Abstract:
A structure for attracting and accumulating aquatic organisms that is a simple, inexpensive, non-degradable unit, easy to assemble and use, as well as easy to retrieve and move for use in a different location, formed of a central 4″ PVC pipe having cut outs through which are inserted bar slats made of solid, generally rigid, 100% PVC material. The bar installation is a compressed fit into the cut-out sections of pipe, forming a compress fit, self-expanding, spring-lock design. Holes may be drilled in each end of the central pipe so that a hook may be inserted in one end, allowing the habitat structure to be hung from a dock or tethered to another stationary object, or retrieved with a boat hook for ease in removal and relocation. Alternatively, the use of coupling connections permits joining one habitat structure to another in order to form a larger habitat structure.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to artificial structures for attracting fish. More specifically, the invention relates to a roughly helix-shaped fish aggregation apparatus. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
     In aquatic environments underwater structures such as rocks, reefs, logs, stumps, brush piles, and vegetation are all natural fish attractors that create a habitat for fish and aquatic organisms to thrive. Unfortunately, as ponds, lakes, and reservoirs age, the habitat is lost through the normal process of decay and sedimentation, and the result is a corresponding reduction in fish species, fishing spots, and fishing-related commerce. 
     Prior art approaches to creating fish habitats in many instances have been simply felled, discarded pine or cedar trees, especially retired Christmas trees. Sport fishermen often deposit these trees in convenient fishing locations, such as near docks, to provide a habitat for the fish that they wish to pursue. The fish eventually gather near the protective habitat, and the fishing location is enhanced. 
     Regrettably, many prior art fish habitats made of woody materials routinely snag fish hooks and thereby severely limit the beneficial aspects of the fish habitat and convenient fishing location. Specifically, pine, cedar, and fir trees include a plurality of small branches which are easily snagged by conventional fish hooks. In addition to snagging problems associated with these natural fish attractors, their woody composition degrades and decomposes with time, as well. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which fish habitats can be replaced or created in a manner that is quick, easy, effective, and long-lasting. The helical aggregation apparatus of the present invention fulfills this need. 
     Other types of artificial fish beds or reef systems are disclosed in the patent literature, including U.S. Pat. No. 5,201,136 issued in the name of La Morte et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,362 issued in the name of Jimbo; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,791 issued in the name of Laier et al. 
     Fish aggregating systems in an anchored or floating mode are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,916,845 issued in the name of Aydelette, Sr. et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,727,672 issued in the name of Hill et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,471,552 issued in the name of McIntosh et al. A submersible object with a bait compartment for attracting fish is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,670, issued in the name of Troutman et al. A fish attracting basin stump is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,829 issued in the name of Roberts et al. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The habitat of the present invention is a simpler, inexpensive, non-degradable unit that is easy to assemble and use, as well as easy to retrieve and move for use in a different location. It is formed of a central 4″ PVC pipe having cut outs through which are inserted bar slats made of solid, generally rigid, 100% PVC material. The bar installation is a compressed fit into the cut-out sections of pipe, forming a self-expanding, spring-lock, tension fit design. The PVC bars are compressed using hand pressure and positioned through the pipe. Tension fit design allows bars to be installed and secured without the use of mechanical fasteners, solvent welds, or adhesive materials. When the bar is in position, it is released; and the spring-loaded sides of the bar then wedge tight into the walls of the pipe, securing the bar in place. Holes may be drilled in each end of the central pipe so that a hook may be inserted in one end, allowing the habitat to be hung from a dock or tethered to another stationary object, or retrieved with a boat hook for ease in removal and relocation. 
     Alternatively, the use of coupling connections permits joining one habitat structure to another in order to form a larger habitat structure. Any method of joinder may be used, but one alternative is a standard plumbing coupling, and the other type is a “bell and spigot.” The coupling devices are inserted into, or may be fitted onto, the tubular ends of the habitat structure such that opposing ends may be mated to join two habitat structures together. 
     Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a fish habitat that provides an artificial habitat for fish, thereby promoting the proliferation of fish species and the enjoyment of sport fishing. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a fish habitat that encourages the growth of other aquatic life and provides protection from predators. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a fish habitat that allows fish to feed. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an artificial fish habitat with a base made of large diameter PVC pipe. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an artificial fish habitat with bar slats that pass through the base and that are disposed at 60 degrees or other angles to adjacent slats, thereby forming a helical shaped structure for fish to weave in and out through. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an artificial fish habitat that rests on a pond, lake or reservoir bottom. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a fish habitat that can be moved or removed from a body of water. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an artificial fish habitat that can be used to replace natural habitats that have been destroyed. 
     Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, a helical fish aggregation apparatus is disclosed for providing an artificial habitat for fish seeking refuge from predators or seeking other fish or food to eat. 
     The present invention is comprised of PVC piping and bar slats arranged in a helical pattern spaced approximately 60 degrees apart and forming a structure approximately five feet long by six feet wide, although larger or smaller dimensions may be used. The artificial habitat invention is lowered to the bottom of a body of water, or may be suspended above the bottom, and provides cover for any fish seeking food or refuge from predators. The invention can enhance the desirability of convenient fishing spots by providing an area where fish tend to congregate. The use of the present invention provides fish an artificial habitat in areas where natural ones do not exist. 
    
    
     
       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 a perspective view of an artificial fish habitat constructed in accordance with the principles of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, and shown in use submerged vertically in a body of water with a fish hook descended through the openings between slats; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an artificial fish habitat constructed in accordance with the principles of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, and shown in use submerged horizontally in a body of water; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a helical fish aggregation apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a slat of the present invention, showing slats; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the supporting member of the present invention, showing slat member cutouts and supporting member holes; 
         FIG. 6  is a front elevation view thereof; 
         FIG. 7  is an elevation view rotated 45 degrees from the view depicted in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 8  is an elevation view rotated 45 degrees from the view depicted in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a back elevation view rotated 45 degrees from the view depicted in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a top plan view of a helical fish aggregation apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a bottom plan view thereof; and 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of two helical fish aggregation apparatuses joined together according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Detailed Description of the Figures 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a fish habitat  10  constructed in accordance with the principles of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The habitat  10  is configured for placement within a body of water to provide an environment for fish or other aquatic life. The habitat  10  additionally facilitates fishing for fish and other aquatic life and may be utilized in any body of water, including ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, oceans, etc. Additionally, while the habitat  10  is illustrated in proximity to a dock and a shore, the habitat  10  may be utilized in any portion of the body of water, including shallow and deep portions, and in fully submerged and partially submerged configurations. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1-5 , a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated generally comprising a habitat  10  including an open framework  12 . The framework  12  is open such that water, fish, and other aquatic life may easily pass into, through, and around the framework  12 . The framework  12  preferably presents a substantially helical shape, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-10 . However, the framework  12  may present any appearance and have a non-uniform shape. As described in more detail below, the framework  12  is preferably non-buoyant such that the framework  12  is operable to sit on the bottom of the body of water or dangle in location from a pier or other object. In addition, preferably the framework  12  is water-resistant such that the habitat  10  and framework  12  are not damaged by use and submersion in the body of water. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3-9 , a helical fish aggregation apparatus  10  is shown, according to the present invention, comprised of a plurality of linearly elongated bar slat members  20 , and a cylindrical, elongated supporting member  21  forming a generally 4 feet long by 5 feet wide structure for providing an artificial habitat for fish seeking refuge from predators or seeking other fish or food to eat. The support member  21  defines a plurality of spaced-apart through slots or cut outs  23  and a plurality of elongated slats  20  that extend though the cut outs to define branch arms of the apparatus. Each cut out  25  defines a first channel having a longitudinal axis in a first direction and an arcuate end and a second channel having a longitudinal axis in a second direction different from the first direction and having opposing arcuate ends. The framework  12  is formed by the slat members  20  and supporting member  21  within the framework  12  such that the framework  12  is open, and provides the framework  12  with its substantially uniform helical shape. In the preferred embodiment, sixteen slat members  20  are constructed of PVC material, wherein each slat member  20  is of a linearly elongated configuration formed with an integral central ridge  22  and integral side flanges  23  disposed in the opposition direction from that of the central ridge  22 . Slat members  20  may be of uniform or multiple lengths. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , elongated supporting member  21  preferably is formed of a central 4″ PVC pipe having cut outs  25  through which are inserted bar slats  20  preferably made of solid, generally rigid, 100% PVC material. A plurality of paired opposing cut outs  25  are drilled in an upper external circumferential surface of the elongated supporting member  21 , aligned in a helical series such that each pair of opposing cut outs  25  is preferably separated by a distance of approximately 4 inches along the length of supporting member  21 . Each pair of opposing cut outs  25  is designed so as to receive in a semi-interference type fit a linearly elongated slat  20 , removably held therein by physical friction. It is envisioned that four slats  20  have a length measuring approximately 4 feet, and eight slats  20  have a length measuring approximately 5 feet. Each slat has opposing flanged edges  23  that extend laterally from a ridge  22  to a respective distal edge  40  curved in a direction opposing the ridge  22 . The ridge  22  has a distal peak that seats in the arcuate end of the first channel. The respective distal edges of the flanged edges  23  seat in the opposing arcuate ends of the second channel. All slats  20  have a height of approximately 1.5 inches from bottom of flanged edges  23  to top of ridge  22 . Once inserted into the supporting member cut outs  25 , the slats  20  extend vertically from the supporting member  21  in a secured fashion thereby forming a helical series of vertically extending slats  20 . Elongated supporting member  21  also has holes  27  for use with either a bolt and washer  29  or catch  28 . 
     The slat installation is through the cut-out sections of pipe, forming a compress fit, self-expanding, spring-lock design. The slat being resilient for flexing the flanged edges between a first position and a second position relative to the ridge with the flanged edges in the second position, flex to the second position during installation of the slat in the slot and return to the first position upon installation, to wedge the slat in the slot. The PVC slats  20  are compressed using hand pressure and positioned through the supporting member  21 . When the slat  20  is in position, it is released; and the spring-loaded sides of the slat  20  then wedge tight into the walls  26  of the supporting member  21 , securing the slat  20  in place. 
     Holes  27  may be drilled in each end of the supporting member  21  so that a catch  28  may be inserted in one end, allowing the habitat to be hung from a dock or tethered to another stationary object, or retrieved with a boat hook for ease in removal and relocation. Similarly, a bolt  29  may be inserted in holes  27  in the other end of supporting member  21 , forming a surface for attaching a rope, chain, or other material which may be used to tether the other end of the habitat  10 . No ballast is required, however, as the assembled habitat  10  weighs approximately 17 lbs and will sink on its own because PVC is denser (heavier) than water. 
     The material is durable such that it may remain submerged in water under potentially extreme conditions without damage, and resists being easily or inadvertently punctured or damaged by a sharp items, such as fish hooks, or by other items. Additionally, the material does not leach harmful matter or otherwise have a negative effect on the body of water, as the durable and water-resistant material does not deteriorate when submerged for extended periods of time. The material utilized in fabricating the present invention is intended merely as a suggestion, and other materials may be employed. 
     Preferably, the habitat  10  includes at least four sets  30  of three slats  20 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 and 6-9 , however any number of sets  30  may be utilized, including a single set  30  or even a single slat  20 , depending on the desired habitat construction and the needs of the particular body of water. For instance, in a deep body of water, such as a lake or ocean, a larger number of sets  30  may be desired, while in a shallow body of water, such as a stream or pond, a smaller number of sets may be desired. In addition, as described below, habitat  10  may be joined to another habitat  10  to provide an extended framework  12  that provides a large protected area for fish. 
     In operation, the habitat  10  is transported to a desired fishing location such as a location in proximity to a dock, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The habitat  10  may be pre-assembled, or the habitat  10  may be assembled onsite by coupling the slats  20  and supporting member  21  into a desired configuration. 
     Once in position, fishing may commence. However, it will be appreciated that fish will generally take some time to begin to reside within the habitat  10 . For instance, it may take a few days, or even a few weeks, based on various environmental concerns, for fish to adjust to the change in their environment and for a significant amount of fish to reside within the habitat  10 . Additionally, the habitat  10  will eventually become covered with algae and other aquatic life, which provides the habitat  10  with a natural appearance that may be more appealing to fish. 
     If the habitat  10  is to be removed from the body of water, the habitat may be retrieved by grappling the catch  28  and pulling the habitat  10  out of the water. Similarly, once positioned, the habitat  10  may be moved to another position by grappling the catch  28  and lifting, pulling, or dragging the habitat  10  to the desired position. If the habitat  10  has been suspended from a dock or other location into the water, habitat  10  may be moved simply by retracting the suspending rope, wire, or other device. 
     Referring now more specifically to  FIG. 5 , a plurality of paired, opposing slat receiving holes  25  are formed at regular 60 degree intervals along the external circumferential surface of supporting member  21 . The paired, opposing slat receiving holes  25  are 180 degrees apart from each other on the external circumferential surface of supporting member  21 . Sets of three paired opposing slat receiving holes  25  are spaced preferably approximately 2.5 inches apart by length along the external circumferential surface of supporting member  21 . Each slat receiving hole  25  is designed so as to receive in a semi-interference type fit a linearly elongated slat  20 , removably held therein by physical friction. 
     It should be noted that attention to state and federal Wildlife rules and regulations prohibiting the use of such an apparatus as the present invention in particular bodies of water should be carefully observed and adhered to. 
     Operation of the Preferred Embodiment 
     The foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. As one can envision, an individual skilled in the relevant art, in conjunction with the present teachings, would be capable of incorporating many minor modifications that are anticipated within this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be broadly limited only by the following claims.