Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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FISHING TIP-UP
CROSS-REF>E;RENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. GO/I
38,335,
filed June 9, 1999, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF' THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to fish bite signaling apparatuses
and, more
particularly, to ice-fishing tip-up devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1 ~ It is generally known in the field of fishing to use certain signaling
equipment to
indicate a fish strike. In particular, in the field of ice fishing, for
various generally
understood reasons, it is desirable to use a fish strike indicator device
commonly referred
to as a fishing tip-up device. Typically, a fishing tip-up device is mounted
above a hole in
the ice. Many fishing tip-up devices normally include a base plate positioned
over a hole
in the ice; a vertical column extending below the base plate, through the hole
in the ice and
into the water therebelow; a reel with frshing line and a hook connected to
the vertical
column; a spring mounted flag pole attached to a top side of the base plate;
and a flag
attached to an upper end of the flag pole. Upon initial set-up, prior to a
fish strike, the
spring mounted flag pole is bent to be parallel with the base plate or the ice
surface and
held in this position by any number of different known mechanical mechanisms.
Generally, the spring mounted flag pole, the mechanical mechanism and the reel
are
interconnected so as to indicates the occurrence of a fish bite. When a fish
strikes the bait
located on a hook at the end of the fishing line, as the reel of fishing line
turns, it causes
the mechanical mechanism to release the spring mounted flag pole, such that
the flag pole
springs up to a vertical position, thereby indicating to the fisherman that a
fish may have
been hooked. Certain fishing tip-up devices include an indicator light which
allows the
fisherman to observe whether a fish has hit the bait during night time
fishing. There are
many different designs for fishing tip-up devices other than the type just
mentioned.
However, the main objective is the same for all fishing tip-up devices.
Namely, a fishing
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tip-up device generally allows an ice-fisherman to leave the immediate area of
the hole in
the ice and watch his fishing tip-up device in order to observe whether a fish
has taken the
bait or lure. As a result, the fisherman can leave his fishing tip-up device
untended for
substantial periods of time, and can have several fishing tip-up devices
located at holes in
S the ice at several different locations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Ice-fishing tip-up devices are generally faced with the problem of preventing
freezing of the reel and line. Accordingly, it is known to provide a
lubricating agent
between a reel and a structure to which it is attached. Usually, the
lubricating agent is
some form of commonly known oil. Since the lubricating oil remains viscous at
very low
temperatures, the reel is prevented from freezing up when placed in cold water
for
extended periods of time. Hovvever, a problem with using a lubricating oil in
this fashion
concerns preventing the oil ITC>m leaking onto the fishing line. Because of
the normally
cold temperatures to which a tip-up device is subjected, it has proven
difficult, if not
impossible, to adequately seal the lubricating oil from unwanted leakage. As
generally
understood, fish are extremely sensitive to foreign smells. Thus, if a
lubricating oil leaks
onto a fishing line, the likelihood of catching any fish is greatly
diminished.
What is needed is a lashing tip-up device which eliminates the possibility of
contaminating the fishing line with lubricating oil.
Known types of fishing tip-up devices which provide a light indicator to
signal
when a strike has occurred have a number of problems. A fish bite is generally
signaled in
conventional fishing tip-up devices by the raising of a spring mounted pole or
similar
device and, if a light indicator is used, for instance for night-time fishing,
the light
indicator is activated. A proble:rn with these types of known fishing tip-up
devices is that
there is no indication as to whether a fish is playing with the bait or lure,
has hit the bait or
lure only to discontinue feeding, is actually hooked, or if an unknown
interfering force
actually activated the fishing tip--up device. In other words, once the
fishing tip-up device
signals to the fisherman that something may be happening at the end of the
fishing line, the
fisherman has no way of knowing what may be going on until he tests the line.
This leads
to many false alarms and greatly inconveniences the fisherman. He may have to
leave his
sheltered area to check his line or he may wrongly choose to check a line
which does not
have a fish hooked thereto when one of his other activated fishing tip-up
devices has an
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actual hit. The delay in reaching the fishing tip-up device with the actual
fish hit may
cause the fisherman to lose his prey.
What is needed is a fishing tip-up device which distinguishes between a false
fish
strike or weak fish strike, as compared to an actual, hard fish strike.
As known to those skilled in the art, certain fish, especially walleye, are
extremely
sensitive to any appreciable resistance they feel when attacking a bait or
lure. As
previously mentioned, many known fishing tip-up devices include a mechanical
connection to hold the spring mounted flag pole prior to signaling a fish
strike. As a fish
turns the reel, the mechanical c:onneetion is caused to release, thereby
allowing the spring
mounted flag pole to spring upward and signal a fish strike. However, the fish
must
provide a certain amount of pull on the fishing line in order to enable the
mechanical
connection to be released. The; resistance in the mechanical connection may
cause certain
fish, such as walleye, to discontinue its assault on the bait or lure, thereby
preventing the
fisherman from making his catch.
What is needed is a fishing tip-up device which incorporates a virtually
resistance
free reel assembly in combination with a signaling device. What is needed is a
fishing tip-
up device which provides a free floating reel and line assembly which is not
mechanically
tied to a signaling device. What is also needed is a fishing tip-up device
which eliminates
the need for such known conventional mechanical connections, which reduces
noise and
increases reliability of the fishing tip-up device, thereby improving the
likelihood of
catching fish.
Many other problems exist with known f shing tip-up assemblies. Problems often
ari a from difficulties in dismantling or erecting the assembly especially in
cold weather
conditions; to having the ice hole freeze and trap the fishing line; to having
the reel or flag
2~ freeze with drifting/blowing snow or ice; to transporting or storing the
assembly or
multiple assemblies; to maintaiining the battery life or energy source for a
light indicator;
to not being able to see the bite indicator under low light conditions; to not
being of
dependable operation.
What is needed is a fishing tip-up device which solves the aforementioned
problems and yet is not unduly expensive to manufacture, so as to be
reasonably
economical to both commercial and recreational fisherman.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
fishing
tip-up apparatus which utilizca an electro-magnetic assembly to activate a
signaling
device.
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In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
fishing
tip-up apparatus which utilizes an electro-magnetic assembly to activate a
signaling
device, and an electrical circuit electrically coupled to the signaling device
to indicate the
severity of a fish strike, if' a;ny, after the fishing tip-up signaling device
has been activated.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a
fishing
tip-up apparatus which includes a base frame, a fishing rod, a reel of fishing
line, and a
signaling device. The reel of fishing line and the signaling device are
electrically coupled
together, such that when the reel of fishing line rotates, the signaling
device is activated to
indicate the occurrence ok' a. possible fish strike. The electrical circuit
which operates the
fishing tip-up device is turned on when the fishing rod is attached to the
base frame in a
first position for fishing, and the electrical circuit is turned off when the
fishing rod is
removed from the first position for fishing and placed in the base frame in a
second
position for storage and transportation. The on/off power connection of the
fishing tip-up
device will help preserve the life of the energy source or battery for the
electrical circuit by
1 ~ practically eliminating the possibility that the fishing tip-up device
will be accidentally
turned on.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
fishing
tip-up apparatus which includes a base frame having a longitudinal opening, a
fishing rod
which is pivotally connected to the base frame, and a signaling device which
is spring
mounted to the base frame. During storage or transportation of the fishing tip-
up device,
the fishing rod is pivoted into the longitudinal opening and the signaling
device is bent to
be substantially parallel with the base frame to provide a compact unit.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
fishing
tip-up apparatus which includes a base frame having a box-like structure and a
fishing rod
and signaling device which are attachable to the base frame for fishing, and
which are
detachable from the base frame and placeable within the base frame for storage
and
transportation. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a
twisting snap
lock combination between the fishing rod and the base frame is provided. ,A
simple twist
of the fishing rod in one direction is all that is needed to lock the fishing
rod to the base
frame for fishing, and a sample twist of the fishing rod in an opposite
direction is all that is
needed to unlock the fishing rod from the base frame so that the fishing rod
can be placed
within the base frame for storage and transportation.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
fishing
tip-up apparatus which includes a base frame that is adapted to connect to
other fishing tip-
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up apparatus base frames, so that multiple fishing tip-up apparatuses can be
easily stored
and transported.
In accordance with one; aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
fishing
tip-up apparatus which includes a base frame which supports various accessory
items, such
as a tackle box and a fish ho (ding box during use, storage and
transportation. Preferably,
the base frame, the tackle box and the fish holding box are hinged together,
so as to be
foldable into a single, compact unit for storage and transportation, and also
unfoldable into
a single unit for fishing.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
fishing
tip-up apparatus which is battery operated to enhance the operation of the
fishing tip-up
apparatus for the convenience of a fisherman. In one aspect of the present
invention,
rechargeable batteries and a solar panel are used to increase the life of the
batteries. In
another aspect of the present invention, digital electronic components are
used as to
provide a programmable control board. One advantage of a programmable control
board
is that the fishing tip-up device can be programmed to accommodate a number of
electronic features, such as providing a cell phone, a pager, a beeper or any
number of
different annunciators to announce movement of the fishing line to a
fisherman.
A significant feature of the present invention is to provide a simple,
reliable,
convenient to use, and easy to stow and transport fishing tip-up apparatus,
particularly, an
ice-fishing tip-up apparatus.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those
skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims
and drawings in
which like numerals are used oo designate like features.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of a fishing tip-up apparatus according to one
aspect
of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is another illustrative view of the fishing tip-up device of FIG. 1
showing
the fishing tip-up device in a non-activated state (bold lines) and an
activated state (dashed
lines).
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the fishing tip-up device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines IV-IV of FIG. 2.
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FIG. ~ is an illustrative view of an alternative fishing tip-up apparatus
according to
another aspect of the present invention showing the fishing tip-up device in
an activated
state (bold lines) and a non-activated state (dashed lines).
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the fishing tip-up device of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines VII-VII of FIG. 5 showing
the
fishing tip-up device positioned over a hole in the ice.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines VIII-VIII of FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines IX-IX of FIG. 7 showing the
fishing rod in a locked position (bold lines) and in an unlocked position
(dashed lines).
FICi. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 8 except the fishing rod has been removed.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines XI-XI of FIG. 10, except
the
fishing rod is shown in dashed lines.
FIG. 12 is a cross-secticmal view taken along lines XII-XII of FIG. 7.
FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a portion of the fishing rod and signaling
device
shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectic>nal view taken along lines X1V-XIV of FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines XV-XV of FIG. 5 when the
fishing tip-up device is in the non-activated state.
FIG. 16 is a plan developed view of a portion of the fishing rod shown in FIG.
12.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines XVII-XVII of FIG. ?.
FIG. 18 is an illustrative view of three of the fishing tip-up devices of FIG.
5 being
ganged or connected together. fIG. 18 further illustrates how the fishing tip-
up devices
are individually or collectively adapted for storage and transportation.
FIG. 19 is a partial end view of the fishing tip-up device of FIG. 5 with
slight
2~ modifications.
FIG. 20 is an illustrative end view of the fishing tip-up devices of FIG. 19
(bold
lines) with additional fishing tip-up devices connected thereto (dashed
lines).
FIG. 21 is an enlarged, partially cut-away view of one hinge portion of the
fishing
tip-up device of FIG. ~.
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines XXII-XXII of FIG. 21.
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines XXIII-XXIII ofFIG. 20.
FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines XXIV-XXIV of FIG. 18.
FIG. 25 is a schematic drawing of an example of an electrical circuit for the
fishing
tip-up device of FIG. 5
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FIG. 26 is a schematic drawing for using an op-amp as a voltage follower to
provide a voltage drop for a nine-volt battery.
FICr. 27 is an example of a plotted graph used to determine an estimated life
for a
nine-volt battery used in accordance with the principles of the present
invention.
Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details
of construction
and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description
or illustrated
in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being
practiced or
being carried out in various ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology
and
terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be
regarded as
limiting. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof
herein is meant
to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as
additional items
and equivalents thereof. The use of "consisting of ' herein is meant to
encompass only the
items listed thereafter and the equivalents thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a fishing tip-up device 10 according to one aspect of the
present invention.
The fishing tip-up device 10 is structurally described as follows. The fishing
tip-up
device 10 includes a base member or frame 12 adapted to span a hole in the ice
(see FIG.
2). The base member 12 may be made of wood, plastic, metal or any other
suitable
material according to the principles of the present invention. Refernng in
particular to
FIG. 3, base member 12 includes a longitudinal opening 14, a through hole 16,
a recessed
out portion 18, an opening 20 including a slot 22, and an aperture 24. The
base member
12 also includes a slit 26 (FIG. 1 ).
The fishing tip-up device 10 further includes a fishing rod 28 which is
preferably
pivotally mounted to base member 12. The fishing rod 28 may be made of plastic
or any
other suitable material. The fisihing rod 28 is adapted to fit within the
longitudinal opening
14 of base member 12 when the fishing tip-up device 10 is non-operational or
being
transported or stored. Still referring in particular to FIG. 3, pin 30 or the
like extends
through one end of hole 16, through a hole 32 in rod 28 and out the other end
of hole 16.
A cap, nut or the like (not shown) is placed on the end of pin 30 extending
through the
hole 16 to secure the pin 30 in position. Thus, the fishing rod 28 is movable
between a
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non-operational or stow position (FIG. 1 ) and an operational position (FIG.
2}. In the
operational position, the fishing rod 28 is substantially normal to the base
member 12 and
is submerged into the water through the hole in the ice (FIG. 2).
Refernng in particular to FIG. 4, the fishing tip-up device 10 also includes a
spool
34 of fishing line 36 which is wound on to a reel 38 and attached to a lower
end 40 of the
fishing rod 28 by way of bolt 4.? or the like. The reel 38 includes a fishing
line wind-up or
un-wind handle 44. A magnet 46 is attached to the reel 38, the purpose of
which will be
discussed below. A magnet 37 and stop pieces 39 are attached to fishing line
36, the
purpose of which will be explained below.
Attached to the other end 48 of fishing rod 28 is a magnet 50. An electrical
coil 52
surrounds the magnet 50. A pair of prongs 54 are connected to the fishing rod
28 and
extend above the magnet 50. A sheath 56, such as a rubber or plastic sheath,
surrounds the
magnet 50, coil 52 and prongs 54 (FIG. 3).
Still referring in particular to FIG. 4, a plate 58 is attached to the
lowermost end of
1 ~ fishing rod 28 by way of screws 60 (see also FIG. 3) or the like. The
plate 58 is preferably
made of a material capable of being attracted by a magnet. The plate 58
includes a hole 62
adapted to allow the fishing line to pass therethrough.
Fishing rod 28 also contains a bore 63 which extends bet~~een lower end 40 and
the
upper end 48 and which is adapted to receive electrical wires 64 and 66. The
fishing rod
28 also contains a cut-out portion 68 adapted to receive a sensor device or
reed switch 70,
the purpose of which will be described below. Wires 72 and 74 also may at
least partially
extend through the fishing rod 28.
Referring in particular to FIG. 2, the fishing tip-up device 10 further
includes a
signaling device 75 comprising a. signal mast or shaft 76 which includes a
flag 78 affixed
to one end and a light indicating device or bulb 80 affixed to the same end.
The shaft or
flag pole 76 is spring mounted to the fishing tip-up device 10 by way of
spring 82. One
end of the flag pole 76 fits through an eye bolt 84 or the like screwed into
or otherwise
connected to the base member I2 when the fishing tip-up device 10 is in a non-
operational
mode or during transport or storage. The flag pole 76 is made of a material
which is
capable of being attracted to a magnet. The flag pole 76 is also capable of
receiving
electric wires which connect to the bulb 80.
Referring again in particular to FIG. 3, the fishing tip-up device 10 further
includes
an electrical circuit or a circuit assembly 85 comprising an energy source
such as two nine-
volt batteries 88, an on-off switch 90 (FIG. 2) with operating light 92 (FIG.
2), a circuit
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board 94, sensor device 70, and various electrical wires. The circuit board 94
and various
other components are housed within recessed portion 18 of the base member 12
under
plate 86 upon assembly.
Having described the structural components of the fishing tip-up device 10,
the
fishing tip-up device 10 operates as follows. FIG. 1 shows the fishing tip-up
10 in a non-
operating state. Fishing rod 28, including the reel 38, magnet SO and prongs
S4 attached
thereto, is pivoted up into the longitudinal opening portion 14 through
connection with pin
30. Shaft 28 is flexed or bent clown such that the upper end thereof fits into
eye bolt 84.
Line 36 is passed through slU 2E> and over a portion of the top of base member
12. Hook
96 (FIG. 4) is mounted to bao 98 (FIG. 4) which is placed within opening 2U by
being
passed at least partially through aperture 24 (FIG. 3). A portion of fishing
line 36 passes
through slot 22. Accordingly, the fishing tip-up device 10 is easily stored
and transported.
FIG. 2 shows the fishing tip-up device 10 when first positioned over a hole in
the
ice and ready for operation (bold lines). The fishing rod 28 is pivoted down
out of housed
relationship with the longitudinal opening 14 of the base member 12 through
connection
with pin 30. 'fhe depth ~.~f the water is typically determined. Once the depth
is
determined, the stop pieces 3~? are adjusted such that the magnet 37 is moved
along the
fishing line 36 until it is placed within about one foot of the total amount
of depth from the
bottom of the fishing line 36 yFI(1. 4). The fishing line 36 is then fixed in
position via
plate S8 and magnet 37.
The electro-magnetic assembly is activated by flipping switch 90 on and light
92
preferably indicates that the fishing tip-up device 10 is activated. Flag pole
76 is bent so
that a portion of the pole 76 is placed between prongs 54. Magnet SO causes
pole 76 to
remain in place.
When a fish takes the b;~it attached to hook 96 on the end of fishing line 36,
the fish
will cause the reel 38 to rotate. As the reel rotates, magnet 46 passes reed
switch 70
positioned within the fishing rod 28. The magnet 46 pulls the weaker metal of
the reed
switch 70 towards the stronger metal of the reed switch until the metal parts
contact each
other as shown in FIG. 4. Once contacted, the reed switch 70 completes the
electrical
circuit of the fishing tip-up device 10. Two things happen as the magnet 46
passes the
reed switch 70. The electrical circuit charges the coil S2 around the magnet
S0, thereby
reversing the polarity of the magnet 50 causing the flag pole 76 to be
released from the
magnet SO and to spring into a vertical position (FIG. 2) indicating that
something has
caused the reel 38 to rotate. Also, the completed circuit causes the indicator
bulb 80 to
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flash when the magnet 46 passes the reed switch 70. Thus, if a fish is merely
playing with
the bait or if the tip-up is sprang inadvertently, the light 80 will not blink
because the reel
38 will not be rotating. On the other hand, if a fish has taken the bait and
is swimming off
with it, the reel 38 will rotate at a fast rate past the reed switch 70
causing the light 80 to
blink in very rapid fashion. It should be noted that the light bulb 80 can be
electrically
coupled to the energy source such that it turns on when the flag pole 76 is
flipped up
which is advantageous for night-time fishing. 'the bulb 80 would still blink
on and off as
described but the bulb 80 would be on in a non-fish attacking mode to enable
the
fisherman to know that the flag pole 76 has at least been tipped-up.
l0 To reset the electro-magnetic assembly, the fishing tip-up device 10 is
simply
flipped off and then back on main.
The fishing tip-up device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4 has been described in such a
manner to identify various aspects of the present invention. However, the
features of the
present invention described above may be incorporated into other fishing tip-
up
;.5 apparatuses. Moreover, the features identified above may be slightly
modified to
accommodate difgent fishing tip-up designs. FIGS. 5-24 illustrate another
fishing tip-up
device 100 in which the features previously described may be employed and in
which
additional inventive features not yet previously described are incorporated.
It should be
noted that features specifically described in relation to FIGS. 5-24 may be
incorporated
~',0 into the fishing tip-up device 10 described in relation to FIGS. 1-4, or
other tip-up devices.
The fishing tip-up device 100 is structurally described as follows. FIG. 5
illustrates
the complete fishing tip-up device 100 according to the present invention.
FIG. 6
illustrates certain components of the fishing tip-up device 100 for the sake
of clarity.
Reference is initially made to FIGS. 5 and 6 when describing the fishing tip-
up device 100.
W Moreover, unless otherwise indicated, the fishing tip-up device 100 is
described with
reference to FIGS. ~ and 6. Fishing tip-up device 100 includes a base member
or frame
102, a tackle box 104, a fish holding box 106, a fishing rod 108, a reel 110
for fishing line,
a signaling device 112 and a handle 114. As shown, the tackle box 104 and fish
holding
box 106 are coupled to the base frame 102. However, the fishing tip-up device
100 can be
?~0 manufactured and sold without the tackle box 104 and fish holding box 106.
The fishing
tip-up device 100 is designed in such a way that it is easily stored and
transported.
Moreover, multiple fishing tip-up devices 100 can be connected or ganged
together for
convenient storage and transportation (see FIG. 18).
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The base frame 102 is. preferably rectangular and of sufficient length to span
an
appropriately sized hole in the ice. The width of the base frame 102, or the
width of the
base frame 102 plus the tackle box 104 and fish holding box 106, can vary to
accommodate any regulation sized fishing hole (see, e.g., FIG. 7). The base
frame 102,
the tackle box 104 and the fish holding box 106 are preferably made of
injected molded
plastic, but can be made of other suitable materials such as wood, metal or
various other
plastics in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The base
frame 102,
the tackle box 104 and the 6sh holding box 106 are preferably black in color
to take
advantage of solar heating.
The base frame 102 includes a top side 116, a bottom portion 118, opposite
lateral
sides 120 and 122, and opposite ends 124 and 126, all of which define a box
shaped
structure having an open area therein. The top side 116 is closed except for a
hole 128
extending therethrough to allo~.v a portion of the fishing rod 108 to pass
through the base
frame 102 for reasons which vrill be made clear below. The bottom portion 118
is open
I S (see FIG. 18) so that the fishing rod 108 can be piaced within the base
frame 102 for
storage and transportation, and. so that when the fishing tip-up device 100 is
in use, and
placed on the ice, the open area or the inner air space defined by the inside
surfaces of the
sides and walls of the base frame 102 provides a thermal protection barrier
from the
outside elements.
The tackle box 104 includes a top portion 130, a bottom side 132, opposite
lateral
sides 134 and 136, and oppositf: ends 138 and 140. The top portion 130 is open
to provide
access to two inner sections 142 and 144 which are divided by wall 146. The
inner
sections 142 and 144 can be used for housing tackle, extra fishing reels,
bait, or other
desired fishing equipment. Each inner section 142 and 144 is closed by a
separate lid 148,
although one lid can be used (see, e.g., FIG. 5). Each lid 148 is pivotally
hinged to the
tackle box 104 to open and close (see FIG. 7). Each lid 148 includes a finger
handle 150
for opening and closing the lid 148. A snap-fit relationship between each lid
148 and the
associated surface of the tackle box 104 provides a sufficient seal to keep as
much water as
practically possible from entering the tackle box 104 when the lids 148 are
closed. The
pivotal hinge relationship between the lids 148 and the tackle box 104
provides for easy
replacement of broken lids 148.
The fish holding box 106 includes a top portion 152, a bottom side 154.,
opposite
lateral sides 156 and 158, and opposite ends 160 and 162. The top portion 152
is open
(see FIG. 18) to allow the placement of fish within the fish holding box 106.
The fish
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holding box 106 is preferably provided with a measuring means 164 {see, e.g.,
FIG. 5) on
the outer side of the bottom side 154 thereof for measuring the length of any
fish caught.
Although no lids are shown, lids like the lids 148 for the tackle box 104, may
be provided.
The tackle box 104 a.nd fish holding box 106 are, preferably, substantially of
the
same size and shape as the base frame 102. However, the base frame 102, the
tackle box
104 and fish holding box 106 can be of various different sizes and shapes
consistent with
the principles of the present invention. In a folded up condition (with
reference to FIG.
18), normally for storage and. transportation, the open top portion 152 of the
fishing
holding box 106 is located adjacent to the bottom portion 118 of the base
frame 102, and
IO the top portion I30 with the lids 148 of the tackle box I04 is located
adjacent to the top
side 1 I6 of the base frame 102. In this way, any fish held in the fish
holding box 106 are
prevented from falling out of tlhe fish holding box 106, and the lids 148 of
the tackle box
I 04 are further prevented from undesirably opening.
At least one lateral side 134 and 136 of the tackle box 104 (FIG. 6) and at
least one
lateral side 156 and 158 of tile fish holding box 106 (FIG. 18) are provided
with an
associated longitudinal Fnger ;grip 166 for ease of folding and unfolding the
tackle box
104 and fish holding box 106.
The base frame 102 includes connecting means represented by a pair of spaced
apart recesses 170 located in the top side I 16 and a pair of spaced apart
projections 172
(FIG. 18) located on the bottom portion 1 I $. If the fishing tip-up device
100 is sold
without the tackle box 104 and fish holding box I06, a second and a third
fishing tip-up
device can be attached to the fishing tip-up device 100 via the connecting
means for
storage and transportation. Additional fishing tip-up devices can be attached
to the second
and third fishing tip-up devices by similar connecting means. FIG. 24
illustrates a
preferred connecting means 168 where a projection 172 snap-fits into an
associated recess
170. The depth of the undercut in the recess 170 and the size of the
associated ridge in the
projection 172 as shown in FIG. 24, depends on the type of material chosen and
the
desired amount of force needed to snap and unsnap the connecting means.
The tackle box 104 includes connecting means represented by a pair of spaced
apart projections 172 located on the top portion 130. The f sh holding box 106
includes
connecting means represented by spaced apart recesses 170 located in the
bottom portion
152 (FIG. 18). If the tackle box 104 and fish holding box 106 are included in
the fishing
tip-up device 100, the tackle box 104 and the fish holding box 106 are secured
to the base
frame 102 with the connecting means for storage and transportation. The same
connecting
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means illustrated in FIG. 24 is preferred to secure the tackle box 104 and
fish holding box
106 to the base frame 102. It should be noted that the recesses 170 and
projections 172
can be located in alternative positions, or switched from one box to another.
For example,
FIG. 19 shows the fish holding box 106 having a projection 172.
The tackle box 104 includes a second connecting means represented by a pair of
spaced apart projections 174 located on lateral side 134 and a pair of spaced
apart recesses
located on lateral side 136 (not shown). The fish holding box 106 includes a
second
connecting means represented by a pair of spaced apart projections 174 located
on lateral
side 158 (FIG. 18) and a pair of spaced apart recesses 176 located on lateral
side 156.
FIG. 18 illustrates three fishing tip-up devices 100 ganged together for
storing and
transporting these multiple fishing tip-up devices 100. More than three
fishing tip-up
devices can be similarly ganged together or only two fishing tip-up devices
can be
similarly ganged together. FICJ. 23 illustrates a preferred second connecting
means 178
where a projection 174 snap-fats into an associated recess 176. The ultimate
design of the
second connecting means depends on the type of material chosen and the desired
connection between the attached fishing tip-up devices.
The handle 114 is adapted to slide along slots 180 and 182 of the base frame
102.
The handle I 14 includes a pair of arms 184 and I 86, and a gripping portion
188 extending
therebetween. Each arm 184 and 186 includes an inwardly projecting knob 185
and 187,
0 respectively (see also FIG. 19). 'The knobs 18~ and 187 and associated slots
180 and 182
are appropriately configured so that the handle 114 can slide in and out of
the base frame
102, and so that when the handle I 14 is fully extended as shown in FIG. 18,
the handle
114 will not disconnect from the base frame 102. The gripping portion 188 is
designed to
have a comfortable feel and the arms 184 and 186 are designed to be long
enough to
accommodate an average sized person wearing a glove when the handle 114 is
extended
out from base frame 102 (see FIG. 18). Small finger grips 190 are provided on
opposite
ends of the gripping portion 188 to aid in sliding the handle 114 in and out
as desired. The
end 124 of the base frame 102 includes a sufficiently sized recess 192 which
is adapted to
receive the gripping portion 188 of the handle I 14 during use of the fishing
tip-up device
:30 100 or as desired (see FIG. 18). When multiple fishing tip-up devices 100
are ganged
together as shown in FIG. 18, one handle 114 can be used to carry the multiple
fishing tip-
up devices 100.
Another feature of the present invention concerns the pivotal relationship of
the
tackle box 104 and the fish holding box 106 with the base frame 102. The
tackle box 104
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and fish holding hox 106 are connected to the base frame l06 so that the
fishing tip-up
device 100 can be folded into a compact unit for storage and transportation as
shown in
FIG. 18. A double hinge design is incorporated on each end of the base frame
102 to
accommodate the tackle box 104 and fish holding box 106. As best shown in FIG.
6, a
pair of diagonally spaced apart substantially ball-shaped members 194 and 196
project
outwardly from end 124 of the base frame 102. A second pair of diagonally
spaced apart,
substantially ball-shaped members 198 and 200 (not shown) project outwardly
from end
126 of the base frame 102. A substantially ball-shaped member 202 projects
outwardly
from end 138 of tackle box 104 and a substantially ball-shaped member 2C)4
(FIG. 21)
projects outwardly from end 140 of tackle box 104. A substantially hall-shaped
member
206 projects outwardly from ~°nd 160 of fish holding box 106 and a
substantially ball-
shaped member 208 (not shown ) projects outwardly from end 162 of fish holding
box 106.
Four hinge mechanisms 2111, 2.12, 214, and 216 are provided to pivotally
connect the
tackle box 104 and fish holdinL; box 106 with the base frame 102. Each hinge
mechanism
210, 212, 214 and 216 is provided with a pair of ball-shaped recesses 218
which are
adapted to snap-fit over the associated outwardly projecting ball-shaped
members. Hinge
mechanism 210 snap-fits over ball-shaped members 194 of the base frame 102 and
ball-
shaped member 202 of the tackle box 104. Hinge mechanism 212 snap-fits over
ball-
shaped member 196 of the base frame 102 and hall-shaped member 206 of the fish
holding
box 106. Hinge mechanism 214 snap-fits over ball-shaped member 198 of the base
frame
102 and ball-shaped member 204 of the tackle box 104. Hinge mechanism 216 snap-
fits
over ball-shaped member 200 of the base frame 102 and ball-shaped member 208
of the
fish holding box 106. FIGS. 21 and 22 provide a clear representative view of a
ball/hitch
connection between hinge member 214 and ball-shaped members 198 and 204. The
placement and configuration of the double hinge connectors is designed to
enhance the
folding and unfolding operation of the fishing tip-up device 100.
As can be appreciated, when the fishing tip-up device 100 is resting on ice
and
water, the fishing tip-up device 100 may have a tendency to freeze into
position. The
hinge connectors are designed not only to hold the tackle box 104 and fish
holding box
106 to the base frame 102, but also to withstand certain jarring and shear
stresses as a
result of having to possibly break the fishing tip-up device 100 free from the
ice. Even so,
the portion of material 220 (FIGS. 6 and 21 ) of each hinge member 210, 212,
214 and 216
that extends between the respective recesses 218 is designed to fail if to
much stress is
placed on the double hinge connectors, thereby protecting the major components
of the
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fishing tip-up device 100 from damage. Also, ball-shaped members 194, 196,
198, 200,
202, 204, 206 and 208 are replaceable. The ball-shaped members can be screwed
or
threaded into their respective boxes. If a ball-shaped member breaks, the oId
ball-shaped
member can simply be removed and a new ball-shaped member can be installed.
The
hinge members and the ball-shaped members are relatively inexpensive and easy
to
replace, as compared to other components of the fishing tip-up device, e.g.,
the fishing rod
I08. The hinge members 21 (), 2I2, 214 and 216 are preferably made of a
thermoplastic
material, rubber material, synthetic material, or other materials suitable for
use according
to the principles of the present invention. The replaceable ball-shaped
members can be
l 0 more firmly secured to their respective boxes by utilizing a compatible
epoxy adhesive.
Another feature of the present invention concerns the cooperation of the
fishing rod
108 with the base frame 102. >;Inlike prior designs, the fishing rod 108 is
designed to
easily disconnect from the base frame 102 for ease of handling a fish on the
line and for
storing the fishing rod 108 within the base frame 102. A simple rotation or
twisting of the
5 fishing rod 108 with respect to the base frame 102 is all that is needed to
lock and unlock
the fishing rod 108 from its operating position as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7.
Reference is particularly made to FIGS. 8-11 for an explanation of the
cooperation
between the fishing rod 108 and the base frame 102. An inner wall of lateral
side 120
includes a first arcuate formation 222 having a slot 223 (see also FIG. 18).
An inner wall
20 of lateral side 122 includes a second arcuate formation 224 having a slot
225. The arcuate
formations 222 and 224 are positioned generally opposite one another on the
associated
lateral sides 120 and 122. The front of the slot 223 of the arcuate formation
222 includes
an entrance opening 226 which i:aces in one direction relative to the end
walls 124 and 126
of the base frame 102. The back of the slot 223 includes an end wall 230 (see
also FIG.
a!5 18). Between the opening 22(i and end wall 230, there is provided a first
restriction
member 234 which projects from a top surface of the slot 223 into the slot
223, and a
second restriction member 234 (see also FIG. 18) which projects from a bottom
surface of
the slot 223 into the slot 223. The first and second restriction members 234
are positioned
generally opposite one another to define a space extending therebetween (see
FIG. 11).
..0 The front of the slot 225 of the arcuate formation 224 includes an
entrance opening 228
which faces in an opposite direction relative to the end walls 124 and 126 of
the base
frame 102. The back of the sloe: 225 includes an end wall 232. Between the
opening 228
and end wall 232, there is provided a third restriction member 234 which
projects from a
top surface of the slot 225 into the slot 225, and a fourth restriction member
234 which
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projects from a bottom surface of the slot 225 into the slot 225. The third
and fourth
restriction members 234 are positioned generally opposite one another to defne
a space
extending therebetween. ThE: restriction members 234 preferably have a
generally semi-
circular cross-section.
The fishing rod 108 includes a first outwardly extending locating arm 236 and
an
opposite second outwardly extending locating arm 238 (see also FIGS. 6 and 7).
When it
is desirable to attach the fishing rod 108 to the base frame 102 as shown in
FIGS. S and 7,
a top portion of the fishing rod 108 is passed up through the hole 128 of the
base frame
102 from the bottom portion 1 18 of the base frame 102 (see, e.g., FIG. 6).
When passing
the top portion of the fishing rod 108 up through the hole 128, the first
locating arm 236
and the second locating arm 238 are generally parallel with the lateral sides
120 and 122 of
the base frame 102. The fishing rod 108 is passed up through the hole 128
until the first
locating arm 236 and the second locating arm 238 are substantially aligned
with the slots
223 and 225 of the respective arcuate formations 222 and 224. FIG. 9
illustrates the
1 S foregoing showing the first and second locating arms 236 and 238 in dashed
lines. Once
the fishing rod 108 is positioned as shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 9, the
fishing rod
108 is caused to rotate or twist in one direction, such as a counterclockwise
direction, as
evidenced by the arrows 240 in FIG. 9. The entrance opening 226 of the first
arcuate
formation 222 receives the first locating arm 236 and the zntrance opening 228
of the
second arcuate fornlation 224 receives the second locating arm 238. The
fishing rod 108
is caused to rotate in the counterclockwise direction so that the first
locating arm 236 is
forced through the space be°tween the restriction members 234 of the
first arcuate
formation 222, and the second locating arni 238 is forced through the space
between the
restriction members 234 of the second arcuate formation 224. The fishing rod
108 is
rotated in the counterclockwise direction until such time as the first
locating arm 236 is
captured between the end wall 230 and the restriction members 234 of the first
arcuate
formation 222, and the second locating arm 238 is captured between the end
wall 232 and
the restriction members 234 of the second arcuate formation 224. In this
position, the
fishing rod 108 is locked to the base frame 102 and is ready for operation.
The fishing rod
108 will remain in this position until such time as an intervening force
unlocks the fishing
rod I08 from the base frame 102. When it is desirable to detach the fishing
rod 108 from
the base frame 102, the fishinf; rod 108 is caused to rotate in an opposite
direction, in this
case a clockwise direction, so that the locating arms 236 and 238 can be
forced past the
respective restriction members 234 and out of the slots 223 and 225 of the
respective
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arcuate formations 222 and 224. Once the locating arms 236 and 238 are
generally
parallel with the lateral sides 120 and 122 of the base frame 102 as shown in
dashed lines
in FIG. 9, the top portion of the fishing rod 108 extending through the hole
128 of the base
frame 102 is past back through the hole 128 and the fishing rod 108 is simply
removed
from having any connection with the base frame IO~Z. It should be noted that
the arcuate
formations 222 and 224 include outer concave surfaces 242 (see also FIG. 18)
and 244,
respectively, to help guide the tishing rod 108 into and out of the hole 128
of the base
frame 102 and further support 'the fishing rod I 08 in its operating position.
It should also
be noted that the dimensions of the opposing projecting restriction members
234 depend
1 U on the type of material used and the desired amount of force needed to
snap and unsnap
the fishing rod 108 to and from the base frame 102.
FIG. 18 shows the fishing rod 108 in its storage and transportation position
within
the base frame 102. The inner wall of lateral side 120 of the base frame 102
includes a
groove 246 and the inner wall of the lateral side 122 of the base frame 102
includes a
15 groove 24$. Each groove 24(i and 248 is adapted to receive an associated
one of the
locating arms 236 and 238 of t'he fishing rod 108. Although not shown, each
groove 246
and 248 includes opposing projecting restriction members or small radius arcs
which are
similar to the restriction members 234 of the arcuate formations 222 and 224.
As shown,
the first locating arm 236 is snapped into position within groove 246 past the
restriction
20 members and the second locating ami 238 is snapped into position within
groove 248 past
the restriction members. So located, the fishing rod 108 is secured within the
base frame
102 for storage and transportation and will remain in this position until an
intervening
force removes the fishing rod 108 from within the base frame 102.
The theory for operation of the fishing tip-up device 100 is similar to the
25 operation of the fishing tip-up device 10. A fish comes along and plays
with the bait
before actually biting onto it (because of the cold temperatures, the fish are
not very
active). Once the fish has the bait and starts swimming away with it, the reel
110 for the
fishing line is significantly turned triggering a sensor device. A signal is
sent to a circuit
board stored in the fishing rod 108 and triggers other signaling devices. An
electromagnet
30 stored in the fishing rod 108 quietly reverses polarity enough to override
the permanent
magnet holding down the signaling device 112. The signaling device 112 then
tips up to
the vertical signaling position. IrIG. 5 shows the signaling device 112 in
dashed lines in its
non-signaling position and in bold lines in its signaling position. A light
253, flashing at
the top of the signaling device 112 may be provided.
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The signaling device 1 12 preferably includes a flag pole 250, a flag 252
attached to
an upper end thereof, and a light bulb 253 or some other anrrunciator is
attached to the end
of the flag pole 250. The light bulb 253 or any other appropriate annunciator
may be
placed elsewhere on the fishing tip-up device 100 according to the teachings
of the present
invention. The flag pole 250 is spring mountable to the fishing rod 108 with
spring 254.
The flag pole 250 is preferably made of a hollow metal rod or other suitable
material for
light wiring. A base member '?56 is attached to the lower end of the flag pole
250 or the
lower end of the spring 254. 'The base member 256 is preferably made of
plastic, but may
be made of other suitable materials. The fishing rod 108 includes a recessed
track 258
which is adapted to slidably receive the base member 256 when the flag pole
250 is
attached to the fishing rod 108. FIGS. 13 and 14 best show the mating
relationship
between the base member 256 and the recessed track 258. The bottom of the
recessed
track 258 and the bottom of l:he base member 256 have a diagonal or curved
shape (see
also FIG. 12), so that if water enters into the recessed track 258 between the
surface of the
recessed track 258 and the surface of the base member 256, the diagonal or
curved surface
will cause the water to flow out of the recessed track 258 for reasons which
will be
apparent below. The signaling device 112 is also positionable within the base
frame 102
for storage and transportation. As shown in FIG. 18, the bottom portion 118
and the end
wall 124 of the base frame 10'? define a recessed track 260 which is adapted
to slidably
receive the base member 25ti to provide a compact unit for storage and
transportation.
The fishing tip-up d.wice 100 is battery operated. A number of electrical
connections exist between various components of the fishing tip-up device 100
so that the
fishing tip-up device I00 operates properly. Although a particular electrical
circuit will be
described in reference to the operation of the fishing tip-up device 100,
other electrical
circuits consistent with the principles of the present invention may be
employed. A
control or circuit board is illustratively shown as 262 in FIG. 12. The
fishing rod 108
includes a cap section 264 and a shaft section 266. As shown is FIG. I2, the
circuit board
262 is housed within the cap section 264. Before explaining in detail the
electronic
operation of the fishing tip-up device 100, the structural aspects of the cap
section 264 and
the shaft section 266 are provided.
Referring in particular to FIG. 12, the cap section 264 houses the central
brain or
main electronics of the fishing tip-up device 100. The cap section 264 is
preferably made
of plastic but may be made o~f other suitable materials. A magnet 268 is
housed in an
upper portion of the cap section 264 (FIG. 15). The magnet 268 is electrically
coupled to
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the circuit board 262 via electrical wires 270 (FIG. 1~). The energy source or
battery 272
for operating the fishing tip-up device 100 is also housed with the cap
section 264. The
battery 272 is electrically coupled to the circuit board 262 by suitable
means. 'two 9-volt
batteries or l.~-volt C-cell batteries would work well according to the
principles of the
present invention, although other battery types are acceptable. Two 9-volt
batteries and
1.5-volt C-cell batteries give tl~e higher voltage needed when fishing under
cold operating
temperatures. In general, the diameter or width of the cap section 264, as
well as the size
of other components, such as the circuit board 262, will depend on the size
and type of
battery or batteries used for the fishing tip-up device 100. A pair of
semicircular
projections or engagement members 274 and 276 arc provided on the inner wall
of the cap
section 264 for reasons further explained below.
The shaft section 26(i is preferably made of a plastic material which is
suitable to
withstand freezing conditions, allow for electrical conductivity therewithin,
and be erosion
resistant, but may be made oil other suitable materials. The shaft section
comprises an
upper portion 278, a lower portion 280 and a main body portion 282 extending
therebetween. The shaft 266 is preferably hollow or at least has a bore
extending
substantially from the lower portion 280, through the main body portion 282,
and through
the upper portion 278. The main body portion 282 is provided with a plurality
of
longitudinal finger grips 283 for sure-handed gripping when handling the
fishing rod 108.
The grips 283 are sized and contoured for average ergonomics. The upper
portion 278
includes a substantially cylindrical section 284 which has a diameter which is
less than the
adjacent diameter of the main body portion 282, thereby defining an annular
ledge 286.
The cylindrical section 284 includes a pair of grooves 288 and 290 (FIG. 12).
FIG. 16
shows a plan developed view of one of the grooves 288 and 290 to better
illustrate the
shape of the grooves. The grooves 288 and 290 may be described as having
labyrinthine
paths. Each groove 288 and 290 includes a generally horizontal portion A, a
generally
vertical portion B extending fiom portion A, and a somewhat U-shaped portion C
extending from portion B. 'The function of the grooves 288 and 290 will be
explained
below. The lower portion 280 includes a forked end 292. Although not shown, a
hook
storage device is preferably provided on the lower portion 280 for receiving a
hook on the
fishing line when the fishing tip-up device 100 is in storage and/or in
transit. This will
allow the fisherman to keep a leader positioned of the fishing line straight
during storage
and transportation.
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A sensor device or proximity switch 293 is embedded in one corner of the
forked
end 292 for reasons which will be explained below. The forked end 292 is
adapted to
receive the reel 110 for the fishing line. The reel 110 may be any suitable
fishing reel.
The reel 110 includes a sensor activator such as a piece of metal 301 (FI(~.
17). An
integrated magnetic line holder may be coupled to the reel 110 to provide a
free fall of
fishing line at the instant a fish nibbles on the bait. As shown in FIGS. 6
and 17, a reel
such as reel 110 which includes, a splined shaft 294 or similar shaft which
passes through a
hole 296 in one arm of the forked end 292, through a spool 298, and snapped
into an
aperture 299 in the other arm of the forked end 292, and which induces a push
button 300
to release the shaft 294 from the forked end 292, and which includes a
stainless steel T-
shaped handle 302 or similar handle to wind and unwind the fishing line, would
work well
according to the principles of the present invention. .Although not clearly
shown, the push
button 300 is preferably flush or slightly indented with respect to the
adjacent outer
surface of the forked end 292 vrrt~en the shaft 294 is locked to the forked
end 292, so as to
inhibit an unwanted release of the reel I 10 from the shaft 266. A preferred
reel 400 is
shown in Exhibits A, B and C' attached to the end of this application and
incorporated .
herein by reference in their entirety. As generally known, if a large fish
hits the bait
attached to a fishing tip-up device, the fish is capable of swimming off and
unreeling the
whole spool of fishing line. What is needed is a new reel design which
inhibits a fish from
unreeling the entire spool of fishing line in this manner. What is needed is a
new fishing
reel which, the faster the reel turns, the more difficult it becomes for the
fish to unreel the
fishing line. What is needed is a new reel which incrementally increases
resistance in
rotation as the reel rotates in thf: water. Exhibits A, B and C illustrate the
fishing rod 108,
the forked end 292, a first circular plate 402 having holes 404, a hub 406,
and spring clips
408, a second circular plate 410 having holes 412, a hub 414, and spring clips
416, a fin
plate 418 having fins 420, a second fin plate 422 having fins 424, a locking
device 426, a
shaft 428, and a handle 430. Holes 404 and 412 are shown as having a tear drop
shape but
can be of other suitable shapes. Moreover, the tear drops can be inverted. The
fins 420
and 424 are curved but can be of other suitable shapes. Preferably, the fins
are designed to
provide increasing resistance to the point of cavitation or close to the point
of cavitation.
The curves can be increased or decreased depending on the amount of desired
drag in the
reel. The shaft 428 can have a square or star or other suitably shaped cross
section. The
first plate 402 and the second plate 410 are connected by snap clipping
together the spring
clips 408 and 416. The plates can be connected by alternative means. The
locking device
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or spring 426 is adapted to ride in groove 432 of the shaft 428 and fit within
internally
provided recesses in the hubs 406 and 414. In this way, the locking device
will prevent the
reel assembly from undesirably moving axially along the shaft 128 which could
adversely
affect the operation of the reel. The combination of the shaft 428, the hubs
406 and 414,
and the locking device 426 is such that the locking device can expand and
contract with
changing temperatures without adversely affecting the operation of the reel
400. The
handle 430 is provided to also .create drag in the reel 400. The handle 430 is
also provided
to prevent the fishing line from freely unreeling prior to a fish strike. When
assembled,
the fins 420 and 424 will pump or suck water through the holes 404 and 4I2 as
the reel
rotates. This action will create a drag on the reel, thereby preventing a
large fish from
swimming of with the bait.
Having described many of the structural details of the present invention, the
operation of the fishing tip-up device 100 will now be further explained. FIG.
18 shows
the fishing tip-up device 1()0 in a non-operating state or in its ready for
storage and
1 ~ transportation state. The easv assembly and disassembly of the various
components of the
fishing tip-up device 100 as previously explained provides a fishing tip-up
device which
solves many of the problems recognized in the prior art. FIGS. 5 and 7 show
the fishing
tip-up device 100 in its ready to operate state. The fishing rod 108 has been
removed from
its storage position in the base frame 102 and attached to the base frame 102.
The signal
device 112 has been removed from its storage position in the base frame 102
and mounted
on the fishing rod 108. The flag pole 250 is bent or flexed at the spring 254
until the
magnet 268 holds the flag pole '?50 (see dashed lines in FIG. S). The
uppermost portion
of the cap section 264 is provided with a groove 304 to receive the flag pole
250 when the
flag pole is held by the magnet 'Z68 {FIG. 15). The fishing tip-up device 100
is ready for
2~ operation.
The on/off power connection for the fishing tip-up device 100 is integrated
into the
cap section 264 and shaft section 266, so that when the cap section 264 is
properly
connected to the shaft section !66, the fishing tip-up device 100 is turned
on. The thread
like grooves 288 and 290 of the shaft section 266 are designed to provide a
secure
connection for the onoff operation of the fishing tip-up device 100, while
also being
designed to provide a quick and easy means to separate the shaft section 266
from the cap
section 264 when it is desirable to change the batteries. There is no external
on/off power
switch for the fishing tip-up device 100, thereby decreasing the likelihood
of~ the fishing
tip-up device 100 from being accidentally turned on and/or off.
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With particular reference to FIG. 12, the grooves 288 and 290 of the shaft
section
266 include electrical contacts 306 and 308, respectively. The electrical
contacts 306 and
308 are electrically coupled to the circuit board 292 via electrical contacts
307 and 309,
respectively, found in the engaf;ement members 274 and 276 of the cap section
264, and
via electrical wires 310 and 312. The electrical wires 310 and 312 may extend
through the
wall of the cap section 264 as shown or up through the hollow portion of the
cap section
264. The sensor device 293 em'~nedded in the forked end 292 is electrically
coupled to one
or both of the electrical contacts 306 and 308 by electrical wires 314 (see
also FIG. I7), or
the sensor device 293 may be directly electrically coupled to the circuit
board 292 by any
'.0 other suitable means. The recessed track 258 of the cap section 264
includes electrical
contacts 316 and 318. The electrical contacts 316 and 318 are electrically
coupled to the
circuit board 292 via electrical v~ires 320 and 322, respectively. Electrical
wires 324 (FIG.
15) coupled to the light bulb 253 extend through the flag pole 250 and
terminate in
electrical contacts 326 and 328 in the base member 256 of the signaling device
112. The
1 ~ electrical wires 324 could be eliminated if the flag pole 250 is made of a
suitable material
to conduct electricity to operate the light bulb 253 or any suitable
annunciator. When the
cap section 264 is screwed onto the shaft section 266 as shown in FIG. 12,
such that the
electrical contacts 307 and 309 of the semi-circular projections 274 and 276,
respectively,
engage the electrical contacts 306 and 308, respectively, the fishing tip-up
device 100 is
a!0 turned on. With continued reference to FIG. I2, it can be observed that a
lowermost
portion of the cap section 264 rests against the annular ledge 286 of the
shaft section 266,
and an O-ring seal 330 is provided to create a water tight seal between the
cap section 264
and the shaft section 266 to protect the electrical components housed therein
and the
integrity of the electrical circuit. When the signal device 112 is mounted to
the fishing rod
~!5 108, the electrical connection between the electrical contacts 316 and
326, and the
electrical contacts 318 and 328 will allow the circuit board 262 to
communicate with the
signaling device 112.
The fishing tip-up device 100 can only be turned on when the electrical
contacts
306 and 308 of the shaft section 266 come into contact with the electrical
contacts 307 and
..0 309 of the cap section 264, respectively. When the cap section 264 is
positioned or
screwed on to the shaft section 266 such that the engagement member 274 of the
cap
section 264 is positioned in portion A of groove 288 and the engagement member
276 of
the cap section 264 is positioned in portion A of groove 290, the fishing tip-
up device 100
is ready to be turned on. Electrical contact 306 is positioned at the end of
portion A of
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groove 288 and electrical contact 308 is positioned at the end of portion A of
groove 290.
When the fishing rod 108 is attached and locked to the base frame 102 as shown
in FIGS.
~ and 7, the cap section 264 and the shaft section 266 are designed such that
the electrical
contact 306 contacts the electrical contact 307 and the electrical contact 308
contacts the
S electrical contact 309. Meaning, in this position, the fishing tip-up device
100 is turned on
for operation, and is not turned off to be in a non-operating state until the
fishing rod 108
is removed from its locked, operating position. As shown in FIG. 18, when it
is desirable
to stow the fishing rod 108 in the base frame 102 for storage and
transportation, the
grooves 288 and 290 are designed in such a way to allow the cap section 264 to
be slightly
separated from the shaft section 266 without removing the cap section 264 from
the shaft
section 266. For storage and transportation, the cap section 264 is backed off
or
unscrewed from the shaft section 266 such that the engagement member 274 of
the cap
section 264 is positioned in either of portions B and ~C of groove 288 and the
engagement
member 276 of the cap section 264 is positioned in either of portions B and C
of groove
I ~ 290. Once the cap section 2ti4 has been backed off or unscrewed from the
shaft section
266 as just explained, and the fishing rod 108 is positioned in the base frame
102 for
storage and transportation, the fishing tip-up device 100 cannot accidentally
be turned on
for operation during storage and transportation because the shape of the
grooves 288 and
290 will not allow the engagement members 274 and 276 of the cap section 264
to ride in
:?0 portions A of the associated grooves 288 and 290 absent an intervening
force. This will
help preserve the life of the energy source or battery by ensuring that the
energy source or
battery can not inadvertently be turned on for operation during storage and
transportation.
It should be noted that because of the shape of the grooves 288 and 290, the
cap section
264 and 266 cannot accidentally come apart. An intervening force or deliberate
action is
25 needed to back off or unscrew the cap section 264 from the shaft section
266. This will
help protect the electrical components housed within the fishing rod 108. To
repeat, the
fishing tip-up device 100 is desi;~ned to be turned on when the fishing rod
108 is located in
its operating position and turned off when the fishing rod 108 is located in
its stow
position.
:30 Preferably, digital electronics are utilized for the fishing tip-up device
100.
However, analog electronics are suitable for use. With digital electronics,
all the electrical
features of the fishing tip-up device 100 can be programmed directly in the
control or
circuit board 262. Thus, the fishing tip-up device 100 can be programmed to
include a
multitude of electronic functions., such as radio signaling and pager
receiving for the signal
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device 112. As another example, the fishing tip-up device 100 can be provided
with a
reset button. The reset button c;an be placed anywhere on the fishing tip-up
device 100 so
long as it is electrically coupled to the circuit board 262, but placing the
reset button on the
cap section 264 of the fishing rod 108 is preferred because of the location of
the circuit
board 262 within the cap section 264 and because of the convenience to the
fisherman in
having the reset button located in an accessible position. After the fishing
tip-up device
100 has been activated as shown in bold in FI(1. 5, the reset button is simply
used when it
is desirable to return the fishing tip-up device 100 to its pre-activated
state as shown in
dashed lines in FIG. 5.
The fishing tip-up device 100 has eliminated the mechanical triggering
mechanisms of the prior art alleviating the known problems of freezing up,
constant oiling,
noise, and false alarms. Tl;,e fishing tip-up device 100 is easy to assemble
and
disassemble, store and transport, and is of dependable construction and
economical to
manufacture, all of which improves upon known fishing tip-up devices.
Moreover, the
1 S fishing tip-up device 100 provides an electrical operation which maximizes
the life of the
energy source or batteries. ~hhe fishing tip-up device 100 also provides a
system which
distinguishes between false fish strikes or weak fish strikes, as compared to
hardlactual
fish strikes, thereby providing; a device which is extremely useful to the
fisherman.
Various other features are provided to further enhance the usefulness of the
fishing tip-up
device according to the present invention.
It is envisioned that a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) can be used to visually
transmit information to the user, such as the condition of the battery, the
depth of the
water, fish location, the distance a hooked fish has traveled from the hole in
the ice, or
other information which would be useful to the fisherman. Rechargeable
batteries may be
used, such that during the day, a solar panel is connected to the fishing tip-
up device 100
to recharge the batteries. A chord may be used so that the fishing tip-up
device 100 can be
located in an ice-fishing shelter, while the solar panel is placed in the
outer environment.
A beeper device, a voice signaling device, a cell phone and/or a pager
notification device
can be provided to announce movement of the fishing line to the fisherman. The
fishing
tip-up device 100 transmits a signal to a receiving device of the cell phone
and./or pager.
The receiving device then tran:;mits preferably prerecorded messages to the
fisherman to
alert the fisherman of a possible fish strike. Preferably, the cell phone
and/or pager have
the capability to transmit and receive radio frequencies to keep the operation
costs of the
fishing tip-up device 100 at a minimum. Preferably, the LCD screen for the
cell phone
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and/or pager shows the same information that the LCD for the fishing tip-up
device shows.
In essence, utilizing digital electronics gives the fishing tip-up device 100
additional
versatility as compared to analog electronics. For example, the sensor
activator 301 in the
reel 110 (FIG. 17) can be made of metal as compared to being a magnet as
described in
reference to fishing tip-up dev:ire 10. The circuit board 262 is simply
reprogrammed to
change and recognize the desired input to the sensor device 293. A metal
sensor activator
301 is advantageous over a magnet sensor activator in that during storage and
transportation of the fishing tip-up device 100, a metal sensor activator 301
will not attract
tackle found in an adjacent tackle box 104 as a magnet sensor activator might
do, which
could be quite inconvenient for the user.
In the fishing tip-up device 100, it is envisioned, according to the
principles of the
present invention, to utilize a sensor device such as a light emitting or
detecting sensor for
sensor 293. In the fishing tip-u.p device 100, the metal piece 301 in the reel
110 could be
replaced with a reflecting piece of material such as tape or paint or other
suitable material.
Alternatively, the reel 110 can be provided with a plurality of holes 332
{FIG. 6) around
the periphery thereof which will allow Iight to pass therethrough. Upon
initial set-up of
the fishing tip-up device 100, l:he magnet 268 holds down the signal device
112 or flag
pole 250 as previously described. However, when a fish hits the bait, the
following
occurs. The reflective piece of material or holes 332 on or in the reel 110
crosses in front
of the sensor device 293. This interruption causes the sensor device 293 to
send an
electrical signal to the circuit board or microprocessor 262 located in the
cap section 264
of the fishing rod 108. As in other versions of the present invention, the
microprocessor
262 then actuates a coil surrounding the magnet 268 to induce a magnetic field
which is
greater than the magnetic power in the opposing field so as to negate the
magnetic holding
power of the magnet 268. When this occurs, the magnet 268 releases the signal
device
112 or flag pole 250 so that it springs to its vertical indicating position.
Moreover, as in
other versions of the present invention, when the reflective material or holes
332 pass the
sensor device 293, an electrical signal is sent to the microprocessor 262
which also
actuates the light indicator bulb 253 or other annunciating mechanisms. In the
case of the
light bulb, 253, the light bulb 253 will flash each time the sensor activator
revolves past
the sensor device 293. Other annunciators can be used which will turn on/off
or
activate/deactivate in similar fashion.
The present invention is further explained with reference to the following
example
of an electrical circuit which is suitable for use with the fishing tip-up
device of the present
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invention. The following example is intended only to help explain the
principles of the
present invention and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of
the present
rnvent~on.
The following circuit design and batteries are configured to fit into the cap
section
of the fishing rod. The Digital components use 3.5 volts or 5 volts for power.
Since
standard household batteries come in either 1.5V or 9V, a switching voltage
regulator (DC
equivalent to an AC transformer) is used to convert the voltage to SV.
An Atmel microprocessor (AT89C2051 ) having 2K of programmable memory is
suitable to control all the electrical components. To limit power consumption,
the
0 microprocessor or control board is designed to go into a standby mode after
15 seconds of
inactivity. In standby mode, the microprocessor will draw much less current,
and yet will
return to normal mode if a signal is received. A signal is defined as a pulse
of low voltage
to high voltage and back to low voltage transmitted by the fish sensor or the
battery check
circuit. FIG. 25 shows the schematic representation for this circuit.
l 5 To check if the battery is any good, pressing a push button located on the
top of the
cap section will turn on an LED if the battery is useable. The battery check
also resets the
microprocessor, allowing it to deaect line movement indicating a fish byte.
This allows the
fishing tip-up to be reset after placing it in the hole and all unintentional
line movement
has ceased. A second way to reset the electronics is to twist the cap section
and the shaft
~:0 section to the off position and than back on.
When a fish pulls on the line causing the reel to turn significantly, a signal
is sent
to the microprocessor. Upon receipt of this signal, the microprocessor will
return to
normal operation and turn on the coil around the magnet holding the flag for
one second.
This will release the flag to stand in an upright position. To further
announce the line
25 movement and presence of a fish, the microprocessor will flash an LED
located on top of
the flag pole.
To use a 9V battery to power a digital circuit, the voltage must be dropped to
either
3.SV or 5V, which are common voltages used by digital components. Unlike AC
circuits,
a standard transformer will not work. One option would be to use an op-amp as
a voltage
30 follower as shown in FIG. 26. With a little manipulation of this circuit,
it will produce
either 3.5V or 5V output depending on the resisters used. This configuration
uses very
little power since the resisters are large.
Another option is to use a step down voltage regulator. This component works
by
switching the output voltage on and off at a rate so that the output appears
to be the desired
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_ 2'j_
voltage. Since the regulator is off part of the time, the power consumed is
much lower
than the first option.
Table I
Power i
Consumed (V~ Cost '
i O -am -,- .18 $ I .80
Step Down V. .135 $2.93 '
i Regulator
Since the power consumed by the op-amp is easily made up for by the lower cost
of the components, the op-amp is the preferred configuration.
Battery life in the circuit is hard to measure. If the flag pole is never
released, then
the life of one 9V battery would be roughly G00 hours. Alternatively, if the
flag pole
l 0 release circuit was to run constantly, then the life of one 9V battery
would be 25 minutes.
Since the number of possible flag pole releases depends on the time between
each release,
only rough estimates are possible. To estimate the number of' releases
possible, reference
is made to FIG. 27. Assuming that the battery does not recover after or during
flag pole
releases and that the flag pole release circuit is only active for a maximum
of 2 seconds,
then 720 flag pole releases are possible. 720 flag pole releases is a small
amount
compared to 7,200 flag pole releases that a single C-cell could produce. Keep
in mind that
other electrical operations, such as the flashing light bulb, will reduce the
life of the
battery.
Since microprocessors are available in 3.5V and 5V versions, power supplied
from
.:0 batteries need to be either 3.5V or 5V. Household batteries come in 1.5V
(AA, C, D) and
9V. This leads to the natural choice of a 3.5V microprocessor powered by two
1.5V
batteries, thus eliminating the need for a switching power supply (DC
equivalent to an AC
transformer). Another option might include an op-amp to help step down the
voltage.
During normal operation, the microprocessor is the only load on the batteries.
At
a:5 5.5mA, this is a small load. This can be further reduced by taking
advantage of the
microprocessor's ability to utilize an "Idle Mode" drawing only ImA.
The amount of current that is necessary for the coil in the flag pole release
to
operate at 3V can be solved using the following equation:
?~0 F = pi*d*i*N*B
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_2g.
where c-on
F - force iro P~tewtons lR '~
d - diameter in meters ~ ~ -
s- _
i - current
N -- number wire turns, and "'
hlag~Kn
B - magnet.ic flux density in Tesla.
Substituting 13.34847 Newtons and varying the diameter and the number or w,~~.
turns gives the following data.
.015 00 .23 .768
.015 00 .23 .461
.020 00 .23 .576
5 .020 00 .23 .345
.020 00 .23 .247
.020 000 .23 .I73
.025 000 .23 .138
~0 Assuming that 500 wire turns is reasonable and that a NdFeB magnet is used,
the
current necessary to release the flag is .345 A. Note that less current is
possible with
different configurations. The coil will only be activated for a short time to
limit battery
drain. Since the coil requires a large current, a capacitor will store energy
until the coil is
turned on.
:?5 Using a C or D cell (D cells last longer but would require more space in
the shaft
section) to power the electronics. is preferred over using a 9V battery. A 9V
battery would
require added expense and would not last as long. C cells have the potential
of being able
to power the electronics nine times longer v:~ith minor adjustments to the
engineered
schematic.
_SO To reduce battery drain, tire software must make use of the idle mode
provided by
the AT89C2051 microprocessor. While in idle mode, the processor is inactive
but the on
chip peripherals remain active. There are two events that trigger the
processor to return to
normal mode: an interrupt or hardware reset. Therefore, the reel sensor must
be used as
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an interrupt so that when the reel is moved, the processor will return to
normal mode and
trigger the flag. The processor is not able to release the flag while in the
idle mode.
The following is an outline of the software which can be used to program the
microprocessor.
Main Program
Power Un / Reset:
RE;set reel computer
Reset Sleep timer
l0 While Reel counter < 2 then
While sleep timer < 15 seconds then
Release Flag
l:f Sleep timer > 2 seconds then
Flash LED 3 times a second
~ Reel Interrupt
Reset Sleep timer
Increment reel counter
Flash LED if counter > 'l
:? 0
When power is turned on or a reset is issued, the program will start at the
top. A
counter is used to count every time the reed switch closes or reel sensor is
activated while
a timer is used to delay the processor from going immediately into idle mode.
Both of
these are reset at the beginning of the program. The software then enters and
stays in a
loop until the reel counter is greater than one. During this time, the
processor will shut
down 15 seconds after inactivity. After two interrupts have occurred, the
program will
leave the Loop and release the Ila.g. With each interrupt, the LED will flash,
thus indicating
the speed at which the reel is turning. If the flag has been released and
there is no reel
movement, the LED will illuminate continuous light. The program will not leave
this alert
~s0 status until the system has been shut down or a reset has occurred. The
software can be
modified to accommodate various adjustments of the system.
The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for
purposes
of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended
to limit the
invention in the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and
modifications
..5 commensurate with the above teachings in skill or knowledge of the
relevant art, are
within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described herein
are further
intended to explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and to
enable others
skilled in the art to utilize the invention as such, or other embodiments and
with various
modifications required by the particular applications or uses of the present
invention. It is
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intended that the appended claims are to be construed to include alternative
embodiments
to the extent permitted by the prior art.
Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.
