope or cable allowing for the craypot to be retrieved by its owner. Marker buoys need to be sufficiently clear for the owner to locate the craypots. Unfortunately this also allows for such craypots to be conveniently located by poachers. Furthermore, such buoys, located at the surface can be prone to being accidentally run over by other vessels. Fouling with a vessel's propeller may also occur.

Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide a submersible marine marker arrangement, preferably for the purposes of marking craypots, that addresses the abovementioned disadvantages, or which will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly in a first aspect the present invention consists in a submersible marine marker arrangement comprising a buoy, an item to be marked by said buoy, said item being heavier than water that is to be sunk to the bottom of a body of water and that is tethered to said buoy in a manner to be able to assume two tethered conditions, a first tethered condition defining a maximum distance of separation between said buoy and said item, and a second tethered condition temporarily constraining the distance of separation from reaching said maximum, wherein a timer controlled release mechanism can hold said buoy and said item in said second tethered condition for a predetermined time.

Preferably said second tethered condition defines a distance of separation that is less than said maximum distance and in use holds said buoy below the surface of the body of water.

Preferably said first tethered condition allows said buoy to reach the surface of the body of water.

Preferably said buoy and said item are tethered by at least one tether that can be reduced in effective length by said mechanism. Preferably said buoy and said item are capable of being tethered by at least two tethers, one tether (the primary tether) that defines the maximum distance of separation and another (the secondary tether) that engages with said release mechanism to temporarily hold said items in said second tethered condition.

Preferably said primary tether is connected directly to said buoy and said item.

Preferably said release mechanism includes a housing.

Preferably said primary tether is connected directly to said buoy and said item save for being interrupted by said housing.

Preferably said release mechanism includes; a housing that includes a key hole that can receive a key that can releasably hold said buoy and said item in said second tethered condition when the key is retained by the key hole when the key is in a locked rotational condition with the key hole and wherein a timer controlled actuator is provided to move the key to a released rotational condition relative the key hole. Preferably said key can releasably engage a secondary tether that is also connected to one of said item and said buoy.

Preferably said housing is engaged to said primary tether intermediate of said buoy and said item.

Alternatively, preferably said housing is engaged to said buoy and said primary tether and extends between said housing and said item.

Preferably said primary tether extends from said housing. Altematively, preferably said housing is engaged to said buoy and said primary tether and extends between said buoy and said item.

Preferably said primary tether extends from said buoy.

Alternatively, preferably said housing is engaged to said item and said primary tether and extends between said housing and said buoy.

Preferably said primary tether extends from said housing.

Alternatively, preferably said housing is engaged to said item and said primary tether and extends between from said item and housing.

Preferably said primary tether extends from said item. Preferably said timer is able to be set by a person.

Preferably said timer is able to be varied by a person.

Preferably said timer actuates said key or key hole for relative rotation directly.

Preferably said key and key hole are in the locked condition until said timer actuates said key or key hole.

Preferably said tether or each said tether may be made up of a series of linked items.

Preferably said tether(s) includes a rope or cable or chain

Preferably said tether(s) is a rope or cable or chain. Preferably said tether or each said tether is a single item.

Preferably said item is a craypot.

Preferably said buoy is of a buoyancy capable of biasing the tether, buoy and timer mechanism to the surface but not also said item.

Preferably said connection rod extends through an opening in said housing to engage or defines said latch.

Preferably said connection rod can move in its elongate direction relative to said opening.

Preferably said housing, in use, is orientated so that said float is in a position when said reservoir has not been filled or partially filled with liquid, to hold said latch in said latching condition. Preferably said float can move between a lower limit and upper limit, dependent on the level of liquid in said reservoir, said lower limit corresponding to said latch being in a condition holding said item and buoy in said second tethered condition. Preferably said opening is a sealed opening to prevent water from entering said reservoir therethrough.

In a second aspect the present invention consists in a submersible marine marker arrangement comprising a buoy, an item to be marked by said buoy, said item being heavier than water and that is to be sunk to the bottom of a body of water and that is tethered to said buoy by a primary tether defining a maximum distance of separation between said buoy and said item, a timer controlled release mechanism that includes a means to temporarily reduce the maximum distance between said buoy and said item, said release mechanism having two modes of operation, a first mode that holds said means to temporarily reduce the maximum distance in a manner to prevent the maximum distance of separation from being achieved and in a second mode that wherein said means to temporarily reduce the maximum distance is released to allow said maximum distance to be achieved.

Preferably said means to temporarily reduce is a secondary tether that is of a length shorter than said primary tether, that can be engaged by said mechanism.

Preferably said mechanism is engaged to said primary tether.

Preferably said primary tether has said mechanism interposed therein. In a further aspect the present invention consists in method of setting craypots on the ocean floor, comprising, prior to casting the marker arrangement from a vessel into the ocean, configuring the marker arrangement as herein before described such that the distance between said item and said buoy is restricted to reaching the maximum distance of separation, setting said timer to a desired time at which the mechanism is to release the restricted distance and casting said marker arrangement into the ocean where the depth of water is less than the maximum distance and greater than the restricted distance.

In a further aspect the present invention consists in a submersible marine marker arrangement for an item to be marked, said item being heavier than water that is to be sunk to the bottom of a body of water comprising a buoy, to be tethered to said item in a manner to be able to assume two tethered conditions, a first tethered condition defining a maximum distance of separation between said buoy and said item, and a second tethered condition temporarily constraining the distance of separation from reaching said maximum, wherein a timer controlled release mechanism can hold said buoy and said item in said second tethered condition for a predetermined time.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of an arrangement wherein the arrangement is holding a buoy in a submerged condition,

Figure 2 is a side view of the arrangement of Figure 1 but in a non submerged condition,

Figure 3 is a side sectional view of a release mechanism in a locked position, Figure 4 is a top sectional view of Figure 3 wherein the release mechanism is in a locked position,

Figure 5 is a side sectional view of the release mechanism in an unlocked position, Figure 6 is a top sectional view of Figure 5 wherein the release mechanism is in an unlocked position,

Figure 7 is a side view of a variation to a release mechanism wherein die primary tether has been coiled within the release mechanism, Figure 8 is a side view of an alternative arrangement wherein the arrangement is holding a buoy in a submerged condition,

Figure 9 is a side view of the arrangement of Figure 8 wherein the buoy is in a non submerged condition,

Figure 10 is a side view of an alternative arrangement wherein the arrangement is holding the buoy in a submerged condition,

Figure 11 is a side view of Figure 5 wherein the buoy is non submerged, Figure 12 is a side view of a slight variation to that of Figures 10 and 11, Figure 13 is a side view of yet an alternative arrangement wherein a release mechanism is engaged direcdy to a craypot, Figure 14 is yet a further arrangement wherein the release mechanism is direcdy attached to or incorporated with a marker buoy,

Figure 15 illustrates a side sectional view of an alternative release mechanism, Figure 16 shows the side release mechanism of Figure 15 in a released condition, and Figure 17 is a side view of a variation to a release mechanism wherein the primary tether has been coiled within the release mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to Figure 1, there is shown an arrangement 1 of the present invention. The arrangement 1 includes a buoy 2 or float that is tethered to an item 3 such as a craypot. The item 3 with or without additional weights added to it, is of a weight so as to sink to the bottom 4 of a body of water 5. The item (hereinafter "craypot") 3 is tethered to the buoy 2, so that a grasping of a buoy by a person who may be in a boat at the surface 6 of the body of water 5, can haul the craypot from the bottom 4 of the body of water 5. Tethering may occur in a number of different configurations. There are primarily two tethered conditions. The first condition is as shown by way of example in Figure 2. In the first condition the nature of the tethering between the buoy 2 and the craypot 3 is such that when the craypot 3 is sitting on the bottom 4 of the body of water 5, the marker buoy 2 is at the surface 6 of the body of water 5. The tethering may be in a manner so that the length of tether is of a length either the same or longer than the depth of the water between the surface 6 and the bottom 4.

The primary mode of tethering is in one way achieved by a primary tether 8. The primary tether 8 is affixed at its first end 9 to the craypot 3. At its other end 10 the primary tether 8 is attached to the buoy 2. The length of the tether 8 is sufficient to allow for the buoy to sit at the surface 6 of the body of water 5 when the craypot 3 is sitting on the bottom 4.

A mechanism contained within the buoy 2 is utilised to assist in changing the configuration of tethering between the first and second modes.

In the examples shown in Figures 1 and 2, a key 19 is provided. The key 19 is engaged to the craypot 3. The key 19 may also be engaged to the buoy 2. Engagement by the region 21 to the buoy 2 is preferably of a temporary kind. The buoy 2 which contains the mechanism which can release the connection formed between the region 21 of the key 19 and the buoy 2 can be operated to release the key 19 as for example shown in Figure 2. The mechanism will hereinafter be described in more detail.

The mechanism 26 can releasably engage from the region 21 of the key 19 and upon its release, will move the tethering between the buoy and the craypot from the second mode to the first mode (Le. as shown in Figure 1 to that as shown in Figure 2).

With reference to Figure 3, there is shown the release mechanism that may be used. The release mechanism is contained or retained by the buoy 2 or otherwise attached to the buoy. The release mechanism includes a key hole 31 through which the key 19 can be inserted and released. When the key 19 is inserted into the key hole 31, the key 19 can rotate between a locked (see Figures 3 and 4) and an unlocked (see Figures 5 and 6) position. In the locked position, the key hole 31 interferes with the release of the key 19 as shown in Figure 4. The key 19 abuts the edges of the key hole 31 and is prevented from being released. In the unlocked position, the key 19 is aligned with the key hole 31 and can be released without interference as shown in Figure 6. The rotation of the key 19 is controlled by a key actuator 32. The key actuator 32 is connected to a shaft 33 which is rotatable about its X axis. The rotation of the shaft 33 is controlled by a timer. The timer can be set by a person to trigger rotation of the key actuator 32 and the key 19 from the locked position to the unlocked position. After the predetermined time set by the timer, the key 19 will be in the unlocked position and will be released from the release mechanism.

In operation, the arrangement may be set such that the maximum distance between the buoy 2 and the craypot 3 is restricted from reaching its maximum distance defined by the primary tether. This can be achieved by inserting and locking. The key 19 is the release mechanism. The timer can then be set for a duration for which it is desired for the buoy 2 to remain submerged below the surface of the body of water. The arrangement may then be cast over the side of a boat allowing the craypot 3 to sink to the bottom of the body of water. The buoy will settle below the surface of the body of water when this configuration is established. Upon the time specified set by the timer being reached, the key 19 will be released from the release mechanism, and consequently the buoy 2. The distance between the buoy 2 and the craypot 3 is then no longer restrained other than by the primary tether 8. The primary tether 8 is of a configuration long enough to allow for the buoy 2 to travel to the surface.

As can be seen as shown to Figure 1, in the constrained condition the primary tether 8 is in a loose configuration. This may be disadvantageous as it can cause fouling of the arrangement. With reference to Figure 7, an arrangement is shown wherein such fouling can be reduced. Forming part of or engaged to the buoy 2 is a container 91. The container 91 may include a coil of the tether 8 when the arrangement is in the contracted condition. In the contracted condition some of the tether 8 is coiled within the container 91.

With reference to Figure 15, there is shown an alternative release mechanism that may be used. The release mechanism is contained or retained by the housing 12. It includes a reservoir 68 that contains a float such as a weighted float 69. The weighted float can move between two positions such as those as shown in Figures 15 and 16. The weighted float can move between the positions as a result of the weighted float being lifted upwardly, as a result of a liquid 70 entering the reservoir 68. Control of liquid entering into the reservoir 68 is by a valve 71. The valve 71 can open and close an inlet 73 to the reservoir 68. The valve 71 may be provided in a duct that can create a liquid connection between the body of water 5 and the reservoir.68. Alternatively the liquid may be from another source. A bellow seal 101 or O-ring seal or similar may be included to seal the opening of the housing through which the connection rod extends. Magnetic elements may alternatively be used inside and outside the housing for the trigger mechanism. This will avoid the need for a sealed opening to be created through the housing.

The valve 71 is controlled by a timer 74. The timer can be set by a person to trigger the valve 71 or to actuate the valve 71 after a predetermined time set by the timer 74. When the liquid 70 enters the chamber 68 the float 69 will displace upwardly. The float 69 is engaged to a connection rod 76 that in conjunction with a pawl 77 can form a means to capture the tether such as the tether 19 of Figure 1. The connection rod 76 in this mode, acts as a latch to selectively capture the upper end 21 of the tether 19 in place. When the float 69 is lifted as a result of ingress of water 70 into the reservoir 68, the connection rod 76 will also elevate. With the appropriate configuration of the connection rod 67 with the pawl 77, release of the tether 19 can occur when the float is at or reaches its upper limit of travel. The connection rode 76 may act as a latch or may alternatively be connected to a latch to operate the latch in a like manner as described with reference to the configuration shown in Figures 15 and 16. Alternatively no connection rod 76 may be provided but instead the float 76 may in an alternative manner operate a latch to have the same effect as that of the mechanism shown in Figures 15 and 16. A more complex mechanism may be utilised for example where the latching is occurring at or towards the upper end of the housing 12 rather than the lower end as shown in Figures 15 and 16.

The lengths of the tethers, ropes and components of the invention may be adjustable for various purposes and to take various factors into account.

Suitable waterproofing of the components of the mechanism can be employed including a watertight seal provided for the timer mechanism.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A submersible marine marker arrangement comprising a buoy, an item to be marked by said buoy, said item being heavier than water and that is to be sunk to the bottom of a body of water and that is tethered to said buoy in a manner to be able to assume two tethered conditions, a first tethered condition defining a maximum distance of separation between said buoy and said item, and a second tethered condition temporarily constraining die distance of separation from reaching said maximum, wherein a timer controlled release mechanism can hold said buoy and said item in said second tethered condition for a predetermined time.

2. A submersible marine marker arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein said second tethered condition defines a distance of separation that is less than said maximum distance and in use holds said buoy below the surface of the body of water.

3. A submersible marine marker arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein said first tethered condition allows said buoy to reach the surface of the body of water.

4. A submersible marine marker arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said buoy and said item are tethered by at least one tether that can be reduced in effective length by said mechanism.

5. A submersible marine marker arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said buoy and said item are capable of being tethered by at least two tethers, one tether (the primary tether) that defines the maximum distance of separation and another (the secondary tether) that engages with said release mechanism to temporarily hold said items in said second tethered condition.

6. A submersible marine marker arrangement as claimed in claim 5 wherein said primary tether is connected directly to said buoy and said item.

7. A submersible marine marker arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein said timer controlled release mechanism includes a housing.

8. A submersible marine marker arrangement as claimed in claim 5 wherein said release mechanism includes a housing and said primary tether is connected directly to said buoy and said item save for being interrupted by said housing.

9. A submersible marine marker arrangement as claimed in claim 7 wherein said release mechanism includes; a housing that includes a key hole that can receive a key that can releasably hold said buoy and said item in said second tethered condition when the key is retained by the key hole when the key is in a locked rotational condition with the key hole and wherein a timer controlled actuator is provided to move the key to a released rotational condition relative the key hole.

10. A submersible marine marker arrangement as claimed in claim 9 wherein said key can releasably engage a secondary tether that is also connected to one of said item and said buoy.

11. A submersible marine marker arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein said release mechanism includes; a housing that includes a reservoir that contains a float, said reservoir including an inlet that includes a timer controlled shut-off valve to allow liquid to enter the reservoir, a latch that can releasably hold said buoy and said item in said second tethered condition and that is actuable by said float to release said hold, said actuation occurring upon the entering of liquid into said reservoir whereupon the float is displaced relative to said housing.

12. A submersible marine marker arrangement as claimed in claim 11 wherein said latch can releasably engage a secondary tether that is also connected to one of said item and said buoy.

13. A submersible marine marker arrangement as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein said liquid is water of the body of water.

14. A submersible marine marker arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein said timer actuates said valve directly.

15. A submersible marine marker arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14 wherein said valve is in a closed condition until said timer actuates said valve.

16. A submersible marine marker arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15 wherein said inlet, in use, is in liquid communication with the body of water save for when said valve is closed.

17. A submersible marine marker arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 16 wherein said float includes a connection rod that is or is engaged to said latch.

18. A submersible marine marker arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein said timer is able to be set by a person.

19. A submersible marine marker arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein said timer is able to be varied by a person.

20. A submersible marine marker arrangement as claimed in claim 9 or 10 wherein a timer actuates said key or key hole for relative rotation directly.

21. A submersible marine marker arrangement as claimed in claims 9 or 10 wherein said key and key hole are in the locked condition until said timer actuates said key or key hole.

22. A submersible marine marker arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21 wherein said buoy is of a buoyancy capable of raising the tether, buoy and timer mechanism towards the surface but not said item.

23. A submersible marine marker arrangement comprising a buoy, an item to be marked by said buoy, said item being heavier than water and that is to be sunk to the bottom of a body of water and that is tethered to said buoy by a primary tether defining a maximum distance of separation between said buoy and said item, a timer controlled release mechanism that includes a means to temporarily reduce the maximum distance between said buoy and said item, said release mechanism having two modes of operation, a first mode that holds said means to temporarily reduce the maximum distance in a manner to prevent the maximum distance of separation from being achieved and in a second mode wherein said means to temporarily reduce the maximum distance is released to allow said maximum distance to be achieved.

24. A submersible marine marker arrangement as claimed in claim 23 wherein said means to temporarily reduce is a secondary tether that is of a length shorter than said primary tether, that can be engaged by said mechanism.

25. A submersible marine marker arrangement as claimed in claims 23 or 24 wherein said mechanism is engaged to said primary tether.

26. A method of setting craypots on the ocean floor, comprising, prior to casting the marker arrangement from a vessel into the ocean, configuring the marker arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22 or claims 23 to 25 such that the distance between said item and said buoy is restricted from reaching the maximum distance of separation, setting said timer to a desired time at which the mechanism is to release from the restricted distance condition and casting said marker arrangement into the ocean where the depth of water is less than the maximum distance and greater than the restricted distance.

27. A submersible marine marker arrangement for an item to be marked, said item being heavier than water that is to be sunk to the bottom of a body of water comprising a buoy, to be tethered to said item in a manner to be able to assume two tethered conditions, a first tethered condition defining a maximum distance of separation between said buoy and said item, and a second tethered condition temporarily constraining the distance of separation' from reaching said maximum, wherein a timer controlled release mechanism can hold said buoy and said item in said second tethered condition for a predetermined time.