Automatic bite indicator for fishing

The invention relates to an electronic bite display (5) for displaying that a fish (13) has bitten the bait that is attached to the fishing line of a fishing rod (2) that can be placed on a fishing rod holder (1), said fishing rod comprising a reel (3) for reeling in the fishing line. The sensor of the bite display is an electronic acceleration sensor (B) and said bite display (5) comprises a console (21) that is secured between the fishing rod holder and a fishing rod stand (8), that protrudes approximately horizontally in the position of use and extends approximately parallel to the fishing rod (2). A pivoting shaft (27) that can pivot about a pivoting axis and that extends horizontally in the position of use is provided on the console (21). One first end of a pivoting arm (31) is pivotably mounted on the pivoting shaft, the other end supports the housing of the bite display. A line clip-system (17) is mounted on the upper head part of the bite display in the position of use (rest position), said system can be detachably suspended temporarily on the fishing line clamped in the position of use (rest position), and the acceleration sensor (B) is arranged in the housing of the bite display (5), where it moves, vibrates or registers a swiveling downwards movement of the bite display and converts it simultaneously into a suitable electronic flow impulse corresponding to the optionally acoustic and/or optical display device (34, 35).

The invention relates to an automatic bite indicator for indicating that a fish has bitten a piece of bait that is attached to the fishing line of a fishing rod which can be placed on a fishing rod holder and has a reel for reeling in the fishing line.

A commercially available bite indicator of this type reacts to pulling movements of the fishing line, wherein the latter drives a wheel which in turn addresses a light barrier that triggers a bite signal. Another bite indicator comprises a wheel which has magnetic strips and switches a reed contact on and off. In both cases, there is a certain degree of slip in the bite detection.

EP 0 422 913 B1 relates to a bite indicator comprising a mechanical sensor. The design and construction of this sensor are relatively complicated and therefore expensive. Furthermore, the complexity and complicated nature of this bite indicator reduces the enjoyment of use thereof and increases the manufacturing costs and selling price thereof to a not inconsiderable degree.

With the known bite indicators, very small bites can be detected in a way that is in practice only barely perceptible to the angler, if at all. Furthermore, the fishing line must be passed tightly over the wheel, which in turn makes it necessary to have a guide for the fishing rod. These components increase the weight and size of the known bite indicator housing. Moreover, the bite indicator is complicated to assemble and difficult to handle in such a way as to ensure an optimal and reliable bite detection.

A further disadvantage of the known bite indicators lies in the fact that a drop bite cannot be detected without an additional structure comprising a so-called “swinger”. In the case that a drop bite initially remains undetected (e.g., when fishing at night), the angler has no further possibility for detecting this state in order to correct the setup of the fishing rod.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a bite indicator of simple construction, having a small size and low weight, which consists on the whole only of a few components which are easy to assemble and can be handled without any problem, which bite indicator can be coupled to the fishing line in an extremely simple manner, operates without slip and reacts to very small and brief bites simply via the twitching and/or movements on the fishing line, and which then outputs corresponding optical and/or acoustic signals that are perceptible to the angler. By virtue of a simple design of the bite indicator provided for detecting a drop bite, this bite indicator is intended to manage to indicate a drop bite to the angler in a lasting and 100% reliable manner, without the need for additional further add-ons.

This object is achieved according to the invention in that the sensor of the bite indicator is an electronic acceleration sensor, in that the bite indicator has a bracket which is attached between the fishing rod holder and the fishing rod rest and which, in the position of use, protrudes approximately horizontally and runs approximately parallel to the fishing rod, in that a pivoting shaft which can pivot about the pivot axis and runs horizontally in the position of use is provided on the bracket, in that a first end of a pivoting arm is mounted pivotably on the pivoting shaft, the other end of said pivoting arm carrying the housing of the bite indicator, in that a line clip system is attached to the head part of the housing of the bite indicator, said head part being located at the top in the position of use (rest position), and can be detachably suspended temporarily on the fishing line which is tensioned in the position of use (rest position), the height axis of the housing of the bite indicator running substantially vertically, in that the housing of the bite indicator suspended on the line clip system and attached to the pivoting arm can be pivoted downwards through approximately 90° about the pivot axis under the force of gravity as the fishing line slackens and sags downwards as a result of the fish biting the bait, after which the height axis of the housing of the bite indicator runs substantially horizontally, and in that the acceleration sensor is arranged in the housing of the bite indicator, where it registers movements, shaking or a downward pivoting of the bite indicator and converts this simultaneously into suitable electronic current pulses for display devices which output acoustic and/or optical signals to the angler.

In contrast to the subject matter of EP 0 422 913 B1, the bite indicator according to the invention comprises an electronic sensor. This bite indicator is constructed in a simple manner in design terms from only a few individual parts. Display devices of the bite indicator according to the invention signal the anticipated bite event to the angler in the form of acoustic and/or optical signals. It is uncomplicated and inexpensive to produce and is highly valued by anglers due to its lightweight construction, ease of handling and reliable operation.

Since the bite indicator hangs from the fishing line by its own weight, no additional weight (swinger) is necessary in order to detect a drop bite.

The acceleration sensor is fixedly mounted in the housing of the bite indicator, that is to say that the sensor has a housing (5×5 mm) which has an underside and an upper side in relation to the vertical (direction of the force of gravity).

Regardless of how the sensor or the complete bite indicator is rotated relative to the vertical, this generates a certain basic tension. Whenever (after a “drop bite”) the sensor has rotated or pivoted through 90° out of its original position (rest position), it generates a new basic tension after this change in position. This change in tension can then be evaluated or “interpreted” by the electronics.

A “lasting drop bite” is understood as follows: Once the bite indicator has rotated or pivoted through 90 degrees, this state will be able to be detected for as long as the bite indicator is in this position. “Lasting” means: until the angler has redeployed and reset the fishing rod.

In the case of bite indicators presently available on the market, it is possible to detect a drop bite only while said drop bite is occurring. A “swinger” (like the bite indicator according to the invention) moves downwards and drives the wheel by virtue of the fishing line.

The production costs of the bite indicator according to the invention are low. The assembly, operation and maintenance thereof are easy and problem-free. The bite detection takes place—as mentioned—through very slight twitching or movements of the fishing line, which are transmitted via the fishing line and via the line clip system directly to the highly sensitive electronics of the bite indicator. In order to relieve the load on the angler when transporting his angling equipment, the size of the bite indicator should be as small as possible. Its power supply should be small so as to save space and should have an operating time that is as long as possible before a new battery has to be inserted. In order to detect a so-called drop bite, no additional attachment or add-on is necessary in order to indicate a drop bite to the angler in a lasting and 100% reliable manner.

FIGS. 1 and 2show a commercially available, height-adjustable fishing rod holder1(a so-called “rod pod” or “bank stick”) with a fishing rod rest8. In the normal angling mode, there is mounted on the rod rest8a fishing rod2, to which a reel3for reeling in a fishing line9is attached.

As shown inFIG. 6, a bracket21is securely screwed on between the fishing rod holder1and the fishing rod rest8, wherein the bracket part that protrudes towards the fishing rod handle23runs approximately parallel to the fishing rod2. The bracket21has a mounting hole22.

The bracket21has at its protruding end a recess24which is arranged as centrally as possible so that a support arm25,26is formed on each side thereof. The support arms25,26are connected by a pivoting shaft27, wherein each shaft end28,29is mounted on a respective one of the two support arms25,26. The end30of a pivoting arm31is mounted on the pivoting shaft27in the region of the recess24between the two support arms25,26. Said pivoting arm can be pivoted vertically upwards or downwards about the pivot axis10in the position of use (rest position) of the fishing rod holder1. Fixedly attached to the other end of the pivoting arm31is the lower part of a housing32of a bite indicator5according to the invention. Arranged on the upper part of the housing32is a so-called line clip system7which serves for temporarily suspending the bite indicator5on the fishing line9. By virtue of this arrangement, the bite indicator5“hangs” from the fishing line9and exerts a certain tension on the fishing line9due to its own weight.

The diagram inFIG. 1shows the arrangement according to the invention in its position of use (rest position), wherein the fishing line9is pulled taut due to the pulling force of the fishing hook weighted with a lead weight.

FIG. 3shows the arrangement according to the invention after a fish13has bitten and grasped the lead-weighted bait suspended deep in the water and is in the process of moving it towards the bank area. As a result, the fishing line9is slackened so that the bite indicator5suspended thereon pulls the fishing line9downwards on account of its weight. As a result, the pivoting arm31carrying the bite indicator5pivots downwards through 90° about the pivot axis10of the pivoting shaft27, as shown inFIG. 3(“working position”). Due to the 90° pivoting of the pivoting arm31, the initially vertically running height axis H of the housing32of the bite indicator5pivots downwards (FIGS. 1 and 2), after which it then runs horizontally (FIG. 3). The change in position of the bite indicator5is shown schematically inFIG. 4.

Due to the biting or pulling on the fishing bait and/or due to the latter being transported into shallower water by the fish13, the fishing line9is moved to a greater or lesser extent. Via the fishing line9and via the line clip system7of the bite indicator5suspended thereon, these movements are transmitted directly to the bite indicator5and to the electronics installed therein and to the acceleration sensor B, as will be described below.

Using a MEMS acceleration sensor B, the electronics of the bite indicator5convert even very fine or very small movements acting on the fishing line9into an electrical voltage. The bite indicator5is thus able to detect very small and also individual movements or accelerations. Any movement or any bite of a fish is indicated by a flashing of a signal lamp34and/or by a beeping of a buzzer35. The information concerning the last bite is at the same time stored for the angler for 30 seconds. This measure relieves the burden on the angler; he need not constantly watch the fishing line9or the fishing rod2with a high degree of concentration.

A MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) is a combined arrangement of mechanical elements, such as sensors, actuators and electronic circuits, on a substrate or chip.

The detection of a bite of a fish will be described once more in greater detail with reference to the diagram inFIG. 2. When a fish bites, the fishing line9is moved back and forth through the fishing line ring guide4. This horizontal movement is converted at the bite indicator5into a vertical movement as described above. The resulting vertical movement is detected by the MEMS acceleration sensor B. The rest of the electronics in the bite indicator5convert these sensor signals into acoustic and/or optical signals.

The case of a so-called “drop bite” will be described in greater detail with reference toFIG. 3. A “drop bite” is understood to mean a situation in which a fish moves the bait in the direction of the bank or in the direction of the fishing rod2and leaves the bait again at a certain point. In this situation, no further bite detection is possible. The bite indicator5no longer exerts any tension on the fishing line9.

In this situation, the housing of the bite indicator5would pivot downwards through 90° from its originally vertical position into a horizontal position, as explained above.

The case of a “strong bite” or of a continuous pulling of a fish13on the fishing line9will be described in greater detail with reference toFIG. 4. In such a situation, it may happen that the bite indicator5or the line clip system7detaches from the fishing line9. In this case, the height axis H of the housing32of the bite indicator5would pivot downwards through 90°.

The bite indicator5according to the invention can “detect” its change in position. As soon as the height axis H of the bite indicator5pivots downwards through an angle of 90°, the acceleration sensor B outputs a certain voltage. This is converted by the electronics into a constant flashing and beeping at approximately 4 Hz. Due to this aggressive type of signal, the angler is aware that a “drop bite” or a “strong bite” is occurring.

FIG. 5shows the case when the rod is struck. In this case, the line clip system7must detach from the fishing line9. The line clip system7is specially developed for monofilament and braided fishing lines9which hold the bite indicator5when taut (FIG. 2), and releases the fishing line9immediately when struck (FIG. 5). In other words, the line clip system7is fixedly connected to the bite indicator5and can thus transmit movements of the fishing line9to the acceleration sensor B.

FIG. 6shows the design of the bite indicator5according to the invention. The bite indicator line clip system7has the function of connecting the bite indicator5(that is to say the entire structure thereof) to the fishing line9. When the fishing rod2(FIGS. 2 and 3) is removed from the rod rest8(FIG. 5), the line clip system7must be able to detach from the fishing line9. This is possible since the two retaining pins of the line clip system7are mounted in a manner slightly offset from one another. A signal lamp34has the function of displaying bites or movements through optical signals. A buzzer opening12is positioned above the buzzer35in the housing32so that the acoustic signal is not too greatly damped. A battery compartment11for a power-supplying battery17is provided on the rear side of the bite indicator5. Via the two buttons14and15, it is possible to adjust the volume of the buzzer35and to adapt the sensitivity of the bite indicator5to the environment.

A line clip system7according to the invention is shown in two enlarged views inFIGS. 7aand7b. The line clip system7has on its head part, which is located at the top in the position of use (rest position), two retaining pins37,38arranged at a distance A from one another. In the position of use (rest position), the fishing line9is passed through the intermediate space A formed by the two retaining pins37,38. A first retaining pin37runs straight upwards in the position of use (rest position). The second retaining pin38likewise runs upwards in the position of use (rest position), but its end is angled as shown inFIG. 7a. The two spaced-apart retaining pins37,38not only form in the position of use (rest position) a type of “needle eye” or “guide eye”39for the fishing line9threaded through between them, but also secure the bite indicator5to the fishing line9.

Due to its own weight and the effect of gravity, the bite indicator5hangs downwards in the direction U from the fishing line9in the position of use (rest position) of the fishing rod2. In the position of use (rest position), the bite indicator5cannot and will not detach from the fishing line9threaded between the two retaining pins37,38.

In the event of the fishing rod2being struck or removed or under the effect of a relatively high pulling force in the direction R away from the rod rest8, it must be ensured that the fishing line9can detach from the line clip system7. This is possible because the two retaining pins37,38of the line clip system are spaced apart by a distance A of approximately 1 millimeter. The two retaining pins37,38are made from rust-proof materials. They therefore cannot corrode even after a relatively long period of use in the open air, which serves to protect the fishing line9. Stainless steel is the optimal material since fishing lines9exhibit good sliding properties on stainless steel. The distance A of 1 millimeter guarantees a good functionality (reliable detachment of the bite indicator5) in the case of both monofilament and braided fishing lines9.

A block diagram of the electronic circuit S according to the invention is shown by way of example inFIG. 8. In the rest state independent of the vertically running height axis H of the housing32of the bite indicator5, the sensor outputs voltages of between 1.0 V and 1.5 V. The smallest movements via the fishing line (FIGS. 1,2and3) are converted into a voltage proportional to the movement or acceleration. This voltage is modulated or added onto the basic voltage (brought about by the vertical arrangement of the height axis H of the bite indicator5). The signal from the acceleration sensor B is passed through the line L1to a microcontroller16. Here, the microcontroller16experiences any movement of the bite indicator5through the basic voltage, through the position of the acceleration sensor B (“drop bite” detection—FIG. 2) and through occurring AC voltages. This information is forwarded from the microcontroller16via the signal lines L5and L6to the signal lamp34and the buzzer35. The angler is thus informed both optically and acoustically about a bite of a fish13that has taken place, and can react accordingly and in good time depending on the situation transmitted to him.

All the electronics of the bite indicator5are supplied by a 1.5 Volt battery17. It is connected via a main switch18to a voltage converter19. The voltage converter19has the task of generating a stable 3.3 Volt voltage for the microcontroller16and the sensor B. In order to spare the battery voltage, a microcontroller16from the company Texas Instruments® is used. This family of microcontrollers16is aimed at being extremely energy-saving. By appropriate management, the microcontroller16is not operated continuously. It remains switched on only for 200 microseconds out of every 60 milliseconds or so. This is followed by the evaluation of the sensor data via the line L1. After the evaluation, the buzzer35and the signal lamp34are actuated according to the sensor signals. The microcontroller16is switched off until the next cycle.

When angling, essentially three different possibilities are conceivable, which are intended to be displayed as follows:

The fish has bitten, the angler wants to land the fish. He must take the fishing rod in his hand; in doing so, the bite indicator would get in his way. He might break the line or else the bite indicator (clip system) might possibly be broken. The bite indicator must detach from the fishing line.

The carp has strongly bitten. It pulls the fishing line suddenly (with very high acceleration) in the direction of the open water. This situation might cause a rapid movement (vertical movement) on the bite indicator. The line clip system might detach from the fishing line or slip out of the “needle eye”. This situation must be perceived immediately by the angler since the carp might otherwise pull the entire rod including the accessories into the water. In this case, the bite indicator immediately drops downwards. The “drop bite” position will be detected (which is indicated by strong, aggressive flashing and beeping at approximately 4 Hz). If the pull of the fishing line is not sufficient to pull it out of the line clip system, it will also do nothing more. Due to the pulling of the fish, enough vibrations will be caused on the fishing line to generate sufficient optical and/or acoustic signals for the angler.

The fish pulls the bait slowly towards the bank (sneaky “drop bite”) and thus slowly slackens the fishing line. At some time or another, the 90° position of the bite indicator will occur, which is referred to as a “drop bite”. If the angler has not noticed the situation beforehand based on the flashing/beeping, the fishing line might slip out of the line clip system. This might or might not be advantageous. It depends on the situation.

Advantage: The angler wants to pull the bait out in order to cast it to a new location. He need not remove the bite indicator by pulling the fishing line.

Disadvantage: The angler is happy with the position of the bait. He wants only to make the fishing line taut again. However, he must first resuspend the bite indicator.

Without significantly varying the concept of the invention, it is also conceivable that the tension and/or twitching movements of the fishing line9caused by a “drop bite” are detected by a sensor and converted into corresponding radio signals. The radio data could be transmitted by suitable means (which will not be explained in greater detail here) to appropriate receiving devices which generate and output acoustic and/or optical signals. These signals would enable the angler to take the necessary measures to retrieve the fish13hanging on the fishing line9.

With the bite indicator according to the invention, it is possible to detect both lateral and horizontal movements of the bite indicator (5) via the acceleration sensor. This signal might contain the information that this is caused by interference, which nevertheless then also has to be interpreted as such and processed accordingly. Horizontal movements of the bite indicator (5) could thus be ignored and interpreted as “non-bites” and processed accordingly.

No bite is occurring, in other words interference is occurring, if the bite indicator (5) is moving vertically and horizontally. By contrast, a bite is occurring if the bite indicator (5) is moving only vertically.

Accordingly, the electronics of the bite indicator (5) are configured in such a way that they interpret horizontal movements of the bite indicator (5) (for example brought about by side winds) as interference and accordingly register these as “non-bites” and process them accordingly.

LIST OF REFERENCES