Abstract: Various aspects of the disclosure generally relate a fish trap for use in waters among marine predators which use echolocation. In one aspect the fish trap has acoustic masking properties. In one aspect the fish trap may be a lightweight, collapsible column for use by small commercial vessels and recreational fishing. In one aspect the fish trap may have an overlapping net, forming a double seam for added strength. In one aspect the fish trap may have reinforcing wire along bridle attachment points to hold heavier loads of fish.

Abstract: A crawfish trap bait guard which, in use, is mounted upon the staking rod of a crawfish trap, inside the mesh of the crawfish trap, above the floor of the trap, and below the water line. The crawfish trap bait guard encloses the bait in such a way as to prevent the access of birds and fish to the bait, while allowing crawfish within the trap to obtain managed portions of the bait by reaching through calibrated open areas distributed around the crawfish trap bait guard so as to allow a large number of crawfish to feed at the same time.

Abstract: In one aspect, a trap for capturing a marine animal, e.g., a lobster, is disclosed, which includes a housing having an inlet port for receiving a marine animal, said inlet port being configured to prevent the marine animal from leaving the container, and a sensor coupled to the housing for detecting the presence of the marine animal in the housing. In some embodiments, a stretchable netting is coupled to the inlet port such that the marine animal passes through the netting before entering the housing via the inlet port. A stretch detector can be coupled to the netting to register the passage of a marine animal via the netting into the housing. The passage of a marine animal through the netting can result in a stretch of the netting, which is registered by the stretch signal. The stretch signal indicates the passage of the marine animal into the housing.

Abstract: Various aspects of the disclosure generally relate a fish trap for use in waters among marine predators which use echolocation. In one aspect the fish trap has acoustic masking properties. In one aspect the fish trap may be a lightweight, collapsible column for use by small commercial vessels and recreational fishing. In one aspect the fish trap may have an overlapping net, forming a double seam for added strength. In one aspect the fish trap may have reinforcing wire along bridle attachment points to hold heavier loads of fish.

Abstract: Bottom grading apparatuses for aquaculture systems are disclosed herein. An example system includes a vessel filled with water that receives fish, the vessel having a bottom surface with drain; a plenum in fluid communication with the vessel; a multiway valve in fluid communication with the plenum, a mortality pipe, and a grading pipe; and a mortality container in fluid communication with the mortality pipe and the vessel, wherein the fish can re-enter the vessel through the mortality container and deceased fish remain in the mortality container, wherein when the multiway valve is closed to the mortality pipe, the fish will divert through the grading pipe.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus for capturing lionfish near the ocean floor. The present invention uses two jaws connected at the center by an axle such that the jaws open outward on contact with the seabed to form a ring supporting a loose netting. Embodiments of the present invention further include a deflector located on each jaw that facilitates opening of the jaws when the lionfish capture device contacts the ocean floor. A fish attraction device, or devices, located at substantially the center of the lionfish capture device is capable of attracting lionfish to an area defined by the ring formed by the jaws. Hauling of the capture device causes the jaws to close around and secure the fish that are within its perimeter.

Abstract: A novel collapsible plant support includes a collapsible coil adapted to rest on a flat surface. In a particular embodiment, the collapsible plant support includes a plurality of vertical support structures coupled to the collapsible coil so as to provide additional support. In another particular embodiment, a collapsible plant support includes plant receptacle receiving element that supports both a collapsible coil and also a plant receptacle. In a more particular embodiment, the plant receptacle receiving element includes fluid ducts for connecting multiple plant receptacle receiving elements into a fluid network. In another embodiment, the coil is disposed within a helical sleeve coupled to a flexible, cylindrical mesh.

Abstract: A collapsible crab trap is provided with a centrally-located bait feeder made of wire mesh material. The trap and bait feeder are movable between a collapsed configuration and an assembled configuration. When in a collapsed configuration, it is easy to store or transport. The centrally-located bait feeder is constructed in such a manner that the crabs cannot remove an entire piece of bait from the bait feeder. Another feature of this crab trap is that the two side panels are weighted along their upper edges to positively open the side panels when on the ocean bed for the catching of crabs. These weighted side panels also provide a stable placement of the crab trap in strong moving currents.

Abstract: The fish catching trap includes a substantially rigid round base having an open net surrounding it. A buoy or float is attached to the net by a line, the buoy being held stationary to an upper handle-like portion of the base using a nail or pin. The pin is attached to a string connected to fish bait placed in the bottom of the trap. When a fish disturbs or moves the bait, the string is pulled and the pin is released, allowing the buoy to quickly move upwards, closing the net surrounding the base and trapping any fish in the area. A second buoy serves as a visual indicator that the trap has been sprung.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic retractable float for use with a crab net including a body which floats in water and an automatic retraction and extension mechanism for automatically extending and retracting line from the body. In use the line is attached to the crab net, the crab net deployed and the body floats when in water towards the surface of the water. The automatic extension and retraction mechanism causes the line to be extended and retracted between the body on the surface of the water and the crab net, substantially keeping the line taut to help prevent tangling. The invention also relates to a method of use.

Abstract: A portable beverage carrier and dispenser. The carrier comprises an elongate tube have one end open and the opposite end generally enclosed. The tube includes perforations to permit water to move in and out of the tube, and a float that is placed into the tube prior to inserting beverage containers. The carrier is designed to be inserted into a hole in the ice surface on a body of water. A flange prevents the tube from falling into the hole into the underlying body of water. Anchors can be provided to anchor the carrier to the ice surface. When the carrier is placed in a hole in the ice surface, water enters the interior of the tube via the perforations. The float is placed in the tube and then beverage containers are loaded on top of the float. The buoyancy of the float in the water forces the beverage containers upwards in the tube so that the topmost container can be readily retrieved by a user.

Abstract: A containment pen for finfish aquaculture, comprising a supporting structure, a net attached to the supporting structure and defining a containment volume for containing finfish, wherein the net comprises a plurality of removable net panels, wherein each of the removable net panels comprises a discrete piece of flexible netting attached along its perimeter to one or more substantially rigid members, and wherein the removable net panels are configured to be removable from the containment pen with the piece of flexible netting remaining attached to the substantially rigid members.

Abstract: A method for transporting a cargo load using a carrier aircraft includes: mounting a shield on the cargo load such that the shield is supported by the cargo load to form a protected load; and aerial transporting the protected load as a slung load from the carrier aircraft, wherein the shield serves to protect the cargo load from aerodynamic loads generated by flight of the carrier aircraft.

Abstract: A crab trap designed to fully open when lowered into a water body and slack is taken on the attached line. The trap includes a wire or other mesh base with hinged overlapping wire or other mesh sides. Each side overlaps the base, and once opened, each side will not extend beyond the horizontal position. One or more sides are segmented with one or more additional overlapping sides that further extend the sides in the open position. These segmented sides are designed to close sequentially from outside to inside into an enclosed trap when tension is applied to an attached line. Torsion springs or other biasing features at the hinge edges provide a force that opens the sides and also allows for the sides to be folded flat onto the base for transportation or storage.

Abstract: A fish capturing device is provided. The device includes a pair of cage members having a first position in which an opening is defined therebetween through which a fish may be passed and a second position in which each of the cage members are pivoted until the cage members are nested together to form an enclosure for enclosing a fish therein. A latch is configured for latching the pair of cage members into the first position and releasing the pair of cage members into the second position. A tensioner applies tension to the pair of cage members to bias the cage members into the second position to enclose the fish within the pair of cages.

Abstract: A fish capturing device is provided. The device includes a pair of cage members having a first position in which an opening is defined therebetween through which a fish may be passed and a second position in which each of the cage members are pivoted until the cage members are nested together to form an enclosure for enclosing a fish therein. A latch is configured for latching the pair of cage members into the first position and releasing the pair of cage members into the second position. A tensioner applies tension to the pair of cage members to bias the cage members into the second position to enclose the fish within the pair of cages.

Abstract: An aquatic collection receptacle that floats while remaining attached to a diver. Embodiments can include floatable rim with an attached underwater container. Further embodiments include an escape barrier or crossing lines over the mouth of the receptacle to prevent loss of contents while floating. A lanyard connects the receptacle to a diver, allowing it to float and be pulled along by the diver. If pulled beneath the water surface by the lanyard, the floatable rim can fold or otherwise close over the mouth of the container to prevent loss of contents. Alternative embodiments include a breakaway lanyard to ensure safety of the diver.

Abstract: The humane animal trap has a circular base and a plurality of arcuate ribs extending upward and inward therefrom to form a generally hemispherical frame. A hollow central column extends upward from the center of the base. A drop weight is installed within the column. A collapsible net is placed about the base when the trap is set, the weight being connected to the net by tensile members. A mechanically or remotely actuated trigger and actuating mechanism is connected to a weight release mechanism at the top of the column. When an animal enters the open volume defined by the hemispherical frame and trips the mechanism or the trapper actuates the mechanism remotely, the mechanism causes the weight release mechanism to release the drop weight, thereby pulling the net upward and over the arcuate ribs to enclose the hemispherical volume at the lower portion of the trap.

Abstract: The humane animal trap has a circular base and a plurality of arcuate ribs extending upward and inward therefrom to form a generally hemispherical frame. A hollow central column extends upward from the center of the base. A drop weight is installed within the column. A collapsible net is placed about the base when the trap is set, the weight being connected to the net by tensile members. A mechanically or remotely actuated trigger and actuating mechanism is connected to a weight release mechanism at the top of the column. When an animal enters the open volume defined by the hemispherical frame and trips the mechanism or the trapper actuates the mechanism remotely, the mechanism causes the weight release mechanism to release the drop weight, thereby pulling the net upward and over the arcuate ribs to enclose the hemispherical volume at the lower portion of the trap.

Abstract: A collapsible fish trap. The fish trap has a funnel and a swing door. The fish trap uses biodegradable screws and a latching system. The fish trap is made to collapse after a certain period of time of being in the water.

Abstract: A crustacean trap includes a bottom wall and a side wall that extends from the bottom wall, the side wall being collapsible so that an operatively upper end of the side wall is displaceable towards and away from the bottom wall. An entryway is provided towards the upper end of the crustacean trap to allow a crustacean to enter the crustacean trap. Afloat is towards the upper end of the side wall and a sinker is towards a lower end of the side wall. A buoyancy of the float and a weight of the sinker have a relationship such that when the crustacean trap is placed in water the crustacean trap sinks and the float displaces the upper end of the side wall away from the bottom wall.

Abstract: A method and a device are disclosed for capturing sea crustaceans, such as crab, lobster, and shrimp. In various embodiments, the disclosed crustacean trap has a tapered body and collapsible trap doors usable for stacking multiple crustacean traps to reduce space requirements for storage, transportation and deployment. Foldable entry doors allow pre set up of traps for commercial and sport fishing fishing applications. The disclosed crustacean trap is configured for single-step and/or single-hand setting up of bait, trap doors, and deployment. The disclosed crustacean trap further includes a body-attached hook, which reduces line and rope tangling during setup and operation.

Abstract: A method and a device are disclosed for capturing sea crustaceans, such as crab, lobster, and shrimp. In various embodiments, the disclosed crustacean trap has a tapered body and collapsible trap doors usable for stacking multiple crustacean traps to reduce space requirements for storage, transportation and deployment. Foldable entry doors allow pre set up of traps for commercial and sport fishing fishing applications. The disclosed crustacean trap is configured for single-step and/or single-hand setting up of bait, trap doors, and deployment. The disclosed crustacean trap further includes a body-attached hook, which reduces line and rope tangling during setup and operation.

Abstract: A collapsible trap (10) particularly suitable as a crab pot for trapping crabs. The collapsible trap (10) comprises a frame structure (13) having a central axis and pliant material such as netting (15) attached to the frame structure (13). A haul line (11) is connected to the frame structure (13). The frame structure (13) comprises a plurality of elongate frame elements (31). The frame structure (13) is moveable between a retracted condition in which the frame elements (31) extend generally parallel to central axis and an extended condition in which the frame elements (31) extend outwardly of the central axis giving form and shape to the netting (15) to provide an enclosure (17) defining an entrapment zone (19). When the frame structure (13) is in the retracted condition, the netting (15) can be wrapped about the frame structure (13) to assume a compact condition for storage and transportation.

Abstract: A catcher for catching crabs, shrimps or the like includes a flexible frame and a net cover housing the flexible frame. The flexible frame is deformable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. The net cover has an inlet tunnel with a cross-section area inwardly and gradually decreased. When the flexible frame stays at the extended configuration, the net cover is supported by the flexible in such a manner that an accommodation in which baits can be provided is formed inside the net cover.

Abstract: An improved crustacean, fish & animal trap comprising a collapsible hoop and mesh structure to minimize storage size. The invention is unique in that it collapses through the manipulation of flexible hoops to a size minimized in all three dimensions. The primary configurations would be for crab, prawns and lobster/crayfish; however, in slightly different configurations, can be used to catch or cage animals, fish and other crustaceans. Another embodiment of the trap would feature only one hoop and would be used as a “lift trap.

Abstract: A collapsible container includes a base, at least one side wall and at least one end wall extending from the base, a top ring and a lid. The top ring is positioned on the side wall and the end wall on an opposite side from the base. The lid is hingedly attached to the top ring. The side wall and end wall are pivotable between a collapsed position and a use position relative to the base.

Abstract: A catching device for which a user can trap a fish in a body of water, wherein said catching device is generally comprised of a first side wall, a second side wall, a top, a bottom, an entrance opening and an exit opening. First side wall, second side wall, top and bottom form a frame which has a hollow interior. Entrance opening and exit opening form conduits between the body of water and the interior of the excluding device. The width of entrance opening is equal to the width of exit opening. Entrance opening and exit opening are surrounded by two excluding bars attached to two excluding plates such that the excluding plates define the maximum expandable width of entrance opening and exit opening. The maximum expandable width of entrance opening is greater than the maximum expandable width of exit opening. A plurality of ballast chambers are attached to the present device.

Abstract: A crustacean trap that includes a collapsible frame assembly surrounded by a collapsible net body. The frame assembly includes a lower collar perpendicularly aligned and attached to a hollow mast. The mast extends upward from the lower collar and slides through an upper collar. Pivotally attached to the upper collar are four radially aligned upper legs. Pivotally coupled to the lower end of each upper leg is a lower leg that is vertically aligned under the upper leg. Each lower leg extends inward and pivotally connects to the lower collar. The upper and lower collars are aligned and registered so when the mast is extended downward through the upper collar, the upper collar and the lower collar separate thereby forcing each upper leg diagonally downward from the upper collar and forcing each lower leg horizontally outward from the lower collar.

Abstract: An improved crustacean, fish & animal trap comprising a collapsible hoop and mesh structure to minimize storage size. The invention is unique in that it collapses through the manipulation of flexible hoops to a size minimized in all three dimensions. The primary configurations would be for crab, prawns and lobster/crayfish; however, in slightly different configurations, can be used to catch or cage animals, fish and other crustaceans. Another embodiment of the trap would feature only one hoop and would be used as a “lift trap.

Abstract: An improved crustacean, fish & animal trap comprising a collapsible hoop and mesh structure to minimize storage size. The invention is unique in that it collapses through the manipulation of flexible hoops to a size minimized in all three dimensions. The primary configurations would be for crab, prawns and lobster/crayfish; however, in slightly different configurations, can be used to catch or cage animals, fish and other crustaceans. Another embodiment of the trap would feature only one hoop and would be used as a “lift trap.

Abstract: A collapsible trap (10) particularly suitable as a crab pot for trapping crabs. The collapsible trap (10) comprises a frame structure (13) having a central axis and pliant material such as netting (15) attached to the frame structure (13). A haul line (11) is connected to the frame structure (13). The frame structure (13) comprises a plurality of elongate frame elements (31). The frame structure (13) is moveable between a retracted condition in which the frame elements (31) extend generally parallel to central axis and an extended condition in which the frame elements (31) extend outwardly of the central axis giving form and shape to the netting (15) to provide an enclosure (17) defining an entrapment zone (19). When the frame structure (13) is in the retracted condition, the netting (15) can be wrapped about the frame structure (13) to assume a compact condition for storage and transportation.

Abstract: A collapsible container includes a base, at least one side wall and at least one end wall extending from the base, a top ring and a lid. The top ring is positioned on the side wall and the end wall on an opposite side from the base. The lid is hingedly attached to the top ring. The side wall and end wall are pivotable between a collapsed position and a use position relative to the base.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a box-like fish-trap (1) comprising a frame, which is foldable, involved by a net, characterised in that it consists of: A metallic upper body (2), which floats; A metallic lower body (3); Flexible cables (4) to fix the upper body (2) to the lower body (3); Flexible side nets which connect the lower body (3) to the upper body (2); Frames (6, 7) that hold the nets of the fish entrance openings (5) and which are arranged so as to let the fish come in but make it difficult for it to get out; and One bottom (16) formed by a frame and net fixed in an articulated manner to one of the tops of the lower body and closed at the opposite top, which will make it possible to collect the captured fish.

Abstract: A collapsible trap for crabs and crustaceans is disclosed having a flexible upper ring and a rigid lower ring covered with a net material forming an interior chamber. The flexible upper ring is made of flexible, yet memory retaining materials, that resist deformation in normal use in its open state, and are corrosion-resistant, wear-resistant, particularly to repeated flexing without cracking, in the presence of harsh marine environment. The collapsible trap is capable of assuming a normally open state for use, and a partially and completely collapsed states by manually twisting and coiling the flexible upper ring onto itself in one or more smaller rings until the upper ring is the same size as the rigid lower ring. In the collapsed position, the collapsible trap takes up much less space than in the open position, thereby allowing ease of transportation and storage when carried and stored in a bucket, bag, or a small compartment of a boat or a car.

Abstract: A crustacean trap that includes a collapsible frame assembly surrounded by a collapsible net body. The frame assembly includes a lower collar perpendicularly aligned and attached to a hollow mast. The mast extends upward from the lower collar and slides through an upper collar. Pivotally attached to the upper collar are four radially aligned upper legs. Pivotally coupled to the lower end of each upper leg is a lower leg that is vertically aligned under the upper leg. Each lower leg extends inward and pivotally connects to the lower collar. The upper and lower collars are aligned and registered so when the mast is extended downward through the upper collar, the upper collar and the lower collar separate thereby forcing each upper leg diagonally downward from the upper collar and forcing each lower leg horizontally outward from the lower collar.

Abstract: Traps, and more particularly collapsible traps used to capture crabs or other live animals. More particularly still, collapsible live animal traps that utilize one or more support members that are stable when assembled, yet easily collapsible.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a box-like fish-trap (1) comprising a frame, which is foldable, involved by a net, characterised in that it consists of: A metallic upper body (2), which floats; A metallic lower body (3); Flexible cables (4) to fix the upper body (2) to the lower body (3); Flexible side nets which connect the lower body (3) to the upper body (2); Frames (6, 7) that hold the nets of the fish entrance openings (5) and which are arranged so as to let the fish come in but make it difficult for it to get out; and One bottom (16) formed by a frame and net fixed in an articulated manner to one of the tops of the lower body and closed at the opposite top, which will make it possible to collect the captured fish.

Abstract: An improved crustacean trap comprises a collapsible frame including two outward folding hinged sides facing each other, and two inward folding hinged sides facing each other. To maintain the trap in an extended position, a tension lanyard is strung between the two outward folding sides. When the tension lanyard is released, the trap collapses into a reduced volume for storage or transportation. Resistive braces coupled to the hinges of the two outward folding sides prevent the tension lanyard from bending or deforming the wire mesh of the trap. The tension lanyard is advantageously comprised of a biodegradable material configured to decompose when lost or abandon in an aqueous environment, but can be comprised of non-biodegradable material. A shoot provides crustaceans access into the trap. The shoot is deformable, and is easily restored to a functional shape when the trap is collapsed and restored to an extended position. An escape hole allows undersized crustaceans a means of escaping from the trap.

Abstract: A pocketed crab and lobster hoop net comprising a larger outer upper ring, a smaller inner lower ring, and located inside the outer upper ring when the net is laid flat on the sea floor. An intermediate net is woven of mesh between the rings. The mesh conforms to the rings and forms a net having selvage woven around rings retaining the mesh to the ring. A first central net is woven inside the inner lower ring. A second central net is woven inside the inner lower ring parallels the first central net sharing a majority of common selvage. The cord defining a chord and forms an arc shaped pocket opening in cooperation with a first central net, the pocket definition cord having two opposite ends attached to two end points near the circumference of the inner lower ring. A bait pocket is formed between the slack of the second central net and first central net, the pocket capable of holding bait pleasing to crustaceans.

Abstract: A pocketed crab and lobster hoop net comprising a larger outer upper ring, a smaller inner lower ring, and located inside the outer upper ring when the net is laid flat on the sea floor. An intermediate net is woven of mesh between the rings. The mesh conforms to the rings and forms a net having selvage woven around rings retaining the mesh to the ring. A first central net is woven inside the inner lower ring. A second central net is woven inside the inner lower ring parallels the first central net sharing a majority of common selvage. The cord defining a chord and forms an arc shaped pocket opening in cooperation with a first central net, the pocket definition cord having two opposite ends attached to two end points near the circumference of the inner lower ring. A bait pocket is formed between the slack of the second central net and first central net, the pocket capable of holding bait pleasing to crustaceans.

Abstract: A round crab pot provides crabs easy access from all directions, while strongly discouraging exit except by crabs of nonallowable small size. The pot may be of variable weight and size for commercial or individual use. The pot frame has an interchangeable top and bottom kept parallel by perpendicular supporting posts. The pot entrance occupies the entire height and circumference. The entrance is formed by a plurality of elongated spring steel rods connected to the top and/or bottom of the frame. The rods are positioned to slant inwardly toward the center of the pot and are connected by spring steel wire and a thin plastic medium. Thus, the entrance exhibits a spring-like tension as crabs enter. In a first variation, the rods are connected to only one end of the frame. Crabs may enter at ground level with the rods extending from the top of the pot, slanting inward and downward toward the center. By reversing the top and bottom, crabs may enter by walking up the rods.

Abstract: A collapsible bait trap has a support assembly for netting support arms. The support has a plurality of notches in which the arms are connected. A rotatable gear is attached to the notched support and rotatable from a first position where gear teeth cover the notches to prevent the arms from collapsing thereby holding the netting in its open position, to a second position where the gear teeth do not cover the notches so that the support arms are free to collapse thereby moving the netting to its closed position for convenient storage.

Abstract: A collapsible bait fish trap for catching live bait fish in a body of water. The fish trap has an elongated hollow fish enclosure formed from two connected generally conical shaped portions. Each generally conical shaped portion has a connectable inner portion and an outer end portion having an inward extending funnel member portion with a funnel aperture for permitting the passage of bait fish for funneling or channeling bait fish into the interior of the elongated hollow fish enclosure. The outer end portions of the conical shaped portions have a series of apertures for allowing water to pass into the interior of the elongated hollow fish enclosure. The generally conical shaped portions can be disconnected and nestled together for transportation purposes or for storage purposes.

Abstract: A collapsible bait trap has a support assembly for netting support arms. The support has a plurality of notches in which the arms are connected. A rotatable gear is attached to the notched support and rotatable from a first position where gear teeth cover the notches to prevent the arms from collapsing thereby holding the netting in its open position, to a second position where the gear teeth do not cover the notches so that the support arms are free to collapse thereby moving the netting to its closed position for convenient storage.

Abstract: A sea trap (20) includes a first jaw (22) which cooperates with a second jaw (24). Jaws (22) and (24) are connected to a base (30), and the jaws (22) and (24), and the base (30) are covered with an animal-retaining enveloping material (26) such as netting. Jaws (22) and (24) are biased by springs (32) and (34) to a closed animal-retaining state. The sea trap (20) is placed in an open animal-receiving state and a trigger mechanism (28) is armed. An animal (500) activates the trigger mechanism (28) thereby causing the sea trap (20) to rapidly close to the animal-retaining state and capturing the animal (500) within the enveloping material (26). In a preferred embodiment sea trap (20) is used in a body of water (502) to trap marine animals (500). In this embodiment a float (50) provides a visual indication that sea trap (20) has been closed and an animal (500) captured.

Abstract: A trap having a base panel, two side panels, and two end panels held together in an “A”-frame shape by tubular hinges of fixed and quick release type. Each panel is constructed from a wire mesh having a perimeter frame that includes linear members. A plurality of fixed hinges are used to rotationally link the several panels to one another. Each fixed hinge is preferably a cylindrical element of resilient material having a longitudinal or axially aligned slot that may be expanded to receive a pair of linear members. At least one quick-release type hinge is preferably used to facilitate rapid collapse and erection of the trap. Each quick-release type hinge has two axially nested cylinders, each defining a slot having sufficient width to accommodate a linear member without user manipulation. Alignment of the two slots permits ingress and egress of a pair of linear members into and out of the open cylinder defined by the inner cylinder.

Abstract: An aquarium fish trap (18) has a container (20) made from molded transparent PETE plastic material. The container is elongated in shape and has a standing closed end (34) and an open end (24). The open end is surrounded by flexible plastic fingers (26) that are normally in an open position but upon actuation of a actuating string (22) can flex to a closed position to trap a fish inside the container (20).

Abstract: A foldable crab trap for catching crabs which includes a central hinge member, a central frame member connected to the central hinge member, and a pair of outer frame members each having crab nets. The outer frame members are movable relative to the central hinge member between an open position wherein the outer frame members are in the same plane for receiving crabs, and a closed position wherein the outer frame member are parallel to each other for trapping crabs. A tension line is connected to the outer ends of the outer frame members and to the outer end of the central frame member for moving the outer frame members to the closed position. The tension line has a free end adapted to be held under tension by the crab catcher for signalling the crab catcher when a crab is present in the crab trap.

Abstract: A collapsible lobster trap having an external and internal design very similar to existing, non-collapsible traps, which allows a user to transport by truck, boat, or other means, a larger number of traps per excursion than is currently possible. The trap has a rectangular bottom panel to which a first pair of opposed side panels and a second pair of opposed side panels are hingedly attached. A top panel is hingedly attached to one of the side panels and is secured in the closed position by two retaining straps. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each panel of one pair of opposed side panels is designed with ends overlapping the ends of the other pair of opposed side panels so that the vertical corners of the trap are structurally reinforced while maintaining collapsibility.