Entrance gate apparatus for fish traps

US4843756A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Edward W. Wyman · Sitka, US
• Robert E. Wyman · Sitka, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 13, 1988
• Grant date: Jul 4, 1989
• Expiry date: Jan 13, 2008

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A01K69/06
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

In fish or crab traps of the type that are lowered into and left in the water, an improved entrance gate apparatus for allowing entry of fish into, and preventing egress of fish from, the fish trap. The entrance gate apparatus is self-contained and adapted to be rapidly attached to, and through the wall of a fish trap, and in a preferred embodiment, comprises a rectangular frame to which is attached a plurality of flexible plastic finger assemblies which collectively form a converging passageway into the fish trap. The finger assemblies preferably comprise flat individual fingers with blunt ends, a width exceeding one-quarter inch, a thickness of less than 50% of the width, and a spacing for the individual fingers of at least the width, and preferably two to three times the width, of the fingers to provide good visibility through the entrance gate and into the trap. The finger assemblies are configured to present smooth surfaces to the fish and only a light pressure on the fish as the fingers are spread apart as the fish enters the trap. For economy of manufacture and increased flexibility to prevent damage to the entrance gate, the finger assemblies are preferably molded of plasti…