AU2020204465B2 - A System for Cultivating Molluscs - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for cultivating molluscs under aquacultural conditions. The system comprises a basket having a perforate body with a first side, a second side, and at least one longitudinal rib extending from the first side to the second side, the at least one longitudinal rib being configured to support and provide securement with a long line attachment clamp; a long line attachment clamp having a generally cylindrical body with a first end, a second end, and a central longitudinal axis through the first and second ends, the clamp having a curved inner surface including a means configured to inhibit longitudinal movement of the clamp along the long line, the clamp being engageable with the at least one longitudinal rib of the basket; and a long line having a length configured to support a plurality of the baskets, the clamp being configured to maintain the basket at a longitudinal position along the long line when the basket undergoes substantial sideways movement. 9 2 Fig1

Description

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Fig1

A SYSTEM FOR CULTIVATING MOLLUSCS Field The present disclosure relates to a system for cultivating molluscs under aquacultural conditions. While an application of the present disclosure is in mollusc cultivation, it could equally well be applied to any process involving the line suspension of an article in water. Background It is common for molluscs such as oysters to be grown on a commercial scale in artificial environments in early stages of growth. Typically, the stock is then transferred to sea environments for what is known as "grow out". Cultivation of oysters is accomplished by initially growing the lava in special tanks until they reach a juvenile size when they can be transferred to containers in intertidal or sub-tidal sites. Typically, the containers are in the form of baskets having perforated walls which enable water to flow through the baskets where the oysters use the water flow to obtain nutrients from the water as well as flushing impurities away. In adjustable long line oyster cultivation, the baskets are typically suspended from lines that extend for hundreds of metres with multiple lines being attached in a parallel configuration according to an embodiment. These lines are typically made up of tensioned monofilament with a protective sheath or "drip tube" over the monofilament to reduce wear. Posts are used to support the tensioned line and are typically spaced at intervals along the line to allow for at least one basket to be suspended between adjacent posts. The drip tube typically extends the full length of the line. Special clips are used to attach the baskets to the drip tube and can be attached both along the line (parallel arrangement) or across pairs of lines (perpendicular arrangement). It has been recognized more recently that placing baskets in rougher waters can improve the growth of oysters. However, more aggressive water conditions have brought about problems not previously encountered in calmer water conditions. Most notably, it has been found that the clips used to rotatably attach the oyster baskets to the drip tubes are wearing, as are the drip tubes in areas where the clips attach. In rougher waters, it is not uncommon for clips and hence baskets to slide back and forth along the drip tube and collide with the support posts. Baskets have also been known to perform full 3600 rotations about the line.

This often results in winding of the drip tube and can also have adverse effects when, for example, winding occurs in opposite directions at opposite ends of the drip tube. The skilled addressee would understand the expense and labour that is required to replace these clips, and more so to have to remove clips and baskets suspended on a line to enable a full replacement of the line. Summary The present disclosure in one aspect set out a system for cultivating molluscs under aquacultural conditions, including: a basket having a perforate body with a first side, a second side, and at least one longitudinal rib extending from the first side to the second side, the at least one longitudinal rib being configured to support and provide securement with a long line attachment clamp; a long line attachment clamp having a generally cylindrical body with a first end, a second end, and a central longitudinal axis through the first and second ends, the clamp having a curved inner surface including a means configured to inhibit longitudinal movement of the clamp along the long line, the clamp being engageable with the at least one longitudinal rib of the basket; and a long line having a length configured to support a plurality of the baskets, the clamp being configured to maintain the basket at a longitudinal position along the long line when the basket undergoes substantial sideways movement. In one embodiment, the clamp includes upper and lower portions which are completely separable. In another embodiment, the clamp includes upper and lower portions which are hinged together. In yet another embodiment, at least one of the upper and lower portions include a projection to engage with a recess in the other of the portions to lockably engage the upper and lower portions together around the long line. In yet another embodiment, the projection is a locking tab. In another embodiment, the clamp is configured to completely encircle the long line when engaged thereto. In still another embodiment, the basket has alength longer than alength of the clamp. In yet another embodiment, the cylindrical body includes an exterior surface that is smooth.

In another embodiment, the curved inner surface of the clamp includes a plurality of projections. In yet another embodiment, the curved inner surface of the clamp includes a plurality of spikes. In another embodiment, the clamp is configured to securely engage the basket to the long line after the clamp is first slid along the long line and the means to inhibit longitudinal movement is fully engaged between the clamp and the long line. In yet another embodiment, the first end and the second end of the clamp includes raised annular portions. In still another embodiment, the clamp is completely tubular. The present disclosure in another aspects sets out a system for cultivating molluscs under aquacultural conditions, including: a basket having a water permeable body including a first side, a second side, and at least one longitudinal rib extending from the first side to the second side; a long line attachment clamp having a generally cylindrical body with a first end, a second end, and a central longitudinal axis through the first and second ends, the clamp being engageable with the at least one longitudinal rib of the basket; and a long line traversing the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body and having a length configured to support the basket, the clamp being configured to: engage the long line, maintain the basket at a longitudinal position along the long line, and facilitate rotation of the basket about the central longitudinal axis. In another embodiment, the basket is composed of a resilient material. In yet another embodiment, the long line attachment clamp is composed of a resilient material. In still another embodiment, wherein the resilient material is a resilient plastic material. In yet another embodiment, the resilient plastic material is suited to injection moulding. In still another embodiment, the basket is configured to be rotatable from a first position to a second position. In yet another embodiment, the basket is configured to promote growth of the molluscs. In still another embodiment, the molluscs are oysters.

Brief Description of Drawings The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several implementations of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a known clip and a line including a drip tube to which the clip is configured to be rotatably suspended; Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of an aquaculture basket suspended from a long drip tube using clips, and a clip and line protector according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a clip and line protector according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 illustrates an assembled view of the clip and line protector of Figure 3 when attached to the line; Figure 5 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a clip and line protector according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a clip and line protector according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a clip and line protector according to a further embodiment; Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of a clip and line protector according to a still further embodiment; Figure 9a illustrates an end view of a ratchet-type clamp for the clip and line protector of Figure 8 in a disengaged configuration; Figure 9b illustrates an end view of a ratchet-type end clamp for the clip and line protector of Figure 8 in an engaged configuration; and Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of a clip and line protector according to a further embodiment. It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed, unless otherwise stated. In the present specification and claims, the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more integers. The claims as filed with this application are hereby incorporated by reference in the description. Detailed Description The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Although the description includes exemplary embodiments, other embodiments are possible, and changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts. Dimensions of certain of the parts shown in the drawings may have been modified and/or exaggerated for the purposes of clarity or illustration. The present invention relates to a clip and line protector 10 (embodied herein as 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d and 0e with other variations possible). In an embodiment, the protector 10 includes a means of attachment 12 to a suspension line or protective sheath for the line (often referred to as a drip tube) 6 and a means 14 of enabling a basket attachment clip, such as the known clip 2 shown in Figure 1, to be rotatably coupled to the means of attachment 12 while preventing direct contact between the clip and the line. In a broader embodiment, the means 14 of enabling the basket attachment clip to be rotatably coupled to the line while preventing direct contact between the clip and line is configured for direct attachment to the line, i.e. the component 14 and the means of attachment 12 are one and the same. In an alternate embodiment, the means 14 of enabling the basket attachment clip to be rotatably coupled to the line forms part of the basket attachment clip. The result is that the clip 2 and hence basket 16 suspended therefrom can still rotatably move in their intended manner, and in a manner which promotes oyster cultivation, but without the frictional wear on the line (or drip tube) or clip that existed when the clip was attached directly to the line (or drip tube). The skilled addressee would appreciate that in not having to replace the line, drip tube (if used), or basket attachment clip after they wear, the overall labour and cost to maintain an oyster cultivation farm is reduced. In aspect further embodiment of the invention, the protector 10 also includes a means of preventing sliding movement of the clip along the line 6 so as to prevent the basket from moving back and forth along the line in more aggressive conditions.

Figure 2 illustrates an example of a basket 16 being suspended from a drip tube 6 attached along its length to spaced apart support posts 20, and wherein two clips 2 are used and attached in a known manner to the top of the basket and coupled in the manner proposed in the present invention to the drip tube 6. It is to be understood that any one of the clip and line protectors 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d or l0e embodied herein could be used, as could any alternately designed protectors considered to fall within the scope of the invention. A protector 10a according to an embodiment is shown in Figures 3-4. As shown, the means of attachment to the tube may be in the form of a two-piece clamp 12a including a first clamp member 22 and a second clamp member 24 which each include an elongate semi-circular mid portion 26 and semi-circular end wall portions 28 of increased radial dimension to that of the mid portions 26. When the two clamp members 22 and 24 are assembled together, as shown in Figure 4, they form a cylindrical mid portion and two circular end wall portions at ends thereof. Each member 22 and 24 may include an internal semi-circular channel 30 respectively, which when assembled form an internal channel of circular cross section extending along the full length of the clamp 12a, the channel being of a size to accommodate the drip tube 6 (or monofilament line without drip tube, or any other type of supporting line). The internal surface of each channel 30 may be lined with gripping means 32 adapted to grip the tube 6 when the clamp is assembled and thereby prevent sliding movement of the clamp 12a along the tube. In the embodiment shown, these are in the form of rigid spikes protruding out from the internal surface of each channel 30, but other gripping means could be used. This may be an important feature in conditions where the movement of baskets along the lines is sought to be prevented, such as in rougher conditions where baskets have been known to collide with line support posts and also neighbouring baskets. The first and second clamp members 22 and 24 may engage by way of a snap fit connection, and it can be seen in Figure 3 how each of the semi-circular end wall portions 28 may include one locating lug 34 and one locking aperture 36 associated therewith. In an embodiment, the first and second clamp members 22 and 24 are identical for ease of manufacturing. The skilled addressee would realise that each lug 34 of one member will align with a locking aperture 36 of the other member, as shown in Figure 3, and so each lug will be received and locked inside the opposed aperture by way of a snap fit. Snap fit connections are considered well known in the art, so the way in which the lug and locking aperture interact will not be described in detail. Each of the semi-circular end wall portions 28 include hollowed out bodies, not only to accommodate the lugs but also to reduce the amount of material used and hence the cost of manufacture. In this embodiment, the means of enabling the clip 2 to be rotatably coupled to the clamp 12a while preventing direct contact between the clip 2 and the drip tube 6 is in the form of a sacrificial bearing element 14a. The sacrificial bearing element 14a is cylindrical in shape and substantially matches the shape of the cylindrical mid portion of the clamp 12a. The element 14a includes an open edge 38 so that it can be quickly and easily fitted over the cylindrical mid portion of the clamp 12, and is configured such that it journals around the mid portion and is freely rotatable. Therefore, rather than the attachment portion 5 of the clip 2 being hooked over the tube 6, it is hooked over the sacrificial bearing element 14a, and the clip 2 and the bearing element 14a are free to rotate about the clamp together. A person skilled in the art would thus realise that the protector 10 forms a barrier between the clip 2 and the line or drip tube 6 such that neither component experiences friction caused by rotation and/or sliding of the clip along the tube. The result is that neither component will wear and thus require replacement. The only component which will require replacement is the sacrificial bearing element 14a, which can be manufactured very quickly and inexpensively. The present invention thus provides a labour and cost benefit to aquaculture farmers, among other benefits. In addition, the bearing element 14a is prevented from sliding motion along the tube by the circular end wall portions of the clamp 12a, meaning the bearing element 14a and hence the clip and basket are prevented from sliding along the line and impacting other baskets or posts. Another embodiment 10b of the present invention is shown in Figure 5 and demonstrates an alternate locking configuration between the first and second clamp members forming the clamp 12b, which although configured slightly differently are labelled once again as items 22 and 24 for the purpose of brevity. Rather than utilising a snap fit lock between the clamp members 22 and 24, the protector 10b according to this embodiment includes a hinged connection 40. The same sacrificial element is used and is referenced as 14b. Although not shown, the clamp members would also include a locking means for locking the clamp members together when in the "closed" position. For example, a ratchet type locking device (as seen in the embodiment of Figure 8 for example) could be used. Aside from the alternate connection between clamp members, the protector 10b works in the same way as protector 10a and so a description of like or similar features will not be repeated. A clip and line protector 1Oc, according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 6 and demonstrates an alternate means of attachment to the drip tube 6. Rather than utilising a rigid clamp, as per the previous embodiments, protector 10c uses a cylindrical sleeve 12c configured similarly to the sacrificial bearing element 14 in that it is an open edged cylindrical structure adapted to be fitted over the line. In an embodiment, the internal surface of the cylindrical sleeve 12c may include a suitable waterproof adhesive 42 or the like to ensure the sleeve 12c remains securely attached to the tube. In an embodiment, the adhesive may be such that the sleeve 12c can also be easily removed from the tube 6. In another embodiment, the material and durability of the sleeve is sufficient for it to be maintained around the line without the use of an adhesive. The sleeve 12c may be constructed of a material which allows for rotation of the sacrificial bearing element 14c thereabouts. In such an embodiment, the sleeve 12c acts in the same way as the previously described clamps 12a and 12b, that is, to provide a secure surface along the tube 6 about which the sacrificial element and clip can rotate. The sleeve 12c may include raised portions 44 at opposed ends, as shown, which could be made of the same material as the sleeve, and which serve to prevent sliding of the sacrificial element. In an alternate embodiment not illustrated, the protector could be formed by two clamp members which rather than being of an elongate construction and configured to close down on one another to effect engagement, include a groove permitting a twist/pivot lock to the support line. It is to be understood that other embodiments are possible, including for example where rather than having two lockable components as per the first and second embodiments, the line protector is a one-piece design.

For example, Figure 7 illustrates a protector 10d in the form of a cylindrical sacrificial element 14d which also acts as the means of rotatable attachment 12d to the line. The rotatable attachment 5 of the basket clip shown in Figure 1, for example, can be clipped over the sacrificial element and thus allowed to rotate with it about the line. Two spaced apart ratchet-type clamps 46 are clamped over the element 14d and may be tightened to an extent which prevents the element from sliding along the line, but still allows for the C-shaped insert's rotation about the line. Alternatively, the clamps could be tightened to an extent which prevent rotation of the sacrificial element, but then one would need to ensure the sacrificial element is made of a material that would not cause the basket clip to wear given that there would be frictional engagement between these two members. The clamps 46 may also act as end stops to prevent sliding of the basket clip beyond the ends of the C-shaped sacrificial element. Figure 8 illustrates a similar embodiment 10e but rather than the sacrificial element 14e being clamped to the line 6, it rotatably engages the line by its own properties and configuration. The sacrificial element again also acts as a rotatable attachment 12e to the line. The two clamp members 46 may still be used, as shown, act as end stops for preventing the element and/or the clamp from sliding along the line. A cross section of these clamps locking down on the line is shown in Figures 8a-8b In a further embodiment not shown, in which the line 7 does not include a drip tube, the sacrificial element 14d/14e could indeed be a length of drip tube extending between the two adjacent support posts. Figure 10 illustrates a protector 10f according to a still further embodiment in which the sacrificial element 14f forms part of a basket clip assembly 48, the sacrificial element including a portion configured to rotatably journal directly about a support line, or around a surface of a clamp 12f as shown in the embodiment of Figure 10. In this embodiment, the sacrificial element could be detachable from the basket clip so that it may be easily replaced. It is to be further understood that other means of preventing sliding of the clip along the line or protective sheath than the means proposed herein could also be implemented. Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the present invention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and described in what are conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus. The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

Claims (13)

What is claimed is:

1. An aquatic basket system, including:

an aquatic basket having a perforate body having a first side, a second side, a top, a bottom, and a mid-portion between said first and second sides;

an internal channel of substantially circular cross section for attachment to a line, said internal channel being configured to permit said basket to rotate relative to a line inserted through said internal channel, said basket being in a perpendicular arrangement compared to a long line; and

means for attaching the internal channel to the top of said basket at said mid-portion of said basket.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the internal channel comprises a cylindrical sleeve.

3. The system of any one of the above claims, wherein the first and second sides have a width therebetween, the sleeve having a length less than the width between the sides.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the cylindrical sleeve includes an exterior surface that is smooth.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the cylindrical sleeve includes a curved inner surface with a waterproof adhesive.

6. The system of any one of the above claims, wherein the basket is composed of a resilient material.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the resilient material is a resilient plastic material.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the resilient plastic material is suited to injection moulding.

9. The system of any one of the above claims, wherein the basket is configured to be rotatable from a first position to a second position.

10. The system of any one of the above claims, wherein the basket is configured to promote growth of the molluscs.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the molluscs are oysters.

12. The system of any of the above claims, wherein said means for attaching includes a platform and an element configured to rotate in said platform to help secure the basket to the line.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical sleeve includes a curved inner surface with at least one spike.