IMPROVEMENTS IN SPONGE FISHING NETS
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Herbert John Haddan, of Kensington, Middlesex for
an invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN SPONGE FISHING NETS A communication
from abroad by Edward Arapian and Louis Isaacs both of New York United
2
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Herbert John Haddan at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 3rd May 1882.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN
HERBERT JOHN HADDAN, of Kensington, Middlesex,
SPONGE FISHING NETS," a communication from abroad by Edward Arapian and
Louis Isaacs both of New York, United States,
The object of this invention is to produce a net adapted especially to the purpose
of fishing sponges; and it consists in a net of bag shape having attached to the
mouth thereof a frame, one portion of which is composed of metal or other heavy
material and the remainder of wood or other buoyant material, so that when the
net is cast into the water, the heavy portion of the frame acts as a sinker, while
the buoyant portion thereof has a tendency to float, whereby the mouth of the net
is kept open for the reception of the sponges or other object or substances. When
the net is used for gathering sponges the lower or heavier portion of the frame
may be provided with a sharp or cutting edge for detaching the sponges from the
surfaces to which they may adhere, such portion of the frame, whether sharp or
otherwise, acting as a scraper as well as a sinker.
If desired the net may be provided with a shield of leather or other suitable
material, the same being perforated
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Herbert John Haddan in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
3rd November 1882.
HERBERT JOHN HADDAN, of Kensington, Middlesex, IMPROVEMENTS IN SPONGE
FISHING-NETS, a communication from abroad by Edward Arapian, and Louis
Isaacs, both of New York, United States,
The object of this invention is to produce a net adapted especially to the purpose
of fishing sponges; and it consists in a net of bag shape having attached to the

page_text: mouth thereof a frame, one portion of which is composed of metal or other heavy
material and the remainder of wood or other buoyant material, so that, when the
net is cast into the water, the heavy portion of the frame acts as a sinker, while
the buoyant portion thereof has a tendency to float, whereby the mouth of the net
is kept open for the reception of the sponges or other object or substances.
This invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1
represents a longitudinal central section.
Figure 2 is a front view.
Similar letters indicate corresponding parts.
The letter A designates the net, which is made in the shape of a bag, and B the
frame attached to the mouth of the net. In the example shown this frame is
rectangular but the shape thereof can be varied as circumstances or the views of
constructers may render expedient. C indicates the heavy or weighty portion
of the frame, composed of metal or other similar material, and D the buoyant
portion thereof, composed of wood or the like, the heavy portion forming one side
and the buoyant portion the remainder of the frame. The said two portions of the
frame B are fastened together by rivets or screws; but other means can be readily
devised and used for this purpose.
In applying the net to use I attach to the frame a sling f, as by staples, 8, for
the connection of a drag rope o. It will be perceived that when the net is thrown
into the water, the weighty portion C of the frame sinks to the bottom, while the
buoyant portion D at the same time tends to rise or float and it follows that the
mouth of the net is held open to its full extent so that, whatever objects or sub-
stances are met with, by the net in the water, are received or caught therein
without danger of escaping.
When the net is used for gathering sponges the lower or heavier portion C
of the frame may be provided with a sharp or cutting edge for detaching the
sponges from the surfaces to which they may adhere, such portion of the frame,
whether sharp or otherwise, acting as a scraper as well as a sinker.
If desired the net may be provided with a shield of leather or other suitable
material, the same being perforated.
CLAIM:
A net of bag shape, for fishing sponges or the like, having attached to the mouth
thereof a frame, one portion of which is composed of metal or other weighty
material and the remainder of wood or other buoyant material, substantially as
and for the purpose described.
In Witness whereof I the said Herbert John Haddan have hereunto set my
hand and seal this twentieth day of October A.D. 1882.
H. J. HADDAN. (L.S.)