DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of sinkers used in aquaculture nets and sea lice shields. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the field of an Eco-sinker made of a lead-free material. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a sinker apparatus for an aquaculture and fisheries operation.

BACKGROUND
[0002] The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Conventional fishing sinkers are typically made of toxic material such as lead which is an inexpensive heavy metal that works effectively to sink aquaculture nets, sea lice shields, and algal bloom tarps to the proper depth in the sea. In the aquaculture industry, lead is more popular because it is heavier than water, therefore it sinks quickly and also has a low cost compared to any other high-density materials.
[0004] However, lead is a poisonous and hazardous material and causes health problems to humans as it can build up in the body. The lead sinker swallowed by water birds or wild fish can be prejudiced to the animal life. The dust produced from the lead of fishing sinkers can contaminate tackle box tables and other surfaces. In addition, the fish biting on the sinker can poison the fish.
[0005] There is therefore a need for a new, simple and compact sinker apparatus for an aquaculture and fisheries operation such that any harm or damage to the aquatic bodies can be avoided thereby avoiding and reducing water pollution globally.
[0006] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a sinker apparatus for an aquaculture and fisheries operation.
[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a sinker apparatus for a fishing line, aquaculture nets, sea lice shields, and algal bloom tarps.
[00010] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a sinker apparatus with lead-free tubular member that facilitates reduction in toxicity of a water body.
[00011] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a sinker apparatus with flexibility and strength that resist external abrasion.
[00012] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a recyclable sinker apparatus for a fishing line, aquaculture nets, sea lice shields, and algal bloom tarps.
[00013] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a sinker apparatus for an aquaculture and fisheries operation with a sealing mechanism.
[00014] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a sinker apparatus with increased density.
[00015] These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY
[00016] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of sinkers used in aquaculture nets and sea lice shields. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the field of an Eco-sinker made of lead-free materials to guide bait to a proper depth in the sea with reduced toxicity. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a sinker apparatus for an aquaculture and fisheries operation.
[00017] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a sinker apparatus for an aquaculture and fisheries operation may comprise a tubular member, a core, an outer layer and a sealing cap. The core may be accommodated into the tubular member. The outer layer may enclose the core circumferentially. The sealing cap may seal the ends and of the tubular member, such that the core may get sealed into the tubular member.
[00018] In an aspect, the core can include one or more filler materials facilitating an increase in the weight of the sinker apparatus, wherein due to the increased weight, the sinker apparatus passes through water with minimum turbulence.
[00019] In another aspect, a cross-section of the tubular member may be selected from a group comprising a circle, a rectangle, a square, or a polygon comprising at least three sides.
[00020] In an aspect, the tubular member with the core may form a solid tubular member, and wherein the tubular member without the core may form a hollow tubular member.
[00021] In another aspect, the tubular member may be made of a material having a specific gravity in the range 1-5.
[00022] In an aspect, the weight of the sinker apparatus may range from 0.01 kg/m to 1000 kg/m, and wherein the weight of the sinker apparatus in aquaculture may range from from 0.01 kg/m to 1000 kg/m.
[00023] In an aspect, the length of the tubular member may range from 0.5 mm to 100000 mm. In another aspect, the thickness of the hollow tubular member may range from 0.01 mm to 10000 mm, and wherein the thickness being the diameter of the solid tubular member ranges from 0.01 mm to 10000 mm.
[00024] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the one or more filler materials may comprise particles selected from a group comprising powder, metallic chips, cuts, pieces, or bars, and wherein the size of the particles of the one or more filler materials may range from 0.01µm to 10000 µm. In another aspect, the hollow tubular member may comprise a hollow core, wherein the hollow core may further comprise a through-hole along its lateral direction for filling of water and increase the weight of the sinker apparatus 100.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00025] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
[00026] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a sinker apparatus 100 for an aquaculture and fisheries operation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00027] FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary sinker apparatus 100 for an aquaculture and fisheries operation comprising a sealing cap 108, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00028] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[00029] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[00030] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[00031] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this invention will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).
[00032] While embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as described in the claim.
[00033] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of sinkers used in aquaculture nets and sea lice shields. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the field of an Eco-sinker made of lead-free materials to guide bait to a proper depth in the sea with reduced toxicity. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a sinker apparatus for an aquaculture and fisheries operation.
[00034] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a sinker apparatus for an aquaculture and fisheries operation may comprise a tubular member, a core, an outer layer and a sealing cap. The core may be accommodated into the tubular member. The outer layer may enclose the core circumferentially. The sealing cap may seal the ends and of the tubular member, such that the core may get sealed into the tubular member. The sinker apparatus for the aquaculture and fisheries operation may a fishing line, aquaculture nets, sea lice shields, algal bloom tarps or the like.
[00035] In an aspect, the core can include one or more filler materials facilitating an increase in the weight of the sinker apparatus, wherein due to the increased weight, the sinker apparatus passes through water with minimum turbulence.
[00036] The sinker apparatus for the fishing line, aquaculture nets, sea lice shields, and algal bloom tarps can reduce the toxicity in the environment while guiding bait to the proper depth in the sea. The outer layer of the tubular member is made of lead-free material that reduces toxicity generated in the sea. Therefore, the specific gravity and sinking property may be sustained and maintained. Thus, the sinker apparatus provides flexibility and better strength to resist any external abrasion, and does not break even if dropped from a height.
[00037] Referring FIGs. 1 and 2, exemplary representations of the sinker apparatus 100 for an aquaculture and fisheries operation are illustrated, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00038] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a sinker apparatus 100 for an aquaculture and fisheries operation can comprise a tubular member 102, a core 104, an outer layer 106 and a sealing cap 108.
[00039] In an aspect, the core 104 can be accommodated into the tubular member 102. The outer layer 106 can enclose the core 104 circumferentially. The sealing cap 108 can seal the ends 102a and 102b of the tubular member 102, such that the core 104 can get sealed into the tubular member 102.
[00040] In an aspect, the core 104 can include one or more filler materials facilitating an increase in the weight of the sinker apparatus 100, wherein due to the increased weight, the sinker apparatus 100 passes through water with minimum turbulence.
[00041] In another aspect, a cross-section of the tubular member 102 can be selected from a group comprising a circle, a rectangle, a square, or a polygon comprising at least three sides.
[00042] In an aspect, the tubular member 102 with the core 104 can form a solid tubular member, and wherein the tubular member 102 without the core 104 can form a hollow tubular member.
[00043] In another aspect, the tubular member 102 can be made of a material having a specific gravity in the range 0.1 to 10.
[00044] In an aspect, the weight of the sinker apparatus 100 can range from 0.01 kg/m to 1000 kg/m, and wherein the weight of the sinker apparatus 100 in aquaculture can range from from 0.01 kg/m to 1000 kg/m.
[00045] In an aspect, the length of the tubular member 102 can range from 0.5 mm to 100000 mm.
[00046] In another aspect, the thickness of the hollow tubular member can range from 0.01 mm to 10000 mm, and wherein the thickness being the diameter of the solid tubular member ranges from 0.01 mm to 10000 mm.
[00047] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the one or more filler materials can include particles selected from a group comprising powder, metallic chips, cuts, pieces, or bars, and wherein the size of the particles of the one or more filler materials can range from 0.1µm to 10000 µm.
[00048] In an aspect, the hollow tubular member can include a hollow core, wherein the hollow core can further comprise a through-hole along its lateral direction for filling of water and increase the weight of the sinker apparatus 100.
[00049] In an embodiment, the tubular member 102 can be filled with a metal, which is either in form of powder to fill directly in the tubular member or in form of the polymeric sheet to be inserted in the tubular member. The polymeric sheet may be in the shape of a rectangle, square, or cylinder. The tubular member may be configured with or without coating, not limited to any type of coating on the inner surface of the tubular member 102.
[00050] In an embodiment, the outer layer 106 may be made of either composite material or blended material. For example, the outer layer 106 is made of elastic rubber tubes.
[00051] In an embodiment, the weight of the sinker apparatus 100 along with the sealing cap may be ranging in an amount from 0.01 kg/m to 1000 kg/m. In a preferred embodiment, the weight of the sinker apparatus 100 can be ranging from 0.01 kg/m to 1000 kg/m in aquaculture, as per the application.
[00052] In an embodiment, the outer layer 106 may be made of the polymeric material, where the polymeric material may include but not limited to any or a combination of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyurethane (PU), acrylic, natural or synthetic rubber, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the outer layer 106 may be made in form of a coating such as but not limited to and not limited antifouling, antibacterial, UV protection, slippery, conductive, anti-abrasion, etc.
[00053] In an embodiment, the length of the tubular member 102 may be ranging from about 0.5 mm to 100000 mm, irrespective of whether the tubular member is solid or hollow. In another embodiment, in the case of the hollow tubular member, the length of the hollow tubular member may be ranging from 0.5 mm to 100000 mm depending on the application.
[00054] In an embodiment, in the case of the hollow tubular member, the thickness of the tubular member may be ranging from 0.01 mm to 10000 mm but is not limited to this range. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness may be ranging from about 0.01 mm to 500 mm. In the case of the solid tubular member, the diameter of the tubular member may be ranging from 0.01 mm to 10000 mm, but not limited to this range.
[00055] In an embodiment, the tubular member 102 may be provided with core 104 or without the core 104. The tubular member 102 without core 104 may indicate that the tubular member 102 includes a cavity surrounded by the outer layer 106. In case, when tubular member 102 is solid, the core 104 would be solid. In an embodiment, when the tubular member 102 is hollow, the core 104 would be hollow.
[00056] In an embodiment, in the case of a hollow core, the core 104 may include a through-hole along the lateral direction of the core 104. The through-hole may be provided to reduce the weight of the sinker apparatus 100 as compared to the solid core. The core 104 may be made of filler material to increase the weight of the overall sinker apparatus to pass through the water with a minimum of turbulence and also act to guide the bait in a desired direction of the fishing line through the water. In this manner, a proper proportion of the weight of the sinker apparatus 100 would lead to effective utilization of resources as well as to provide minimum turbulence.
[00057] The filler materials may include, but not limited to, metal, ceramic, organic, and inorganic material or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the filler material may be used to fill the region of the cavity surrounded by the outer layer 106 in an amount ranging from 0-100%, thus forming the core structure. In an embodiment, where the filler material may occupy at least a portion of the cavity or the core 104, the remaining portion of the cavity or the core 104 would be occupied by air.
[00058] In an embodiment, the filler material may be in the form of powder, metallic chips, cuts, pieces, or bars. In an exemplary embodiment, the size of particles in filler material may be ranging from 1µm to 100 µm.
[00059] In an embodiment, the metal can be selected from a group comprising steel, Cu, tungsten, lead, or any composite material. In an embodiment, the core 104 and the outer layer 106 may be made of the same material such that the core 104 and the outer layer 106 form a homogeneous structure.
[00060] In an embodiment, the sinker apparatus 100 may include a sealing cap 108 configured on each of two ends of the tubular member 102 to seal the filler materials or the core 104 inside the tubular member 102, as shown in FIG. 2. The sealing cap 108 may be capped or configured through such as, but not limited to, Loctite or heat sealing.
[00061] In an embodiment, the sinker apparatus 100 may have a ‘C’ shaped structure as shown in FIGs. 1 and 2. However, it would be easily understood by a person skilled in the art that the sinker apparatus 100 may have any regular or irregular shape.
[00062] The sinker apparatus 100 can be used in sinking nets/sea lice shields or any other product used in aquaculture. The sinker apparatus 100 can be useful for any type of cages such as circular cages, square cages, sea lice shields, or any other product used in aquaculture.
[00063] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.
[00064] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES
[00065] The present disclosure provides a sinker apparatus for an aquaculture and fisheries operation.
[00066] The present disclosure provides a sinker apparatus for a fishing line, aquaculture nets, sea lice shields, and algal bloom tarps.
[00067] The present disclosure provides a sinker apparatus with lead-free tubular member that facilitates reduction in toxicity of a water body.
[00068] The present disclosure provides a sinker apparatus with flexibility and strength that resist external abrasion.
[00069] The present disclosure provides a recyclable sinker apparatus for a fishing line, aquaculture nets, sea lice shields, and algal bloom tarps.
[00070] The present disclosure provides a sinker apparatus for an aquaculture and fisheries operation with a sealing mechanism.
[00071] The present disclosure provides a sinker apparatus with increased density.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[00072] 100: sinker apparatus; 102: tubular member; 102a, 102b: ends of the tubular member; 104: core; 106: outer layer; 108: sealing cap.

,CLAIMS:1. A sinker apparatus (100) for an aquaculture and fisheries operation, the sinker apparatus (100) comprising:
a tubular member (102);
a core (104) configured to be accommodated into the tubular member (102);
an outer layer (106) configured to enclose the core (104) circumferentially; and
a sealing cap (108) configured to seal ends (102a, 102b) of the tubular member (102) such that the core (104) is sealed into the tubular member (102).
2. The sinker apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the core (104) comprises one or more filler materials facilitating an increase in the weight of the sinker apparatus (100), wherein due to the increased weight, the sinker apparatus (100) passes through water with minimum turbulence, and wherein one or more filler materials occupy at least a portion of the core (104).
3. The sinker apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a cross-section of the tubular member (102) is configured to be selected from a group comprising a circle, a rectangle, a square, or a polygon comprising at least three sides.
4. The sinker apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tubular member (102) with the core (104) is configured to be a solid tubular member, and wherein the tubular member (102) without the core (104) is configured to be a hollow tubular member.
5. The sinker apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tubular member (102) is made of a material having a specific gravity in the range 0.1-10.
6. The sinker apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weight of the sinker apparatus (100) ranges from 0.01 kg/m to 1000 kg/m, and wherein the weight of the sinker apparatus (100) in aquaculture ranges from from 0.01 kg/m to 1000 kg/m.

7. The sinker apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the length of the tubular member (102) ranges from 0.5 mm to 1000 mm.
8. The sinker apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the thickness of the hollow tubular member ranges from 0.01 mm to 10000 mm, and wherein the thickness being the diameter of the solid tubular member ranges from 0.01 mm to 10000 mm.
9. The sinker apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the one or more filler materials comprise particles selected from a group comprising powder, metallic chips, cuts, pieces, or bars, and wherein the size of the particles of the one or more filler materials ranges from 0.1µm to 10000 µm.
10. The sinker apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the hollow tubular member comprises a hollow core, wherein the hollow core comprises a through-hole along its lateral direction for filling of water and increase the weight of the sinker apparatus (100).