Lobster abstract
Trap head for a lattice-work lobster trap case provides a pair
of opposed openings in opposite sides of the case, a funnel-like
net within the case interconnects the openings and provides a continuous
lobster passage between them, the net decreasing in diameter with
distance from the openings with its minimum diameter midway between
the openings. An opening from the minimum diameter portion of the
net into the interior of the case permits entrance of a lobster.
Lobster claims
I claim:
1. In a lobster trap comprising a lattice-work case an improved
trap head comprising
means defining a pair of opposed openings in opposite sides of
the case,
a funnel-like net within said case interconnecting said openings
and providing a continuous lobster passage between said openings,
said net decreasing in diameter with distance from said openings
and having its minimum diameter midway between said openings, and
means defining an opening from the minimum diameter portion of
said net into the interior of said case.
2. The lobster trap of claim 1 wherein said opening from the minimum
diameter portion of said net is circular.
3. The lobster trap of claim 1 wherein said opening from the minimum
diameter portion of said net is non-circular.
4. The lobster trap of claim 1 wherein said opening from the minimum
diameter portion of said net faces downwardly into the interior
of said case.
5. The lobster trap of claim 1 wherein said opening from the minimum
diameter portion of said net faces other than downwardly into the
interior of said case.
Lobster description
This invention relates to lobster traps and provides a new and
improved trap head which increases the likelihood of trapping lobsters.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The conventional lobster trap comprises an oblong case which may
be a metal cage or formed of wooden slats. Within the trap are usually
two compartments. One of the compartments has a pair of opposed
lobster-admitting openings in its lateral sides. A funnel-like net
extends into the compartment from each opening. This compartment
is separated from the second compartment by a partition which also
is provided with a lobster-admitting opening from which extends
a third funnel-like net.
The theory is that it is easier for lobsters to find their way
into the trap than out. Hence, the tapered nets having a large entrance
opening and a much smaller exit. The lobster is lured into the trap
by bait placed there periodically by the lobster fisherman.
It is clear that the conventional trap provides the entering lobster
with two exits to choose from. If the number of exits could be reduced
to one his chances of escape would be halved.
It is the object of the invention to provide a trap construction
reducing the possible exits for the trapped lobster from two to
one.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the invention there is provided in a lobster
trap comprising a lattice-work case an improved trap head comprising
means defining a pair of opposed openings in opposite sides of the
case, a funnel-like net within said case interconnecting said openings
and providing a continuous lobster passage between said openings,
said net decreasing in diameter with distance from said openings
and having its minimum diameter midway between said openings, and
means defining an opening from the minimum diameter portion of said
net into the interior of said case. Since there is but a single
opening from the funnel-like net into the trap interior the lobster
has only one possible exit instead of the two provided by the conventional
trap.
In preferred embodiments, the opening from the minimum diameter
portion of the said net may be circular or non-circular and it may
face downwardly into the interior of said case or in a direction
other than downwardly.
Still further objects, features and advantages of the invention
will be apparent from the following detailed description of a presently
preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of a metal cage-type lobster trap
equipped with the novel head of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a view in perspective of one form of funnel-like net
mounted within one of the compartments of the trap and establishing
a narrowed passage between lateral openings in opposite trap walls;
and
FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 of a modified form of funnel-like
net according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The cage-like trap is identified by the numeral 4. It is provided
with side walls 6 end walls 8 and top 10. A lid 12 is hinged in
the top 10 to provide access to the interior. The interior is divided
into two compartments 14A and 14B by a partition 14.
Compartment 14A is provided with a pair of opposed openings 16A
and 16B through which lobsters may enter from the exterior. The
partition 14 likewise is provided with a lobster admitting opening
18. A funnel-like net extends within the compartment 14B from opening
18 so that lobsters can enter from compartment 14A.
The foregoing is conventional trap construction. According to the
invention, the conventional individual funnel-like nets extending
into compartment 14A from the side openings 16A and 16B are replaced
by a single double funnel net 20 which establishes a narrowing passageway
between the openings. The minimum diameter portion of this net is
provided with an opening 22 into the interior of compartment 16A.
The opening 22 may be circular, as shown in FIG. 2 or eliptical,
as shown on FIG. 3 or be of any other desired shape. It may open
laterally into the compartment or face up or down or at an angle.
Operation
The fisherman first places bait in the compartment(s) and lowers
the trap to the bottom of a the body of water, such as a bay extending
in from the ocean. Lobsters sensing the presence of the bait enter
the trap without difficulty due to the funnel-like configuration
of both ends of the net 20 leading from the openings 16A and 16B.
They may then enter the first compartment 14A through opening 22
midway of the net 20. From there they may progress into the second
compartment 14B.
It will be apparent that any lobster in compartment 14A has available
only one exit to the exterior of the trap, and that is through opening
22 whereas in the conventional trap, having two funnel-like nets,
two exits are available. The lobster's chances of escape are thus
effectively halved.
While I have herein disclosed and described a presently preferred
embodiment of the invention it will nevertheless be understood that
the same is meant to be by way of illustration and not limitation.
Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the invention be defined
only by the proper interpretation to be accorded the appended claims. |