Abstract:
A system and device for the easy and reliable detection of a strike on a fishing line and prevention of line entanglement is herein described. A bobber is placed on a conventional fishing line, which is suspended from a clamp that is removably attached to a conventional fishing pole. Affixed to the clamp is a shield portion, which functions as a device to eliminate any line entanglement or accidental rotation of the bobber around the pole. An alternate embodiment of the present invention provides additional visibility, comprising a bobber displaying fluorescent means.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present invention was first described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/664,995, filed on Mar. 24, 2005. There are no previously filed, nor are there currently any co-pending, applications anywhere in the world. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to a unique bobber design with fluorescent night visibility means for fishing poles that indicates strikes when bottom fishing and, more particularly, to a stringing system incorporating the bobber that significantly reduces the tangling of lines. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The technology used by anglers to catch fish has become increasingly complex in nature. Fishermen no longer rely on the traditional hook and worm approach to attract their game. Instead, a broad range of products has hit the market, designed to aid the fisherman to quickly catch more fish. One type of fishing popular with many fisherman is that of bottom fishing in lakes, dams or ponds. In this type of fishing, no floating bobber is used since the hook and bait lie on the bottom. To aid in seeing if line is being paid out indicating a possible strike, many fishermen attach a bobber to the line along the pole. However, this often leads to tangled lines since the bobber can flip over the pole and quickly become tangled. Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which possible strikes can be indicated when bottom fishing without the disadvantages listed above. 
   Several attempts have been made in the past to alert those who fish, of strikes while bottom fishing. U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,450 in the name of Glavinich discloses a fishing line sinker assemblage including a streamlined weighted body and a securement member telescopically attached to the weighted body. The use of the Glavinich invention involves the use of a wire securement member which may become tangled or twisted while in use. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,519,894 issued in the name of Geary provides a fishing line with a hook member at its distal end, and a weighted member disposed along a fishing line between stopper members. This invention provides for an assembly instead of a simple retrofit device as disclosed within this application. Also, the Geary design doesn&#39;t provide for readily visible strike detection. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,370,808 issued in the name of D′Alessandro describes a completely new device and method for preventing entanglement of the line guide of a fishing rod. The device consists of a new device and involves additional training to be learned which is not an inherent feature of the current invention. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,164 issued in the name of Mack et al. discloses an aerodynamically weighted fishing bobber. This device consists of two disparate portions for attachment to a fishing line and is particularly suited to farther casting distances and floating on top of the water. It does not assist in bottom surface fishing and any strikes must be viewed during daylight hours. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,073 issued in the name of Kuhlman describes a fish bite indicator for mounting on a fishing rod. More specifically, it consists of a bobber with attachment means to a fishing line, a second flexible loop for sensing a fish strike and an indicating means. This device differs from the present invention in that it involves stringing multiple lines onto a fishing rod and does not have a means of viewing a fish strike at night. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,348 issued in the name of Serba describes a two-part slip bobber such that the bobber can upright itself. Again, as in other inventions in the prior art, the Serba invention is designed to float on top of the water, which is difficult to detect when fishing in reduced lighting. 
   Another fish bite detector mounted onto a fishing rod is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,228 issued in the name of Meissner. The Meissner invention consists of a bite detector housing with a motion detection means in electrical contact with a visual and/or audible signaling means. Whenever vibration or motion occurs, the device alerts the user through the signaling means. The present invention is considerably easier to manufacture, produce and operate and does not have any complicated electrical components to maintain and service; a decided disadvantage to the Meissner invention. 
   None of the prior art particularly describes a lighting apparatus suitable for mounting underneath cabinetry or locations of low clearances or limited natural illumination that is simple in configuration and provides easy installation. Accordingly, there is a need for a lighting apparatus suitable for mounting underneath cabinetry or locations of low clearance and/or limited natural illumination in a fast, easy, consistent, reliable and efficient manner. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   As its name implies, the invention is a bobber system for fishing poles which indicates strikes when fishing off of the bottom of dams, ponds or lakes. Upon initial observation of the invention, it looks like a conventional bobber that one would attach to fishing line along the pole to help indicate when line was being paid out and a possible strike is occurring. However, after closer inspection, it can be seen that the bobber is suspended from two metal chains attached to a clear plastic circular shield. The clear shield prevents the bobber from flipping around the pole and becoming tangled. For additional visibility, a piece of iridescent tape is also attached to the invention and is allowed to trail or hang below. Finally, the invention has a quick release mechanism allowing it to be attached or removed quickly. The use of the invention allows fishermen the ability to quickly and easily detect a strike when bottom fishing, while and at the same time ensuring that tangling of the line by the bobber will not occur. 
   It has been further observed that there is a need for a fishing system that can indicate the strike in the night during bottom fishing. 
   It has also been observed that there is a need for a bobber that remains tangle-free whenever there is strike at the bottom. 
   Therefore, the object of the invention is to provide a fishing system that can quickly and easily detect a strike during bottom fishing, even in the night. 
   It is a further object of the invention to provide a fishing system with a bobber that remains tangle-free. 
   To achieve the above and other objectives, the present invention provides a tangle-free fishing bobber system comprising a bobber impregnated with light-emitting material suspended from a fishing line by means of a chain of a lightweight, resilient and non-corrosive material to secure the bobber on the line during stress at the time of fishing; and a shield to prevent the line entanglement during fishing. 
   The present invention in particular, provides a bobber system for fishing poles which indicates strikes when fishing off of the bottom of dams, ponds or lakes. The invention differs from conventional bobbers in that the bobber is suspended from two metal chains attached to a clear plastic circular shield. The clear shield prevents the bobber from flipping around the pole and becoming tangled. For additional visibility, a piece of iridescent tape is also attached to the invention and is allowed to trail or hang below. Finally, the invention has a quick release mechanism allowing it to be attached or removed quickly. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is an environmental perspective view of a bobber system for fishing poles  10 , with the invention attached to a fishing pole  60 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a front view of a bobber system for fishing poles  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
       FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the bobber system for fishing poles  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of the bobber system for fishing poles  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
       FIG. 5  is a top view of the bobber system for fishing poles  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
       FIG. 6  is a bottom view of the bobber system for fishing poles  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
   
     
       
             
             
             
           
         
             
                 
                 
             
           
           
             
                 
               10 
               bobber system 
             
             
                 
               15 
               illumination 
             
             
                 
               20 
               bobber 
             
             
                 
               21 
               fishing line guide hole 
             
             
                 
               30 
               chain 
             
             
                 
               31 
               chain guide hole 
             
             
                 
               40 
               shield 
             
             
                 
               41 
               slit 
             
             
                 
               45 
               clamp bottom 
             
             
                 
               50 
               clamp 
             
             
                 
               51 
               clamp channel 
             
             
                 
               55 
               clamp tab 
             
             
                 
               60 
               conventional fishing pole 
             
             
                 
               70 
               conventional fishing line 
             
             
                 
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 6 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible, without deviating from the basic concept of the invention. Any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
   The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental perspective view of a bobber system for fishing poles  10  (herein described as the “system”) is disclosed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. A conventional fishing pole  60  (herein described as “pole”) is outfitted with the system  10  described below. The system  10  is designed to be an attachment or add-on device and consists of a bobber  20 , chain assembly  30  (herein described as “chain”), shield  40  and clamping mechanism  50 . The bobber  20  is designed for releasable attachment from a conventional fishing line  70  (herein described as the “line”) and is located between the first and second eyelet of a pole  60 . Guide holes  21  on the bobber  20  allow line  70  to be threaded therethrough. The bobber  20  is fabricated out of a very sensitive and lightweight material; an alternative embodiment anticipates the use of fluorescent material or other light-emitting materials providing illumination  15  either impregnated into the bobber  20  or as an additive. The use of the bobber  20  and its anticipated alternate embodiments enable the user to detect a catch on the line  70  for enhanced night visibility. A clamp  50  is described as a device to removably secure the bobber  20  onto the pole  60  and comprises any type of clamping mechanism; herein illustrated as a preferred mechanism is a “C”-type clamp  50  with bifurcated opposing arms defining a pole guide  51  therebetween and a clamping tab  55  for manual adjustment of the clamp  55  onto a pole  60 . The preferred clamp  50  may be attached also by forcing the pole  70  into the pole guide  51  until the bifurcated clamp arms “snap” back; consequently, this clamp  50  is preferably manufactured out of resilient, yet maneuverable material, such as polyethylene. The clamp  50  is situated equidistant from two (2) eyelets on the pole  60 . A chain  30  affixed from the distal end of the clamp  50  connects the bobber  20  to the clamp  50 . The chain  30  is either a one-piece unit that is fed through a chain guide hole  21  on the bobber  20  located on the portion nearest the shield  40  or two (2) separate pieces with each individually affixed at their distal end to a location on the bobber  20  that faces the shield  40 . Preferably, and for the purposes of illustration, but by no means limited to, each chain  30  is affixed to the shield  40  by forcing the opposite end portion of the chain  20  through a slit  41  on opposite lower ends of the shield  40  for both the one-piece and two-piece design. The chain  30  is made out of a lightweight, resilient, and non-corrosive material that can reliably secure the bobber  20  on the line  70  during any reasonable stress during the act of fishing. A shield portion  40  is provided, which is removably attached to the bottom end  45  of the clamp  50 , via friction fitting of the shield  40  about the bottom end  45  of the clamp  50 . 
   The shield  40  is preferably fabricated out of a clear and lightweight material and is flared at its bottom end, which is defined as the end facing the bobber  20 , with the outer circumference width being minimally larger than that of the bobber  20  and the inner circumference matching that of the bottom end  45  of the clamp  50 , with which it engages. The purpose of the shield  40  is to prevent line  70  entanglement around the rod  60  and the interruption of the process of reeling the line  70 . 
   Referring next to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a rear and front view, respectively, of the bobber system for fishing poles  10 , illustrates the attachment means for the chain  30  or chains to the bobber  20 . In the case of a single chain  30 , the chain  30  is fed through a chain guide hole  21  of the bobber  20 . In the case of two discrete chains, one bottom end of each chain is attached to the opposite ends of the bobber  20  at an intermediary vertical location and perpendicular to the fishing line  70  so as not to interfere with the actions of the line  70  and pole  60 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a side view of the bobber system for fishing poles  10 , one can readily see the guide holes  21  through which the line  70  is fed through when retaining the bobber  20  on the line  70 . Also, the clamp channel  51  diameter is illustrated, which is preferably slightly larger in diameter than a conventional pole  60   
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , a top view of the bobber system for fishing poles  10 , one can see the preferable attachment means for the chain  30  to the shield  40 . Each end of the chain  30 , or one end in the case of a two-chain assembly  30 , is fed through a narrow slit  41  on diametrically opposite sides of the shield  40 , wherein gravity or friction will retain the ends of the chain  30  within the slit  41 . 
   Referring finally to  FIG. 6 , a bottom view of the bobber system for fishing poles  10 , further illustrating the bobber  20 , chain assembly  30 , and shield  40 . It is evident here that the bottom portion of the shield has a circumference slightly greater than that of the bobber  20 , particularly useful to prevent the bobber  20  and attached line  70  from wrapping or otherwise entangling themselves around the pole  60 . 
   The preferred embodiment of the present invention is designed to be used by the common consumer, with little or no special skills or prior experience or training necessary. After procurement of the bobber system  10 , the user strings the line  70  through the guide holes  21  on the bobber  20  prior to stringing the line  70  through the eyelets of the pole  60 . Once the bobber  20  is strung on the line  70  to a pre-determined place on the line  70 , the user then secures the clamp  50 , with the shield  40  affixed thereto, to the pole  60  directly across from the position of the bobber  20  on the line  70 . The chain  30  effectively secures the bobber  20  to the clamp  50 . When the bobber system  10  is properly secured to the pole  60  and line  70  the shield  40  eliminates the possibility of any entanglement when the line  70  is pulled taut during the act of fishing. The tautness of the line  70  also ensures that the bobber  20  reliably indicates when a strike on the line  70  occurs. 
   The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions, substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.