AU2021204203B2

AU2021204203B2 - Removeable aquatic basket and float system and method

Info

Publication number: AU2021204203B2
Application number: AU2021204203A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Garry Thompson
Original assignee: Seapa IP Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Seapa IP Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2020-01-30
Filing date: 2021-01-29
Publication date: 2022-06-30
Anticipated expiration: 2041-01-29
Also published as: AU2021273553B2; AU2021204203A1; AU2021273553A1; JP2023512171A; WO2021151158A1

Abstract

An aquatic basket system (300) which includes a float (302); an aquatic basket (304); and a bracket assembly configured to engage the float and basket to a longline (308). The bracket assembly is releasably engageable with each of the basket and float to permit easy engagement and disengagement to a longline or drip tube in a marine environment. 21

Description

REMOVEABLE AQUATIC BASKET AND FLOAT SYSTEM AND METHOD

Field of Invention

The present disclosure relates to an aquatic basket system and method of using the same. In particular, the use of the aquatic basket system facilitates handling of the aquatic basket system during inspection, treatment, and/or harvest of an aquatic organism contained in the aquatic basket system.

Background of Invention

Conventional aquatic basket systems for cultivating aquatic organisms, e.g., bivalve molluscs, are typically not easy to handle, and present challenges when attempting to attach a conventional aquatic basket system to a support system, e.g., a longline or drip tube. Likewise, conventional aquatic basket systems also typically present challenges when attempting to disengage the aquatic basket system from the support system when, for example, transferring the basket system to a boat or to a land base for inspection, treatment, and/or harvest. Accordingly, there exists a need for an aquatic basket system and associated method of use that facilitates ease of handling of the aquatic basket system during inspection, treatment, and/or harvest of aquatic organisms contained in the basket system.

Summary

For present purposes, aquatic organisms should be understood to include organisms of the class: Bivalvia, more particularly organisms of the sub-classes: Fleterodonta, Paleoheterodonta, Protobranchia, and Pteriomorphia. In particular, of present interest are members of the above sub-classes that are at least suitable for consumption by a human. Such members suitable for consumption by a human of the above sub-classes should be understood to include, but not be limited to, clams, cockles, mussels, oysters, and scallops. It will be appreciated that aquatic organisms may also include algae, aquatic plants, crustaceans, fish, molluscs in general, and/or other organisms amenable to aquafarming.

For present purposes, aquatic culture should be understood to include the cultivation of aquatic organisms in fresh water, brackish water, estuarine water, and saltwater environments.

In one preferred aspect, the present disclosure sets forth an aquatic basket system. The system includes a float, an aquatic basket, and a bracket assembly configured to engage the float and basket to a longline. The bracket assembly is releasably engageable with each of the basket and float.

In another preferred aspect, the present disclosure sets forth an aquatic basket attachment mechanism for attaching a basket and a floatation to a longline. The mechanism includes a bracket assembly having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis through the first and second ends, and longline engagement region configured to receive a portion of a longline therein. The bracket assembly includes a basket engagement release slidable along the longitudinal axis to releasably secure the basket to the bracket assembly. The bracket assembly includes a float engagement portion configured to rotatably receive and secure the float to the bracket assembly. The mechanism includes at least one longline engagement clip configured to engage a portion of the longline engagement region to secure the longline to the bracket assembly.

The present disclosure in one aspect sets out an aquatic basket system. The aquatic basket system includes a float, a basket, and an attachment means. The attachment means is configured to attach the basket to a longline and the float. The attachment means is located between the float and the basket. The attachment means has a first portion configured to remain with the float and a second portion configured to remain with the basket when the basket is disengaged from the longline and the float. It will be appreciated that the attachment means may be located in any position relative to the basket and float suitable to facilitate flipping of the basket and the float about the longline.

The term longline should be understood to include a cable, a rod, a rope, a string, a twine, and the like manufactured from a natural or synthetic material, a metal, and/or any combination of natural material, synthetic material such as a plastic or polymer, and/or metal.

A rope may include a wire rope made from steel or a suitable metal alloy, preferably one that is corrosion-resistant; a rope made from natural fibres such as coir, cotton, hemp, jute, linen, manila hemp, sisal, and/or straw; and/or a rope made from acrylics, aramids, nylon, polyesters, polyethylene, and/or polypropylene. The term “longline” should also be understood to include a pipe made from a suitable plastic material including high-density polyethylene, polybutylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, post chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, and/or unplasticized polyvinyl chloride.

The present disclosure in another aspect sets out an aquatic basket float. The aquatic basket float includes a generally rectangular body having a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis running through the first end and the second end, a top, a bottom, a height from the top to the bottom, and sides between the top and the bottom. The aquatic basket float also includes a first channel perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the first channel being configured to accommodate a longline; and a second channel from the first end to the second end parallel to the longitudinal axis. The second channel has a depth along the height that is shallower than a depth of the first channel.

The present disclosure in another aspect sets out an aquatic basket attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism includes a first portion configured to remain with an aquatic basket float and a longline when the aquatic basket is disengaged from the longline. The attachment mechanism also includes a second portion configured to remain with the aquatic basket when the aquatic basket is disengaged from the longline. The first portion and the second portion are oriented to position a length of the aquatic basket perpendicular to the longline.

The present disclosure in further aspect sets out a method of attaching an aquatic basket to a longline. The method includes inserting a locking bar into a portion of the aquatic basket, and attaching the aquatic basket and locking bar to a float in an orientation where the longline is interposed between the float and the basket.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosure, as claimed. 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 further integers. It will be appreciated that reference herein to “preferred” or “preferably” is intended as exemplary only.

The claims as filed and attached with this specification are hereby incorporated by reference into the text of the present description. Brief Description of the Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several implementations of the present disclosure and, together with the description, explain the advantages and principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of an aquatic basket system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the aquatic basket system of Fig. 1 .

Fig. 3A is a top view of a flip adapter that forms a part of the aquatic basket system of Fig. 1 .

Fig. 3B is a bottom view of a flip adapter of Fig. 3A.

Fig. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the flip adapter of Fig. 3A inserted into a float of the system of Fig. 1 .

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a locking bar insertable into the basket of

Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is an exploded view of an aquatic basket system in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 is another exploded view of the aquatic basket system of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is another exploded view of the aquatic basket system of Fig. 6.

Fig. 9 is front perspective view of the aquatic basket system of Fig. 6.

Fig. 10 is a top view of the aquatic basket system of Fig. 6.

Fig. 11 is a bottom view of a flip adapter and a float that forms a part of the aquatic basket system of Fig. 6.

Fig. 12 is another bottom view of the flip adapter and the float of Fig. 11 .

Fig. 13 is another bottom perspective view of the flip adapter and the float of Fig. 11.

Fig. 14 is a top view of the aquatic basket system of Fig. 6.

Fig. 15 is a side perspective view of a locking mechanism in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 16 is a bottom perspective view of a keyway of the locking mechanism of Fig. 15. Fig. 17 is another bottom perspective view of the keyway of Fig. 16 and a fastener in locking engagement.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a main bracket assembly for connecting a basket and float to a longline in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a clip engageable with the main bracket of Fig. 18.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the clip of Fig. 19 being engaged with the main bracket of Fig. 18.

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the main bracket and clip of Fig. 20 securing a longline therein.

Fig. 22A is a rear perspective view of a release handle.

Fig. 22B is a lower front perspective view of the release handle of Fig.

22A.

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the handle of Fig. 22A partially inserted into the main bracket of Fig. 18.

Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the handle of Fig. 22A engaged with a basket latch bracket.

Fig. 25 is an upper perspective view of an aquatic basket with latch bracket and an axle bracket engageable thereon to help secure the basket to the main bracket of Fig. 18.

Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the basket of Fig. 25 with the main bracket of Fig. 18 being inserted thereon.

Fig. 27 is a close-up view showing the engagement of the main bracket of Fig. 18 with the basket of Fig. 25.

Fig. 28 is a perspective view of a float engagement end of the main bracket engaged with the basket of Fig. 27.

Fig. 29 is a perspective view of a handle engagement end of the main bracket engaged with the basket of Fig. 28.

Fig. 30 is a close-up perspective view of the handle of Fig. 22A latched to the handle engagement end of the main bracket of Fig. 28. Fig. 31 is a close-up perspective view of one end of a float for use with the aquatic basket of Fig. 25.

Fig. 32 is a perspective view of the float of Fig. 31 being positioned for engagement with the main bracket and basket of Fig. 29.

Fig. 33 is a perspective view of the one end of the float of Fig. 32 engaged with the main bracket of Fig. 32.

Fig. 34 is a perspective view of an opening end of the float of Fig. 32 engaged with the main bracket of Fig. 32.

Fig. 35 is a perspective view of the float of Fig. 32 engaged with the main bracket of Fig. 18 and the basket of Fig. 25.

Fig. 36 is a perspective view showing the disengagement of the basket of Fig. 25 from the main bracket and float of Fig. 32.

Detailed Description

The following detailed description of the disclosure 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 disclosure.

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. Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Figs. 1 to 5 show a preferred embodiment of an aquatic basket system 100. Aquatic basket system 100 includes an aquatic basket float 102, an aquatic basket 104, for example an oyster basket, and an attachment means 106. Attachment means 106 is configured to attach aquatic basket 104 to a longline 108 and aquatic basket float 102. Attachment means 106 is preferably located between aquatic basket float 102 and aquatic basket 104. The attachment means has a first portion 110 configured to remain with the aquatic basket float 102 and a second portion 112 configured to remain with aquatic basket 104 when aquatic basket 104 is disengaged from longline 108 and aquatic basket float 102. In a preferred embodiment, first portion 110 of attachment means 106 includes a flip adapter 114 configured to attach longline 108 to aquatic basket float 102.

It will be appreciated that flip adapter 114 may include at least one springlock to lock the flip adapter onto the lock adapter. The springlock may, for example only, include a spring-loaded bolt. The spring-loaded bolt may, for example only, include a suitably configured key to unlock the spring-loaded bolt to facilitate release of the aquatic basket from the line and/or float. It will be appreciated that the springlock may be made of a suitable material such as a metal and/or a suitable elastic material.

In another preferred embodiment, second portion 112 includes a locking bar 116 configured to remain attached to aquatic basket 104 when aquatic basket 104 is disengaged from longline 108 and aquatic basket float 102. Locking bar 116 is configured with predetermined lock positions 118 permitting locking bar 116 to selectively lock aquatic basket 104 to aquatic basket float 102 and longline 108 at a predetermined lateral orientation relative to longline 108. Attachment means 106 is preferably configured to orient longline 108 in a direction perpendicular to a long axis 166 of aquatic basket 104. Aquatic basket system 100 further includes a bearing attachment 120 attachable to longline 108.

Bearing attachment 120 is configured to interactively engage with attachment means 106. As shown in Fig. 2, bearing attachment 120 includes two opposed bulbous end portions 122, 124 connected by a tubular middle portion 126 configured to accommodate longline 108 therethrough.

Referring to Figs. 1 , 2, and 4, aquatic basket float 102 includes a generally rectangular body 128 having a first end 130, a second end 132, a longitudinal axis 134 running through the first end 130 and the second end 132, a top 136, a bottom 138, a height 140 from the top 136 to the bottom 138, and sides 141 , 142 between top 136 and bottom 138. Aquatic basket float 102 also includes a first channel 144 perpendicular to longitudinal axis 134, the first channel being configured to accommodate longline 108; and a second channel 146 from first end 130 to second end 132 parallel to longitudinal axis 134. The second channel 146 has a depth 150 along height 140 that is shallower than a depth 148 of first channel 144. First channel 144 extends along height 140 of aquatic basket float 102 from bottom 138 such that first channel 144 is an open channel at bottom 138 of aquatic basket float 102. Preferably, second channel 146 is perpendicular to first channel 144. Second channel 146 extends along height 140 of aquatic basket float 102 from bottom 138 such that second channel 146 is an open channel at bottom 138 of aquatic basket float 102 as shown in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, second channel 146 contains a deviation 152 therealong that is shaped and configured to accommodate flip adapter 114 of an attachment mechanism 154 for attaching aquatic basket 104 to aquatic basket float 102.

Figs. 2, 3A, 3B, 4, and 5 show a preferred embodiment of an aquatic basket attachment mechanism 160. Aquatic basket attachment mechanism 160 includes a first portion 110 configured to remain with an aquatic basket float 102 and longline 108 when aquatic basket 104 is disengaged from longline 108. Aquatic basket attachment mechanism 160 also includes a second portion 112 configured to remain with aquatic basket 104 via attachment screws 156, 158 when aquatic basket 104 is disengaged from longline 108. First portion 110 and second portion 112 are oriented to position a length of aquatic basket 104 perpendicular to longline 108.

Preferably, first portion 110 is part of flip adapter 114 having an upper member and a lower member 164 (Fig. 2), the upper member being detachable from lower member 164, the upper member and lower member 164, when engaged with each other, being configured to sandwich longline 108 therebetween.

As shown in Fig. 5, second portion 112 of attachment mechanism 160 forms a locking bar 116 that is slidable into a portion of aquatic basket 104. Locking bar 116 is configured with predetermined lock positions 118 permitting locking bar 116 to selectively lock aquatic basket 104 to the aquatic basket float 102 and longline 108 at a desired lateral orientation relative to longline 108. Aquatic basket attachment mechanism 160 is preferably configured to position a single longline 108 between aquatic basket float 102 and aquatic basket 104. Aquatic basket attachment mechanism 160 preferably includes a bearing attachment attachable to the longline. The bearing attachment includes two opposed bulbous end portions connected by a tubular middle portion configured to accommodate the longline therethrough as shown in Fig. 2. The present disclosure also relates to a method of attaching aquatic basket 104 to longline 108. The method includes inserting locking bar 116 into a portion of aquatic basket 104, and attaching aquatic basket 104 and locking bar 116 to aquatic basket float 102 at an orientation where long axis 166 of aquatic basket 104 is perpendicular to longline 108. Preferably, longline 108 is interposed between aquatic basket float 102 and aquatic basket 104. The method also includes detaching aquatic basket 104 from aquatic basket float 102 and longline 108. The method further includes flipping aquatic basket 104 about a longitudinal axis 168 of longline 108 while aquatic basket 104 is engaged to longline 108.

Figs. 6 to 17 show another preferred embodiment of an aquatic basket attachment mechanism, labelled as 206. Aquatic basket attachment mechanism 206 includes a float spine 208 and at least one locking mechanism 210, 212 (Fig. 11).

Aquatic basket float 102 is made of a buoyant material configured to securably receive one or more fasteners, for example, one or more foam lock pins 270, 272 without destroying aquatic basket float 102. Each fastener 270, 272 has a grip 274 and a stem 276 (see Fig. 15). Preferably, each fastener 270, 272 is configured to pass, in use, through aquatic basket float 102 and engage with float spine 208 to lock aquatic basket float 102 to float spine 208.

Locking mechanism 210, 212 includes one or more anchor(s) 284, 286 (Fig. 11) such that, in use, float spine 208 is locked onto one or more anchor point(s) on aquatic basket 104. Float spine 208 also includes one or more keyways 278, 280 each shaped and configured to receive, in use, the locking tab of one or more fasteners 270, 272. Each keyway 278, 280 includes a locking configuration 282 (Fig. 16) located therein such that, in use, each fastener 270, 272 can be positioned in a locked position to lock aquatic basket float 102 and aquatic basket 104 onto longline 108. As shown in Fig. 6, aquatic basket attachment mechanism 206 includes a bearing attachment 120 attachable to a longline 108. Preferably, bearing attachment 120 includes two opposed bulbous end portions 122, 124 connected by a tubular middle portion 126 configured to accommodate longline 108 therethrough.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the one or more anchors 284, 286 is a slidable lock bolt shaped and configured to be lockably received, in use, by a lock anchor point located on the aquatic basket 104. Slidable lock bolt 284 may, as shown in Figs. 11 to 13, be pulled in a first direction 300 to locate, in use, slidable lock bolt 284 in a locked position relative to the lock anchor point and pushed in a second direction 302 to locate, in use, slidable lock bolt 284 in an unlocked position relative to the lock anchor point.

Preferably, the one or more anchor points may be a loop located on aquatic basket 104. An anchor point may be formed integral to the aquatic basket or may be fitted to the aquatic basket.

Preferably, in use aquatic basket float 102 biases each the flange of each stem 276 into locking engagement with a respective locking configuration 282. It will be appreciated that elastic deformation of the aquatic basket float 102 as each fastener passes through aquatic basket float 102 to lock aquatic basket float 102 to aquatic basket 104 may provide such bias.

Fig. 14 shows a preferred embodiment of fasteners 270, 272 in a first position (Fig. 11 ) and a second position (Fig. 12). It will be appreciated, the first position may represent a locked position and the second position an unlocked position, or vice versa. Reference to the locked position shall, for present purposes, be understood to mean where aquatic basket float 102 is locked onto aquatic basket 104, and unlocked position shall be understood to mean where aquatic basket float 102 may be disengaged from aquatic basket 104.

Figs. 15 to 17 show a preferred embodiment of a fastener (for example, 270) and float spine 208. Float spine 208 includes one or more keyways 278, 280 each shaped and configured to receive, in use, the flange of stem 276 of the fastener (for example, 270). Each keyway 278, 280 includes a locking configuration 282 located therein such that, in use, each fastener 270, 272 can be positioned in a locked position to lock an aquatic basket float and an aquatic basket onto a longline.

Preferably, the aquatic basket system is manufactured from a degradation- resistant material. Also preferably, the aquatic basket system is manufactured from a material that is corrosion resistant. Such degradation resistant and/or corrosion resistant material may be a UV resistant polymer, a polymer including an anti-UV stabilizer, a polymer resistant to thermal degradation, a polymer resistant to photo-oxidation, a polymer resistant to ozonolysis, a polymer resistant to oxidation, a polymer resistant to chain scission, and/or any combination of the afore-mentioned polymers. The polymer of present interest may include one or more antioxidant(s), a light stabilizer such as a UV absorber, a UV quencher, or a hindered light amine stabilizer. The polymer may also include an acid scavenger, a heat stabilizer, and a biocide.

Such a biocide may limit degradation of the polymer by a deleterious organism or pathogen, colonisation of the aquatic basket by such a deleterious organism or pathogen, and/or limit/reduce disease in a bivalve contained in the aquatic basket or human having consumed the bivalve. Such a deleterious organism or pathogen may be a bacterium, a fungus, a protist, a virus, a plant, a sponge, a snail, a whelk, a crab, a lobster, a flatworm, a leech, a sea star, a fish, and/or any other animal known to deleterious to bivalves.

Such degradation resistant and/or corrosion resistant material may be a suitable metal or metal alloy that is resistant to corrosion. A particularly preferred metal or metal alloy would be resistant to corrosion in an aquatic environment. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that such metal or metal allow may include, for example only, stainless steel and/or duplex steel, at least of marine grade.

Preferably, the aquatic basket float as herein disclosed may be manufactured as a single buoyant component or be assembled from multiple buoyant components, i.e., two or more buoyant components. Also preferably, the aquatic basket float as herein disclosed may be made of a buoyant material configured to securably receive one or more fasteners, for example, one or more screws, one or more clamps, one or more clips, and the like without destroying the aquatic basket float. The term “destroyed” as used herein should be interpreted to mean reduction of the buoyancy of the float such that the aquatic basket is insufficiently and/or ineffectively supported in an aquatic environment as a result.

It will be appreciated that the buoyant material should be buoyant in an aquatic environment. Such buoyant material may include a foam. Such foam may be an open-cell foam, a closed-cell foam, or a combination of an open-cell and a closed-cell foam. Preferably, the foam may be manufactured from polyurethane, polystyrene, a resin, and/or any suitable manufactured foam material. The foam will have a high strength-to-weight ratio. The foam may be an integral skin foam having a high-density skin and a low-density core. The foam may include hollow particles within a matrix material. The hollow particles may be manufactured from a suitable material such as glass, a ceramic, and/or a polymer. Alternatively, the foam may be a suitable metal foam. Preferably, the metal foam should be corrosion resistant and/or enclosed in a corrosion resistant skin.

In use, the basket may be detached from the longline during inspection, treatment, and/or harvest of an aquatic organism contained in the aquatic basket system. Such inspection, treatment and/or harvest of the aquatic organism contained in the aquatic basket system may occur in situ, i.e., on or alongside a boat, or ex situ, i.e., on land, a pier, a jetty, or the like. Also, in use, aquatic basket 104 may be flipped 90°, 180°, 270°, 360°, or to an extent required about longitudinal axis 168 of longline 108 for inspection, treatment, and/or harvesting of an organism contained in aquatic basket 104.

Inspection may include checking growth progress, checking biofouling, checking for presence of a pathogen, e.g., a bacterial, a fungal, a parasite, a protist, a viral, and/or an algal pathogen, or a plant or animal deleterious to the organism contained in aquatic basket 104. Treatment may include treatment to remediate any effect arising from the presence of a pathogen, a plant, and or animal deleterious to the organism contained in aquatic basket 104.

Referring now to Figs. 18 to 36, an aquatic basket system 300 is shown in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

System 300 is similar to system 100 except that system 300 is configured with a tube bracket assembly 380 configured to secure a float 302 and a basket 304 to a drip tube or longline 308. System 300 is configured to permit the basket and/or float to be interdependently attachable and detachable to the longline, for fast and efficient assembly and disassembly. Referring to Fig. 18, bracket 380 includes a first, handle engagement end 381 , and a second float engagement end 382 opposite the handle engagement end along a longitudinal axis. Bracket 380 further includes a line retention or engagement area 383 located approximately halfway along the length of bracket 380. Line retention area 383 has an axis oriented generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of bracket 380 so that basket 304 is oriented generally perpendicular to the longline when attached to the longline.

Referring to Figs. 18 to 20, longline 308 is secured to bracket 380 with a pair of clips 384. Each clip 384 is configured to overlie and snap into cooperative engagement with a clip engagement area 385 located at ends of line engagement area 383. As shown in Figs. 19 and 20, clip 384 includes an end that is configured to tuck under tabs located at each end of line engagement area 383.

Figs. 22A to 24 show more detail of handle engagement end 381 , and its interaction with a basket latch bracket 386 and release handle 387. Referring to Figs. 22A and 22B, handle 387 includes a pair of parallel handle pins 388 projecting from a handle portion. Flandle pins 388 each preferably include a tab stop 389 configured to retain handle 387 to main bracket 380, and limit longitudinal movement of handle 387 when engaging and disengaging basket 304 to main bracket 380. Referring to Fig. 24, handle pins 388 are preferably configured to reside and be retained under a portion of basket latch bracket 386.

Fig. 25 shows basket 304 with basket latch bracket 386 and a basket axle bracket 390 engageable with the top of basket 304 using a slidable locking bar, such as previously described above. Basket latch bracket 386 and basket axle bracket 390 are secured to basket 304 by sliding a locking bar through the top of basket 304, and through the lower surfaces of brackets 386 and 390 similar to the interaction between the locking bar and the basket described above in relation to the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 17.

Referring now to Figs. 26 to 30, main bracket 380 is positioned and angled over the top of basket 304 such that a pair of tabs of float engagement end 382 fit under corresponding pins 391 of basket axle bracket 390, as shown in Fig. 27. Once float engagement end 382 is engaged with axle bracket 390, handle engagement end 381 of main bracket 380 is rotated towards basket 304 so that handle engagement end 381 engages with basket latch bracket 386 by pushing handle engagement end 381 into place as shown in Figs. 28 and 29. This includes pushing the handle until a latch 392 at handle engagement end 381 engages with a latch receiving region of handle 387 to latch the handle in place, as shown in Fig. 30. Referring now to Fig. 31 , float 302 has an opening end 393 that preferably includes a pair of opposed key slots 394 configured to receive a float pin key 395 therethrough, as shown in Fig. 34. Referring to Figs. 32 to 34, float 302 is engaged with main bracket 380 by inserting the float loops under opposed pins 396, 397 at float engagement end 382. This engagement permits float 302 to be attached to main bracket 380 by rotating opening end 393 of float 302 towards handle engagement end 381 of bracket 380, until key slots 394 are aligned with the curved portion 398 (Figs. 30 and 34) of handle engagement end 381 of main bracket 380. Once curved portion 398 is aligned with key slots 394, float pin key 395 is laterally inserted therethrough in Fig. 34 to secure float 302 to main bracket 380 as shown in Fig. 35.

To disengage the basket from main bracket 380, a user lifts up latch 392, and pulls out release handle 387 longitudinally away, as shown in Fig. 36. Float 302 may be disengaged from main bracket 380 by pulling pin key 395 out.

It may be seen from above that the basket and float may be independently engaged and disengaged to the main bracket, and hence, to the longline. Such an arrangement provides enhanced flexibility for maintaining either or both the float and basket, and increases the ease of deploying an aquatic harvesting system in a marine environment. This is particularly advantageous in adapting the system in challenging marine environments, and permits the easy replacement of a defective or broken element without a laborious and time- consuming shutdown and replacement of the entire line to replace what essentially might only be a single problematic element.

If desired, the system may be configured so that the attachment of the basket to the longline permits the basket to remain in a fixed orientation, such as an inverted orientation, so that any aquatic fowling may be dried out to help maintain sanitary conditions.

It will be appreciated that the basket may be in any dimensional configuration suitable for the intended purpose. For example only, the basket may have a square or oval configuration. In situations where the basket has a square orientation, or where its longest dimension is parallel to the longline when attached, it will be appreciated that basket rotation about the longline would be parallel to that longest dimension. If desired, the baskets may be configured in an interconnectable modular manner so that they are attached to one another to form one or more elongated baskets of suitable dimensions depending upon the environment being engineered towards.

Exemplary advantages of one or more preferred embodiments of the disclosed aquatic basket system and method of use of same include:

• Facilitating ready attachment or removal of the float to/from the aquatic basket while in use, i.e., in position on the longline.

• Attachment of the float around a bearing using a flip adapter, which can be removed once the aquatic basket is removed.

• Lock bars configured to engage the flip adapter in a plurality of suitable positions balanced around the bearing.

• Lock bars easily removable with endcaps of the basket in place.

• Lock bars adapted to increase the lock adapter positions.

• Ready access to the lock bar such that the aquatic basket can easily be disengaged from the float.

• The float fitted snugly to the top of the aquatic basket.

• Float can be easily fastened to the bearing.

• Float remains attached to the line when the aquatic basket is disengaged and readily/easily re-attached to the aquatic basket when required.

• The flip adapter shaped and configured to fit snugly around appropriate configurations of the aquatic basket.

• The flip adapter including a lock tab design that corresponds to the lock adapter on the flip adapter ends, with a preferred at least one additional engagement of the lock bar under the bearing.

• Bearing on the line stops the basket from migrating along the line.

• Bearing reduces wear giving resistance and strength and protecting the line to hold the basket in place.

• If the line breaks, all baskets remain on the line, rather than threading off the line. • Baskets can be individually collected to be utilised on existing onshore grading systems. This gives greater flexibility to the farmer as they have options to either work on their boat or punt if they have purchased the necessary infrastructure or use current land base.

• Baskets can be deployed individually rather than requiring threading all baskets onto a single line.

• With the floats removed, baskets can be sunk underneath ice for wintering.

• Baskets can be sunk during aggressive environmental conditions underneath wave action to reduce the risk of damage to infrastructure and to the bivalves, for example oysters.

• The line is central between float and basket, i.e., as close to the centre of gravity to help facilitate ease of flip of the basket and float.

It will be appreciated that one or more of the aforementioned advantages need not apply to every embodiment, but is dependent upon factors such as dimensions, environments, and operational use and purpose. The features described with respect to one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments or combined with or interchanged with the features of other embodiments, as appropriate, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the features disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1 . An aquatic basket system, comprising: a float; an aquatic basket; and a bracket assembly configured to engage the float and basket to a longline, said bracket assembly being releasably engageable with each of the basket and float.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein said bracket assembly is configured for releasable engagement of the basket independent of releasable engagement of the float.

3. The system of either claim 1 or 2, wherein said bracket assembly is configured to remain attached to the longline after disengagement of the float and/or basket from said bracket assembly.

4. An aquatic basket attachment mechanism for attaching a basket and a floatation to a longline, comprising: a bracket assembly including a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis through said first and second ends, and longline engagement region configured to receive a portion of a longline therein, said bracket assembly including a basket engagement release slidable along the longitudinal axis to releasably secure the basket to the bracket assembly, said bracket assembly including a float engagement portion configured to rotatably receive and secure the float to the bracket assembly; and at least one longline engagement clip configured to engage a portion of said longline engagement region to secure the longline to said bracket assembly.

5. An aquatic basket system, comprising: a float; an aquatic basket; and an attachment means for attaching the aquatic basket to a longline and the float, the attachment means being located between the float and the aquatic basket, the attachment means having a first portion configured to remain with the float and a second portion configured to remain with the aquatic basket when the basket is disengaged from the longline and the float.

6. The aquatic basket system of claim 5, wherein the first portion of the attachment means includes a flip adapter configured to attach the longline to the float.

7. The aquatic basket system of either claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the second portion includes a locking bar configured to remain attached to the aquatic basket when the aquatic basket is disengaged from the longline and the float.

8. The aquatic basket system of claim 7, wherein the locking bar is configured with predetermined lock positions permitting the locking bar to selectively lock the aquatic basket to the float and the longline at a predetermined lateral orientation relative to the longline.

9. The aquatic basket system of any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the attachment means is specifically configured to orient the longline in a direction perpendicular to a long axis of the aquatic basket.

10. The aquatic basket system of any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the attachment means is specifically configured to orient the longline in a direction parallel to a long axis of the aquatic basket.

11. The aquatic basket system of any one of claims 5 to 10, further comprising a bearing attachment attachable to the longline, the bearing attachment being configured to interactively engage with the attachment means.

12. The aquatic basket system of claim 11 , wherein the bearing attachment includes two opposed bulbous end portions connected by a tubular middle portion configured to accommodate the longline therethrough.

13. An aquatic basket float, comprising: a generally rectangular body having a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis running through the first end and the second end, a top, a bottom, a height from the top to the bottom, and sides between the top and the bottom; a first channel perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the first channel being configured to accommodate a longline; and a second channel from the first end to the second end parallel to the longitudinal axis, the second channel having a depth along the height that is shallower than a depth of the first channel.

14. The aquatic basket float of claim 13, wherein the first channel extends along the height of the float from the bottom such that the channel is an open channel at the bottom of the float.

15. The aquatic basket float of either claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the second channel is perpendicular to the first channel.

16. The aquatic basket float of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the second channel extends along the height of the float from the bottom such that the second channel is an open channel at the bottom of the float.

17. The aquatic basket float of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the second channel contains a deviation therealong that is shaped and configured to accommodate a flip adapter of an attachment mechanism for attaching the aquatic basket to the float.

18. The aquatic basket float of any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the float is made of a buoyant material configured to securably receive one or more fasteners.

19. The aquatic basket float of claim 18, wherein the material is configured to receive one or more fasteners without destroying the float.

20. An aquatic basket attachment mechanism, comprising: a first portion configured to remain with an aquatic basket float and a longline when the aquatic basket is disengaged from the longline; and a second portion configured to remain with the aquatic basket when the aquatic basket is disengaged from the longline, the first portion and the second portion being oriented to position a length of the basket perpendicular to the longline.

21. The aquatic basket attachment mechanism of claim 20, wherein the first portion is a flip adapter having an upper member and a lower member, the upper member being detachable from the lower member, the upper member and the lower member, when engaged with each other, being configured to sandwich the longline therebetween.

22. The aquatic basket attachment mechanism of either claim 20 or claim 21 , wherein the second portion is a locking bar that is slidable into a portion of the basket.

23. The aquatic basket attachment mechanism of claim 22, wherein the locking bar is configured with predetermined lock positions permitting the locking bar to selectively lock the basket to the float and the longline at a desired lateral orientation relative to the longline.

24. The aquatic basket attachment mechanism of any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the mechanism is specifically configured to position a single longline between the float and the basket.

25. The aquatic basket attachment mechanism of any one of claims 20 to 24, further comprising a bearing attachment attachable to the longline.

26. The aquatic basket attachment mechanism of claim 25, wherein the bearing attachment includes two opposed bulbous end portions connected by a tubular middle portion configured to accommodate the longline therethrough.

27. A method for attaching an aquatic basket to a longline, comprising: inserting a locking bar into a portion of the aquatic basket; and attaching the aquatic basket and locking bar to a float in an orientation where the longline is interposed between the float and the basket.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the aquatic basket and locking bar are attached to the float at an orientation where the long axis of the basket is perpendicular to the longline.

29. The method of either claim 27 or claim 28, further comprising detaching the basket from the float and the longline.

30. The method of either claim 27 or claim 28, further comprising flipping the basket at least 90° about a longitudinal axis of the longline while the basket is engaged to the longline.