Abstract:
Disclosed is a protector for a clip and line used to suspend aquaculture baskets or like equipment in water. In particular, the protector provides a sacrificial element between the clip and the line that is cheap to manufacture and easy to replace. While an application of the present invention is in oyster cultivation, it could equally well be applied to any process involving the line suspension of an article in water.

Description:
[0001]    The present invention relates to a protector for a clip and line used to suspend aquaculture baskets or like equipment in water. In particular, the protector provides a sacrificial element between the clip and the line that is cheap to manufacture and easy to replace. While an application of the present invention is in oyster cultivation, it could equally well be applied to any process involving the line suspension of an article in water. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    It is common for molluscs such as oysters to be grown on a commercial scale in artificial environments in early stages of growth. Typically, the stock is then transferred to sea environments for what is known as “grow out”. Cultivation of oysters is accomplished by initially growing the lava in special tanks until they reach a juvenile size when they can be transferred to containers in intertidal or sub-tidal sites. Typically, the containers are in the form of baskets having perforated walls which enable water to flow through the baskets where the oysters use the water flow to obtain nutrients from the water as well as flushing impurities away. 
         [0003]    In adjustable long line oyster cultivation, the baskets are typically suspended from lines that extend for hundreds of metres with multiple lines being attached in a parallel configuration according to an embodiment. These lines are typically made up of tensioned monofilament with a protective sheath or “drip tube” over the monofilament to reduce wear. Posts are used to support the tensioned line and are typically spaced at intervals along the line to allow for at least one basket to be suspended between adjacent posts. The drip tube typically extends the full length of the line. Special clips are used to attach the baskets to the drip tube, and can be attached both along the line (parallel arrangement) or across pairs of lines (perpendicular arrangement). 
         [0004]    It has been recognised more recently that placing baskets in rougher waters can improve the growth of oysters. However, more aggressive water conditions have brought about problems not previously encountered in calmer water conditions. Most notably, it has been found that the clips used to rotatably attach the oyster baskets to the drip tubes are wearing, as are the drip tubes in areas where the clips attach. In rougher waters, it is not uncommon for clips and hence baskets to slide back and forth along the drip tube and collide with the support posts. Baskets have also been known to perform full 360 degree rotations about the line. This often results in winding of the drip tube and can also have adverse effects when, for example, winding occurs in opposite directions at opposite ends of the drip tube. 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  illustrates an example of a known clip  2  including at one end a means of rotatable attachment  4  to an oyster basket and at the other end a means of rotatable attachment  5  to a drip tube  6  which acts as a protective sheath for the line  7 . The rotatable attachment  5  is simply a hook means with an opening of sufficient size to receive the tube when the hook is forced down on the tube and to maintain the tube therein. The result is that the clip is slideable along the tube, but not easily removable unless the clip is forced in a direction away from the line. It is the areas indicated by reference numeral  8  on the clip and reference numeral  9  on the drip tube which would typically wear and render the clips and tubes unusable over time. The attachment portion  5  of the clip is such that the drip tube  6  needs to be secured therein, but when this part is sufficiently worn, the tube  6  can easily become detached from the clip. 
         [0006]    The skilled addressee would understand the expense and labour that is required to replace these clips, and moreso to have to remove clips and baskets suspended on a line to enable a full replacement of the line. 
         [0007]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to alleviate some of the aforementioned problems, or at least provide the public with a useful alternative. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In one aspect, the present invention provides a clip and line protector for use in aquaculture environments in which an article such as an oyster basket is rotatably suspended, via one or more clips, from a support line, said protector including a sacrificial element interposed between said clip and said line such that during rotation of the one or more clips about the line only the sacrificial element experiences frictional wear. 
         [0009]    The skilled addressee would thus realise the only moving components are the clip and the sacrificial bearing element about the line, so the only component that will wear is the sacrificial bearing element which can be cheaply and easily replaced. 
         [0010]    In an embodiment, the support line is a monofilament line supported along a plurality of support posts, and said sacrificial element is a length of protective sheath or drip tube extending between two adjacent line support posts in rotatable engagement with the line, the basket clip adapted to engage the drip tube. 
         [0011]    In an alternate embodiment, the clip and line protector further includes an attachment portion in the form of a cylindrical sleeve adapted to be fitted directly to the line or protective sheath therefor, the basket clip adapted to engage the sleeve. 
         [0012]    In an embodiment, said sleeve is dimensioned to be a snug fit on the line such that the sleeve does not slide. 
         [0013]    In an embodiment, said sleeve includes a waterproof adhesive on its inner surface for locking the sleeve to the line. 
         [0014]    In a further alternate embodiment, said clip and line protector further includes an attachment portion in the form of a cylindrical sleeve adapted to be fitted directly to the line or protective sheath, wherein said sleeve forms an outer surface about which said sacrificial bearing element is adapted to rotate. 
         [0015]    In an embodiment, said sleeve is dimensioned to be a snug fit on the line such that the sleeve does not slide. 
         [0016]    In an embodiment, said sleeve includes a waterproof adhesive on its inner surface for locking the sleeve to the line. 
         [0017]    In an embodiment, said sleeve includes raised end portions adapted prevent the sacrificial bearing element from sliding off the sleeve. 
         [0018]    In a yet further alternate embodiment, said sacrificial element forms part of a basket clip assembly and includes a portion adapted to rotatably engage said line, said portion being detachable from said clip assembly. 
         [0019]    In a further alternate embodiment, the clip and line protector further includes an attachment portion attachable to said line, wherein said clip is adapted to engage the sacrificial element which is journalled about said line such that the clip and sacrificial element rotatably engage the line. 
         [0020]    In an embodiment, said attachment portion is substantially prevented from sliding along said line. 
         [0021]    In an embodiment, said attachment portion is in the form of a clamp assembly including two clamp members which when assembled form a central internal channel for accommodating the support line or protective sheath therefor. 
         [0022]    In an embodiment, said clamp members are attachable to form said clamp assembly by way of snap fit connection between one or more lugs and associated corresponding locking apertures. 
         [0023]    In an embodiment, said clamp members are attached by a hinged connection and are lockable in the assembled closed position by a locking means. 
         [0024]    In an embodiment, said clamp members are dimensioned such that when they are assembled, a mid-cylindrical portion is formed about which said sacrificial bearing element is adapted to rotate. 
         [0025]    In an embodiment, said clamp members are dimensioned such that when they are assembled, circular wall portions are formed at opposed ends thereof, said wall portions adapted to prevent the sacrificial bearing element from sliding off the clamp assembly. 
         [0026]    In an embodiment, the clamp assembly is manufactured from a durable material including rigid polyurethane. 
         [0027]    In an embodiment, said sacrificial bearing element is manufactured from a flexible plastic or rubber material. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0028]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several implementations of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0029]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a known clip and a line including a drip tube to which the clip is configured to be rotatably suspended; 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of an aquaculture basket suspended from a long drip tube using clips, and a clip and line protector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a clip and line protector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  illustrates an assembled view of the clip and line protector of  FIG. 3  when attached to the line; 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a clip and line protector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a clip and line protector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of a clip and line protector according to a further embodiment; 
           [0036]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of a clip and line protector according to a still further embodiment; 
           [0037]      FIG. 9   a  illustrates an end view of a ratchet-type clamp for the clip and line protector of  FIG. 8  in a disengaged configuration; 
           [0038]      FIG. 9   b  illustrates an end view of a ratchet-type end clamp for the clip and line protector of  FIG. 8  in an engaged configuration; and 
           [0039]      FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of a clip and line protector according to a further embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0040]    The following detailed description of the invention 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 invention. 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. 
         [0041]    The present invention relates to a clip and line protector  10  (embodied herein as  10   a,    10   b ,  10   c,    10   d  and  10   e  with other variations possible). In an embodiment, the protector  10  includes a means of attachment  12  to a suspension line or protective sheath for the line (often referred to as a drip tube)  6  and a means  14  of enabling a basket attachment clip, such as the known clip  2  shown in  FIG. 1 , to be rotatably coupled to the means of attachment  12  while preventing direct contact between the clip and the line. In a broader embodiment, the means  14  of enabling the basket attachment clip to be rotatably coupled to the line while preventing direct contact between the clip and line is configured for direct attachment to the line, i.e. the component  14  and the means of attachment  12  are one and the same. In an alternate embodiment, the means  14  of enabling the basket attachment clip to be rotatably coupled to the line forms part of the basket attachment clip. 
         [0042]    The result is that the clip  2  and hence basket  16  suspended therefrom can still rotatably move in their intended manner, and in a manner which promotes oyster cultivation, but without the frictional wear on the line (or drip tube) or clip that existed when the clip was attached directly to the line (or drip tube). The skilled addressee would appreciate that in not having to replace the line, drip tube (if used), or basket attachment clip after they wear, the overall labour and cost to maintain an oyster cultivation farm is reduced. 
         [0043]    In aspect further embodiment of the invention, the protector  10  also includes a means of preventing sliding movement of the clip along the line  6  so as to prevent the basket from moving back and forth along the line in more aggressive conditions. 
         [0044]      FIG. 2  illustrates an example of a basket  16  being suspended from a drip tube  6  attached along its length to spaced apart support posts  20 , and wherein two clips  2  are used and attached in a known manner to the top of the basket and coupled in the manner proposed in the present invention to the drip tube  6 . It is to be understood that any one of the clip and line protectors  10   a,    10   b,    10   c,    10   d  or  10   e  embodied herein could be used, as could any alternately designed protectors considered to fall within the scope of the invention. 
         [0045]    A protector  10   a  according to an embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 3-4 . As shown, the means of attachment to the tube may be in the form of a two-piece clamp  12   a  comprising a first clamp member  22  and a second clamp member  24  which each include an elongate semi-circular mid portion  26  and semi-circular end wall portions  28  of increased radial dimension to that of the mid portions  26 . When the two clamp members  22  and  24  are assembled together, as shown in  FIG. 4 , they form a cylindrical mid portion and two circular end wall portions at ends thereof. 
         [0046]    Each member  22  and  24  may include an internal semi-circular channel  30  respectively, which when assembled form an internal channel of circular cross section extending along the full length of the clamp  12   a,  the channel being of a size to accommodate the drip tube  6  (or monofilament line without drip tube, or any other type of supporting line). The internal surface of each channel  30  may be lined with gripping means  32  adapted to grip the tube  6  when the clamp is assembled and thereby prevent sliding movement of the clamp  12   a  along the tube. In the embodiment shown, these are in the form of rigid spikes protruding out from the internal surface of each channel  30 , but other gripping means could be used. This may be an important feature in conditions where the movement of baskets along the lines is sought to be prevented, such as in rougher conditions where baskets have been known to collide with line support posts and also neighbouring baskets. 
         [0047]    The first and second clamp members  22  and  24  may engage by way of a snap fit connection, and it can be seen in  FIG. 3  how each of the semi-circular end wall portions  28  may include one locating lug  34  and one locking aperture  36  associated therewith. In an embodiment, the first and second clamp members  22  and  24  are identical for ease of manufacturing. The skilled addressee would realise that each lug  34  of one member will align with a locking aperture  36  of the other member, as shown in  FIG. 3 , and so each lug will be received and locked inside the opposed aperture by way of a snap fit. Snap fit connections are considered well known in the art, so the way in which the lug and locking aperture interact will not be described in detail. Each of the semi-circular end wall portions  28  include hollowed out bodies, not only to accommodate the lugs but also to reduce the amount of material used and hence the cost of manufacture. 
         [0048]    In this embodiment, the means of enabling the clip  2  to be rotatably coupled to the clamp  12   a  while preventing direct contact between the clip  2  and the drip tube  6  is in the form of a sacrificial bearing element  14   a.  The sacrificial bearing element  14   a  is cylindrical in shape and substantially matches the shape of the cylindrical mid-portion of the clamp  12   a.    
         [0049]    The element  14   a  includes an open edge  38  so that it can be quickly and easily fitted over the cylindrical mid portion of the clamp  12 , and is configured such that it journals around the mid portion and is freely rotatable. 
         [0050]    Therefore, rather than the attachment portion  5  of the clip  2  being hooked over the tube  6 , it is hooked over the sacrificial bearing element  14   a,  and the clip  2  and the bearing element  14   a  are free to rotate about the clamp together. A person skilled in the art would thus realise that the protector  10  forms a barrier between the clip  2  and the line or drip tube  6  such that neither component experiences friction caused by rotation and/or sliding of the clip along the tube. The result is that neither component will wear and thus require replacement. The only component which will require replacement is the sacrificial bearing element  14   a,  which can be manufactured very quickly and inexpensively. The present invention thus provides a labour and cost benefit to aquaculture farmers, among other benefits. In addition, the bearing element  14   a  is prevented from sliding motion along the tube by the circular end wall portions of the clamp  12   a,  meaning the bearing element  14   a  and hence the clip and basket are prevented from sliding along the line and impacting other baskets or posts. 
         [0051]    Another embodiment  10   b  of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 5  and demonstrates an alternate locking configuration between the first and second clamp members forming the clamp  12   b,  which although configured slightly differently are labelled once again as items  22  and  24  for the purpose of brevity. Rather than utilising a snap fit lock between the clamp members  22  and  24 , the protector  10   b  according to this embodiment includes a hinged connection  40 . The same sacrificial element is used and is referenced as  14   b . Although not shown, the clamp members would also include a locking means for locking the clamp members together when in the “closed” position. For example, a ratchet type locking device (as seen in the embodiment of  FIG. 8  for example) could be used. Aside from the alternate connection between clamp members, the protector  10   b  works in the same way as protector  10   a  and so a description of like or similar features will not be repeated. 
         [0052]    A clip and line protector  10   c,  according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 6  and demonstrates an alternate means of attachment to the drip tube  6 . Rather than utilising a rigid clamp, as per the previous embodiments, protector  10   c  uses a cylindrical sleeve  12   c  configured similarly to the sacrificial bearing element  14  in that it is an open edged cylindrical structure adapted to be fitted over the line. In an embodiment, the internal surface of the cylindrical sleeve  12   c  may include a suitable waterproof adhesive  42  or the like to ensure the sleeve  12   c  remains securely attached to the tube. In an embodiment, the adhesive may be such that the sleeve  12   c  can also be easily removed from the tube  6 . In another embodiment, the material and durability of the sleeve is sufficient for it to be maintained around the line without the use of an adhesive. 
         [0053]    The sleeve  12   c  may be constructed of a material which allows for rotation of the sacrificial bearing element  14   c  thereabouts. In such an embodiment, the sleeve  12   c  acts in the same way as the previously described clamps  12   a  and  12   b,  that is, to provide a secure surface along the tube  6  about which the sacrificial element and clip can rotate. The sleeve  12   c  may include raised portions  44  at opposed ends, as shown, which could be made of the same material as the sleeve, and which serve to prevent sliding of the sacrificial element. 
         [0054]    In an alternate embodiment not illustrated, the protector could be formed by two clamp members which rather than being of an elongate construction and configured to close down on one another to effect engagement, include a groove permitting a twist/pivot lock to the support line. 
         [0055]    It is to be understood that other embodiments are possible, including for example where rather than having two lockable components as per the first and second embodiments, the line protector is a one piece design. 
         [0056]    For example,  FIG. 7  illustrates a protector  10   d  in the form of a cylindrical sacrificial element  14   d  which also acts as the means of rotatable attachment  12   d  to the line. The rotatable attachment  5  of the basket clip shown in  FIG. 1 , for example, can be clipped over the sacrificial element and thus allowed to rotate with it about the line. Two spaced apart ratchet-type clamps  46  are clamped over the element  14   d  and may be tightened to an extent which prevents the element from sliding along the line, but still allows for the C-shaped insert&#39;s rotation about the line. Alternatively, the clamps could be tightened to an extent which prevent rotation of the sacrificial element, but then one would need to ensure the sacrificial element is made of a material that would not cause the basket clip to wear given that there would be frictional engagement between these two members. The clamps  46  may also act as end stops to prevent sliding of the basket clip beyond the ends of the C-shaped sacrificial element. 
         [0057]      FIG. 8  illustrates a similar embodiment  10   e  but rather than the sacrificial element  14   e  being clamped to the line  6 , it rotatably engages the line by its own properties and configuration. The sacrificial element again also acts as a rotatable attachment  12   e  to the line. The two clamp members  46  may still be used, as shown, act as end stops for preventing the element and/or the clamp from sliding along the line. A cross section of these clamps locking down on the line is shown in  FIGS. 8   a - 8   b  In a further embodiment not shown, in which the line  7  does not include a drip tube, the sacrificial element  14   d / 14   e  could indeed be a length of drip tube extending between the two adjacent support posts. 
         [0058]      FIG. 10  illustrates a protector  10   f  according to a still further embodiment in which the sacrificial element  14   f  forms part of a basket clip assembly  48 , the sacrificial element including a portion configured to rotatably journal directly about a support line, or around a surface of a clamp  12   f  as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 10 . In this embodiment, the sacrificial element could be detachable from the basket clip so that it may be easily replaced. 
         [0059]    It is to be further understood that other means of preventing sliding of the clip along the line or protective sheath than the means proposed herein could also be implemented. 
         [0060]    Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the present invention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and described in what are conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus. 
         [0061]    Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step, or group of integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. 
         [0062]    The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.