Device to facilitate removal of juvenile and female crabs from the inside of crab traps and method of use thereof
US5351435A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 22, 1993 |
| Grant date | Oct 4, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 22, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01K69/10
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A device that prevents female and juvenile crabs from becoming stuck in the upper portions of a crab trap is disclosed. In crab traps using angled tunnels, the upper portions of the trap provide a place for the young crab to hide from the larger males. Once in this area, however, the crab are difficult to remove. Many are often killed or injured during removal. To prevent this problem, a formed perforated shield is attached in the wedge-shaped area formed between the inside of the tunnel and the top of a crab trap. Two types of shields are disclosed. The first is an angled shield that conforms to the shape of the upper tunnel and the top of the trap. The shield fits into this wedge-shaped area to provide a smooth surface that makes it impossible for the crabs to find a place to secure a hold. The second device is simply a perforated, flat shield that fits across the space formed by the tunnel and the top of the trap. The shield has contoured ends to conform to the exact space being blocked. Both shields are attached to the crab pot using electrical wire ties placed through holes formed in the shields. Once the trap is returned to the surface, the crab located in the wedge portion (…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.