Key information

Title
Buoy for fishing gear
Application number
20250176
Case type
National
Status
06.07.2026 Patent meddelt (B1)
Filed
14.02.2025
Effective date
14.02.2025
Publicly available
06.07.2026
Next annual fee due
28.02.2027
Applicant
AASNES INVEST AS (NO)
Owner
AASNES INVEST AS (NO)
Inventor
Dag Frode Aasnes (NO)
Agent
HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS (NO)
Granted
06.07.2026
Patent number
349948
Expiry date
14.02.2045

Abstract and drawing

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content.
A buoy arrangement comprising: a first buoy; a second buoy; a first attachment feature for connecting the first and second buoys; a second attachment feature having a locked and an open configuration; and a third attachment feature for attaching the buoy arrangement. The second attachment feature comprises a locking mechanism comprising: - an attachment capsule comprising: - a gripper being displaceable along an axis, the gripper comprises a plurality of resilient fingers, each finger comprises at a distal end a projecting head; and - a displaceable travelling body between the fingers; and - an engagement feature comprising a catch, the catch comprises an internal shoulder; wherein in the locked configuration a gripping face on the head in a locking position projects over the shoulder and the travelling body is positioned at the heads, and wherein in the open configuration the travelling body is positioned at a base.

Publications

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Documents

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Date
 Date Doc. No. Process Case number In/Out Journal description To/from
 07.07.2026 08-01 Saksbehandling 20250176(349948) UT PT Registreringsbrev nasjonal patent (15) (PT20250176)
22.04.2026 07-01 Saksbehandling 20250176 UT PT Meddelelse om patent HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 25.02.2026 06-05 Saksbehandling 20250176 INN P31063NO01 Trykningsklart dokument oppmerkingskopi HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 25.02.2026 06-04 Saksbehandling 20250176 INN P31063NO01 Trykningsklart dokument korrigert HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 25.02.2026 06-03 Saksbehandling 20250176 INN P31063NO01 Svar_Patentstyrets_uttalelse HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 25.02.2026 06-02 Saksbehandling 20250176 INN P31063NO01 Oversatte krav HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 25.02.2026 06-01 Saksbehandling 20250176 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 28.01.2026 05-01 Saksbehandling 20250176 UT Realitet patent HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 26.01.2026 04-05 Saksbehandling 20250176 INN P31063NO01 Trykningsklart dokument HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 26.01.2026 04-04 Saksbehandling 20250176 INN P31063NO01 Trykningsklar oppmerkingskopi HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 26.01.2026 04-03 Saksbehandling 20250176 INN P31063NO01 Oversatte krav HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 26.01.2026 04-02 Saksbehandling 20250176 INN P31063NO01 Besvarelse HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 26.01.2026 04-01 Saksbehandling 20250176 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 08.08.2025 03-02 Saksbehandling 20250176 UT PT report 09:40:08
08.08.2025 03-01 Saksbehandling 20250176 UT Realitet patent HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 17.02.2025 02-01 Saksbehandling 20250176 UT Infobrev til oppfinner HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 14.02.2025 01-04 Saksbehandling 20250176 INN P31063NO01 Signert generalfullmakt HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 14.02.2025 01-03 Saksbehandling 20250176 INN P31063NO01 Sheets 1-7 HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 14.02.2025 01-02 Saksbehandling 20250176 INN P31063NO01 Description_and_claims HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
 14.02.2025 01-01 Saksbehandling 20250176 INN Søknadsskjema Patent HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS

Description, claims and drawings

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content. Description
3499481BUOY FOR FISHING GEARFieldThe present invention relates to a buoy arrangement comprising a locking mechanism and a method for releasing parts of the buoy arrangement from other parts of the buoy 5 arrangement. The released part of the buoy arrangement is attached to the other parts of the buoy arrangement by a first attachment feature such as a line, wire or rope. More specifically, the locking mechanism is adapted to lock the parts of the buoy arrangement together when in a locked configuration, and to uncouple the parts of the buoy arrangement when in an open configuration. Thereby the buoy arrangement releases the part of 10 the buoy arrangement if the buoy arrangement unintentionally becomes submerged.Further, the locking mechanism keeps the parts of the buoy arrangement together if the buoy arrangement is exposed to a swirling movement or if the buoy arrangement is turned upside down. The invention is particularly useful in fishing, especially in pot fishing, even more especially in recovering fish pots or lobster pots where an ordinary float 15 cannot be located on a water surface.IntroductionIt's known to mark submerged objects, like fish pots such as lobster pots, with a buoy or another floating object. The buoy is connected to the submerged object by a rope or line. The buoy is typically formed of a dimensionally stable, pressure-resistant material. When 20 retrieving the submerged object, for example, to empty or collect it, the buoy is located on the surface of the water, picked up, and the submerged object is pulled up by the line. A disadvantage with such buoys is that the submerged object may be set deeper than intended. The line leading to the buoy may then be too short, and the buoy remains sub 3499482merged. In such situations, it may be impossible to see or locate the buoy underwater or infeasible to retrieve it. In such cases, the submerged object is also lost. Bad weather may also pull the submerged object away from a shore into deeper parts of the body of water. It is also known that the line leading to the buoy and the buoy itself may be overgrown 5 with shell and seaweed such that the buoy’s buoyancy becomes too small and the buoy sinks.It is known to equip a submerged object, such as a lobster pot, with a float that can rise to the water's surface after a certain period of time. The float contains a spool with a line. The line, at one end, is attached either directly or indirectly to the object. 10 Patent document CN115610590 discloses an underwater self-release buoy device comprising two separate parts. The two parts are hold together with magnets. An electrical motor may rotate a magnet holding plate such that the magnets become repulsive, and the two separate parts are separated.Patent document US4262379 discloses a marker buoy adapted to be attached to an 15 object such as a lobster or crab trap. The marker buoy is dived together with the trap and connected to the trap by a line. An internal clock mechanism releases the marker buoy from the trap at a specified time. Setting of the clock is accomplished by an external hand-held magnet operating on internal magnetic reed switches.Patent document WO2014205482 discloses an automatic retractable float for use with a 20 crab net. An internal spring-loaded extending and retraction mechanism winds automatically back a connection line between the float and the crab net to prevent tangling of the line.Patent document US4103379 discloses a marker buoy having an internal wound anchor line. Resilient finger elements extend across a recess and prevent further unwinding of 25 the anchor line after an anchor weight at the end of the line rests on a sea floor.Patent document US5782663 discloses a marker float that has an anchor weight attached to an anchor line coiled onto a reel and having a line clutch that permits the anchor line to be paid out or unwound as long as the line extends substantially directly below the float 3499483device, but which stops the anchor line from unwinding when the float drifts sideways, so the angle of the anchor line changes from vertical.To summarize, the invention relates to a buoy system designed for the marking and retrieval of submerged objects, specifically fish pots, ensuring that the submerged objects 5 can be located and retrieved with ease. The invention addresses the problems with traditional buoy systems, such as unintentionally deep positioning of the submerged object. SummaryAccording to a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a buoy arrangement for attachment to a submersible object in a body of water comprising: a first buoy; a second 10 buoy; a first attachment feature for connecting the first and second buoys; a second attachment feature having a locked configuration for retaining the second buoy proximate the first buoy and an open configuration; and a third attachment feature for attaching the buoy arrangement to the submersible object. The first buoy forms an axis and the second buoy forms a coaxial axis. The second attachment feature comprises a locking mechanism 15 comprising:- an attachment capsule fastened to the first buoy, the attachment capsule comprises:- a gripper, the gripper being displaceable along the axis, the gripper comprises a plurality of resilient fingers connected to a base, each finger comprises at a distal end an outwardly projecting head; and 20 - a displaceable travelling body between the fingers; and- an engagement feature fastened to the second buoy, the engagement feature comprises a catch, the catch comprises an internal shoulder;wherein in the locked configuration a gripping face on the head in a locking position projects over the shoulder and the travelling body is positioned at the heads, and wherein in 25 the open configuration the travelling body is positioned at the base. In the open configuration the second buoy may ascend freely up to a surface of the body of water.Advantageously, the buoy arrangement floats above the object to which it is attached in use. 3499484Buoys and first attachment featureFirst buoyOptionally, the first buoy comprises a buoyancy feature.Optionally, the buoyancy feature of the first buoy comprises foam. 5 Optionally, at least part of the first attachment feature is fixed within the first buoy.Optionally, at least part of the first attachment feature extends through at least a portion of the first buoy.Second buoyOptionally, the second buoy comprises a buoyancy feature. 10 Optionally, the buoyancy feature of the second buoy comprises foam.Optionally, at least part of the first attachment feature is fixed within the second buoy. Optionally, at least part of the first attachment feature extends through at least a portion of the second buoy.Either buoy 15 Optionally, at least one of the first and second buoys comprises a spool for storing and dispensing at least a portion of the first attachment feature.Advantageously, this allows the first attachment to be stored away from the surrounding environment, reducing the chance of a vehicle damaging the first attachment feature. Optionally, at least one of the first and second buoys comprises a line lock for securing 20 the first attachment feature thereto.Optionally, the line lock is located at least partially within the first buoy.Optionally, the line lock is located entirely within the first buoy.First attachment feature 25 Optionally, the first attachment feature comprises a line, wire, or cord.Advantageously, this allows the buoy arrangement to be reusable. 3499485Optionally, the first attachment feature is adapted to shift between the first configuration and the second configuration.Optionally, in the first configuration, the first and second buoys abut one another.Optionally, in the first configuration, the second buoy is located at least partially within 5 the first buoy.Optionally, in the first configuration, the first buoy is located at least partially within the second buoy.Advantageously, this reduces the length of the first attachment feature exposed to the surrounding environment in the first configuration. 10 Optionally, in the first configuration, volumetric centroids of the first and second buoys are a first distance apart.Optionally, in the first configuration, the first and second buoys do not abut one another. Optionally, in the second configuration, the second buoy is not located within the first buoy. 15 Optionally, in the second configuration, the first buoy is not located within the second buoy.Optionally, in the second configuration of the arrangement, volumetric centroids of the first and second buoys are a second distance apart, the second distance being larger than the first distance. 20 Second attachment featureLocking mechanismOptionally, the travelling body is positioned at the base by gravity in the open configuration.Optionally, the travelling body is positioned at the heads by gravity or by centripetal force 25 in the locked configuration. 3499486Advantageously, this enables the second attachment feature, i.e., the locking mechanism, to shift reversible between the open configuration and the locked configuration and vice versa.Optionally, the head comprises a tapered face opposite the gripping face, and the catch 5 comprises a tapered inner rim, and the inner rim is adapted to bias the head inward towards the axis.Advantageously, this enables the heads to pass the tapered inner rim when the gripper enters the engagement feature, and the inner rim prevents the gripper unintentionality to retract from the engagement feature. 10 Optionally, the attachment capsule is provided with a central and hollow pin, the pin is provided with a plurality of windows, each window is formed with an inward tapering upper frame edge, the gripper is positioned within the central and hollow pin, the head protrudes to the outside of the central and hollow pin through the window, and the inward tapering upper frame edge is adapted to bias the head inward towards the axis from 15 a gripping position to a release position.Advantageously, when the second buoy is displaced along the axis relative to the first buoy, the engagement feature is displaced together with the second buoy and the catch displaces the gripper such that the heads abut the inward tapering upper frame edge. When the travelling body rests at the base, the heads are free to be biased inwards when 20 the gripper is further displaced by the catch until the heads are biased sufficient towards the axis so that the catch is released from the gripper.Optionally, at least one of the first and second buoys comprises a spool for storing and dispensing at least a portion of the first attachment feature. 25 Third attachment featureOptionally, the first buoy comprises the third attachment feature.Optionally, the third attachment feature comprises a line, wire, rope, or cord. 3499487Optionally, the third attachment feature comprises a means for receiving a line, wire, rope, and/or cord.Optionally, the means for receiving a line, wire, rope, and/or cord is an aperture.Optionally, the means for receiving a line, wire, rope, and/or cord is a clamp. 5 Optionally, the third attachment feature is attached to a submersible object.MethodAccording to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of deploying a buoy arrangement, comprising the steps of:providing a buoy arrangement according to the first aspect of the 10 invention; andposition the second buoy inside the first buoy such that the engagement feature is positioned in the attachment capsule by pushing the heads towards the center axis by the catch when the catch passes the heads and let the heads project above the shoulder in the catch when positioning of 15 the second buoy is completed.Optionally, when the buoy arrangement is attached to the submersible object, the second attachment feature is in the open configuration.Optionally, when the buoy arrangement is attached to the submersible object, the second 20 attachment feature is in the locked configuration.Optionally, the method further comprises a step of capturing the second buoy on the surface of the body of water.Optionally, the method further comprises a step of pulling up the first buoy and the submersible object using the first attachment feature. 25 Brief description of the drawingsIn the following is described examples of preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein: 3499488Fig.1 shows a perspective view of a buoy arrangement in a first embodiment of a first configuration;Fig.2A shows a schematic diagram of a buoy arrangement in a first example of a first configuration; 5 Fig.2B shows a schematic diagram of the buoy arrangement shown in Fig.2A prior to entering a second configuration;Fig.2C shows a schematic diagram of the buoy arrangement shown in Fig.2A in the second configuration;Figs. 3A-C show in Fig.3A a perspective view of an alternative buoy arrangement, 10 where Fig.3B depicts a first buoy and Fig.3C depicts a second buoy;Figs. 4A-B show in Fig.4A a perspective view in a larger scale than Fig.3C a spoolhouse of the second buoy, and in Fig.4B in a smaller scale a bottom view of the spool-house;Fig.5 shows in a different scale a cross-sectional view of the first buoy; 15 Fig.6 shows in the same scale as Fig.5 a cross-sectional view of the alternative buoy arrangement, the cross-sectional view being perpendicular to the view of Fig.5;Fig.7 shows in a larger scale a perspective view of an attachment capsule provided with a gripper; 20 Fig.8 shows in a larger scale a perspective view of the gripper and a travelling body;Fig.9 shows in the same scale as Fig.7 a cross-sectional view of the attachment capsule, the gripper and the travelling body; and 3499489Fig.10 shows in a larger scale than Fig.6 a cross-sectional view of the alternative buoy arrangement, the cross-sectional view being perpendicular to the view of Fig.6.Any positional indications refer to the position shown in the figures. 5 In the figures, same or corresponding elements are indicated by same reference numerals. For clarity reasons, some elements may in some of the figures be with-out reference numerals.A person skilled in the art will understand that the figures are just principal drawings. The relative proportions of individual elements may also be distorted. 10 Detailed descriptionThroughout this specification, each of the terms ‘connect’, ‘couple’, ‘attach’ and their derivatives are used interchangeably. For example, ‘connects’ may be used interchangeably with ‘couples’, and ‘connection’ may be used interchangeably with ‘attachment’. Figure 1 shows a submersible buoy arrangement 100. In use, the buoy arrangement 100 is 15 attached to a submersible object 800 which is submersed in a body of water 700 having a bed 720 and a surface 740.The buoy arrangement 100 comprises a first buoy 200 and a second buoy 300. In the present examples, each of the first and second buoys 200, 300 comprise a buoyancy feature 220, 320, and are connected to one another via a first attachment feature 400. The buoy- 20 ancy feature 220 of the first buoy 200 may comprise a volume of air. The buoyancy feature 320 of the second buoy 300 may comprise foam. Preferably the foam is a foamed material having a closed cell structure. This prevents the foam from becoming saturated with water, reducing the buoyancy of the second buoy 300. In other embodiments, the buoyancy feature 220 of the first buoy 200 comprises such a foamed material having a 25 closed cell structure. The first attachment feature 400 in the present examples comprises a line 450. As can be seen in Figure 6, at least part of the first attachment feature 400 may extend through a portion of the first buoy 200 in a channel 25. The first buoy 200 further comprises a line lock 240. The first attachment feature 400 is secured to the first buoy 34994810200 by the line lock 240. More specifically, the line 450 of the first attachment feature 400 is secured to the first buoy 200 by the line lock 240. The line lock 240 may be located entirely within the first buoy 200.The buoy arrangement 100 further comprises a second attachment feature 500. The sec- 5 ond attachment feature 500 is for selectively retaining the second buoy 300 proximate the first buoy 200, for example on the surface 740 of the body of water 700 with the first buoy 200, as seen in Figure 2A.The buoy arrangement 100 further comprises a third attachment feature 600. The third attachment feature 600 is for attaching the buoy arrangement 100 to the submersible 10 object 800.In a first configuration, shown in Figure 2A, the second attachment feature 500 retains the second buoy 300 on the surface 740 of the body of water 700 with the first buoy 200. This is typically how a user, for example a fisherman, would intend to deploy the buoy arrangement 100. 15 In the first configuration, the first and second buoys 200, 300 are both visible on the surface 740 of the body of water 700. Typically, this is sufficient for location by a user, a fisherman for example. In a second configuration shown in Figure 2C, the second attachment feature 500 releases the second buoy 300 up to the surface 740 of the body of water 700 if the buoy arrangement 100 becomes dived. This drastically improves visibility of the 20 buoy arrangement 100 as it may be impossible to see or retrieve the buoy arrangement 100 when entirely submerged.To summarise, in the first configuration, volumetric centroids of the first and second buoys 200, 300 are a first distance apart, and, in the second configuration, the volumetric centroids of the first and second buoys 200, 300 are a second distance apart, the second 25 distance being larger than the first distance.In the present examples, the second buoy 300 comprises a spool 340 for storing and dispensing the line 450 of the first attachment feature 400. When moving between the first configuration and the second configuration, the first attachment feature 400 is dispensed 34994811from the spool 340 to ensure the second buoy 300 can reach the surface 740 whilst remaining connected to the first buoy 200.The second attachment feature 500 comprises an engagement feature 520 and an engagement control feature 540 for selectively engaging the engagement feature 520. 5 When the engagement feature 520 is engaged, the second buoy 300 is retained proximate the first buoy 200. When the engagement feature 520 is disengaged, the second buoy 300 is free to float up to the surface 740. In the present examples, there is one engagement feature 520 provided on the second buoy 300, and there is one engagement control feature 540 provided on the first buoy 200. More specifically, in the present ex- 10 ample, the engagement feature 520 is provided on a lower surface of the second buoy 300, and the engagement control feature 540 is provided on an upper surface of the first buoy 200. This allows, in the second example of the first configuration shown in Figure 2B, the second buoy 300 to float freely to the surface 740 when the engagement feature 520 is disengaged, without being obstructed by the first buoy 200 which remains sub- 15 merged and attached to the submersible object 800 via the third attachment feature 600.The second attachment feature 500 may repeatedly take up the first and second configuration. In the present example, the engagement control feature 540 may be engaged and disengaged repeatedly.In the present examples, the buoy arrangement 100 comprises the third attachment fea- 20 ture 600. The third attachment feature 600 comprises an aperture 640, which, in this example, is provided on the first buoy 200. In some examples, as shown in Figures 2A-C, the third attachment feature 600 also comprises a wire 620 for attaching to the submersible object 800. The aperture 640 is for receiving the wire 620, and the wire 620 is of a fixed length. 25 An alternative buoy arrangement 100 is shown in Figures 3A-C to 10. For simplicity the first attachment feature 400, such as a line 450, and the third attachment feature 600, such as a wire 620, are omitted from these figures. 34994812The alternative buoy arrangement 100 provides the second attachment feature 500 as a locking mechanism. The alternative buoy arrangement 100 is shown in Figure 3A and comprises the first buoy 200 and the second buoy 300. The first buoy 200 houses the second buoy 300 when the second buoy 300 is proximate the first buoy 200. 5 The second buoy 300 comprises a spool house 34. The spool 340 is rotatable positioned within the spool house 34 as shown in Figures 4A, 6 and 10. The spool 340 comprises a shaft 35. The spool 340 comprises two opposite circular gables 36. The shaft 35 is in at least one of the end portions provided with a key slot 37. The key slot 37 has the same longitudinal center axis as the shaft 35, as seen in Figure 6. The key slot 37 may be hexag- 10 onal. The key slot 37 is accessible through a first through hole 33 in a wall 32 of the spool house 34 as shown in Figure 4A.The spool house 34 comprises a bottom 31. A longitudinal slot 30 penetrates the bottom 31. A line 450 (not shown) is attached to the spool 340 and passes through the slot 30 when dispensed from the spool 340. 15 In one embodiment the bottom 31 is provided with a second through hole 39. The second through hole 39 may comprise internal threads 38.The second buoy 300 comprises a buoyancy body 310. The buoyancy body 310 houses the buoyancy feature 320 as seen in Figures 6 and 10. The buoyancy body 310 is shown attached to the spool house 34 by a snap in locking device 330 as shown in Figures 4A and 20 6.The first buoy 200 comprises a buoyancy structure 210. The buoyancy structure 210 houses the buoyancy feature 220 as seen in Figures 5, 6 and 10. The buoyancy structure 210 comprises a first internal cavity 21 and a second internal cavity 22. The first internal cavity 21 is adapted to house the second buoy 300. The first internal cavity 21 and the 25 second internal cavity 22 are positioned adjacent to each other and there is free passage between the first internal cavity 21 and the second internal cavity 22. The second internal cavity 22 is provided with internal threads 28 adjacent to the first internal cavity 21. Opposite to the first internal cavity 21 along a longitudinal axis 29, the first buoy 200 com 34994813prises the third attachment feature 600. The attachment feature 600 comprises the line lock 240 and the aperture 640. The first buoy 200 comprises the channel 25 from the first internal cavity 21 to the line lock 240 as best seen in Figure 6. The channel 25 forms a passage for the first attachment feature 400, such as a line 450, (not shown in Figure 6) 5 from the slot 30 to the line lock 240.The locking mechanism comprises an attachment capsule 5. The attachment capsule 5 comprises a bottom 50 and a top 59 which are threadly connected. The bottom 50 is provided with internal threads 508. The top 59 is provided with external threads 598 which mate with the internal threads 508 as best seen in Figure 9. The top 59 is provided with 10 external threads 58 which mates with the internal threads 28 of the second internal cavity 22. The attachment capsule 5 forms a center axis 599.The bottom 50 is provided with a central recess 51. The top 59 is provided with a central and hollow pin 52. An annulus 53 is formed between the pin 52 and a capsule wall 54. A cavity 522 within the pin 52 is aligned with the central recess 51 as seen in Figure 9. The 15 pin 52 is closed at the top and comprises a plurality of windows 56 in a sidewall 57.The attachment capsule 5 comprises a gripper 55. The gripper 55 comprises a base 551 and a plurality of resilient gripper fingers 553 extending from the base 551 at the proximal end of the fingers 553 as shown in Figures 8 and 9. A gripper 55 with three fingers 553 is depicted in the Figures 7 to 10. The number of fingers 553 are equal to or less the 20 numbers of windows 56. Each of the fingers 553 is provided with an outwardly projecting head 555 at the distal free end. Each head 555 is formed with a gripping face 556 facing the base 551. Each head 555 is formed with a tapered face 554 opposite the gripping face 556. The tapered face 554 tapers away from the base 551 and towards a center axis 559. A travelling body 557 is positioned between the fingers 553. The travelling body 557 and 25 the fingers 553 form the engagement control feature 540. The travelling body 557 is preferably a ball 558, and the ball 558 is preferably made of a heavy material, such as a metal, such as steel. The travelling body 557 is displaceable from the proximal end to the distal end of the fingers 553, and vice versa. The attachment capsule 5 comprises the travelling body 557. The base 551 and the fingers 553 may be made of one piece of material. The 34994814material may be a polymer material. The fingers 553 are straight and in parallel to the center axis 559. In a tensioned state, which will be explained later, the fingers 553 are biased towards the center axis 559 of the gripper 55.The base 551 of the gripper 55 is positioned within the central recess 51 of the bottom 5 50. The base 551 is freely rotatable and freely displaceable along the center axis 599 of the attachment capsule 5. When the attachment capsule 5 is assembled, the head 555 protrudes to the outside of the central pin 52 through the window 56 as best seen in Figures 7 and 9.Each window 56 is formed with an inward tapering upper frame edge 561 as seen in Fig- 10 ure 9. The frame edge 561 tapers towards the center axis 599.An engagement feature 520 is threadly connected to the spool house 34 in the second through hole 39 as seen in Figure 10. In this embodiment the engagement feature 520 is sleeve shaped and projects outwards from the bottom 31. The engagement feature 520 comprises an end wall 521 which is positioned within the second through hole 39 when 15 the engagement feature 520 is threadly connected to the spool house 34. The engagement feature 520 comprises external threads 528. The engagement feature 520 comprises a circular wall 524 which at the proximal side extends from the end wall 521. The circular wall 524 is at the distal side provided with an inward extending catch 525. The catch 525 may circumference the wall 524 at the inside as shown in Figure 10. The catch 525 20 forms an internal shoulder 526. In an alternative embodiment the engagement feature 520 and the bottom 31 is made of one material piece. Thereby the threads 38, and 528, and the end wall 521 are superfluous. The circular wall 524 protrudes directly from the outside of the bottom 31.For clarity the top 59 of the attachment capsule 5 is omitted from Figure 10. The catch 25 525 is open in a center such that the central pin 52 can pass through the catch 525. The catch 525 is provided with an inward tapering inner rim 527. The inward tapering rim 527 tapers upwards and towards the center axis 29 as seen in Figure 10. 34994815When the attachment capsule 5 is below the second buoy 300, the travelling body 556 is positioned at the base 551 as shown in Figure 10.The buoy arrangement 100 is assembled by attaching the attachment capsule 5 in the second internal cavity 22 of the first buoy 200. A suitable length of the line 450 is passed 5 through the slot 30, guided through the channel 25 and fastened to the first buoy 200 by the line lock 240. The second buoy 300 is positioned within the first internal cavity 21 of the first buoy 200 and such that the engagement feature 520 is positioned within the annulus 53. Thereby the central pin 52 projects into the engagement feature 520. When the catch 525 passes the heads 555, the tapered inner rim 527 abuts the tapered faces 554 10 and the heads 555 are pushed towards the center axis 599. After the catch 525 has passed the heads 555 fully, the heads 555 return to their projecting positions due to the resilience of the fingers 553. The heads 555 project over the shoulder 526 as seen in Figure 10.When the buoy arrangement 100 is fully dived, buoyancy will lift the second buoy 300 15 upwards relative to the first buoy 200 along the central axis 29. The shoulder 526 thereby abuts the gripping face 556. The second buoy 300 lifts the gripper 55. The tapered faces 554 of the heads 555 abut the tapered upper frame edges 561 and the heads 555 are thereby pushed towards the center axis 599 until the gripping faces 556 no longer abut the shoulder 526. The locking mechanism thereby changes from the locked configuration 20 to the open configuration and the second buoy 300 ascends freely relative to the first buoy 200.If the buoy arrangement 100 is tipped upside down, the travelling body 556 is displaced towards the distal end of the fingers 553 by gravity until the travelling body 556 abuts a ceiling 524 in the internal cavity 522. The travelling body 556 remains between the fingers 25 53 in this position. The travelling body 556 blocks the heads 555 from being pushed inwards and the gripping faces 556 remain engaged with the shoulder 526 of the catch 525. Thereby, the locking mechanism remains in the locked configuration, the second buoy 300 is locked within the first buoy 200 and the buoy arrangement 100 cannot be separated. When the buoy arrangement 100 thereafter is returned to its ordinary position of use, 34994816the travelling body 556 is displaced towards the base 551 by gravity and the locking mechanism remains in the open configuration.If the attachment capsule 5 is subject to an outward centripetal force, i.e. the buoy arrangement 100 is subject to a swirling movement with the second buoy 300 facing out- 5 wards, the travelling body 556 is displaced towards the distal end of the fingers 553 by the centripetal force, until the travelling body 556 abuts the ceiling 524 in the internal cavity 522. The travelling body 556 remains between the fingers 53 in this position. The travelling body 556 blocks the heads 555 from being pushed inwards and the gripping faces 556 remain engaged with the shoulder 526 of the catch 525. Thereby, the second 10 buoy 300 is locked within the first buoy 200 and the buoy arrangement 100 cannot be separated unintentionally. When the buoy arrangement 100 thereafter is returned to its ordinary position of use, the travelling body 556 is displaced towards the base 551 by gravity and the locking mechanism remains in the open configuration.Methods of deploying the buoy arrangement 100 will now be described. 15 The buoy arrangement 100 is first attached to the submersible object 800 using the third attachment feature 600 when in the first configuration. This means that the second buoy 300 is proximate the first buoy 200. The object 800 is submersed such that it rests on the bed 720 of the body of water 700. The buoy arrangement 100 floats on the surface 740 as the wire 620 has sufficient length as shown in Figure 2A above the object 800 due to its 20 buoyancy, remaining attached to the submersible object 800 through the third attachment feature 600.In most cases a fisherman will locate the buoy arrangement 100, pick it up and pull the submerged object 800 up by the wire 620. However, sometimes water currents may gradually push the submersible object 800 along the bed 720 to a deeper location, gradu- 25 ally submerging the buoy arrangement 100 until it is entirely submerged as shown in Figure 2B. The third attachment feature 600 is too short and as such the first and second buoys 200, 300, are both entirely submerged. As shown in Figures 2A-B, and Figures 3A, 6 and 10, the first and second buoys 200, 300 abut one another and the second buoy 300 is located partially within the first buoy 200. When the engagement control feature 540 is 34994817not in engagement with the engagement feature 520, the second buoy 300 is released from the first buoy 200. The locking mechanism is thus moved to the second configuration. The second buoy 300 then floats to the surface 740 of the body of water 700, where the second buoy 300 may be captured as shown in Figure 2C. The first buoy 200 and the 5 submersible object 800 are then pulled up using the first attachment feature 400 which connects the first buoy 200 and the second buoy 300.A fisherman may want to throw the buoy arrangement 100 at some distance from a boat when the object 800, such as a pot, is set. Best throwing action is obtained if the buoy arrangement 100 is swirled by the third attachment feature 600, i.e., by the rope con- 10 necting the buoy arrangement to the submersible object 800, before it goes. Thereby the travelling body 556 is displaced towards the distal end of the fingers 553 as described previously, i.e., the engagement control feature 540 is in engagement with the engagement feature 520, and the second buoy 300 is not released from the first buoy 200. The second buoy 300 is locked within the first buoy 200 and the buoy arrangement 100 can- 15 not be separated unintentionally. When the buoy arrangement 100 thereafter is returned to its ordinary position of use, i.e., floating upright in the water, the travelling body 556 is displaced towards the base 551 by gravity and the locking mechanism returns to the open configuration.It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the 20 invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb “comprise” and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article “a” or “an” preceding an element 25 does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.
Claims
34994818C l a i m s1. A buoy arrangement (100) for attachment to a submersible object (800) in a body of water (700) comprising:a first buoy (200);5 a second buoy (300);a first attachment feature (400) for connecting the first and second buoys (200; 300);a second attachment feature (500) having a locked configuration for retaining the second buoy (300) proximate the first buoy (200) and an10 open configuration; anda third attachment feature (600) for attaching the buoy arrangement (100) to the submersible object (800), andthe first buoy (200) forms an axis (299) and the second buoy forms a coaxial axis (399),15 c h a r a c t e r i s e d i n thatthe second attachment feature (500) comprises a locking mechanism comprising: - an attachment capsule (5) fastened to the first buoy (200), the attachment capsule (5) forms a center axis (599) and comprises:- a gripper (55), the gripper (55) forming a center axis (559) and being20 displaceable along the axis (599), the gripper (55) comprises a plurality of resilient fingers (553) connected to a base (551), each finger (553) comprises at a distal end an outwardly projecting head (555); and - a displaceable travelling body (557) between the fingers (553); and - an engagement feature (520) fastened to the second buoy (300), the engage-25 ment feature (520) comprises a catch (525), the catch (525) comprises an internal shoulder (526);wherein in the locked configuration a gripping face (556) on the head (555) in a locking position projects over the shoulder (526) and the travelling body (557) is positioned at the heads (555), and wherein in the open configuration the travel-30 ling body (557) is positioned at the base (551).349948192. The buoy arrangement (100) of claim 1, wherein the travelling body (557) is positioned at the base (551) by gravity in the open configuration.3. The buoy arrangement (100) of claim 1, wherein the travelling body (557) is positioned at the heads (555) by gravity or by centripetal force in the locked configu-5 ration.4. The buoy arrangement (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the head (555) comprises a tapered face (554) opposite the gripping face (556), and the catch (525) comprises a tapered inner rim (527), and the inner rim (527) is adapted to bias the heads (555) inward towards the axis (559; 599).10 5. The buoy arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims,wherein the attachment capsule (5) is provided with a central and hollow pin (52), the central and hollow pin (52) is provided with a plurality of windows (56), each window (56) is formed with an inward tapering upper frame edge (561), the gripper (55) is positioned within the central and hollow pin (52), the head (555)15 protrudes to the outside of the central and hollow pin (52) through the window (56), and the inward tapering upper frame edge (561) is adapted to bias the head (555) inward towards the axis (559; 599) from a gripping position to a release position.6. The buoy arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims,20 wherein at least one of the first (200) and second buoys (300) comprises a spool (340) for storing and dispensing at least a portion of the first attachment feature (400).7. A method of assembling a buoy arrangement (100),c h a r a c t e r i s e d i n that the method comprising the steps of:25 - providing a buoy arrangement (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and - position the second buoy (300) inside the first buoy (200) such that the engagement feature (520) is positioned in the attachment capsule (5) by pushing the heads (555) towards the center axis (559; 599) by the catch (525) when the34994820catch (525) passes the heads (555), and let the heads (555) project above the shoulder (526) in the catch (525) when positioning of the second buoy (300) is completed.349948 Patentsøknad nr. 20250176 21Søker Aasnes Invest ASDato 25. februar 2026O v e r s a t t e p a t e n t k r a v1. Et bøyearrangementet (100) for innfesting til en nedsenkbar gjenstand (800) i en vannmasse (700), omfattende:en første bøye (200);5 en andre bøye (300);en første festefunksjon (400) for sammenkobling av de første og andre bøyene (200; 300);en andre festefunksjon (500) som har en låst konfigurasjon for å holde den andre bøyen (300) nær den første bøyen (200), og en åpen10 konfigurasjon; ogen tredje festefunksjon (600) for innfesting av bøyearrangementet (100) til den nedsenkbare gjenstanden (800), ogden første bøyen (200) tildanner en akse (299), og den andre bøyen tildanner en koaksial akse (399),15 k a r a k t e r i s e r t v e d atden andre festefunksjonen (500) omfatter en låsemekanisme omfattende:- en festekapsel (5) festet til den første bøyen (200), festekapselen (5) tildanner en senterakse (599) og omfatter:- en gripeanordning (55), idet gripeanordningen (55) tildanner en20 senterakse (559) og er forskyvbar langs aksen (599), idet gripeanordningen (55) omfatter en flerhet av fleksible fingre (553) forbundet med en base (551), hver finger (553) omfatter på en distal ende et utover vendt framstikkende hode (555); og- et forskyvbart vandrende legeme (557) mellom fingrene (553); og25 - en inngrepsdel (520) festet til den andre bøyen (300), inngrepsdelen (520) omfatter en sperre (525), sperren (525) omfatter en innvendig skulder (526); hvor i den låste konfigurasjonen en gripeflate (556) på hodet (555) i en låseposisjon rager frem over skulderen (526), og det vandrende legemet (557) er posisjonert ved hodene (555), og hvor i den åpne konfigurasjonen det vandrende30 legemet (557) er posisjonert ved basen (551).P31063NO01 oversatte krav349948222. Bøyearrangementet (100) ifølge krav 1, hvor det vandrende legemet (557) posisjoneres ved basen (551) av tyngdekraft i den åpne konfigurasjonen.3. Bøyearrangementet (100) ifølge krav 1, hvor det vandrende legemet (557) posisjoneres ved hodene (555) av tyngdekraft eller sentripetalkraft i den låste konfi-5 gurasjonen.4. Bøyearrangementet (100) ifølge et hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene, hvor hodet (555) omfatter en avsmalnet flate (554) motsatt for gripeflaten (556), og sperren (525) omfatter en avsmalnet indre kant (527), og den indre kanten (527) er tilpasset til å forspenne hodene (555) innover mot aksen (559; 599).10 5. Bøyearrangementet (100) ifølge et hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene, hvor festekapselen (5) er forsynt med en sentral og hul stift (52), den sentrale og hule stiften (52) er forsynt med en flerhet av vinduer (56), hvert vindu (56) er tildannet med en øvre rammekant (561) som smalner av innover, gripeanordningen (55) er posisjonert inni den sentrale og hule stiften (52), hodet (555) rager ut15 til utsiden av den sentrale og hule stiften (52) gjennom vinduet (56), og den øvre rammekanten (561) som smalner av innover, er tilpasset til å forspenne hodet (555) innover mot aksen (559; 599) fra en gripeposisjon til en frigjøringsposisjon.6. Bøyearrangementet (100) ifølge et hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene,20 hvor i det minste én av de første (200) og andre bøyene (300) omfatter en trommel (340) for å lagre og mate ut i det minste et parti av den første festefunksjonen (400).7. Fremgangsmåte for sammenstilling av et bøyearrangementet (100),k a r a k t e r i s e r t v e d at fremgangsmåten omfatter trinnene:25 - å tilveiebringe et bøyearrangementet (100) ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 til 6; og- å posisjonere den andre bøyen (300) inni den første bøyen (200) slik at inngrepsfunksjonen (520) posisjoneres i festekapselen (5) ved at hodene (555) skyvesP31063NO01 oversatte krav34994823mot senteraksen (559; 599) av sperren (525) når sperren (525) passerer hodene (555), og la hodene (555) rage frem over skulderen (526) i sperren (525) når posisjoneringen av den andre bøyen (300) er fullført.P31063NO01 oversatte krav
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Priority

No priority

Patent classes

IPC classesB63B 22/08A01K 69/06A01K 69/08A01K 69/10CPC classesB63B 22/08A01K 69/06A01K 69/08A01K 69/10

Citations

CN 115610590 A (A)US 4262379 A (A)WO 2014205482 A1 (A1)US 4103379 A (A)US 5782663 A (A)

Applicants, owners and inventors

Owners
AASNES INVEST AS
Jakob Askelands vei 13 4314 SANDNES NO (SANDNES Municipality, Rogaland county)Org. number: 821076242Inventors
Dag Frode Aasnes
Lønneveien 25 4315 SANDNES NO (SANDNES Municipality, Rogaland county)

Agent

HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS

Org. number: 918752900

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Postboks 9 4068 STAVANGER NO (STAVANGER Municipality, Rogaland county)
Org. number: 918752900
Reference: P31063NO01

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