Storage frame for razor clams

Abstract

The present invention is a razor clam storage frame. Razor clams are in demand from chefs all over the world. Part off the reason why razor are in short supply, is short tank life. The reason why razor clams dies in tanks is that they are adapted to a life in the sand, where they can move up and down in sand with amazing speed. Part of the adaptation is the hinge ligament of the shell. The hinge ligament of razor clams is so stiff that the two shell halves will spring almost 90° apart if the adductor muscle is severed. In the sand, the adductor muscle of the razor clam is more or less relaxed. If the shell is disturbed the adductor muscle contracts reducing the calms cross section at the same time as the clam use the foot that comes out end of the shell to pull itself down in the sand. This way the clam can flee from predators. If the shell is placed in a tank, where it cannot bury itself, the adductor muscle must stay contracted all the time to keep the shell closed. This exhausts the razor clam, and most shell dies within a week in a tank. Fishermen makes bundles of razor clams with rubber band around. This helps because it provide some pressure on the shell, but it is not an optimal solution because the rubber band provide local pressure on the shell, that also is not good for the razor clam.

Description

[0001] Storage frame for razor clams Description

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Clams can be poisonous due to algae toxins and E.coli. Extensive testing must therefore be done prior to harvesting. This testing is expensive and time consuming, and it is therefore necessary to harvest a considerable amount of clams in each batch for shellfish fishing to be profitable. Since the marked require a steady supply, there is a need to store clams. It is also good to store clams in tank for a while, so they get rid of sand.

[0004] Razor clam has so far been difficult to store for more than a few days in tank. They die because the hinge ligament is very stiff compared to other clams. When the razor clam is buried in sand the pressure from the sand help keeping the shell closed. When the clam is taken out of the sand the adductor muscle must work hard to keep the shell closed. As a result, the razor clam start dying of exhaustion after a few days in tank.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention is a storage frame for razor clams that provide similar pressure on the outside of the clam to simulate the pressure from the sand. The frame consist of plates, preferable of a material that sink in seawater so the frame can stand on the bottom of the tank. Sponges are glued to both sides of the plates and the plates are arranged with spacers so there is a small space between the sponges. Then it is possible to slide the razor clams inn between the sponges, where they are kept in place. The sponges provide gentle pressure on the outside of the razor clam. This take the load of the adductor muscle. The frame also keep the razor clam in upright position. This is important because razor clams must have a way to tell how the shell are positioned relative to direction of gravity. If they are correctly positioned, they will not try to reposition themselves.

[0007] Then the razor clam can then live for months in tank.

[0008] EXISTING TECNOLOGY AND BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0009] The normal way of storing razor clams is making a bundle with rubber band around. This way of storage is only suited for short time storage. The razor clam must therefore be brought quickly to the costumer after catching.

[0010] Our search on storing razor clams has provide very little information. Most patents are on fishing razor clams or simply recipes. Some of the patents are on the subject of removing sand from razor clams. Patent CN212629568U describe a wild razor clam domestication device. Domestication obviously means a way of keeping razor clams alive, but we are unable to determine how the device describe in patent CN212629568U works. The drawings in patent CN212629568U show a device completely different from ours.

[0011] Patent ES 2700964 describe a device for storing blue mussels inside "tubular bandages" with the purpose of analysing marine pollution. This device is completely different from ours.

[0012] Patent CN207305771U describe a device for farming pacific oysters. This device is completely different from ours

[0013] The background of our invention is experiments where razor clams are stored with external pressure on the shell. Different solutions has been tried. Spongiest mounted inside a frame provided the best result.

[0014] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG.l show an isometric view of the storage frame without hidden lines.

[0016] FIG.2 show front, side and top view of the storage frame with hidden lines. Top view is cut to save space.

[0017] FIG.3 show a simplified razor clam.

[0018] FIG.4 show end plates of the frame

[0019] FIG.5 show the sponge

[0020] FIG.6 show mid plates of the frame FIG.7 show the spacers of the frame.

[0021] FIG.8 show an isometric view of the storage frame with a bottom plate.

[0022] DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] FIG. 1 show an isometric view of the frame with sponges (3) and razor clams (1). The frame consists of two end plates (2), any number of mid plates (4) and any number of spacers (6). In the shown embodiment, there are 4 mid plates (4) and 5 spacers (6). More mid plates (4) and spacers (6) make more space for storing razor clams (1) but it also make the frame bigger and heavier. The sponges (3) are glued onto the end plates (2) and mid plates (4). Holes (5) are made in spacers (6) end plate (2) and mid plate (4), so the entire structure can be hold together by threaded bolts and nuts. A bottom plate (8) can be included to the frame. The bottom plate will make it possible to stack the frames. It will also provide protection for the bottom of the razor clam if the clam are stored in the sea.

[0024] In the shown embodiment there are 180 sponges the size of the sponges used in the kitchen for cleaning kettles. Sponges (3) of any size can be used as long as the frame are adjusted so the slot (7) between the sponges are the correct with (2-4mm) for sliding in razor clams between the sponges. The end plates (2) are reinforced to prevent them from bending when the razor clams are placed between the sponges. In the shown embodiment the end plates (2) are reinforced by giving them the shape of an U-beam, but there is many ways to make the and plates strong enough. The mid plates (4) does not need reinforcement because the net force on the mid plates (4) are close to zero as long as there are about the same amount of razor clams (1) in all slots (7).

[0025] The frame are used by simply sliding razor clams (1) into the slots (7). The sponges (3) will then hold the razor clam (1) in place with a gentle pressure distributed all over the razor clam (1). The clam will then think it is burred in sand and filter water the way it normally do. When taking out the clams it is smart to turn the frame, so the clams are upside down. Then you can pull them out feet first. If you try to pull them out the opposite way, the razor clam will lodge itself in the sponges (3) with its foot, and become difficult to pull out.

[0026] It is of course many ways to construct the frame. Dimensions can vary. The sponges can be replaced with another flexible material. It is possible to hinge the end plates (2) and mid plates (4) which may or may not make it easier, to place the razor clams between the sponges. The constants in the invention is that the razor clams are squeezed from each side with a gentle pressure distributed all over the surface off the shell, preferable so the razor clam (1) are kept in upright position with the foot of the calm at the bottom and the opening of the clam at the top.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 17 OCT 2022 (17.10.2022)CLAIMS1) Frame for razor clams made of sponges or similar material mounted on a frame characterized by that the sponges are placed on parallel vertical plates so the razor clam quick and easy can be pressed in between the sponges so the sponges hold the razor in a firm grip with a gentle pressure distributed all over the shell, and make sure the razor stands vertical which is necessary to ensure the razors survival.2) Frame for razor clams according to claim 1 characterized by that the gap between the sponges are 2-4mm so razor clams can be slid between the sponges by hand without harming the shell. 3) Frame for razor clams according to claim 1 characterized by that the frame has a bottom plate that limits how far down the clam can move, make it possible to stack the frames and prevent clams from falling on the ground when the frame are moved.4) Frame for razor clams according to claim 4 characterized by that the bottom can easily be removed so it is possible to pull the razor clam out foot first.

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