GB2150801A - Claptrap - Google Patents

Abstract

A claptrap, e.g. a lobster/crab trap consists of a weighted hoop, made in two pieces A joined together with two hinges B and strung with a net C. At points D and E are fixed eyelets. From eyelets D are two ropes F leading to and attached to slip ring G which is held buoyant in the water by float H. From eyelets E are two baiting ropes around which are two slip rings J from one of which is a baiting cord K. Also from eyelets E are two draw ropes L which pass through slip ring G and are attached to float M. From float M a single rope N travels to the surface where it is attached to buoy O which carries a hook ring P. When an upward force e.g. from a boat-hook, is applied to hook ring P, this causes the net to fold in half, thus trapping anything that is feeding inside. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Claptrap The "Claptrap" was invented in direct competition with the crab/lobster pot. When folded, unlike the traditional crab/lobster pot, the trap can be stowed away in large numbers in any ordinary family sized boat. And weighing only a fraction of the traditional crab/lobster pot can therefore be easily retrieved.

The object of this invention is to enable noncommercial inshore boat users to catch crab and lobsters on the sea bed.

The "Claptrap" is approximately a 3 foot diameter weighted hoop, hinged so it can be folded in half, and fitted with a circular net. Across the centre of the hoop are two cords which allow the bait to be securely fixed in the centre of the net. Positioned equally around the net are four eyelets, each having a rope attached, two of which are attached to a slip ring and float to enable the net to sink in the open position. The remaining two draw ropes feed through the slip ring and are attached to a further float just above the slip ring. A single rope is connected to the top of this float, this leads to a marker buoy on the ocean surface. On the top of this market buoy is-a hook ring, and when pulled with a boat hook causes the net to fold in half, trapping anything that is feeding inside.

Drawing (fig. 1) shows the trap lying on the sea bed. Both floats under the water are keeping the four ropes suspended above the net, in the set position. The marker buoy floating on the surface will have sufficient length of rope to enable the trap to rest on the sea bed.

Drawing (fig. 2) shows the marker buoy being retrieved with the boat hook, causing the draw ropes to snap shut the net while still on the sea bed.

The folded net is then drawn through the water to the surface.

The "Claptrap" consists of a hoop constructed from polythene tube with a steel core for weighting purposes. Made in two pieces A-joined together with two hinges Bland strung with a net C. At points D and E are fixed eyes.

From fixed eyes D are two ropes F-leading to and attached to slip ring G-which is held buoyant in the water by float H. From fixed eyes E-are two baiting ropes I-around which are two slip rings J-from one of these is a baiting cord K. Also from fixed eyes E-are two draw ropes L-which pass through slip ring G-and are attached to float M. From float M a single rope N-travels to the surface where it is attached to a buoy O--which carries a hook ring P.

CLAIM

A "Claptrap" consisting of a weighted hoop, hinged so it can be folded in half, and fitted with a circular net, across the centre of the hoop are two cords which allow the bait to be securely fixed in the centre of the net.

Positioned equally around the net are four eyelets, each have a rope attached, two of which are attached to a slip ring and float to enable the net to sink in the open position, see Fig. 1 drawing. The remaining two draw ropes feed through the slip ring and are attached to a further float just above the slip ring. A single rope is connected to the top ofthis float, this leads to a marker buoy on the ocean surface. On the top of this marker buoy is a hook ring, and when pulled with a boat hook causes the net to fold in half, trapping anything that is feeding inside, see Fig. 2 of the accompanying drawings.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (1)

1. **WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **.

   SPECIFICATION Claptrap The "Claptrap" was invented in direct competition with the crab/lobster pot. When folded, unlike the traditional crab/lobster pot, the trap can be stowed away in large numbers in any ordinary family sized boat. And weighing only a fraction of the traditional crab/lobster pot can therefore be easily retrieved.

   The object of this invention is to enable noncommercial inshore boat users to catch crab and lobsters on the sea bed.

   The "Claptrap" is approximately a 3 foot diameter weighted hoop, hinged so it can be folded in half, and fitted with a circular net. Across the centre of the hoop are two cords which allow the bait to be securely fixed in the centre of the net. Positioned equally around the net are four eyelets, each having a rope attached, two of which are attached to a slip ring and float to enable the net to sink in the open position. The remaining two draw ropes feed through the slip ring and are attached to a further float just above the slip ring. A single rope is connected to the top of this float, this leads to a marker buoy on the ocean surface. On the top of this market buoy is-a hook ring, and when pulled with a boat hook causes the net to fold in half, trapping anything that is feeding inside.

   Drawing (fig. 1) shows the trap lying on the sea bed. Both floats under the water are keeping the four ropes suspended above the net, in the set position. The marker buoy floating on the surface will have sufficient length of rope to enable the trap to rest on the sea bed.

   Drawing (fig. 2) shows the marker buoy being retrieved with the boat hook, causing the draw ropes to snap shut the net while still on the sea bed.

   The folded net is then drawn through the water to the surface.

   The "Claptrap" consists of a hoop constructed from polythene tube with a steel core for weighting purposes. Made in two pieces A-joined together with two hinges Bland strung with a net C. At points D and E are fixed eyes.

   From fixed eyes D are two ropes F-leading to and attached to slip ring G-which is held buoyant in the water by float H. From fixed eyes E-are two baiting ropes I-around which are two slip rings J-from one of these is a baiting cord K. Also from fixed eyes E-are two draw ropes L-which pass through slip ring G-and are attached to float M. From float M a single rope N-travels to the surface where it is attached to a buoy O--which carries a hook ring P.

   CLAIM

   A "Claptrap" consisting of a weighted hoop, hinged so it can be folded in half, and fitted with a circular net, across the centre of the hoop are two cords which allow the bait to be securely fixed in the centre of the net.

   Positioned equally around the net are four eyelets, each have a rope attached, two of which are attached to a slip ring and float to enable the net to sink in the open position, see Fig. 1 drawing. The remaining two draw ropes feed through the slip ring and are attached to a further float just above the slip ring. A single rope is connected to the top ofthis float, this leads to a marker buoy on the ocean surface. On the top of this marker buoy is a hook ring, and when pulled with a boat hook causes the net to fold in half, trapping anything that is feeding inside, see Fig. 2 of the accompanying drawings.