SYSTEM FOR SUSPENDING A LONGLINE AT THE DESIRED DEPTH AND FOR MARKING A SEA ZONE

Abstract: A system is described which achieves the suspension of a longline at the desired depth from the sea bottom or sea surface which can be also used for marking a sea zone. It consists of a base (6), a head (11) and a fishing line (10) which connects the two parts. It is applied very fast by pressing the button (7) onto the central fishing line of the longline and simultaneously develops so that during its immersion it has the correct form, without any time delay. It improves the efficiency of the longline and protects it from getting messed. When the case (5) of the head (11) is a buoy and the base is a ballast, then the system is immersed and is applied to sea bottom longlines. In the opposite case it floats and is used in surface longlines. Being applied 50 to 100 meters along the central fishing line of the longline it can be suspended at a pre-selected distance from the sea bottom or the surface but also to mark a sea region very fast when applied to a rope which does not need any pre-treatment which suspends it to the desired depth. It is stored in a compact form and locks its fishing line (10) from unwinding inside its storage space.

Description: SYSTEM FOR SUSPENDING A LONGLINE AT THE DESIRED DEPTH AND FOR MARKING A SEA ZONE The invention refers to a system that achieves the suspension in the sea, whether in the sea bottom or at the surface at a desired depth, of a longline or other systems for linear marking a sea zone featuring buoys connected with a doped immersed at a certain depth. The longlines, when immersed into the sea, are locked at their two ends with buoys, each of which is connected with a weight. If the logline is of the "sea bed" type, its two ends are tied near the weight, whereas if it is of the "surface type" they are tied near the buoys. The first, of the "sea bad" type is their vast majority are left to touch the sea bottom along their whole length, whereas in the few cases where their residence depth is adjusted, this is achieved by successively tying to the thread' small buoy such as a cork and after a certain length, an independent weight, usually made of lead, where a fixed length thread is connected and tied to the longline. This process is repeated along the whole length and thus the seabed longline remains at the desired, dinstance from the sea bed. Again, if the longline is of the "surface type, the adjustment of its wait depth is again achieved by successively using buoys and weights but in this case the buoys which are empty plastic bottles feature fixed length threads that permit the longline to be immersed to a certain depth. For marking the sea zone buoys are used which are tied to a rope or applied on it with metallic joints that pass through rings permanently fitted to the rope. For the case of longlines, first of the "sea bed" type left to sink to the sea bed, practice applied results to the destruction of the ground baits from sea organisms such as worms, crabs, sea stars, etc. and that several hooks or the principal fishing line get stuck to sea bottom rocks rendering its pulling up difficult or impossible. When again their wait depth is adjusted with the successive placement of weights and buoys, this bring s significant delays in the time of immersing it and several stops of the boat used. Furthermore, the area where buoys and weights becomes untidy, when the short fishing linea that adjust the depth of immersion of the longline are unrolled and messed together. In the case again of the surface longline, the practice " followed brings about significant delays as whenever a buoy or weight is applied to the fishing line, the boat must stop sailing. In the case of marking sea zone, practice followed results is long delays if the buoys are tied to the rope, or if buoys are attached with clips to the rings, the rope with the rings should be ready as it should be effected fast so that someone must have the time to place the clips into the rings. The invention presented is a system that may suspend a longline to the desired depth but can also be used for marking a sea zone. The invention consists of two principal parts: the head and the base. These two parts are connected with a fishing line that determines the distance that each one may be removed from the other. The system is implemented in three manners: The first is characterised by that its base floats, whereas the head is immersed so that its overall weight is larger than its overall buoyancy. The second manner is characterised by that its base is floating and the head is immersible so that overall buoyancy is larger that the overall weight. The third manner is determined by that the same system can be converted into an immersible or floating one. With these three general implementations we have, according to the first a system that is immersed down to the sea bed, the head of which is suspended at a distance from it as long as that permitted by the length of the fishing line connecting to the parts. According to the second implementation, we have a system where the base floats at the surface and the head is immersed at a certain distance as long as the length of the fishing line that connects it to the base. In the third case, this same system may be converted to a system that remains at the surface or the sea bed. By applying thus a number of similar systems of the first type, to a longline or rope, we achieve its suspension at the desired distance from the sea bed. If the systems are of the second type, then the suspension is effected at the desired distance from the surface. The system according to the third type of implementation is converted to any of the two previous types. In all three general implementations, the system features a mechanism that permits the fast application of the head onto the central fishing line of the longline, a mechanism that permits the coupling of the base to the head so that after its removal from the longline it takes a compact form for storage as well as a mechanism that permits the base, once coupled to the head to be rotated only in one direction relative to it, so that the system fishing line that has been wound around the base, with a turn of the head, to be stretched and tightened without permitting any slackening afterwards. It is also noted that the application of the head onto the fish - line or the rope is effected with then press of a button which also releases the base which ad been previously coupled to it and so that the two parts draw away and the system is self developed. Two implementation methods are proposed for the system permitting the application of the head onto the fishing line, whereas the mechanism that permits the turn of the head only in one direction relative to the base, three implementation methods are presented. Finally, a method of implementation is presented according to which a system that can be converted to a floating one or a sinking one, the base is rotated relative to the head in another different manner. The advantages of the invention are that with the press of a button located at the head, the base is released, which, when withdrawn permits the unwinding of only the suitable length of fishing line, whereas at the same time the application of the head of the system onto the fishing line of the longline is effected. Furthermore, the positioning of the system is so fast, so that no reduction of the speed of the boat during the immersion of the longline is required. It achieves the suspension of the longline to the desired distance from the sea bottom so that the baits are not destroyed by seabed organisms, are easily detected by the fish and so that the messing of the leader fish - line on rocks is avoided. It must be used with any type of fishing line, a non - treated one, a monoclone or multi - clone one and no specially treated rope is needed for marking a sea zone. In the phase of recollection, the extraction of the system from the fishing line of the longline or rope is again performed by the press of the same button, once the fishing line is first wound around its base it is coupled to the head which is rotated relative to the base until the fishing line is stretched. In this manner, slackening is not possible. Thus, similar systems stored in the same place are already ready for the next use without any messing between them. Drawing 1 illustrates the system which consists of one head (11), a base (6) and the fishing line (10) of the same system which connects these two parts. The fishing line (10) is found wound around the base (6) and the head (11) is detached from the base (6). Drawing 2 illustrates the front view of the system when this is ready for storing. The head (11) is coupled with the base (6), the fishing line (10) is wound around the base (6) and stretched due to the fact that the head (11), after it is coupled to the base (6) has been rotated. In this phase it is not possible that two parts are docoupled, as well as the fishing line (10) cannot be slackened. It is also evident that the slot (18) of the head (11) formed inside the case (5) through which the fishing line of the longline or the rope inside the mechanism the hooks the head (11) on it, passes. One end of the fishing line (10) of the system is tied to the head (11), whereas the other is tied to the base (6). Here, the solution where one end is tied to a fork (9) which is fitted to the mass of the case (5) of the head (11). Drawing 3 illustrates a side view of the system where the head (11) and the base (6) are coupled together. Drawing 4 illustrates a central cross section of the overall system, according to the side view of Drawing 3 and derives from a single combination of the different implementations of the individual mechanisms described. The head (11) consists of a case (5) inside which a jacket is found (1) wherein a piston (2) is located. At the lower end region of the jacket (1) a gasket (3, 1) exists. Also, inside the jacket (1) an elastic body is found; in this case, a spring has been preferred (8) which seats onto the gasket (3,1) and permanently pushes the piston upwards (2) which ends to a button (7) located outside the jacket (1). The base (6) bears at its upper ending region a circular ring (4, 1) and two coupling blades (41) centrally positioned relative to its cross section. A preferred form of the system is the one where the case (11), the jacket (1) and the base (6) have a cylindrical shape. The base (6) also forms at its upper and lower end surface the circumferential protrusions (64) so that the surface between them is used for winding the fishing line (10) of the system. Drawing 5 illustrates the system applied to a seabed longline. In this case the system is illustrated in its first general implementation method, i.e. the base (6) is made of a material of a relative weight higher than water and the head (11) has a case (5) made of a materiel of a relative weight lower than water. In Drawing 5 the implementation is denoted by the letter A next to the characteristic numbering of the head (11 A) and the base (6A). In such a system, when it is immersed, its base (6A) touches the sea bottom (12), whereas its head (11A) is suspended in the water, at a distance from the base (6A) equal to the length of the fishing line (10) of the system. Similar systems are applied to the central fishing line (14) of the longline at large distances (usually 50 - 100 meters) and lit it along all its length from the sea bottom (12) hanging it from a distance (d) from it. Thus, the hooks (16) all hang from the sea bottom (12) and are easily accessable by fish. The surface (13) is at a distance (((D) from the sea bottom (D»d). Drawing 6 illustrates the system applied to a "surface" longline. In this case the system is presented according to the second general implementation method, i.e. the head (11) bears a cover (5) made of material of a relative weight higher than water and at the same time the base (6) is made of a material of a relative weight lower than water. This implementation is marked with a (B) near to the characteristic numbering o parts. The system floats and thus the base (6b) is seen to float on the surface (13), whereas the head (l ib) is immersed at the distance permitted by the fishing line (10) of the system. The heads (1 lb) of similar systems have been applied onto the central fishing line of the longline, at larger distances and thus this is suspended at a certain distance from the surface. Drawing 7 illustrates the use of the system as a means of marking a sea region. Assuming that in the sea bottom (12) some obstacle is found, e.g. a ship wreck (S.S.) that certain parts reach the surface and constitute a risk for sea circulation. The region must be marked fast enough for avoiding a new accident. A patrol boat may follow the path PI, P2, P3, P4, P5 around the ship wreck (S.S.) in order to mark the region very fast. In order to achieve this, it applies on point PI of its path at one end of the rope (15) a system according to implementation (A) which is submersible and has been previously described, so that one end of the rope (15) hooks to the sea bottom (12). Then, at distances, it applies systems according to implementation (B) which are floatting and where each base of which (6B) floats on the surface (13) whereas each head (11B) has been applied to the rope (15) which remains immersed at a distance from the surface equal to the length of the fishing line (10) of the system desired. By applying at each apex of the polygon path PI, P2, P3, P4, P5 a system according to implementation (B), the hooking of all the marked region is achieved and its displacement by sea currents avoided. The region around the ship wreck (S.S.) is marked by the presence at the surface (13) of a rage number of bases (6B) which are in essence buoys. As the application of the systems implemented in both of the methods (A) and (B) onto the rope (15) can be effected with the assistance of an automatic supply mechanism onto the marking boat, this process may be also affected when the boat maintains a fast speed. Drawing 8 illustrates a cross section of the head (11) of the system according to the first method of implementation that achieves the application of the head (11) onto the central fishing line (14) of the longline or the marking rase (15). Inside the cover (5), a jacket (1), a piston (2), a spring (8) are located permanently pushing the piston upwards (2). The arm of the piston (2) ends at a button (7). Drawing 9 illustrates the external view of the jacket (1), drawing 10 a central vertical cut of the jacket (1). Drawing 11 illustrates the cross-section a-a of the jacket (1) and Drawing 12 the cross section b-b of the jacket (1). As illustrated in drawings 9-12, the jacket (1) is a thin shell with a cylindrical shape preferably, which bears a slot (17) at right angles to its axis of symmetry and internally the vertical diaphragm (19). The diaphragm (19) bears a central hole (20) and a circumferential hole (22) and is displaced in this manner inside the jacket (1) so that its lower flat surface (21) is at the same level with the upper wall of the slot (17). The jacket (1) also bears the longitudinal dincisions - protrusions (65) and the circumferential flattening (66) at its lower ending region. Drawing 13 illustrates the external view of the case (15), Drawing 14 its central vertical cross section and drawing 15 the cross section a-a of Drawing 14. Drawings 13, 14, 15 illustrate the case (15) having preferably an external cylindrical form and bearing the slot (18) at right angles to its axis of symmetry, the slot extending towards the external surface, whereas in its internal cylindrical surface longitudinal incisions (67) are formed, compatible with the incisions- protrusions (65) of the jacket (1) as well as the widenings (68). Drawing 16 illustrates the external view of the piston (2), Drawing 17 its central vertical cross section, Drawing 18 the cross section a-a of drawing 17, and drawing 19 the cross section and plan view b-b of drawing 17. These drawings illustrate that the piston (2) consists of a circular disk (23) that bears circumferential protrusions (69) compatible with the protrusions - incisions (65) of the jacket (1) the upper surface of which (25) bears an arm at its centre (24) and at the circumference a vertical protrusion (26) compatible to the hole (22) of the diaphragm (19) of the jacket (1). Furthermore, the lower surface of the disk (23) of the piston (2) bears the cylindrical shelled protrusion (44). .Drawing 20 illustrates a central cross section of the button (7) fitted at the end of the arm (24) of the piston (2). Drawing 21 illustrates a central cross section of the internal part of the head (11) according to the second method of implementation of the mechanism that achieves the application of the head (11) onto the central fishing line (14) of the longline or the marking rope (15). Inside the jacket (1,1) a piston (2,1) is found featuring an arm (31) which passes through the sliding disk (33) and ends at a button (7,1). The disk (33) is always pushed lower at the position found in Drawing 21 (which is the position of maximum sliding relative to the arm (31) by a rubber ring (38) found between the disk (33) and the button (7,1) and surrounding the arm (31). The piston (2, 1) is always pushed higher by a spring (8). Drawing 22 illustrates a central cross section of the upper region of the jacket (1, 1) whereas Drawing 23 the cross section a-a of drawing 22. As illustrated in drawings 22, 23 the jacket (1,1) is similar to jacket (1) the only difference being that the diaphragm (19,1) vertical to its walls has its upper flat surface (28) at the same level with the lower wall of the slot (17) of the jacket (1,1). Furthermore, the diaphragm (19,1) bears a hole (27) of a composite circulaz cross section for stabilising the arm (31) of the piston (2,1) that passes through it as well as a circumferential hole (29) of an opening equal to the circular opening of the slot (17) of the jacket (1,1) which is widened in its central region. Drawing 24 illustrates a central cross section of the piston (2,1) and the button (7,1), Drawing 25 the external view of the piston (2,1) and drawing 26 the cross section and plan view a-a of Drawing 24. Drawings 24, 25, 26 illustrate that the piston (2,1) consists of a flat disk (30) of a preferably circular shape that bears an arm at its centre (31) with a cross section similar to that of the hole (27) of the diaphragm (19,1) of the jacket (1,1). The arm (31) bears a deep longitudinal groove (37) and ends to a button (7,1) whereas the groove (37) penetrates down to the bottom (7,1). Inside the groove (37) a flexible protrusion (38) of the disk (30) is fitted and bears a tooth (39) which comes off the profile of the arm (31). The protrusion (38) at its upper part is bent and enters into the button (7,1) leaving its free end as a protrusion (40) outside the button (7,1). The disk (30) also bears at its upper surface and at its circumference the circular protrusion (36) which couples with the hole (29) of the diaphragm (19,1) of the jacket (1,1) as well as at its lower surface a cylindrical shelled protrusion (44). The arm (31) of the piston (2,1) also bears external the longitudinal grooves (70) up until the height of the tooth (39) of the protrusion (38). Drawing 27 illustrates a central cross section of the disk (33), Drawing 28 the cross section a-a of the disk (33) and drawing 29 the cross section and bottom view b-b of the disk (33). As illustrated in drawings 27, 28, 29 the disk (33) has a shape that complements to the cross section of the jacket (1,1) and preferably circular, bears a hole (32) of a cross section similar to that of the hole (27) of the diaphragm (19,1) of the jacket (1,1) with protrusions (71) coupling the width of the grooves (70) of the arm (31) of the piston (2,1). Furthermore, the disk (33) bears a tooth (34) with a cross section similar to the central region of the hole (29) of the diaphragm (19,1). Drawing 30 illustrates the coupling mechanism of the base (b) with the head (11) of the system. As illustrated, in the lower region of the jacket (1) or the jacket (1,1), a gasket (3) is attached. At the lower surface of the base (6) a circular ring (4) is centrally attached and two blades (41) are attached at a central position relative to the ring. Drawing 31 illustrates a central cross section of the base (36) with the circular ring (4) attached to it and its two blades (41), whereas the drawing 32 illustrates the cross section and plan view a-a of drawing 31. As illustrated in these drawings, the blades 41 are placed opposite to each other and at the same time gradually or at an apex relative to their cross sections (drawing 32). Drawing 33 illustrates a central cross section of the gasket (3) which is placed at the lower end of the jacket (1) or the jacket (1,1), whereas drawing 34 illustrates its external view. These drawings illustrate that the gasket (3) is a shell of a cylindrical form that internally forms a circular rim (45) whereas the mouth 46 of its lower region is widened by the rim (45) towards its external part. Drawing 35 illustrates the mechanism that achieves the turn only towards one direction of the base (6) relative to the head (11) of the seem according to the first method of implementation of this mechanism. This mechanism is based on shapes formed onto the ring (4) and the gasket (3) of Drawings 30-34 and which in the present implementation are named ring (4,1) and gasket (3,1) respectively. Drawing 36 illustrates the external, view of the ring (4,1), Drawing 37 its central cross section and view marked as a-a in Drawing 38 which illustrates the horizontal cross section b-b of drawing 37. Furthermore, Drawing 39 illustrates a central cross section and view of the gasket (3,1), Drawing 40 the horizontal cross section a-a of Drawing 39 and Drawing 41 the enternal view of the gasket (3,1). From Drawings 35-41, it can be seen that the circular ring (4,1) differs from the ring (4) in that it bears the extending panels (49) where on each of them a toothed protrusion (48) is formed which bears on its surface facing the internal part of the ring (4,1) a small number of inclined teeth (50). The panel (49) penetrate into the external surface of the ring (41,) by a distance at least equal to the height of the tooth of the indention (50). Furthermore, the gasket (3,1) is differentiated from the gasket (3) in that it bears at its lower external surface a circumferential inclined indention (47) and is stable with respect to turning around the jacket (1) or the jacket (1,1). Drawing 42 illustrates the mechanism that permits the turn of the base (6) only in one direction relative to the head (11) of the system , again according to the second method of implementation of this mechanism. The mechanism is again based on a modification of the gasket (3) and the ring (4) presented in drawings 30- 34 that in the present implementation are referred to as gasket (3,2) and ring (4,2) respectively, as well as on an additional ring (51) which articulates in the internal surface of the ring (4,2). Drawing 43 illustrates the central cross section and view a-a of the ring (4,2) noted in drawing 44, this drawing 44 showing the horizontal cut b-b of the ring (4,2) marked in drawing 43 and drawing 45 illustrating the external view of the ring (4,2). Drawing 46 illustrates the central cross section and view a-a of the ring (51) marked in drawing 47 and drawing 47 illustrates the horizontal cross section b-b of the ring (51) of drawing 46. Furthermore, drawing 48 illustrates the central cross section and view a-a of the gasket (3,2) marked in drawing 49, drawing 49 illustrates the horizontal cut b-b of the gasket (3,2) marked in drawing 48 and drawing 50 illustrates its external view. Drawings 42-50 illustrate the ring (4,2) which is placed onto the base (6) of the system and again bears the panels (49) with the toothed protrusions (48) described in the previous implementation, as well as shapes for the turning articulation of the ring (51). The ring (51) bears in its external surface the inclined circumferential indention (47) which has also been described, whereas internally a circumferential indention (52). The gasket (3,2) bears at the lower part of its external surface the circumferential toothed protrusion (53) which complements the circumferential incision (52) of the ring (51). The gasket (3,2) must be stable with respect to turning relative to the jacket (1) or the jacket (1,1). Drawing 51 illustrates the mechanism that permits the turn of the base (6) only in one direction relative to the head (11) of the system according to the third method of implementation of this mechanism. The mechanism is based on a modification of the gasket (3), the ring (4) and the lower ending of the jacket 1 or (1,1) that have been presented in drawing 35-41 and which for the present implementation are denoted as gasket (3,3), ring (4,3) and jacket ending (54), respectively. Drawing 52 illustrates a central cross section and view of the jacket ending (54) and Drawing 53 its horizontal cross sextion a-a. Drawing 54 illustrates a central cross section and view of the gasket (3,3) whereas Drawing 55 the horizontal cross section of a-a, Drawing 56 the horizontal cross section b-b and Drawing 57 its external view. Drawing 58 illustrates a central cross section and view of the ring (4,3) and Drawing 59 the horizontal cross section a-a of the ring (4,3). As illustrated in drawing is 51-59, the gasket (3,3) is placed with a turning articulation inside the jacket ending (54) and bears in its external cylindrical surface the inclined circumferential indention (47) and beneath, the circumferential toothed protrusion (53). The ring (4,3) bears in its inner and upper from the circumferential indention (52) which is cimplementary to the protrusion (53) of the gasket (3,3). Furthermore, at the ending of the jacket (54) the panels (49) are formed with the toothed protractions (48) so that the indentian is turned towards the internal side of the jacket. Drawing 60 illustrates the third general method of implementation of the system, according to which the base and head cover used may be replaced so that with a suitable combination thereof, it can be convented from a sinking to a floating system and vice versa. In this implementantion, the ring of each individual implementation (4,1), (4,2), (4,3) as well as the blades (41) are shaped in the upper part of a core (55) which passes through the base (6,1) of the system through its hole (58) and these parts are joined together via a cap (59) attached up to the free end of the core (55). The base (6,1) does not have the ability to rotate relative to the core (55). Furthermore, the case (5) of the head (11) of the system is tightened around the jacket (1) or (1,1) with the assistance of a concave gasket (56) placed in the jacket which features a rim (57) that presses the cover (5). Drawing 61 illustrates the fourth general method of implementation of the system, according to which the base and head cover used may be replaced so that with a suitable combination thereof it can be converted from a sinking to a floating system and vice versa. The ring (4,3) used in this implementation as well and the two blades (41) are attached to the upper part of a cylindrical shell (60) inside which the head (68) of a core (61) is articulated and turns. The core (61) and the cylindrical shell (60) pass through a transverse hole (63) of the base (6,2) of the system and are built together with it with the assistance of a cap (59) attached to the free end of the core (61). It is noted that the core (61) is rigid relative to the base (6,2). Furthermore, the lower region of the jacket (1) or (1,1) a gasket (3,2) has been attached that has been presented in the implementation of Drawing 42, whereas the cover (5) of the .head (11) is attached around the jacket (1) or (1,1) with the assistance of a concave gasket (56) with a rim (57) that presses the cover (5). Drawing 62 illustrates a central cut and a view of the cylindrical shell (60) with the ring (4,3) and the blades (41) formed in its upper region, Drawing 63 illustrates the cut a-a of the cylindrical shell (60) and Drawing 64 the external view of the core (61). As shown in Drawings 62-64, the panels (49) appearing the toothed protrusions (48) are formed at the surface of the cylindrical shell (60) whereas the inclined indention (47) is formed on the head (42) of the core (61). The core (61) bears longitudinal, protrusions (72) fitted to respective incisions of the hole (63) of the base (6,2). The ring (4,3) as described has in its upper region of its internal surface a continuous circumferential protrusion (52) which complements the circumferential toothed protrusion (53) of the gasket (3,2). With respect to the description of the operation of the system, according to its different implementation options, the operation of its integral form will be given first, followed by specialised applications concerning individual mechanisms. Drawing 4 illustrates a central cross section of the system where the first method of implementation that permits the application of the head (11) onto the central fishing line (14) of the longline is combined with the first mode of implementation of the mechanism that permits the turn of the head (11) only in one direction relative to the base (6), once they are coupled. A complete operation cycle will be described starting at the moment it is applied to the longline until the end where it is removed and stored for re-use. As illustrated in drawing 4 and drawings 8-20 and 35-41, the head (11) of the system is coupled to the base (6) and the fishing line (10) is wound around the base (6) and stretched. This is the form that the system is stored. During the immersion of the longline, each time such a system is to be applied at the central fishing line (14) the system is only grabbed from the head (11), the slot (18) of the cover (5) is approached to the fishing line (14) of the longline and the head (11) is pressed towards it, simultaneously pressing the button (7). Then, the piston (2) slides downwards the protrusion (44) presses the blades (41) so that each one is beat towards the other until the teeth (43) come off the circular rim (45) of the gasket (3,1), in which case the base (6) is decoupled from the head (11). Simultaneously, as the disk (23) of the piston (2) reveals the slot (17) of the jacket (1) located inside the slot (18) of the cover (5), a part of the fishing line (14) of the longline enters into the jacket (1) in the region between the disk (23) of the pistol (2) and the diaphragm (19) of the jacket (1). By releasing the button (7), the piston (2) pushed by the spring (8) returns, until the protection (26) of the disk (23) couples in the hole 22) of the diaphragm (19). In this position the fishing line (14) of the longline is locked into the head (11). of the system. Problems of head sliding (11) along the length of the fishing line (14) are solved with local coating in the parts of the surfaces that press the fishing line (14) by different anti-slide materials (usually elastomers) and forming wavelike surfaces as illustrated in drawing 19. The base (6), once decoupled from the head (11) falls under its gravity, leaving the part of the fishing line (10) of the preselected system to unwind. The precelected length of the fishing line (10) is referred in the sense that the fishing line (10) wound to the base (6) may be much longer, but by making an easy to undo knob at some point, only a part of it is lent to unwind, from the knob to the head (11). By applying such systems at large distances between 50 -100 meters onto the fishing line (14) of the longline, the suspension of the latter is achieved at the distance from the sea bottom desired, in the case of a sea bottom longline, or from the sea surface, in the base of a floating system. Then the longline is collected, by collecting the fishing line (14) the different locations where heads (11) of similar systems lie, are reached. The removal of each one of them is performed by pressing the button (7) so that hen the protrusion (26) of the disk (23) of the piston (2) passes under the slot (17) of the jacket (1), the fishing line (14) of the longline is free to come off the slot (18) of the cover (5). The fishing line (10) of the system is wound around the base (6) and is pressed towards the side of the head (11) so that the blades (41) are bent and pass through the mouth (46) of the gasket (3,1). As soon as the teeth (43) of the blades (41) overcome the rim (46) of the gasket (3,1), the teeth (41) come back to their ordinal position, coupling the base (6) with the head (11). In this position the ring (4,1) has penetrated into all the region permitted between the gasket (3,1) and the lower end of the jacket (1) so that the toothed protrusions (48) of the panels (49) apply their indention (50) to the circumferential indention (47) of the gasket (3,1) so that, due to the inclination of the indention (47 and 48) only the turn of the head (11) to the right relative to the base (6) is possible. With this turn, stretching of the small length of the fishing line (10) of the system that as slack is achieved. Thus, the system locked and in compact form is stored for re-use. The second method of implementation of the mechanism that achieves the application of the head (11) of the system onto the fishing line (14) of the longline or the rope (15) is illustrated in drawing 21 and its operation described independently of the remaining parts of the system. By pressing the button (7,1) the piston (2,1) slides downwards, so that circular protrusion (36) of the disk (30) reveals the slot (17) of the jacket (1,1) so that part of the fishing line (14) of the longline enters. With the displacement of the piston (2,1) downwards and the promotion of the arm (31) into the hole (27) of the diaphragm (19,1) the protrusion (38) is bent to the right as illustrated in Drawing 21, whereas the disk (33) of the piston (2,1) simultaneously descends. When the tooth (39) of the protrusion (38) overcomes the hole (27), then the protrusion (38) operating as a trigger returns to its original position (as illustrated in the Drawing) and "locks" the piston in this position. Then, the protrusion (34) of the disk (33) has passed to the hole (29) of the diaphragm, closing the escape route of the fishing line (14) from the slot (17) of the jacket (1,1) whereas simultaneously the fishing line (14) is pressed by the diaphragm (19,1) of the jacket (1,1) and the disk (33). In this implementation, care has been taken so that the disk (33) slides so that when the piston (2,1) locks, the disk (33) is displaced along the length of the arm (31) upwards, so that the circular elastic ring (35) is deformed and its maximum deformation tension, being transferred, finally presses via the disk (33) the fishing line (14) of the longline, so that sliding of the head (11) along the fishing line (14) is avoided, when the lognline is collected from the sea. The removal of the system is affected by pushing the protruding end (40) of the protrusion (38) to the right as illustrated, whence the tooth (39) retreats inside the longitudinal groove (37) of the arm (31) and the piston (2,1) pushed by the spring (8) rises until the end of the longitudinal grooves (70) carry the disk (33) over and upwards and the fishing line (14) of the longline is released. The second method of implementation of the mechanism that achieves the turn of the head (11) only in one direction relative to the base (6) after the two parts are coupled together, is illustrated in Drawing 42. According to this implementation, the gasket (3,2) is rigid both in terms of position and ability to turn at the end of the jacket (1) or (1,1) and features a circumferemtial toothed protrusion (53). When the blades (41) passing through the mouth (46) of the gasket (3,2) couple the base (6) with the head (11,) then the protrusion (53) of the gasket (3,2) has penetrated into the circumferential incision (52) of the ring (51) which is articulated and turns inside the ring (4,2) which is fixed at its base (6). Should, the toothed protrusions (48) of the ring (4,2) have a permanent coupling with the inclined indention (47) of the ring (51), giving the ability (as illustrated in drawings 44-47) to the ring (51) to turn to the right only relative to the rigid ring (4,2), it is evident that rotating the head (11) to the right of the base (6), the jacket (1) or (1,1) transmits through the fixed gasket (3,2) the movement to the internal ring (51) which can only turn to the right. The third method of implementation of the mechanism for turning the head (11) relative to the base (6) after the two parts are coupled is illustrated in drawing 51. When the two parts couple together, then by turning the head (11) to the right, the gasket (3,3) due to its coupling with the ring (4,3) which is fixed onto the base (6), remains rigid, whereas the ending of the jacket (54) and hence all the head (11) rotates in this direction which is the only one permitted. The third method for overall system implementation is illustrated in Drawing 60 and as mentioned earlier provides the ability of conversion to sinking or floating one. The mechanism of application of the head (11) onto the fishing line (14) of the longline, may be one of the two implementations that have been described in Drawings 18 and 21 while the mechanism for the rotation of the head (11), only in one direction relative to the base (6,1), may reflect one of the three implementations that have been described in drawings 35, 42, 51. As illustrated, by removing the cap (59) from the core (55) and the concave gasket (56) from the jacket (1 or 1,1), the base (6,1) and the cover (5) are released and may be replaced by others which with a suitable combination of their materials may convert the system to a floating one or an immersible one. The fourth method of over a l l implementation is illustrated in drawing 61 and as mentioned earlier concerns a system that can be converted to a floating one or an immersible one, the mechanism for turning the head (11) of it relative to the base (6,2) is implemented in a manner different than the three ones described in drawings 35, 42, 51. By considering that the general presentation of the parts of the mechanism already given earlier is adequate, in this section only its operation will be described. Thus, once the head (11) is coupled to the base (6,2), the gasket (3,2) which is stable relative to the jacket (1) or (1,1) couples via protrusions that have been described with the ring (4,3) which is shaped in the upper part of the cylindrical cell (60). The cylindrical shell may rotate into the hole (63) of the base (6,2) only to ' the right relative to the head (62) of the core (61). If, hence, the head (11) is turned only to the right, the cylindrical shell (60) finally turns in the same direction relative to the core (61) which is wedged into the base (6,2) and remains fixed. Hence, in the present invention a system is described that is used for suspending a longline at a desired depth and for marking a sea region fast. The mechanism that permits the application of the head (11) onto the fishing line (14) of the longline or the rope )15) of the marking is implemented in two manners illustrated in drawings 8 and 21, each of which can be combined with each of the implementation methods of the mechanism for turning the head (11) in only one direction relative to the base (6) described in drawings 35, 42, 51. All these combinations of implementations, mechanisms can be applied to an immersed system, illustrated in drawing 5, in a floating system illustrated in drawing 6 and in a versatile system illustrated in drawing 60. Finally, drawing 61 illustrates a versatile system with an individual implementation method for turning the head (11) relative to the base (6,2) where the mechanism of application of the head (11) onto the fishing line (14) of the longline or onto the marking rope (15) can be implemented in any of the methods discribed in drawings 8 and 21.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. System for suspending a longline at the desired depth and for marking a sea zone consisting of two principal parts, i.e., a head (11) and a base (6), with the parts connected to a fishing line (10) and the base (6) featuring a mechanism for coupling and decoupling of the head (11) which bears an exterior case (5) that encloses a jacket, a system characterised by the fact that inside the jacket of the head (11) there is a mechanism that permits the fitting and unfitting of the head (11), hence of the entire system onto another fishing line (14), (15) with the mechanism consisting of a jacket and mobile piston ending at a button (7) located at the top of the jacket of the head (11), by that the fitting of the head (11) on the fishing line (14) (15) occurs when part of the fishing line (14), (15) reaches the interior of jacket of the head (11) at a position where it sustains pressure between a surface of the mobile piston and another surface that is part of the jacket, by the fact that it features a mechanism that allows the base (6), following its coupling with the head (11), to rotate in only one direction in relation to the head (11), by that the mechanism which allows the application of the head (11) onto the line (14), (15) it also decouples the base (6) from the head (11) at the same time. 2. System for the suspension at the desired depth in the sea of a long line and the marking of a sea zone according to claim 1 in that the case (5) of the head (11) is of material of relative weight lower than water and the base (6) is of material of relative weight higher than water so that the aggregate weight of the system be higher than total buoyancy, characterised by that it can be used for suspending a long line at the desired distance from the seabed by applying via its particular mechanism several such systems at desired distances onto the main fishing line (14) of the long line. 3. System for the suspension at the desired depth in the sea of a long line and the marking of a sea zone according to claim 1 in that the case (5) of the head (11) is of material of relative weight lower than water and the base (6) is of material of relative weight higher than water so that the aggregate weight of the system by higher than total buoyancy, characterised by that it is used for marking an area over the sea bed by applying via its particular mechanism several such systems at selected distances onto a non-pretreated rope (15). 4. System for the suspension at the desired depth in the sea of a longline and for marking a sea zone according to claim 1 in that the case (5) of the head (11) is of material of relative weight higher than water and the base (6) is of materia of relative weight lower than water so that the aggregate weight of the system be lower than the total buoyancy, characterised by that it is used to suspend a longline at the desired depth from the surfaxe of the water by applying via its particular mechanism several such systems at desired distances onto the main fishing line (14) of the longline. 5. System for the suspension at the desired depth in the sea of a longline and for marking a sea zone according to claim 1 in that the case (5) of the head (11) is of material of relative weight higher than water and the base (6) is of material of relative weight lower than water so that the aggregate weight of the system be lower than the total buoyancy, characterised by that it used for marking a surface area by applying via its particular mechanism several such systems at selected distances onto a non - pretreated rope (15). 6. System for the suspension at the desired depth in the sea of a longline and for marking a sea zone according to claims 1-5 where according to the first method of implementation of the mechanism permits the application of the head (11) onto the central fishing line (14, 15), characterised by that inside the cover (5), a jacket (1) is located which is regid relative to it, by that the case (5) and the jacket (1) bear incisions (18 and 17) of a respectively equal width in the region of the jacket (1) with a direction at right angles to their longitudinal axis, by that the incision (18) extends towards the central front region of the cover (5), by that the jacket (1) bears a diaphragm (19) at right angles to its internal surface, the diaphragm bearing a hole (20) in such position so that its lower flat surface (21) is at the same level to the upper wall of the incision (17) of the jacket (1), by that the diaphragm (19) bears centrally to the incision (17) a circumferential hole (22), by that a piston (2) lies inside the jacket (1), which when it moves does not turn and which consists of a flat disk (23) bearing an arm (24) in its upper. surface (25),- the arm passing through the hole (22) of the diaphragm (19) and ends at a button (7), by that the disk (23) of the piston (2) bears in its upper flat surface (25) in a position opposite the hole (22) of the diaphragm (19) a protrusion (26) of a width equal to that of the hole (22) and by that the piston (2) is permanently pushed in the direction of the diaphragm (19) by the elastic body (8). 7. System for the suspension at the desired depth in the sea of a longline and for marking a sea zone according to claims 1-5 where according to the second method of implementation of the mechanism permits the application of the head (11) onto the central fishing line (14, 15), characterised by that inside the cover (5), a jacket (1,1) is located which is rigid relative to it, by that the case (5) and the jacket (1,1) bear incisions (18 and 17 respectively) of a respectively equal with a direction at right angles to their longitudinal axis, by that the incision (18) extends towards the central front region of the cover (5), by that the jacket (1,1) bears a perforated diaphragm (19,1) at right angles to its internal surface, placed so that its upper flat surface (28) is at the same level to the lower wall of the incision (17) of the jacket (1,1), by that the diaphragm (19,1) bears centrally to the incision (17) of the jacket (1,1) a circumferential hole (29), by that a mobile piston (2,1) lies diside the jacket (1,1), which when it moves does not turn and which consists of a flat disk (30) bearing an arm (3!) in its upper surface, the arm passing through the hole (27) of the diaphragm (19,1), by that the arm (31) passes through a disk (33) that a hole (32) and which is located into the jacket (1,1) and above the diaphragm (19,1), by that the arm (31) ends at a button (7,1), by that the disk (33) may slide along the arm (31) without turning up to a terminal position lower, by that the disk (33) bears at its lower surface and opposite to the hole (29) of the diaphragm (19,1) a protrusion (34) of a width equal to that of the central region of the hole (29), by that the lowest sliding position of the disk (33) onto the arm (31) is such that the protrusion (34) is found above the incision (17) of the jacket (1,1) when the piston settles at its highest permissible position, by that the disk (33) is always pushed downwards by an elastic body (35) located between it and the button (7,1) by that the piston (1,1) bears at the upper surface of the disk (30) a circular protrusion (36) of a length equal to the total length of the hole (29) of the diaphragm (19,1) and is permanently pushed upwards by an elastic body (8) located under the disk (30), by that in the arm (31) of the piston (2,1) a central longitudinal groove (37) is formed where an elastic protrusion (38) of the piston (2,1) lies and bears tooth (39) extending on either side of the arm (31) and by that the free end (40) of the protrusion (38) passing through the button (7,1) ends protruding from it. 8. System for the suspension at the desired depth in the sea of a longline and for marking a sea zone according to claims 6, 7 characterised by that the mechanism that permits the coupling and de - coupling of the base (6) with the head (11) of the system consists of a circular ring (4), two flexible blades (41), a gasket (3) fitted to the lower region of the jacket (1 or 1,1) and a cylindrical protrusion (44) formed in the lower surface of the disk (23) of the piston (2) or the disk (30) of the piston (2,1), by that the ring (4) and the blades (41) are found in a central position on the upper surface of the base (6) with the blades being surrounded by the ring (4), by that the blades (41) are gradually fitted relative to each other so that when one is bent towards the other, it does not touch it, by that the external side surfaces (42) of the blades (41) form concave surfaces that converge to the top and which form a tooth (43) near the • height of the ring (4), by that the gasket (3) is a cell of a cylindrical form with its internal diameter equal to the internal diameter of the jacket (1 or 1,1) and forms internally the circular rim (45) whereas in its lower region a circular mouth is formed (46) the diameter of which increases by the height of the rim (45) and downwards and by that the internal diameter of the ring (4) is equal to its external gasket (3). 9. System for the suspension at the desired depth is the sea of a longline and for marking a sea zone according to claims 7,8 characterised by that the mechanism that permits the turn of the base (6) only in one direction relative to the head (11), following the coupling of the two parts, consists of a circular indention (47) the teeth of which have a uniform inclination in one direction and by teethed protrusions (48) which bear few teeth (50) with a uniform inclination compatible with the circular indention (47), by that the teethed protrusions (48) and the circular indention are shaped in cylindrical surfaces and by that the protrusions (48) are shaped into panels (49) which enter in the cylindrical surface where they are shaped at a distance at least equal to the height of a toot. 10. System for the suspension at the desired depth in the sea of a longline and for marking a sea zone according to claim 9 which according to the first method of implementation of the mechanism that permits the turn of the base (6) only in one direction relative to the head (11) following coupling of these two parts is characterised by that the panels (49) wherein toothed protrusions (48) are shaped and the circular indention (47) are formed in the ring (4) and the gasket (3) where in the present implementation are marked as a ring (4,1) and gasket (3,1) respectively and by that the gasket (3,1) is stable with respect to its turn relative to the jacket (1 or 1,1). 11. System for the suspension at the desired depth in the sea of a longline and for marking a sea zone according to claim 9 which according to the second method of implementation of the mechanism that permits the turn of the base (6) only in one direction relative to the head (11) following coupling of these two parts is characterised by that the ring (4) which in the present implementation is marked as a ring (4,2) bears inside it another articulated and turning ring (51), by that the entering panels (49) wherein the toothed protrusions are formed (48) as well as the circular indention (47) are formed onto the ring (4,2) and the ring (51) which is articulated inside it, by that the ring (51) bears at the upper part of its internal cylindrical surface a continuous toothed protrusion (52) and by that the gasket (3) which in the present implementation is marked as gasket (3,2) is filed in the lower region of the jacket (1 or 1,1) and also bears in the lower region of its external surface a continuous toothed protrusion (53) which complements the incision (52) of the ring (51). 12. System for the suspension at the desired depth in the sea of a longline and for marking a sea zone according to claim 9 which according to the third method of implementation of the mechanism that permits the turn of the base (6) only in one direction relative to the head (11) following coupling of these two parts is characterized by that the lower region of the jacket (1 or 1,1) which for the needs of the present invention is marked as a jacket ending (54) bears the gasket (3) articulated and turning on it, marked as gasket (3,3), by that the gasket (3,3) bears in the lower region of its external cylindrical surface a continuos toothed protrusion (53), by that the panels (49) that penetrate and bear the toothed protrusions (48) as well as the circular indention (47) are shaped in a jacket ending (54) and the external surface of the gasket (3,3) and by that the ring (4) which in the present implementation is marked as ring (4,3) bears in the upper rim of its internal surface a continuous toothed incision (52) which complements the protrusion (53) of the gasket (3,3). 13. System for the suspension at the desired depth in the sea of a longline and for marking a sea zone according to claims 10, 11, 12, which according to the third method of its overall implementation is characterised by that each ring (4,1 - 4,2 - 4,3) as well as the blades (41j are shaped in the upper end of a core (55), by that the case (5) of the head (11) is retained around the jacket (1 or 1,1) with the assistance of a concave cylindrical gasket (56) which is adapted to the jacket (1 or 1,1) and features a rim (57) which presses the cover (5) and by that the base (6) which in the present implementation is marked as base (6,1) features a transparent hole (58) to which the core is placed (55) and by that the base (6,1) is rigid relative to the core (55) and by that the base (6,1) retains the core (55) with the assistance of the cap (59) which is attached to the free end of the core (55). 14. System for the suspension at the desired depth in the sea of a longline and for marking a sea zone according to claim 9 which according to the fourth method of overall implementation is characterized by that the ring (4) which in the present implementation is marked as ring (4,3) and the blades (41) are formed at one end of a cylindrical shell (60), by that inside the cylindrical shell (60) an articulated end (62) of a core (61) is fitted and turns by that the panels entering (49) which bear the toothed protrusions (48) and the circular indention (47) are shaped in the cylindrical shell (60) and the articulated end (62) of the core (61) by that the case (5) of the head (11) is retained round the jacket (1 or 1,1) with the assistance of a concave gasket (56) attached to the jacket (1 or 1,1) and features a rim (57) which presses the cover (5), by that the base (6) which in the present implementation is marked as base (6,2) bears a transparent hole (63) where the cylindrical shell (60) with the articulated and turning core (61), by that the base (6,2) is fixed and does not turn relative to the core (61) and is retained to it with the assistance of a cap (59) which is attached to its free end, by that in the internal upper region of the ring (4,3) a continuous toothed incision (52) is shaped and by that the gasket (3) which in the present implementation is marked as gasket (3,2) is filed to the lower end of the jacket (1 or 1,1) and bears in the lower region of its internal surface the continuous toothed protrusion (53) which complements the incision (52) of the ring (4,3) 15. System, for the suspension at the desired depth in the sea of a longline and for marking a sea zone according to claims 1-14 characterised by that the case (5) of the head (11) and each base (6 - 6,1 - 6,2) has a cylindrical form and by that each case features in its terminal parts the circumferential protrusion (64).

Inventors: TSAGARAKIS MYRON, TSAGARAKIS, MYRON
Applicants: TSAGARAKIS MYRON, TSAGARAKIS, MYRON
Application year: 2000
Main classification: B63B22
IPC codes: A01K91, B63B22