Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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FISHING POLE CASTING AID AND GOLF GAME
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is a Completion Application of co-pending United States
Provisional Patent
Application Serial No. 60/733,582, filed November 4, 2005, the entire
disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention pertains to apparatus for improving fishing
casting techniques in the context of a game and thereby both challenge and
potentially improve both fishing success and enjoyment. More particularly, the
present invention is related to apparatus and method wherein differently
configured
targets are arranged in a golf course like setting and players use fishing
poles and
attempt to aim and cast a weighted plug into the openings of the targets.
2. Description of the Prior Art
[0003] Fly fishing has become a very popular sport. It provides a great deal
of
enjoyment and challenge to anglers everywhere. However, perhaps the most
important aspect of fly fishing is the difficult techniques of casting the
"fly." More
specifically, it is important for a fisherman to be able to consistently cast
a fly
replica into a desired location, or "target area." This location is typically
and
hopefully near a fish.
[0004] The presentation of the fly to a fish is critical to fly fishing
success.
Casting to the wrong spot may result in no response by the fish or in
"spooking," or
frightening, the fish. Neither result is desired since the goal of fly fishing
is to
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convince the fish that an imitation of a living creature attached to the end
of a line
is a real "fly."
[0005] The most important and effective, yet most often ignored method of
improving fly casting ability is practice. An angler can practice casting
technique by
merely "blind" casting out into a pond or a lawn. Although this form of
practice will
likely improve technique and help with the pure mechanics of casting in order
to
truly improve accuracy, an angler needs to focus his/her casting to specific
targets.
Such "blind" casting will likely do very little to improve casting accuracy.
[0006] Not only is such "blind" casting not very useful in improving casting
accuracy, this form of practice is not very enjoyable to most anglers. If the
angler
enjoys the time spent practicing, the angler is more likely to practice and
thereby
increase his/her chances of fly fishing success.
[0007] Illustrative methods and apparatus that provide anglers with a
challenging yet productive activity to improve the accuracy of their casting
skill are
disclosed in United States Patent Nos. 2,021,792 (LaBaw); 4,358,116 (Florida);
4,976,439 (Kraemer); 5,110,136 (Land); 5,657,995 (Howard); 5,896,693 (Ray);
5,941,528 (Boivin, Jr.); and 6,726,207 (Jacobus).
[0008] Thus there is a need in the art for an effective, useful, and
inexpensive
apparatus and method that enables a user to practice casting and enjoy the
time
spent practicing. The apparatus and method described herein, in both the text
and
figures, seeks to remedy the problems in the art and provide a method and
apparatus for improving the fly casting ability of fly fishermen.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for
improving the casting ability of a fisherman, in the context of a golf game
like
setting. Preferably, an apparatus according to an embodiment of this invention
comprises
a set of casting targets, each said target being substantially flat and having
a
central opening, the central openings in the casting targets being of a
different size
from one another and the targets being placeable in spaced apart relation from
one
another and about a target area, and
a fishing rod, said fishing rod including a fishing line having a first end
attached to the fishing rod and a second end distal to said first end, and a
bait
replica attached to the second end of said fly line,
wherein the fisherman aims and casts the fishing rod towards a selected one
of the casting targets and the central opening thereof, in succession, and
causes the
second end portion of the fishing line and bait replica thereon to be
propelled
towards the target opening and in a manner that the bait replica thereon will
be
received in the central opening of the casting target aimed at.
[0010] According to one aspect of this embodiment, the casting targets are
flat, annular, and include a central opening that is circular, and the target
area is
generally flat. Preferably, the casting targets are of a lightweight plastic
material,
differently colored, and the central openings vary in size from 24 inches
diameter to
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40 inches in diameter. For greater challenge, the smallest central opening may
be
less than 24 inches diameter.
[0011] According to another aspect of this embodiment, the casting targets
are disposed at predetermined locations of the target area consistent with
prevailing environmental features and to optimize the casting skills required
to
locate the bait replica inside the central openings of the targets.
[0012] In some applications, the target area is located outside, such as in a
yard or park, and the casting targets are placed at predetermined locations in
proximity to trees, ponds, and in association with prevailing surface
contours. In
other applications, the target area is located inside, such as in a gymnasium,
warehouse or like arena, to enable casting practice and game playing during
inclement weather.
[0013] According to yet another aspect of this embodiment, the bait replica
may be formed into the shape of a fishing lure, or simply be a shaped weight.
Illustrative of such, the fishing lure may be elongated and have one end
portion
attached to the second end of the fishing line and a second end portion.
[0014] In one application, the shaped weight is in the range of about 3/8
ounce
(10.36 gram) to about 1 ounce (28.349 gram).
[0015] According to an important feature of this embodiment of the invention,
the fishing pole and line thereof may be that of a fishing rod, for fly
casting, or a
fishing rod, for spin casting.
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[0016] In another preferred embodiment according to this invention, there is
provided a game apparatus for improving the casting ability of a fisherman,
the
game being playable by more than one player and simulating that of a golf
course,
the game apparatus comprising:
(a) a fishing pole for each player, each having a fishing line and a castable
plug attached to the fishing line,
(b) a set of casting targets, each target being generally flat and annular and
providing a planar lower surface for placement on the ground of the target
area and
a central opening for receiving the castable plug, the diameters of the
central
openings being different from one another, and
(c) an instruction book setting out the rules of the game, including how the
targets are placed relative to a target area and representative of golf holes,
defining
what constitutes par for a given target and the points assigned to a player
when
completing a hole, scoring, and defining how a player wins the game according
to
the rules of the game.
[0017] Preferably, according to an aspect of this latter embodiment, the game
apparatus includes four fishing poles, one for each of four respective
players, nine
annular casting targets, such as to represent the nine holes of a golf course,
each of
a bright but different color, and the castable plug is fanciful and in the
shape of a
fishing lure. The plug is as described hereinabove for the shaped weight.
[0018] Further, the game apparatus preferably includes a set of plastic flags,
one for each respective casting target and each preferably provided with a
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respective number one through nine to correspond to respective of the holes
found
on a golf course, and a scorecard for each respective player.
[0019] In yet another preferred embodiment according to this invention there
is provided a game apparatus, in the form of a kit. The kit is preferably
supplied
without the fishing poles and includes the herein above described castable
plugs,
the castable targets (nine or eighteen, depending on the golf course being
simulated), the golf hole flags (nine or eighteen, depending on the golf
course being
simulated), with numbers thereon representative of a hole of the golf course
(one
through nine one through eighteen), and the scorecards. Further, the kit
comprises
an official set marker, to keep score, and an instruction book setting out the
rules of
the game. The instruction book also includes helpful information, such as knot
tying, casting techniques, and line replacement information.
[0020] The present invention can also be viewed as providing a method for
improving the fly casting technique of a fly fisherman. In this regard, the
method
can be broadly summarized by the following steps:
(1) obtaining a fly rod with a fly line attached thereto;
(2) attaching a fly replica to an end of the fly line, the fly replica being
of a
predetermined weight and shape;
(3) arranging a plurality of annular casting targets about a target area, the
casting target having a generally planar lower surface placed upon the ground
of
the target area and each having a central opening which defines a target area
that
is intended to receive the fly replica cast thereto by the fisherman; and
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(4) casting the fly replica at the target so as to permit the fly replica to
fall
within the center opening of the target.
[0021] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present
invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon
examination
of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all
such
additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this
description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by
the
accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the casting improvement aid and game
system of a preferred embodiment to the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a target area for use in the casting
improvement system depicted in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERED EMBODIMENT
[0024] Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 - 4 illustrate a game, generally
indicated by the number 10, intended to be played outdoors by one to four
players in
completing a course similar to a golf course wherein the players arrange a set
of
annular targets 12, each having a central opening 14, about a target area 16,
and
utilize fishing poles 18 to cast bait replica or weighted plugs 20, in
succession,
towards and into each of the respective central openings 14. The game 10 can
be
enjoyed by children as well as adults. The game is not only in the form of
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entertainment but also educational, challenging, and useful as an aid in
improving
the casting skill of a golfer.
[0025] Although the game 10 is intended to be played outdoors, it is to be
understood that in inclement weather the game may be played indoors. The "golf
course" is defined by the players and the casting targets 12 are disposed at
predetermined locations of the target area consistent with prevailing
environmental
features and to optimize the casting skills required to locate the bait
replica 20
inside the central openings 14 of the casting targets 12.
[0026] When the game 10 is played outdoors and the target area 16 is in a
typical yard or park, the casting targets are placed at predetermined
locations in
proximity to trees "T", ponds or water bodies "W", and in association with
prevailing
surface contours "C".
[0027] In other applications, the game may be played indoors, such as in a
gymnasium, warehouse or like high ceiling structure, to enable casting
practice
during inclement weather and year round game playing capability.
[0028] The casting targets 12 come in a set of nine or eighteen annular discs,
the number of targets of each set being representative of a nine hole or
eighteen
hole golf course. Preferably, each target 12 is annular, has planar (flat)
upper and
lower surfaces 12a and 12b, and a central opening 14. The target 12 is adapted
to
have one surface 12a and 12b placed flat atop the target area and is of
sufficient
weight to remain in place.
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[0029] In the embodiment shown, the annular casting targets 12 are of a
polymeric material, of a color intended to be highly visible in grass but
different in
color from other targets, and have a central opening 14 in the form of a
circle.
Important to this invention is that the diameters of the central openings 14
of the
casting targets 14 of each set of casting targets (i.e., whether nine or
eighteen in
number) are different from one another. In one application, the diameters
ranged
from 24 inches diameter to about 40 inches.
[0030] In some games, one or more of the casting targets 12 may be identical
to one another as to the diameter of the central opening 14. Further, in some
games, for greater challenge, the size of the diameters may be less with the
smallest
central opening 14 having a diameter that is less than 24 inches.
[0031] According to an important feature of this invention, the fishing pole
18
and line 22 thereof may be that of a fishing rod, used for fly-casting, or a
fishing rod,
used for spin casting. In either situation, the fishing line 22 has a first
end 22a
attached to the fishing pole 18 and a free or second end 22b distal to the
first end
22a, and the bait replica 20 attached to the second end 22b of the fishing
line 22.
[0032] The bait replica 20 may be formed into the shape of a fishing lure, or
simply be a shaped weight. As such, the fishing lure may be elongated and have
one end portion attached to the free end 22b of the fishing line 22 and a
second end
portion.
[0033] In one application, the bait replica 20 is that of a shaped weight,
which
is in the range of about 3/8 ounce (10.36 gram) to about 1 ounce (28.349
gram).
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[0034] The game apparatus 10 preferably includes a set of plastic flags 26,
one for each respective casting target 12 and each flag preferably provided
with a
respective number one through nine, to correspond to respective of the holes
found
on a nine hole golf course, or nine to eighteen, to correspond to a respective
of the
holes found on an eighteen hole golf course.
[0035] Additionally, the game apparatus 10 includes a scorecard 30 for each
respective player "P', and an official set marker 32, to keep score, and a
game
instruction book 34. The instruction book 34 sets out the rules of the game,
including defining (i) how the game is played, (ii) where the targets are
placed
relative to a target area and representative of golf holes, (iii) what
constitutes par
for a given target and the points assigned to a player when completing a hole,
(iv)
scoring, and (v) defining how a player wins the game according to the rules of
the
game. The instruction book 34 may also include helpful information, such as
knot
tying, casting techniques, and line replacement information. Other game rules
or
information may be included where helpful or to define other game
arrangements.
[0036] In completion of a game, the targets 12 are placed about the target
area. Play begins from the course starting point "SP". Players in turn aim and
cast
their fishing rod 18 towards successive of the casting targets 12 and the
central
opening 14 thereof. The casting causes the second end portion 22b of the
fishing
line 22 and bait replica 20 thereon to be propelled (i.e., played out) towards
the
central opening of the selected target, hopefully in a manner that will cause
the bait
replica 20 thereon to be received in the central opening of the casting target
aimed
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at. Any bait replica 20 landing in the central opening will finish the "hole"
for that
player.
[0037] In one set of game instructions, a score is recorded for the number of
attempts taken to achieve the above result for each "hole". Each "hole" result
is
given a "par" value from 3 - 5, based on the difficulty of the course set up.
The
distance of the hole (target 12) from the starting point (usually about 15 to
about 40
feet), the hole diameter, and any obstacles (trees, boulders, shrubs, water,
natural
or manmade barriers, etc.) will allow players to vary difficulties of holes
and create
the "par" values.
[0038] The player will take one or more "casts" at each hole (target ring) up
to
the par number. If a cast is not successful in a number of attempts, less than
or
equal to the par, the player shall be accorded a score of one over par and the
hole
shall be complete for that player.
[0039] Each successive hole shall begin from the spot of each previous hole's
target 12. At least one foot shall touch the previous target for attempts at
the next
successive hole. The player will continue the process for the full nine
(eighteen)
holes.
[0040] The player completing the nine hole course with the lowest score is the
winner.
[0041] Preferably, the game is played by four players.
[0042] In another preferred embodiment according to this invention, there is
provided a game apparatus 10 for improving the casting ability of a fisherman,
the
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game being playable by more than one player and simulating that of a golf
course.
The game apparatus comprises (a) a fishing pole 18, one for each of four
players, (b)
a set of casting targets 12, as described hereinabove, and (c) a game
instruction
book outlining the rules of the game. Importantly, the diameters of the
central
openings of the different casting targets 12 are different from one another.
[0043] In yet another preferred embodiment according to this invention there
is provided a game apparatus, in the form of a kit. The kit is preferably
supplied
without the fishing poles and includes the herein above described castable
plugs 20,
the castable targets 12 and golf hole flags 26 (nine or eighteen, depending on
the
golf course being simulated), the scorecards 30, the official set marker 32 to
keep
score, and the game instruction book 34.
[0044] The present invention can also be viewed as providing a method for
improving the fly casting technique of a fly fisherman. In this regard,
according to
the elements described herein above, the method can be broadly summarized by
the
following steps: (1) providing a fishing rod 18 with a fly line 22 attached
thereto; (2)
attaching a fly or bait replica 20 of a predetermined weight and shape to an
end of
the fly line; (3) arranging a plurality of annular casting targets 12 about a
target
area 16 with a lower surface thereof placed upon the ground of the target
area, each
target having a central opening 14 that is intended to receive the bait
replica 20
cast thereto by the fisherman; and (4) casting the fly 20 at the target 12 so
as to
place the fly replica within the center opening of the target.
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[0045] Although a particular embodiment of the invention has been described
in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made
without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the
invention is
not to be limited, except.by the appended claims.
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