Buckhorn Material Handling Group, Inc.

Timothy R Daniels

Thomas P Deaton

Daniel R Miller

Crustacean trap

Disclosed is a crustacean trap (20) formed by a plurality of monolithic molded panels (24-30) serially interconnected via coupled pairs of interlocking channels integral to side margins of the panels to form a substantially non-deformable frame defining an unimpeded access portal while retaining elements (124, 132) along base margins of the panels provide a frame for a cast-in-place base (134). A lid (22) providing limited access into the interior and more limited egress from the interior of the trap is pivotally positionable within the portal between the serially interconnected panels to control access through the portal. Counter-rotating latches, lost motion and elongated brackets for the pivotal elements of the lid enhance the trap's reliability by requiring particular manual motions to pivot the lid between its closed and open positions.

The crustacean trap, particularly for a lobster, is molded of separate bottom, opposite side, opposite end and top panels that are thereafter assembled by sliding edge channel joints together for the sides and ends, after which the tops and bottoms are assembled through snap joints. The edge joints are provided with vertically extending channels formed of flanges that permit only vertical assembly or disassembly, and the snap joints for the top and bottom panels are hook-shaped pins received in trapping type apertures to thereafter prevent disassembly of the sides and ends. Crustacean ingress is facilitated and egress inhibited by a funnel formed of molded rigid parallel sides and pivotally adjusted non-parallel sides, with the adjustment being an arcuate array of apertures on the parallel sides to selectively mate with apertures on the non-parallel sides. The parallel sides have cross beams snap assembled to the top and disposed to form a lobster removal opening adjacent the funnel opening.

Growing community of inventors

Marathon, FL, United States of America

Timothy R Daniels