| JP2003000100 | ROUND HAUL NET AND OPERATION METHOD BY USING THE SAME |
| WO/2004/080167 | A FISHING TACKLE DEVICE COMPRISING A LANDING NET |
| WO/1996/019109 | PURSE SEINE LINK |
Niccoli, George (10 Summer Place, MEREWETHER HEIGHTS, New South Wales 2291, AU)
| 1. | A hook for suspending a net or mesh from a floating support structure, the hook comprising: a first end adapted for mounting to the support structure; and a second end adapted for connection to the mesh or net. |
| 2. | A hook as claimed in claim 1 wherein: the first end is defined as a mounting portion that is part of a first member, the first member further comprising a first coupling portion; and the second end is defined as a connecting portion that is part of a second member, the second member further comprising a second coupling portion; wherein coupling of the first and second coupling portions defines the hook, and the coupling is adapted for allowing pivoting between the first and second members. |
| 3. | A hook as claimed in claim 2 wherein the pivotal coupling is arranged so that the second member can pivot in a plurality of directions relative to the first member. |
| 4. | A hook as claimed in claim 3 wherein the pivotal movement of the second member about the first member occurs about orthogonal pivot axes. |
| 5. | A hook as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the first end is defined by three elongate sections connected end to end, each section substantially orthogonal to the next. |
| 6. | A hook as claimed in claim 5 wherein the elongate sections are progressively shorter in length away from the first coupling portion. |
| 7. | A hook as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein the first coupling portion is a Ushaped hook portion or is an eyelet. |
| 8. | A hook as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein the second coupling portion is a round or teardrop shaped eyelet, or is a Ushaped hook portion. |
| 9. | A hook as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8 wherein the second end is a Ushaped or pigtailshaped hook portion. |
| 10. | A hook as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 9 wherein the second member is an elongate bar or rod, with the second end defined by an inuse lower end of the bar or rod and the second coupling portion located at an inuse upper end of the bar or rod. |
| 11. | A hook as claimed in claim 1 that is formed as a single piece, with the first and second ends each being hook shaped. |
| 12. | A hook as claimed in claim 11 that comprises an elongate bar or rod, with the first end being defined by an inuse upper end of the bar or rod and the second end being defined by an inuse lower end of the bar or rod. |
| 13. | A hook as claimed in claim 12 wherein the first end is a continuation of the bar or rod, the continuation having a first section extending orthogonally from the rest of the bar or rod and a second section subtending orthogonally from the first section. |
| 14. | A hook as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein the second end is defined by a round or U shaped hook portion, or a pigtailshaped hook portion. |
| 15. | A hook as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims that is formed of steel wire or rod and is optionally galvanised, coated or is stainless steel. |
| 16. | Aquaculture apparatus for containing aquatic life comprising one or more hooks as defined in any one of the preceding claims, and a metal mesh or net suspended from the hook (s). |
| 17. | Apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein the metal mesh or net is formed from wire mesh, the wire optionally being steel wire. |
| 18. | Apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein the steel wire is galvanised, coated or is stainless steel. |
| 19. | An aquaculture apparatus for containing aquatic life, the apparatus comprising: a floating support structure; a mesh or net for containing the aquatic life in water; and one or more hooks for suspending the mesh or net beneath the floating support structure in use; wherein the or each hook is as defined in any one of claims 1 to 15. |
| 20. | Apparatus as claimed in claim 19 wherein the mesh or net is as defined in any one of claims 16 to 18. |
| 21. | A method for joining one part of an aquaculture mesh or net to another part of the same or different mesh or net comprising the steps of: bringing the one part into proximity with the other part; rotating a length of elongate spiralshaped joiner in a manner such that the joiner passes through a plurality of apertures of each of the one and other mesh or net parts along a length thereof, to thereby join the parts. |
| 22. | A method as claimed in claim 21 wherein an edge of the one part is brought into proximity with an edge of the other part, and the length of elongate joiner is rotated such that it passes through a plurality of apertures adjacent to the edges of each of the one and other parts along a length of each edge, to thereby join the edges. |
| 23. | A method as claimed in claim 22 wherein the edges dovetail into each other such that the apertures of one part alternate with the apertures of the other part. |
| 24. | A method as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 23 wherein in end view the joiner has a diameter that is sufficiently large to allow for joining when the parts are somewhat spaced from each other. |
| 25. | A joined mesh or net resulting from the method of any one of claims 21 to 24. |
| 26. | An aquaculture net or mesh joining elongate spiral shaped joiner. |
Background to the Invention Aquaculture nets provide a controlled environment for raising of freshwater and salt-water (hereafter aquatic) life for harvest as food or other products. One particular form of aquaculture apparatus provides a net within which aquatic life, such as fish, can grow without predation.
Thus, the net is provided not only to keep the aquatic life contained but also to keep predators out. This aquaculture apparatus may comprise a floating support structure with a polymeric (eg. nylon or polyethylene) mesh net suspended beneath the support structure for containing the aquatic life. The net is normally suspended from the support structure by a plurality of ties.
Problems have been encountered with conventional suspended polymeric mesh nets in areas subject to strong currents, such as areas with strong tidal conditions. The strong current resulting from water tidal movement can tend to pull the net sideways. This tends to cause the mesh net to flatten thereby reducing the volume thereof.
This may harm the aquatic life contained in the net and the sideways pull from the current can also cause the ties to break.
Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a hook for suspending a mesh or net from a floating support structure, the hook comprising: a first end adapted for mounting to the support
structure; and a second end adapted for connection to the mesh or net.
Advantageously, the use of a hook enables a net formed from a heavy mesh such as a galvanised or stainless steel mesh to be suspended from the floating support structure, which mesh resists deformation in currents. A steel mesh net also keeps predators out far more effectively than a polymeric mesh net. In this regard, typically the hook is fabricated to be shear resistant.
Preferably the first end is defined as a mounting portion that is part of a first member, the first member further comprising a first coupling portion. Preferably the second end is defined as a connecting portion that is part of a second member, the second member further comprising a second coupling portion. Coupling of the first and second coupling portions may therefore define the hook. Preferably the coupling is adapted for allowing pivoting between the first and second members. Thus, whilst the hook can be provided as a one-piece device, preferably it is provided as a two-piece device.
Advantageously, when the hook comprises a pivotable coupling, this allows the mesh or net to move under the influence of currents.
Preferably the pivotable coupling is arranged so that the second member can pivot in a plurality of directions relative to the first member. More preferably pivotal movement of the second member about the first member occurs about orthogonal pivot axes.
The first end itself can be hook-shaped for hooking over the support structure. Alternatively the first end can be defined by three elongate sections connected end to end, each section substantially orthogonal to the next for resting on eg. a rectangular member of the support structure. Preferably the elongate sections are progressively shorter in length away from the first coupling portion.
Preferably the first coupling portion is in the form of a hook portion that can be round or U-shaped.
Alternatively the first coupling portion can be eyelet shaped.
Preferably the second member is an elongate bar or rod with the second end defined by an in-use lower end of the bar or rod and the second coupling portion located at an in-use upper end of the bar or rod.
Preferably the second coupling portion is in the form of an eyelet. The eyelet can be round or teardrop-shaped.
Alternatively the second coupling portion can be hook- shaped, for example, a round or U-shaped hook portion.
Preferably the second end is a round or U-shaped hook portion. Alternatively the second end can a pigtail-shaped hook portion.
Preferably when the hook is provided as a one-piece device the first and second ends are each hook-shaped.
Preferably the one-piece device includes an elongate bar or rod, with the first end being defined by an in-use upper end of the bar or rod and the second end being defined by an in-use lower end of the bar or rod.
In this regard, preferably the first end is defined by a continuation of the bar or rod, the continuation having a first section extending orthogonally from the rest of the bar or rod and a second section extending orthogonally from the first section. Preferably the second end is defined by a round or U-shaped hook portion, or alternatively a pigtail shaped hook portion.
Typically the hook is formed of steel wire or rod which is optionally galvanised, coated or formed from stainless steel.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an aquaculture apparatus for containing aquatic life comprising one or more hooks as defined for the first aspect and a metal mesh or net suspended from the hook (s).
Preferably the metal mesh or net is formed from wire
mesh, the wire preferably being steel wire. Preferably the steel wire is galvanised, coated or stainless steel.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided an aquaculture apparatus for containing aquatic life, the apparatus comprising: a floating support structure; a mesh or net for containing the aquatic life in water; and one or more hooks for suspending the mesh or net beneath the floating support structure in use; wherein the or each hook is as defined for the first aspect.
Preferably the mesh or net is as defined for the second aspect.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for joining one part of an aquaculture mesh or net to another part of the same or different mesh or net comprising the steps of: bringing the one part into proximity with the other part; rotating a length of elongate spiral-shaped joiner in a manner such that the joiner passes through a plurality of apertures of each of the one and other mesh or net parts along a length thereof, to thereby join the parts.
Advantageously this method for joining an aquaculture mesh or net allows for rapid erection of aquaculture apparatus, especially in-situ.
Preferably an edge of the one part is brought into proximity with an edge of the other part and the length of elongate joiner is rotated such that it passes through a plurality of apertures adjacent to the edges of each of the one and other parts along a length of each edge, to thereby join the edges. Preferably the edges can dovetail into each other such that the apertures of one part alternate with the apertures of the other part. This facilitates joiner insertion and results in a more continuous mesh or net once erected.
Preferably in end view the joiner has a diameter that is sufficiently large to allow for joining when the parts are somewhat spaced from each other.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a joined mesh or net resulting from the method of the fourth aspect.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided anaquaculture net or mesh joining elongate spiral-shaped joiner.
Brief Description of the Drawings In order to provide a better understanding of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in greater detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1 and 2 are side and plan views respectively of one embodiment of an aquaculture apparatus according to the present invention; Figures 3 and 4 are plan and side views respectively of another embodiment of an aquaculture apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a first two-piece hook embodiment according to the invention, showing the pieces separated; Figure 6 is an alternative perspective view of the hook of Figure 5, with the two pieces separated and shaded; Figures 7A and 7B are plan and side views respectively of the left-hand hook piece of Figure 5; Figures 8A and 8B are side and rear views respectively of the right hand hook piece of Figure 5; Figures 9 and 10 are exploded and assembled perspective views respectively of an alternative two-piece hook embodiment according to the invention; Figures 11A and 11B depict a left-hand hook piece similar to that of Figures 7A and 7B;
Figures 12A and 12B are side and rear views respectively of an alternative right-hand hook piece to that shown in Figures 5,6 and 8 ; Figures 13 and 14 show respective front and rear perspective views of a component in an aquaculture apparatus support structure with a plurality of two-piece hooks mounted thereto; Figures 15 and 16 show similar views to Figures 13 and 14 respectively, but with a plurality of support structure floor plates positioned adjacent to the component ; Figure 17 shows a similar perspective view to Figure 15, but with aquaculture mesh or net attached to the hooks and suspended therefrom; Figures 18 and 19 show alternate perspective exploded views of a further alternative two-piece hook embodiment according to the invention; Figures 20A and 20B respectively show plan and side views of the left-hand hook piece of Figures 18 and 19; Figures 21A and 21B respectively show side and rear views of the right-hand hook piece of Figures 18 and 19; Figures 22 and 23 show respective front and rear perspective views of a component in an aquaculture apparatus support structure with a plurality of the hooks of Figures 18 to 21 attached thereto; Figures 24 and 25 show respectively similar views to Figures 22 and 23, but with a supporting floor grid mounted to the support structure; Figure 26 shows a perspective view of a first one- piece hook embodiment according to the invention; Figure 27 shows a perspective view of the hook of Figure 26 when mounted to an aquaculture apparatus support structure; Figure 28 shows an alternative perspective view to that of Figure 27 showing a plurality of the hooks of Figure 26 mounted to the support structure; Figure 29 shows a similar view to Figure 27, but with
an aquaculture mesh suspended from a plurality of hooks; Figure 30 shows a perspective view of an alternative one-piece hook embodiment according to the invention; Figure 31 shows a perspective view of the hook of Figure 30 mounted to an aquaculture apparatus support structure; Figure 32 shows a similar view to Figure 31, but with a plurality of hooks, and with two of the hooks shown supporting aquaculture mesh; and Figures 33 and 34 show side and perspective views of a spiral joiner for joining together sections of an aquaculture net in accordance with the invention.
Modes for Carrying out the Invention Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, a first embodiment of an aquaculture apparatus 10 is shown. The aquaculture apparatus 10 includes a rectangular support structure 12 beneath which is suspended an open basket shaped mesh or net 14. The support structure 12 includes an external walkway 16, and a plurality of flotation devices 18 are attached to support structure 12 under the walkway 16 for providing positive buoyancy to the support structure 12. The apparatus is thus in the form of a pontoon which functions to keep afloat and support the mesh or net 14 in use. Preferably the mesh or net is formed from metal, most preferably a steel wire that can be galvanised, coated or stainless steel. The mesh or net is typically supported by a plurality of hooks (described below).
Referring now to Figures 3 and 4 an alternative aquaculture apparatus 10'is shown, where like reference numerals denote similar or like parts. The apparatus 10' includes a circular support structure or pontoon 12 beneath which is suspended an open topped cylindrical mesh or net 14. In Figures 3 and 4 flotation devices are not required, as flotation is provided by the ring 19 (which is typically of a sealed hollow construction). It will be
appreciated that various other aquaculture apparatus shapes can be employed.
When the mesh or net 14 is fabricated from metal, it is typically suspended from the pontoon 12 via a plurality of hooks because of its weight and size. A first embodiment of a hook 20 for this purpose and in accordance with the invention is shown in Figures 5 to 8. Reference will also be made to Figures 9 to 12 where like reference numerals denote similar or like parts. Figures 9 to 12 show alternative hook embodiments in accordance with the present invention.
The hook 20 includes a first member 22 and a second member 24. The first member 22 includes three elongate portions 26,28 and 30 formed from a single piece of steel wire or rod which is bent so that each of the sections 26, 28 and 30 is orthogonal to the other. These sections form a mounting portion for mounting the hook 20 to the support structure 12. Another form of a mounting portion can include a more pronounced hooked end so that the hook 20 hooks over or into the support structure 12 to hang freely therefrom.
The first member 22 also includes a coupling portion in the form of a U-shaped hook portion 32. Hook portion 32 is also employed in the first member 22 of the embodiment of Figures 11 and 12. However, in the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10, hook portion 32 is replaced with an eyelet 33.
The second member 24 of hook 20 is also formed from a bent piece of wire or rod and includes an elongate shank 34 having at a first end a coupling portion in the form of an inverted tear-drop-shaped eyelet 35. In the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10 eyelet 35 is replaced with an inverted U-shaped hook portion 36 and in the embodiment of Figures 11 and 12 eyelet 35 is replaced with a circular eyelet 37.
At the other end of shank 34 a connecting portion is provided in the form of a U-shaped hook portion 38. Hook portion 38 is also employed in the second member 24 of the
embodiment of Figures 11 and 12. However, in the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10, hook portion 38 is replaced with a pigtail-shaped hook portion 39. The hook portions 38 and 39 are shaped to hook onto the mesh or net 14 (as described below) to support the mesh or net at the underside of the aquaculture support structure. The pigtail shape of the hook portion 39 also tends to prevent the mesh or net from becoming dislodged in use whilst the U-shaped hook portion allows for some net play.
As described below, the portions 32,35, 36 or 37 can be coupled so that the second member 24 can pivot in a plurality of directions relative to the first member 22 (eg. as indicated by the lateral arrow A or forward arrow B in Figure 6).
Referring now to Figures 13 to 17, where like reference numerals are used to denote similar or like parts, the hook embodiment of Figures 5 to 8 is shown mounted to a side rail 40 of support structure 12. The hook 20 is sized such that hook portion 38 is located adjacent to the underside of rail 40, enabling aquaculture mesh 42 to be positioned adjacent to the rail lower edge (as shown in Figure 17).
It can also be seen how elongate portion 26 sits flush with rail upper surface 44, and elongate portions 28 and 30 sit flush with rail side surface 46 (Figure 14).
Thus, the hook 20 rests snugly on rail 40, simply and effectively mounting the hook thereto.
U-shaped hook portion 32 is engaged with eyelet 35 as shown, and because the second member 24 hangs downwardly (and is pulled downwardly by the mesh) the eyelet is not readily disengaged from hook portion 32, and yet facilitates two degrees of pivoting freedom of the second member 24 relative to the first member (see arrows A & B in Figure 6). The U-shaped hook portion 32 is typically used on the first member in high current environments to provide for greater play and freedom of movement in the hook and thus to prevent hook or net shearing. However,
in less severe environments the eyelet and hook arrangements of Figures 9 to 12 can be employed for greater hook and net security.
As shown in Figure 17, an elongate securing wire, wire rope or rod 48 is threaded through the mesh upper loops, and is then hooked into each U-shaped hook portion 38 to attach and support the mesh on the support structure. The employment of U-shaped hook portion 38 also allows for some up and down movement of the wire or rod 48 and mesh 44 with respect to the hook. As stated above, this is advantageous in strong current environments where a more restrictive hook configuration can result in hook damage. In less severe current environments, such as in lakes, estuaries and low-flow rivers, the pig tail hook portion 39 (Figures 9 and 10) can be employed.
Figures 15 to 17 also show how an external walkway 16 can be positioned around the aquaculture apparatus 10. In this regard, the walkway includes a plurality of plate members 50 having drainage apertures 52 therethrough. The plate members are positioned around and to surround the aquaculture apparatus (Figure 2) and are suspended on the support structure (ie. on side rail 40), typically in a cantilever fashion.
Referring now to Figures 18 to 26, where like reference numerals are used to denote similar or like parts, an alternative hook embodiment 20'is depicted.
This embodiment is very similar to the embodiment depicted in Figures 5 to 8, with the difference being that elongate portion 30 extends in the same direction and is parallel to elongate portion 26. This modification is for mounting of the hook to a slightly modified support structure 12'.
In this regard and referring particularly to Figures 22 to 25, it will be seen that the side rail 40 has a plurality of rafters 54 mounted thereto and extending laterally outwards therefrom (eg. in a cantilevered fashion). The rafters can support a grid 56 of walkway 16 around the perimeter of the aquaculture apparatus.
As best shown in Figure 23, each rafter has a receiving hole 58 into which elongate portion 30 can be inserted to attach the first member 22 and thus the hook 20'to the support structure. This provides a more secure form of mounting of the hook to the support structure and can be used in environments where the aquaculture apparatus is subjected to high loads, extreme weather etc.
The operation of the hook 20', including its attachment to mesh 42, is in other respects the same as that described for Figures 5 to 8 and 13 to 17, and hence the description of that hook applies equally to hook 20'.
Referring now to Figures 26 to 29, where like reference numerals are used to denote similar or like parts, an alternative one-piece hook 60 is shown. The one-piece hook 60 includes a shank 62 having a U-shape hook portion 64 at an in-use lower end thereof. At an in- use upper end of the shank, a first elongate portion 66 extends orthogonally and laterally from the shank, and a second elongate portion 68 subtends orthogonally and downwardly from the first elongate portion 66.
In combination with the shank 62, the first and second elongate portions define a rail hooking part of the hook 60 which enables hook 60 to be easily mounted on side rail 40 as shown in Figures 27 to 29.
Whilst the hook 60 does not provide for a pivotable coupling, with two degrees of pivotal movement, between the mesh and the hook mounting on rail 40, it does allow for some side-to-side movement (see arrows C in Figure 27). Thus, hook 60 can be used in low current or less extreme environments. The hook 60 also provides a simple, easy to manufacture and cost effective means of attaching mesh 42 to the support structure. The operation of the hook 60 is in other respects similar to that described for the previous embodiments.
Referring now to Figures 30 to 32, where like reference numerals are used to denote similar or like parts, a modified one-piece hook 70 is depicted. In
modified hook 70, U-shaped hook portion 64 is replaced with a pigtail-shaped hook portion 72.
As shown in Figure 32, the use of pigtail hook portion 72 facilitates a more secure engagement of wire or rod 48 to better secure the mesh to the hook and thus to the support structure. The operation of the hook 70 is in other respects similar to that described for Figures 26 to 29.
Referring now to Figures 33 and 34, a wire mesh joining spiral-shaped element 80 is shown. The element 80 is used to join together adjacent sections of mesh as shown in Figures 17,29 and 32. In this regard, mesh sections 82 and 84 are positioned adjacent to each other (eg. on shore, on the structure 12 or in situ), typically so that they dovetail along their edges as shown in Figures 17,29 and 32. The mesh sections can be separate portions of mesh, or the opposite ends of the same portion of mesh. The element is then wound along and into the adjacent apertures 86,88 of mesh sections 82 and 84, threading through the apertures to join the sections together. Pliers are typically used to bend and twist both ends of the elements to ensure that the ends are not protruding and the element cannot twist out.
Alternatively, the element can be crimped, wired, soldered or otherwise fastened at it ends and to the mesh to be held in place.
As indicated by Figure 33, the element 80 has variable length L, diameter Dc, pitch P and thickness t, and define a right or left hand thread, depending on the application in which it is used. Each element typically has a diameter Dc of 25mm, a pitch P of 38mm, a thickness t of 3.2mm and a length L of 1m. Typically the element is provided with a dimension (eg. diameter) that is large enough to allow joining of mesh portions that are somewhat spaced from each other. The spiral shape may alternatively be square shaped. The element 80 is typically formed from wire or bendable rod and thus provides a simple, but
expedient method for joining adjacent net sections together.
As described above, in a two-piece hook the first and second members together form a pivotal set of coupled members that enable the mesh or net to move under the influence of a current. The pivotal coupling between the members allows a greater range of movement of each hook, and thus of the mesh or net as a whole, than would otherwise be provided. The hooks are therefore less inclined to be bent or deformed under strong current conditions. In low current conditions (eg. in lakes, estuaries, low flow rivers etc. ) the one-piece hook design can be employed. The hooks and spiral element of the invention are typically adapted for use with metal mesh or net but can also be used with polymeric etc. mesh or nets.
It is also to be noted that the apparatus of the present invention is suitable for use in both freshwater and marine conditions for containing fish or shellfish.
Modifications and variations may be made to the present invention. For example, the hooks and spiral element ; can be formed from high strength polymers or other light polymers depending on the severity of the environment. The hooks can be formed by a method other than by bending pieces of wire or rod into the required shape, such as by casting or moulding the members in a required shape. The forms of the mounting, coupling and connecting portions of the members and nets can be varied to those described and depicted in the drawings. Thus, whilst the invention has been described with reference to a number of preferred embodiments, it should be noted that the invention can be embodied in many other forms.
In the claims which follow and the description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprising"is used in the sense of"including", i. e. the features specified may be associated with further features in various embodiments of the invention.