Abstract:
The invention relates to an aquaculture basket ( 10 ) including a top basket part ( 20 ), a bottom basket part ( 30 ) and at least one door ( 40 ). The top and bottom basket pans ( 20, 30 ) include connection means ( 22, 24 ) for connecting the top and bottom basket parts ( 20, 30 ) together. The top and bottom basket parts ( 20, 30 ) are interchangeable so as to reduce manufacture costs and to make assembly of the basket ( 10 ) easier. The top basket part ( 10 ), bottom basket part ( 20 ) and the at least one door ( 40 ) form an enclosure for housing an aquaculture product. The basket ( 10 ) typically includes a door ( 40 ) at either end of the basket ( 10 ). The top and bottom basket parts ( 20, 30 ) are typically identical in construction. The invention also relates to an aquaculture basket attachment system. The attachment system including a connection area ( 32 ) integrally formed with or connectable to the basket ( 10 ) and a connection member ( 50 ) arranged for attachment to the connection area ( 32 ). The connection area ( 32 ) includes a plurality of connection parts arranged so that the connection member ( 50 ) can be attached to the connection area ( 32 ) in one or more alternative positions whereby the aquaculture basket ( 10 ) can be attached to a support line ( 100 ) or other part by means of the connection member ( 50 ).

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2007903380 filed on 22 Jun. 2007, the contents of which are to be taken as incorporated herein by this reference. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to an improved aquaculture basket. The invention also relates to an attachment system for attaching a member, such as a clip, to an aquaculture basket. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Many different forms of baskets are used in the aquaculture industry to form an enclosure for housing aquaculture products. For example, baskets used by oyster farmers include hand made mesh baskets, extruded mesh baskets that hinge open for access to the oysters and injection moulded mesh baskets with a hinged door. These different baskets are arranged to be secured to a longitudinal support or line that positions the basket In the water. Different securing mechanisms are used to secure the baskets to the longitudinal support or line (hereinafter “support line”). For example, some of the baskets have a clip or clips that are hooked over the longitudinal line, whereas others are actually threaded onto the longitudinal support. 
         [0004]    The baskets may be connected to a single support line so that adjacent baskets are positioned end adjacent end. This is known as an “in-line” arrangement. Alternatively, each basket may be connected to two adjacent support lines so that adjacent baskets are positioned side by side. This is known as a “tangential line” arrangement. 
         [0005]    In use, the baskets are repeatedly removed from the support lines so that the integrity of the enclosure formed by the basket can be checked, their contents inspected and harvested. 
         [0006]    The support lines are periodically raised and lowered to adjust the positioning of the basket in the water. This enables the grower to have some control over the hygiene and growth of the oysters in the basket because the depth of the basket in the water has a direct relationship with the amount of wind and wave action on the basket and also the amount of marine fouling. 
         [0007]    There are quite a number of different problems with current baskets of the type used in the aquaculture industry. For example, the mesh of the baskets tends to crack, the clips fail and the baskets become fouled with marine growth during use impairing water flow through the baskets. 
         [0008]    Some of the baskets are quite difficult to remove and reattach to the support lines. It is desirable to make this process as easy as possible because of the very high number of baskets that are handled. For example, it is typical to have 3000-4000 baskets per hectare of aquaculture farm. 
         [0009]    Although the removal and reattachment of the baskets needs to be easily performed, the connection of the basket to the support line must still be sufficiently strong to prevent accidental disconnection of the basket due to rough seas and bad weather. 
         [0010]    Another problem with some of the current baskets is that the clips used to attach the basket to the longitudinal line are such that they allow the basket to move up and down in the water. This is disadvantageous because it encourages premature failure of the baskets and the clips. 
         [0011]    Some of the clips have a tendency to rotate about the connection with the basket. This results in premature fatigue of the clip and in some instances the clip may fail causing the basket to disconnect from the support line, resulting in loss of both the basket and its contents. 
         [0012]    It is also desirable for the baskets to be easily storable when being transported. Basket designs that enable “on end” storage are generally advantageous. The baskets should also be easy to assemble. 
         [0013]    The present invention seeks to provide in one aspect an improved aquaculture basket that overcomes or at least alleviates some of the above mentioned problems. 
         [0014]    The present invention also seeks to provide in a second aspect an aquaculture basket attachment system. 
         [0015]    The discussion of the background to the invention herein is included to explain the context of the invention. This is not to be taken as an admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of this application. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an aquaculture basket including a top basket part, a bottom basket part and at least one door, the top and bottom basket parts including connection means for connecting the top and bottom basket parts together, the top and bottom basket parts being interchangeable and wherein the top basket part, bottom basket part and the at least one door form an enclosure for housing an aquaculture product. 
         [0017]    Preferably, the top basket part includes at least one connection area to which a connection member, such as a connection clip, can be connected. The connection member is preferably of the type that enables the basket to be suspended from a support line or other part. For example, the connection member may have a hook at an upper end to enable it to be suspended from a support line. A lower end of the member preferably includes at least one finger for connection to the clip connection area. 
         [0018]    The connection means of the basket preferably includes at least one aperture formed on one of said top and bottom basket parts and a complimentary tongue formed on the other of the top and bottom basket parts, the tongue and aperture being arranged to “snap” fit together. The tongue and aperture may include a detent arrangement to achieve the “snap” fit. 
         [0019]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the top and bottom basket parts are identical and the basket includes two doors. 
         [0020]    According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an aquaculture basket attachment system, said attachment system including a connection area integrally formed with or connectable to said basket and a connection member arranged for attachment to said connection area, said connection area including a plurality of connection parts arranged so that said connection member can be attached to said connection area in one or more alternative positions whereby said aquaculture basket can be attached to a support line or other part by means of the connection member. 
         [0021]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the connection parts include a plurality of fixed axles about which the connection member is arranged to be at least partially rotatable. The connection member has a lower end that includes at least one finger arranged for selective engagement to at least one of said plurality of axles. 
         [0022]    The plurality of axles are preferably arranged so that at least one extends along an x-axis and at least one extends along a y-axis thus enabling the connection member to be connected to the clip connection area in two different orientations. 
         [0023]    The plurality of axles and the fingers of the connection member are preferably shaped so that when the connection member is attached to the clip connection area it can be moved between an operative position and an inoperative position. That movement is preferably a rotational movement about the axle or axles to which it is selectively engaged. To this end, the fingers of the connection member are arranged to be journalled about said axles. 
         [0024]    In the operative position, the connection member is arranged so that the basket can be hung or suspended from a supporting line or other part. The connection member extends upwardly away from the object. In the inoperative position, the connection member is located so that a major portion thereof is substantially adjacent the basket. 
         [0025]    In a particularly preferred form, the lower end of the connection member includes two fingers. Each finger being arranged for engagement with one of said plurality of axles. Each finger includes an engagement surface arranged to contact with the axle to which it is engaged. The engagement surface and axle are configured so that the connection member can be moved between the operative and inoperative positions. Furthermore, the connection member is held in either of these positions, until an overcoming force is applied to the member to move it out of either the operative or inoperative position. 
         [0026]    In a preferred form, the axles are substantially square in cross-section so that they include four side parts. The engagement surfaces of the fingers each include three substantially planar surfaces that are arranged to engage with respective of said side parts so that there is a clear delineation between the operative and inoperative positions of the connection member as it is rotated about the axle. 
         [0027]    The invention also provides a connection member for use with the attachment system of the second aspect of the invention. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0028]    Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0029]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a basket in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The attachment clips are shown in the operative position; 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the basket shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  is an end view of the basket shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  shows the basket of  FIG. 1  with the doors of the basket in an open position; 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  is a side view showing three baskets of the type shown in  FIG. 1  secured to a single support line in an “in line” arrangement; 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  is a side view showing four baskets of the type shown in  FIG. 1  secured to and across a pair of support lines in a “tangential line” arrangement; 
           [0035]      FIG. 7  is a view similar to  FIG. 1  but the attachment clips of the basket are shown in an inoperative position; 
           [0036]      FIG. 8A  is a perspective view from above of a basket half of the basket shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 8B  is an enlarged view of the clip connection area (marked C) in  FIG. 8A ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 8C  is a cross-sectional view along line J-J in  FIG. 8B ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the underside of the basket half shown in  FIG. 8A ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of two basket halves “nested” together for transport; 
           [0041]      FIGS. 11A ,  11 B and  11 C are respective top, underside and cross-sectional views of a door of the basket shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 12  is a front view of one of the attachment clips of the basket shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 13  is a close-up view of circled portion of the clip shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the attachment clip shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the attachment clip shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view showing the connection of the connection clip to the basket. The clip is shown in the operative position; 
           [0047]      FIGS. 17A to 17C  show the attachment clip in three different “in line” positions on the top basket half; and 
           [0048]      FIGS. 18A to 18C  show the attachment clip in three different “tangential line” positions on the top basket half. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0049]    The following description makes reference to a basket for use in the aquaculture industry. The basket as described subsequently is an oyster basket. However, it must be appreciated that the present invention is not so limited. 
         [0050]      FIGS. 1 to 4  show an oyster basket  10  that includes a top basket part  20 , a bottom basket part  30 , first and second doors  40  and first and second connection members  50 . The connection members  50  are formed, in accordance with this embodiment, as attachment clips  50  that enable the basket  10  to be suspended from a support line  100  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ). 
         [0051]    All of the individual components of the basket  10  are made of plastic and are injected moulded. The plastic used is preferably a thermoplastic material such as high density polyethane or polypropylene. Such a plastic is U.V. stable, is durable and hence provides a long component operational life. 
         [0052]    The top basket part  20  and the bottom basket part  30  of the basket  10  are interchangeable and as illustrated are identical. Hence, the top and bottom basket parts  20 ,  30  are actually respective top and bottom basket halves  20 ,  30 .  FIGS. 8 and 9  show such a basket half  20 ,  30 . 
         [0053]    The first and second doors  40  of the basket  10  are also identical and hence interchangeable. This reduces the overall production cost of the basket  10  because only one die is required to mould the top and bottom basket halves  20 ,  30  and only one die is require to mould the first and second doors  40 . Assembly and repair of the basket  10  is also made simpler by virtue of the number of identical and hence interchangeable parts. 
         [0054]    The identical nature of the top and bottom basket halves  20 ,  30  also means that they can be readily stacked or nested one inside the other for storage and transport. Nesting of the two halves  20 ,  30  of the basket  10  is illustrated in  FIG. 10 . It will be appreciated that a large number of such basket halves  20 ,  30  can be nested in this manner. 
         [0055]    The basket  10  forms an enclosure for housing aquaculture product. It is important that the enclosure formed by the basket  10  does not include any openings that would enable oysters to accidentally fall out of the basket  10 . 
         [0056]    Each basket half  20 ,  30  is substantially U-shaped in cross-section and has a generally planar portion  20   a  and integral first and second side portions  20   b ,  20   c.  The planar portion  20   a  and first and second side portions  20   b,    20   c  are formed as a mesh and have four bands  20   d  extending across them. These bands  20   d  strengthen the basket half  20 ,  30 . If positioned appropriately, these bands  20   d  can also be used as a guide as to the proper amount of stock that should be loaded into the assembled basket  10 . For example, if the basket  10  is positioned so that it stands on one of the doors  40 , product (e.g. oysters) can be loaded into the basket  10 , via the other door  40 , until it reaches a particular one of the bands  20   d.  At that point, no more oysters should be loaded into the basket  10  if optimum growing conditions are to be provided to the oysters within the basket  10 . 
         [0057]    The mesh of the basket halves  20 ,  30  may vary in configuration. However, the shape and orientation of the mesh as illustrated in the Figures has been found to be advantageous for manufacturing reasons and to also help reduce marine fouling. 
         [0058]    The first side portion  20   b  of each basket half  20  has four apertures  22  longitudinally spaced along its edge. The second side portion  20   c  has four tongues  24  longitudinally spaced along its edge. The apertures  22  and tongues  24  are complimentary so that the apertures  22  and tongues  24  of the top basket half  20  can be engaged within the respective tongues  24  and apertures  22  of the bottom basket half  30 . The tongues  24  and apertures  22  of the basket halves form the engagement means that engage and hold the top and bottom basket halves  20 ,  30  together. 
         [0059]    The apertures  22  may be formed with guide ribs  22   a  to help guide the complimentary tongue  24  into the aperture  22 . 
         [0060]    A detent arrangement is provided between the complimentary tongues  24  and apertures  22  so that they “clip” or “snap” together and can only be separated by deliberate flexure of the tongues  24 . 
         [0061]    Although four apertures  22  and tongues  24  are included on each of the basket halves  20 ,  30  more or less complimentary apertures and tongues may be provided depending on the size of the basket  10 . If the basket  10  is very long more complimentary apertures and tongues may be required to prevent an opening forming between the top basket half  20  and bottom basket half  30  in the event that there is substantial flexure of the assembled basket  10 . 
         [0062]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , each top and bottom basket half  20 ,  30  includes an elongate rib  25  extending along the basket half  20 ,  30  on the same side as the apertures  22 . This rib  25  overlaps with the edge of the adjacent basket half  20 ,  30  so as to eliminate the possibility of an opening forming between the top and bottom basket halves  20 ,  30 . 
         [0063]    Each basket half  20 ,  30  also has two hinge/catch members  26  at each longitudinal end. The hinge/catch members  26  are dual function in that when the basket half is used as a top basket half  20 , they act as a catch point for securing a catch  42  of the door  40 . When the basket half is used as a bottom basket half  30 , the hinge/catch members  26  act as the hinge pin for a hinge member  44  of the door  40 . 
         [0064]    As best shown in  FIGS. 11A and 116 , the door  40  has a planar mesh portion  40   a  and an outer frame  40   b.  The outer frame  40   b  provides strength to the door  40  and when the door  40  is connected to the basket halves  20 ,  30  improves the structural strength of the basket  10 . The catch  42  and hinge member  44  extend outwardly from an inner side of the outer frame  40   b  of the door  40 . Accordingly, when the door  40  is placed on a surface so that the catch  42  and hinge member  44  facing upwardly ( FIG. 11B ), the outer side of the door  40  sits flat on the surface. This advantageous as it allows the basket  40  to be stored or transported on “end” (i.e. standing on one of the doors  40 ). 
         [0065]      FIGS. 8A ,  8 B and  8 C best illustrate a clip connection area  32  of the basket half  20 ,  30 . As shown in  FIG. 8A , there are two such clip connection areas  32  on each basket half  20 ,  30 . Each clip connection area  32  is configured to enable connection with a respective one of the attachment clips  50 . As will be explained in more detail below, each attachment clip  50  includes a pair of fingers  54 . These fingers  54  are arranged to engage with the clip connection area  32 . 
         [0066]    Each clip connection area  32  is formed by an array of connection members hereinafter referred to as connection axles  32   x,    32   y  and four boundary members  32   a.  The single connection axle  32   x  extends in a first direction (e.g. along an x-axis) and three connection axles  32   y  extend along a second direction at 90° to the first directions (e.g. along a y-axis). The array of connection axles  32   x,    32   y  and boundary members  32   a  enable the attachment clip  50  to be positioned in two different arrangements (i.e. “in-line” and “tangential line” (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 )). Furthermore, the illustrated connection area  32  enables the attachment clip  50  to be connected in three different “in-line” positions and three different “tangential line” positions. The three different “in-line” positions are shown in  FIGS. 17A to 17C  and the three different “tangential line” positions are shown in  FIGS. 18A to 18C . 
         [0067]    As shown most clearly in  FIG. 8B , there is a single axle  32   x  that is intersected by three axles  32   y.  An attachment clip  50  can be connected to the single axle  32   x  in three different operative positions (establishing the three different “tangential line” positions). 
         [0068]    The attachment clip  50  can also be connected to each of the three axles  32   y  (establishing the four different operative “in-line” positions). 
         [0069]    It will thus be appreciated that connection of the attachment clip  50  to the clip connection area  32  can occur in a variety of different positions and two different orientations (i.e. x and y axis). Thus, if any of the connection axles  32   x,    32   y  are damaged, the attachment clip  50  can still be attached to the clip connection area  32  in numerous other positions. 
         [0070]    Each connection axle  32   x,    32   y  is substantially square in cross-section so that it includes four planar side parts  32   b  ( FIGS. 8C and 16 ). Each of the adjacent side parts  32   b  are joined by a rounded corner portion  32   c.  The function of the planar side parts  32   b  will be explained below. 
         [0071]    Each of the axles  32   x,    32   y  and boundary members  32   a  includes a number of cut-outs  33 . These cut-outs  33  have been included to reduce the amount of material in the clip connection area  32  and hence reduce material costs. 
         [0072]      FIGS. 12 to 15  illustrate the attachment clip  50 . The attachment clip  50  has an upper end in the form of a hook  52  and a lower end including the pair of fingers  54  mentioned above. When the basket  10  is ready for use, the attachment clip  50  is located in an upright operative position ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). When the basket is not in use, the attachment clips  50  can be moved to a lowered inoperative or storage position ( FIG. 7 ). In this position each attachment clip  50  lies against the top basket half  20  so that a major portion of the clip  50  is adjacent to or in contact with the basket half  20 . Each attachment clip  50  is moved between the operative an inoperative position by rotating it about the axle  32   x,    32   y  or boundary member  32   a  to which it is connected. 
         [0073]    When the basket  10  is in use in the water, the hook  52  of each attachment clip  50  is hooked over a longitudinal support line  100 . The line  100  is positioned within a substantially U-shaped portion of the hook  52 . 
         [0074]    The hook  52  and the pair of fingers  54  are positioned so that the line  100  and the axles  32   x,    32   y  to which the fingers  54  are connected are at 90° to one another. This means that the action of hooking the hook  52  of the attachment clip  50  onto a supporting line  100  (and any resultant applied force) will not serve to dislodge or disengage the fingers  54  of the attachment clip  50  from the axles  32   x,    32   y  of the clip connection area  32 . 
         [0075]    The fingers  54  of each attachment clip  50  are arranged so that they can be connected to the clip connection area  32  of the basket  10 . To this end, each finger  54  includes an engagement surface which is substantially U-shaped ( FIG. 14 ). The engagement surface includes three substantially planar portions  54   a.    
         [0076]    When the attachment clip  50  is attached to the clip connection area  32  the planar portions  54   a  of the engagement surface are configured to be located about one of the connection axles  32   x,    32   y.    FIG. 16  best illustrates the connection between one of the fingers  54  of the attachment clip  50  and one of the connection axles  32   y.  In this Figure, the attachment clip  50  is shown in the upright operative position. The planar portions  54   a  of the attachment clip  50  are located substantially parallel to the respective side parts of the axle  32   y . The cross-sectional shape of the axle  32   x,    32   y  and the planar portions  54   a  of the engagement surface of the fingers  54  are arranged so that the attachment clip  50  can be rotated abut the axles  32   x,    32   y  so as to be movable between the operative and inoperative position. Furthermore, they are arranged so that there is a clear delineation between the operative and inoperative positions of the attachment clip  50 . This delineation is apparent because a bias must be overcome to move the clip  50  out of each of these positions. This bias is established by the relative dimensions of the axles  32   x,    32   y  and the planar portions  54   a  of the engagement surface of the fingers  54 . 
         [0077]    As best shown in  FIG. 14 , the attachment clip  50  includes a rear protrusion  54   b  extending from each of the fingers  54 . When the attachment clip  50  is attached to the basket  10  and in the operative position, the protrusions  54   b  of the fingers  54  contact against either an adjacent axle  32   x,    32   y  or one of the boundary members  32   a.  This contact prevents continued rotation of the attachment clip  50  about the axle  32   x,    32   y  and thus helps to retain the attachment clip  50  in an upright operative position. 
         [0078]    The fingers  54  of the attachment clip  50  and the spacing between the array of axles  32   x,    32   y  and boundary members  32   a  is such that there is a relatively tight fit therebetween when the attachment clip  50  is connected to the clip connection area  32 . The fit is such as to allow rotation of the attachment clip  50  between the operative and inoperative positions but is such as to help retain the attachment clip  50 , by virtue of a frictional engagement, in either position once located therein. To this end, the outer sides of the fingers  54  may include side protrusions  54   c  ( FIGS. 12 and 13 ) that are arranged for frictional engagement , with the adjacent axles  32   x,    32   y  or boundary members  32   a.  The fingers  54  also include side protrusions  54   d.  The side protrusions  54   d  contact against either an adjacent axle  32   x,    32   y  or one of the boundary members  32   a.    
         [0079]    As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 15 , the attachment clip  50  is formed with a number of apertures  53 . These apertures  53  serve to reduce the amount of material necessary to form the clip  50  and also enable passage of water there through. 
         [0080]    In  FIG. 1  it will be seen that the attachment clips  50  of the basket  10  are facing in opposite directions. This is done so as to better secure the basket  10  on the support line  100  during use in the event that a strong sideways force was applied to the basket  10 . Such a side ways force may dislodge one of the clips  50  from the line  100  but would not knock the second attachment clip  50  from the line  100 . Hence the basket  10  would not be lost into the water. 
         [0081]    The basket  10  offers numerous advantages over prior art arrangements. These advantages include:
       1. The basket is made from a small number of components many of which have a dual role. For example, the top and bottom basket halves are identical and are hence interchangeable. The doors on each end are the same and are hence interchangeable. Both of the clips used on the basket are identical. Hence, manufacturing costs are reduced.   2. The components of the basket are easily assembled and disassembled. This is particularly important in reducing the initial assembly time of the basket and for any repair or replacement of components.   3. The components of the basket are compact and the basket halves can be nested for easy storage and transport.   4. The outer side of each door of the basket is flat enabling on end storage and transport of the basket.   5. Doors are located at either end of the basket providing easy access to the contents of the basket.   6. The catch and hinge member of each door are shaped so as to deter marine fouling.   7. The attachment clips are easily attached to the supporting line and can be readily removed.   8. The attachment clips are held firmly in the operative position and thus do not inadvertently fold and thus the basket is always held in the desired operative position below the supporting line.   9. The attachment clips are arranged to be connected to a clip connection area on the top basket half. The clip connection area is such that the clip can be attached at a number of different positions and in two different orientations. This makes the basket more flexible in so far that it can be attached either “in line” or “tangentially”. Furthermore, if there is damage to a part of the clip connection area it will normally be possible to connect the attachment clip to an undamaged part of the clip connection area enabling continued use of the basket.   10. If the clip connection area on the top basket half becomes severely damaged, the basket can be turned over and the attachment clips can be secured to what was, prior to inversion, the bottom basket half.   11.The shape of the hook of the attachment clip is such that it tends to “grip” the supporting line thereby preventing slippage of the basket along a support line. This may also prevent breakage of the support line as continual rubbing of a basket along a line may cause premature failure of the support line.   12. The attachment clips can be lowered and held securely in an inoperative storage position. In that position the clips are flat against the top basket half. Thus the clips do not get entangled when handled and enable the baskets to be easily stacked for storage and transport.   13. The basket halves each have a generally planar portion on which oysters can sit. The oysters are hence able to readily move over that planar portion due to wave or wind action. This improves the shape and hygiene of the oyster shells and reduces the tendency for the new shell growth to foul the basket.   14. The inside of the basket is free of inward projections thereby again minimising an opportunity for fouling. It also means that the basket can be readily loaded and emptied without stock catching on protrusions.   15. The basket has guides included in it to indicate, when loading a basket, an appropriate stock level.   16. The material from which the basket is made and the design of the various components of the basket is such to provide maximum operational life.       
 
         [0098]    In accordance with the previously described embodiment, the clip connection area  32  of the basket  10  is integrally formed as part of each of the top and bottom basket halves  20 ,  30 . However, it is envisaged that in alternative embodiments of the invention, the connection area  32  need not be integrally formed with the basket halves  20 ,  30 . The connection area  32  may be otherwise arranged to be connectable to the respective basket halves  20 ,  30 . 
         [0099]    The above description refers to a clip connection area  32  incorporated in an oyster basket half  20 ,  30  for use with an attachment clip  50 . The clip connection area  32  is arranged to enable connection with a connection member in the form of an attachment clip  50 . It should however be appreciated that a clip connection area could be incorporated into a variety of different objects and that the connection member could adopt other forms. For example, the attachment clip  50  could be replaced with an attachment member (not shown) that has a first end arranged for connection to a clip connection area on an object. For example, the attachment member could be a display post and the object may be a display platform. The attachment member could have a first end arranged for connection to the clip connection area of the display platform and could be moved between an operative position wherein the display post displayed a sign and an inoperative position wherein the sign is not visible for display. Thus, it should be appreciated that the attachment system of the present invention is not limited to use in oyster baskets or to use in the aquaculture industry. 
         [0100]    The embodiments have been described by way of example only and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention are envisaged.