Fish hook system

Systems directed to the art of setting a hook in a fish mouth. The systems have a sleeve substantially housing a plunger assembly and a biasing member, and an activation member assembly with a rotatable finger. The biasing member applies force between the plunger assembly engages and the activation member assembly when the system is engaged. A fish hook is attached via fishing lines to both the activation member assembly and the plunger assembly. Pulling the hook releases the plunger assembly from the activation member assembly and pulls the line attached to the plunger assembly, setting the hook in the fish's mouth.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fishing is an activity predicated on patience and timing. When a fish snatches the bait offered on an unassuming hook or takes a bite of an attractive lure, the angler must be ready to set the fishing hook in the mouth of the fish to ensure the capture of the water faring beast, or else embrace the fate of being the losing party in another epic fishing saga. Setting a hook is generally accomplished by pulling back on the fishing rod in a quick jerking motion. If poorly timed, either too early or too late, the fish may escape as the hook has either not yet entered the fish's mouth or the fish has already taken the bait and swam away. Accordingly, anglers would benefit from a device capable of more consistently setting a hook in a fish's mouth at a more advantageous time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hook setting device configured to set a hook in a fish's mouth with more consistency and with a greater rate of success. The present invention comprises an activation member assembly which, when triggered by a fish, will release a plunger assembly retained under pressure by a spring. The plunger assembly is attached to the fish hook via a line and when the plunger assembly is released it moves in a direction away from the fish and the hook is set in the fish's mouth.

An embodiment of a fish hook system according the present invention may include a sleeve extending between a sleeve proximal end portion and a sleeve distal end portion. A trigger lever may extend from and include a free end and a pivot end, the pivot end being pivotally coupled to the sleeve distal end portion. The trigger lever is preferably movable between a first position and a second position. A biasing member is included and preferably disposed within the sleeve. The biasing member may be a spring, such as an extension spring or a compression spring. A first line extends out of the sleeve distal end portion, the first line including and extending between a first line proximal end and first line distal end. The first line proximal end is preferably coupled to the biasing member and the first line distal end may be disposed outside of the sleeve, such as to be coupled to a fishing hook. A catch is also preferably affixed to the first line, wherein the catch engages at least the trigger lever in the first position, after the first line has been drawn out of the sleeve distal end portion against a biasing force of the biasing member. The catch may be a ball secured (e.g. adhered, welded, swaged) to the first line or a knot formed in the first line, for example. The catch can then maintain the device in a loaded or untriggered state until it is released. The catch releases from the trigger lever when the trigger lever is at a rotational position between the first position and the second position and at the second position. When the catch releases from the trigger lever, the biasing member causes the first line to be drawn at least partially into the sleeve.

According to yet another aspect of an embodiment of a fish hook system according to the present invention, such system may further include a second line extending between and including a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the second line may be coupled to the trigger lever between the trigger lever pivot end and the trigger lever free end and the distal end of the second line may be coupled to the first line, such as at the first line distal end. A third line may extend between and include a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the third line may be coupled to the distal end of the second line. In such embodiment, the hook may be coupled to the first line by being attached to the distal end of the third line. The trigger lever may thus be moved from the first position towards the second position by a force applied to the third line in a direction away from the distal end of the sleeve.

Another embodiment of a fish hook system according to the present invention may include a sleeve extending between a sleeve proximal end portion and a sleeve distal end portion. The sleeve distal end portion preferably includes a slot. A biasing member is included and preferably disposed within the sleeve. The biasing member may be a spring, such as an extension spring or a compression spring. A first line extends out of the sleeve distal end portion, the first line including and extending between a first line proximal end and first line distal end. The first line has a diameter that is preferably less than the width of the slot. The first line proximal end is preferably coupled to the biasing member and the first line distal end may be disposed outside of the sleeve, such as to be coupled to a fishing hook. A catch is also preferably affixed to the first line, wherein the catch is engageable with at least edges of the slot, after the first line has been drawn out of the sleeve distal end portion against a biasing force of the biasing member. The catch may be a ball secured (e.g. adhered, welded, swaged) to the first line or a knot formed in the first line, for example. The catch can then maintain the device in a loaded or untriggered state until it is released. The catch releases from the slot when the first line approaches a position that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the sleeve, and when the catch releases from the slot, the biasing member causes the first line to be drawn at least partially into the sleeve.

According to another aspect of an embodiment of a fish hook system according to the present invention, where the biasing member is an extension spring, it may be a double loop over center extension spring having a proximal loop and a distal loop. The first line may be secured directly the distal loop. The proximal loop may be coupled to the sleeve proximal end portion, such as by a pin extending through the sleeve and through the proximal loop.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A first embodiment100of a hook setting device is shown inFIG. 1. The hook setting device100comprises a sleeve110, a plunger assembly130(seeFIG. 2), an activation member assembly180, and a biasing member240(see alsoFIG. 2).

The sleeve110preferably comprises a tubular pipe112with a plurality of sleeve apertures120. The pipe112has a pipe first end portion114and a pipe second end portion116opposite the pipe first end portion114. The sleeve apertures120decrease the overall weight of the pipe112and allow fluid that may have entered the hook setting device100when submerged to exit upon activation of the hook setting device100. The sleeve apertures120also allow air that may be trapped within the hook setting device100when submerged, potentially making the hook setting device100buoyant, to exit the hook setting device100. The sleeve apertures120may take any shape including, but not limited to, circles and/or slots.

Turning now toFIGS. 2 and 3in which the hook setting device100is shown in greater detail.FIG. 2is a cut-away view of the hook setting device100according to the present invention and illustrates the otherwise interrelationships of the sleeve110, the plunger assembly130, and the activation member assembly180.FIG. 3illustrates an exploded view of the hook setting device100to better illustrate the specific elements of the hook setting device100.

The partial cut-away view of the sleeve110inFIG. 3illustrates pipe internal threads118extending inward from both the pipe first end portion114and the pipe second end portion116.

The activation member assembly180comprises a base182, a finger200, a knuckle214, a pocket220defining a pocket surface222, and a stopper230. The base182comprises base external threads184, a base collar186having an inwardly facing surface188and an outwardly facing surface190, a base bore192defining a base bore surface194(seeFIG. 5B), and a cantilever196. The base external threads184interface with the pipe internal threads118of the pipe second end portion116.

The finger200preferably comprises a finger proximal end portion202, a finger medial portion206, and a finger distal end portion208. The finger proximal end portion202is rotatably attached to the base182at the knuckle214. The stopper230is rotatably attached to the finger medial portion206and may extend into the base bore192and positioned alongside the cantilever196. The finger200extends from the finger medial portion206to the finger distal end portion208forming a finger lever210. The finger lever210preferably comprises a plurality of holes212.

The plunger assembly130as shown here preferably comprises a rod132, a fitting150, and an arm160. The rod132has a rod first end portion134with a rod first end portion collar136and a rod second end portion138with a rod second end portion collar140. The rod second end portion collar140has a rod second end portion collar first surface142and a rod second end portion collar second surface144. The arm160comprises an arm proximal end portion162and an arm distal end portion164. The arm proximal end portion162is pivotally attached to the rod second end portion138. Shown here, the arm proximal end portion162is pivotally affixed to the rod second end portion collar second surface144by pin146. The arm distal end portion164terminates in an offset bulb166. The offset bulb166comprises a catch surface168and a bulb aperture170extending through the offset bulb166.

The fitting150comprises a fitting collar152with a collar through-hole154, fitting external threads156and a fitting bore158. The rod132is positioned through the fitting bore158and the fitting external threads156interface with the pipe internal threads118of the pipe first end portion114.

Additionally or alternatively, a dampener172, shown here as a coil spring, may be included between the fitting150and the rod second end portion collar first surface142.

FIG. 4Ashows the hook setting device100in an engaged state with the offset bulb166of the arm160within the pocket220of the activation member assembly180. In the engaged state, the offset bulb166of the arm160is positioned within the pocket220and the stopper230is between the arm160and the base bore surface194.

To place the hook setting device100into the engaged state, the finger lever210is rotated away from the sleeve110, thus removing the stopper230from the base bore192(seeFIG. 7B). Preferably, the periphery204of the finger proximal end portion202is shaped to provide an interference between the finger proximal end portion202and the outwardly facing surface190of the base collar186, thus limiting rotation of the finger200past a predetermined angle and preferably before the stopper230travels completely beyond the cantilever196.

The bulb166of the arm160may then be passed through the base bore192and into the pocket220. The biasing member240is compressed during this transition as it is located between the base182and the rod second end portion collar second surface144, thus inducing a compression spring force opposing the movement of the rod second end portion collar140towards the second end portion116of the pipe112. In order to retain the bulb166within the pocket220, the finger lever210is rotated back towards the sleeve110and the stopper230guides the arm160into a position in which the catch surface168of the bulb166abuts the pocket surface222. Thus, the stopper230forces the arm160to interface the pocket surface222and the catch surface168to prevent the arm160from movement encouraged by the compressed biasing member240.

FIG. 4Bfurther illustrates the knuckle214and the cantilever as viewed from above the orientation of the hook setting device100inFIG. 4A.

FIGS. 5A-9Billustrate the operation of the hook setting device100according to the present invention.FIGS. 5A and 5Bshow the hook setting device100in the engaged position as described earlier with respect toFIGS. 4A and 4B. It can be seen that the offset bulb166is positioned within the pocket220and the stopper230is between the arm160and the base bore surface194.

As shown inFIG. 5A, a first fishing line10extends from a fishing pole40to the pipe first end portion114, on which the first fishing line10is secured through the collar through-hole154. A first trigger rig400includes a second fishing line, or leader,20and a third fishing line, or leader30. The second fishing line, or leader,20has a length L2between the selected lever hole212and a connection point402of the second fishing line20and the third fishing line30. The third fishing line, or leader,30has a length L3and is secured to the bulb aperture170and is tied in with the second fishing line20, or lure50, in a manner known to one skilled in the art, at the connection point402. It should be noted that the first fishing line10may be attached to a BEAVER DAM TIP-UP® or any other fishing device (or even a relatively stationary device, such as a tree limb, deck railing, or buoy), and the hook50may be of any type including, but not limited to, an EAGLE CLAW® hook and NORTHLAND FISHING TACKLE® jigging lures.

It is preferred that the third fishing line30have a minimum length L3that is longer than the sum of the length L2of the second fishing line20and the largest finger lever distance D traveled by the finger lever210(seeFIG. 8A) at the moment of activation of the hook setting device100. The second line20and the third line30may include any suitable material, including monofilament, fused lines, braided lines, etc., but a preferred second line20and third line30comprise braided stainless steel cable of a predetermined diameter, such as about 3/64 or 1/16 of an inch. An exemplary cable20,30is a stainless steel 7×7 wire rope of such dimensions.

It is also preferred that the third fishing line30have a maximum length L3that is less than the sum of the length of the largest finger lever distance D traveled by the finger lever (seeFIG. 8A) at the moment of activation of the hook setting device100, the second fishing line length L2, and the distance L (seeFIG. 2) between the fitting150and the rod second end portion collar first surface142when the hook setting device100is in the engaged state. More preferably, the length L3may be adjusted and fixed to any length between the indicated minimum and maximum lengths. The closer the length L3is to the minimum, the quicker the hook set time, namely the time from the trigger rig400being tripped, the bulb166being released from the pocket220and hook50being jerked upwardly by the third line30.

InFIGS. 6A and 6B, a fish60approaches and bites the hook50. The second fishing line20is pulled tight as the finger lever210rotates about the knuckle214. The plurality of lever holes212allow an angler to set the amount of force needed for a fish60to release the plunger assembly130. If less force is preferred, the angler may attach the second fishing line20in one of the plurality of lever holes212farther away from the knuckle214. If more force is preferred, the angler may attach the second fishing line20in one of the plurality of lever holes212closer to the knuckle214.

Looking now toFIGS. 7A and 7B, the fish60has rotated the finger lever210farther thus pulling the stopper230out of the base bore192and allowing the offset bulb166to exit the pocket220.

InFIGS. 8A and 8B, the offset bulb166is completely out of the pocket220and the spring force induced by the compressed biasing member240is released, pulling the third fishing line30tight and setting the hook50in the fish60.

As shown inFIGS. 9A-9C, the rod132travels through the sleeve110until the rod second end portion collar first surface142makes contact with the fitting150or dampener172. In the embodiment shown, a dampener172is employed as alternatively described above with respect toFIGS. 2 and 3, allowing the rod132to be brought to a stop in a more controlled fashion.

It is further contemplated by the present invention that the hook setting device100may comprise different sizes for various size fish60.

FIGS. 10A and 10Billustrate a second embodiment1000of the hook setting device. It should be noted that like part numbers represent like parts among the various embodiments. As shown here, the arm distal end portion164abuts the cantilever196and the offset bulb catch surface168is in contact with the pocket surface222. The finger proximal end portion periphery204has a lobe-like profile1002with a flat spot1004. According to this embodiment, when a fish60(as shown inFIG. 6A) triggers the hook setting device1000, the finger200rotates relative to the arm offset bulb166, and due to the lobe-like profile1002of the proximal end portion periphery204, the flat spot1004will rotate to a position substantially alongside the offset bulb166, thus releasing the arm160. As the arm160would not necessarily need to pivot out of the pocket220according to this embodiment, the rod132and the arm160may be formed from one piece of material.

A third embodiment3000of the hook setting device is shown inFIGS. 11-18. First looking toFIGS. 11-13, it can be seen that the third embodiment3000is similar to the first embodiment100of the hook setting device in that the third embodiment3000comprises a sleeve3110, a plunger assembly3130(seeFIG. 12), an activation member assembly3180, and a biasing member3240(see alsoFIG. 12).

The sleeve3110preferably comprises a tubular pipe3112with a plurality of sleeve apertures3120. The pipe3112has a pipe first end portion3114and a pipe second end portion3116opposite the pipe first end portion3114. The pipe first end portion3114is preferably closed by a cap3150. The cap3150may be received within the pipe first end portion3114, and secured thereto with a cap pin3151. The cap3150further preferably includes a through-hole3154, adapted to receive a first fishing line10or other support line or structure. The pipe second end portion3116has internal threads3118. The sleeve apertures3120may take any shape including, but not limited to, circles and/or slots.

The plunger assembly3130comprises a puck3132with a biasing surface3133and a catch (such as a knot in the line30or a ball3262with a ball diameter BD). The puck3132resides within the sleeve3110and is configured to translate along the tubular pipe3112. A third fishing line30is affixed to the puck3132on one end (such as with a loop31extending around a puck pin3135secured to the puck3132) and extends out of the second end portion3116of the sleeve3110. The ball3262acts as a catch and is secured to the third fishing line30at a predetermined distance PB from the biasing surface3133. The ball3262may be secured to the line by any suitable means, such as adhesive, welding, etc., but the ball3262is preferably a stainless steel ball that is swaged onto the line30. The distance PB between the puck3132and the ball3262determines the amount of potential energy stored in the biasing member3240when in the engaged position (as will be explained in further detail below). A preferred biasing member3240comprises a compression spring having a free length, an outside diameter, a wire gauge or thickness, and a predetermined number of coils. A preferred nominal spring free length is about two to about four inches, and more preferably about three inches. A preferred spring outside diameter is about 0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches, with about 0.50 inches being more preferred. A preferred wire gauge or thickness is between about 22 AWG (0.0253 inches) and about 14 AWG (0.0641 inches), with about 17 AWG (about 0.046 inches) being most preferred. A preferred predetermined number of spring coils is about 10 to about 25, with about nineteen being more preferred.

A second trigger rig400′ is shown inFIG. 11. Like the first rig400, the second rig embodiment400′ includes a second line20and a third line30. In this rig400′, however, there is located a trigger set mechanism410between the sleeve3110and the hook50. The trigger set mechanism410is configured to allow a user of the device3000to activate the biasing member3240. Whereas, a trigger set mechanism (including the rod132) of the first embodiment100extended proximally from the device100, towards a support structure or fishing rod40, the set mechanism410of the present embodiment400′ is arranged distally from the device3000. The trigger set mechanism400′ includes a pull-loop32located between the ball3262and the connection point402to the second fishing line20. The pull-loop32may be integrally formed with the third line30, such as the third line30being bent back upon itself and secured with a crimp collar404. The crimp collar404, or other modification or attachment to the third line30is preferably located at a distance along the third line30that is greater than the distance PB between the puck biasing surface3133and the ball3262as to not interfere with the hook setting action, which is described in more detail below.

The activation member assembly3180comprises a base3182and a finger3200. The base3182preferably comprises base external threads3184, a base collar3186having an inwardly facing surface3188and an outwardly facing surface3190, a base bore3192defining a base bore surface3194(seeFIG. 15B), and a base slot3198(seeFIGS. 14B and 14C) extending across the base collar3186and from the outwardly facing surface3190substantially to the inwardly facing surface3188. The base slot3198has a base slot first surface3250opposing a base slot second surface3252across and defining a base slot width W.

Additionally or alternatively, as shown inFIG. 14C, a seat3260is set inward from and located at the intersection of the outwardly facing surface3190and at or near the center of the base slot first surface3250.

The finger3200preferably comprises a finger proximal end portion3202, a finger medial portion3206, and a finger distal end portion3208. The finger proximal end portion3202and the finger medial portion3206preferably have a thickness T that is smaller in dimension than the base slot width W.

The finger proximal end portion3202is rotatably attached to the base3182within the base slot3198at a pivot point defined by a pivot pin3214.

The finger medial portion3206has a medial portion first surface3280opposite a medial portion second surface3252. A notch3284in the finger medial portion3206extends from the medial portion first surface3280toward the medial portion second surface3252.

A finger lever3210extends from the finger medial portion3206through the finger distal end portion3208. The finger lever3210preferably comprises a plurality of holes3212formed at different distances from the pivot point3214. The second line20is secured to the lever3210in at least one of the holes3212, such as being tied directly therein or by using a snap406, or other attachment device, such as a swivel or leader.

Looking atFIGS. 12 and 14A-14C, the device3000is shown in an engaged position. In the engaged position, the biasing member3240is compressed between the puck3132and the base3182. The biasing member3240is retained in the compressed state by the placement of the ball3262within the notch3284and against the base collar3186. As discussed above, the distance PB between the puck biasing surface3133and the ball3262will determine the amount of potential energy stored in the biasing member3240when in the engaged position. For example, the greater the distance PB between the puck biasing surface3133and the ball3262, the less a given biasing member3240will compress and therefore a lower amount of potential energy will be stored in the compressed biasing member3240.

As depicted here, it is contemplated that a section of the notch3284extends through the medial portion second surface3282to form a cut-out3286through a part of the finger medial portion3206that is substantially within the base slot3198when the finger3200is positioned in an engaged position. The cut-out3286has a terminus3288(seeFIG. 13) preferably configured to extend beyond the base collar outwardly facing surface3190for a distance less than the ball diameter BD when the finger3200is positioned in an engaged position, or not at all. A preferred ball diameter BD may be, for example, about 3/16 of an inch.

Turning now toFIGS. 15A-17B, the operation of the hook setting device3000is illustrated. Similar to the first embodiment100,FIG. 15Ashows the first, second, and third fishing lines10,20,30connected in a similar manner and configured to be sized within similar length parameters.

InFIGS. 15A and 15B, the hook setting device3000is shown in the engaged position as described above with respect toFIGS. 12 and 14A-14C. When the fish60approaches and bites the hook50as illustrated inFIGS. 16A and 16B, the second fishing line20is pulled tight and the finger lever3210rotates about the pivot point3214. Rotation of the finger lever3210away from base slot3198moves the finger medial portion3206relative to the ball3262until the finger medial portion3206is no longer in contact with the ball3262and thus releasing the ball3262from the notch3284and into the cut-out3286.

As the biasing member3240releases the stored energy as shown inFIGS. 17A and 17Band forces the puck3132(not shown) in the direction away from the base3182. The movement of the puck3132and the force of the biasing member3240sets the hook50in the fish60.

The plurality of lever holes3212allow an angler to set the amount of force needed for a fish60to release the plunger assembly3130. If less force is preferred, the angler may attach the second fishing line20in one of the plurality of lever holes3212closer to the finger distal end portion3208. If more force is preferred, the angler may attach the second fishing line20to one of the plurality of lever holes3212closer to the finger medial portion3206.

FIG. 18shows a user70pulling the pull-loop32in a direction away from the base3182to set the activation member assembly3180into the engaged position. It is preferable to the position the device as shown here during the setting procedure. As the ball3262(hidden) is being pulled towards the base outwardly facing surface3190the ball3262(hidden) will contact the finger3200and the finger3200will rotate away from the base outwardly facing surface3190. Continued pulling by the user70will place the ball3262(hidden) beyond the base outwardly facing surface3190allowing gravity to assist the finger3200back towards the base outwardly facing surface3190. The ball3262(hidden) will then be positioned between the finger notch3284and the base outwardly facing surface3190, effectively blocking the path of the ball3262(hidden) back into the sleeve3110.

FIGS. 19A and 19Billustrate a fourth embodiment4000of the hook setting device. The hook setting device4000comprises a sleeve4110, a plunger assembly4130, an activation member assembly4180, and a biasing member4240.

The sleeve4110comprises a tubular pipe4112having a first end portion4114and a second end portion4116with at least one passage4120extending between the first end portion4114and the second end portion4116.

The plunger assembly4130comprises a puck4132, an arm4160extending downward toward the activation member assembly4180, and at least one handle4290protruding outward from the puck4132and extending through the at least one passage4120. The distal end portion4164of the arm4160has a ball4262.

The activation member assembly4180is similar to the activation member assembly3180of the third embodiment hook setting device3000as it comprises a base4182with a base slot4198in which a finger4200with a notch4284in a medial portion4206is rotatable in and out of the base slot4198about a pivot point4214.

The device4000is engaged by pulling or pushing the at least one handle4290of the puck4132toward the sleeve second end portion4116and/or pulling the loop32of the third fishing line30away from the base4182, and positioning the ball4262between the notch4284and the base4182.

The device4000disengages in a similar manner to the third embodiment3000whereby when the second fishing line20is pulled, the finger4200rotates about the pivot point4214and out of the base slot4198, thus releasing the ball4262and the potential energy of the biasing member4240to pull the third fishing line30in an upward direction.

FIGS. 20A and 20Billustrate a fifth embodiment5000of the hook setting device. The hook setting device5000comprises a sleeve5110, a plunger assembly5130, an activation member assembly5180, and a biasing member5240.

The sleeve5110is similar to that of the sleeve4110of the fourth embodiment4000and comprises a passage5120extending between a first end portion5114and a second end portion5116of a tubular pipe5112.

The plunger assembly5130shares many commonalities with the plunger assembly4130of the fourth embodiment4000and comprises a puck5132, an arm5160extending downward toward the activation member assembly5180, and at least one handle5290protruding outward from the puck5132and extending through the at least one passage5120. The distal end portion5164of the arm5160, however, has an offset bulb5166.

The activation member assembly5180comprises a base5182with a base slot5198in which a finger5200with a notch5284in a medial portion5206is rotatable in and out of the base slot5198about a pivot point5214. The medial portion5206has a lobe5292which projects into the notch5284from the side closest to the finger distal end portion5208and in the direction of the finger proximal end portion5202.

The device5000is engaged by pulling or pushing the at least one handle5290of the puck5132toward the sleeve second end portion5116, and/or pulling the loop32of the third fishing line30away from the base5182, and engaging the offset bulb5166with the lobe5292of the medial portion5206.

The device5000disengages when the second fishing line20is pulled and the finger5200rotates about the pivot point5214and out of the base slot5198. The offset bulb5166is released from its engagement with the lobe5292and the potential energy of the biasing member5240is released, pulling the third fishing line30in an upward direction.

A sixth embodiment6000of a fish hook system according to the present invention is shown inFIG. 22, where like reference numerals refer to identical or similar structure as described in connection with previous embodiments. This embodiment6000is substantially similar to the third embodiment3000, but for the biasing arrangement. In this arrangement, the biasing member6240is stretched or extended to a trigger set state, rather than being compressed. The biasing member6240is preferably a double loop over center tension spring extending between and including a looped proximal end6242and a looped distal end6244having a free length, an outside diameter, a wire gauge or thickness, and a predetermined number of coils. A preferred nominal spring free length is about two to about four inches, and more preferably about 2.125 inches. A preferred spring outside diameter is about 0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches, with about 0.40 inches being more preferred. A preferred wire gauge or thickness is between about 22 AWG (0.0253 inches) and about 14 AWG (0.0641 inches), with about 18 AWG (about 0.041 inches) being most preferred. A preferred predetermined number of spring coils is about 30 to about 60, with about 51 being more preferred.

A preferred biasing member6240comprises a double loop over center extension spring having a free length (including loops), an outside diameter, a wire gauge or thickness, and a predetermined number of coils. A preferred nominal spring free length is about two to about four inches, and more preferably about 2.1 inches. A preferred spring outside diameter is about 0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches, with about 0.40 inches being more preferred. A preferred wire gauge or thickness is between about 22 AWG (0.0253 inches) and about 14 AWG (0.0641 inches), with about 18 to about 17 AWG (about 0.042 inches) being most preferred. A preferred predetermined number of spring coils is about 30 to about 70, with about 50 or 51 being more preferred.

The proximal end6242of the biasing member6240may be secured closer to the pipe first end portion6114than the second end portion6116, such as by being looped over the cap pin6151. The distal end6244of the biasing member620is generally longitudinally translatable within the pipe6112between at least a set or loaded position, further from the first end portion6114and a fired position, closer to the first end portion6114. The loop31of the third line30may be secured directly to the biasing member6240, such as at the looped distal end6244, to secure the ball6262at a preferred distance SB therefrom. Though not shown particularly, it is to be understood that this embodiment6000could be used with or include any trigger rig (e.g.,400,400′,400″) described herein. The operation of this embodiment, from an external perception, is substantially similar to the operation of the third embodiment3000. One additional feature of this embodiment6000is that once the device has been triggered (and a fish is hooked), causing the biasing member6240to draw the third line30into the pipe6112, the third line30may be drawn out of the pipe6112for a distance that may be greater than the length L2of the second line20(not shown) of the trigger rig (e.g.400,400′,400″). Such available play in the third line30may be advantageous to a fisherman by allowing the hooked fish to wear itself out and lessen its fight.

Another embodiment7000of a fish hook system according to the present invention is shown inFIGS. 23A-24D, where like reference numerals refer to identical or similar structure as described in connection with previous embodiments. This embodiment7000offers the post-firing (i.e. after a fish is hooked) ability for the third line30to be drawn out of the pipe7112against a biasing force of the biasing member7240. Additionally, this embodiment does not employ a second line20, as is used in other embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, the trigger rig7500used in this embodiment includes a second end cap7580, which may be secured to the second end portion7116of the pipe7112. The cap7580preferably has an aperture7192formed therethrough, in communication with an interior cavity of the pipe7112. The aperture7192may generally be aligned axially with a longitudinal axis7112aof the pipe7112. Extending radially from the aperture7192is a trigger slot7582. The trigger slot7582extends from the aperture7192to a terminal end7584, which is preferably formed in the cap7580, but may alternatively be formed in the pipe7112. Optionally, one or more dimples7586are formed along the slot7582, the dimples7586being preferably centered on the slot7582. The one or more dimples7586may be formed with a radius that approximates the radius of the ball7262.

To use this embodiment7000, the third line30is pulled in a first longitudinal direction71, against the bias force of the biasing member7240, as can be seen inFIG. 24A. A force to pull the third line30may be applied to any portion of the line30, such as a loop32formed therein. A fourth line35may be coupled to the third line30, such as by being tied or otherwise secured to the loop32, or through the use of a snap, swivel, leader, etc. A hook (not shown, but previously50) is attached to the distal end of the fourth line35. The third line30is pulled in the first direction71for a distance to withdraw the ball7262through the aperture7192. After the ball7262has been drawn through the aperture7192, the third line30may be moved in a second direction72, which is preferably a radial direction with respect to the pipe7112, as shown inFIG. 24B. This radial movement will draw the line30into the trigger slot7582and allow the ball7262to be positioned on the outside of the cap7580and at a position along the slot7582, such as at an indexed location defined by one of the dimples7586.

FIGS. 24C-Ddepict the triggering action of the system7000. A downward force applied to the third line30will cause the line30to move in a third direction73(which is substantially opposite the second direction72) to coaxially realign with the pipe7112. The movement in the third direction73will bring the ball7262into axial alignment with the aperture7192, allowing the bias force of the biasing member7240to draw the third line30towards the pipe first end7114in a fourth direction74, as shown inFIG. 24D. Accordingly, a hook (e.g., hook50) secured to the fourth line35will be forced toward the pipe7112.

A preferred biasing member7240comprises a double loop over center extension spring having a free length (including loops), an outside diameter, a wire gauge or thickness, and a predetermined number of coils. A preferred nominal spring free length is about three to about six inches, and more preferably about 4.5 inches. A preferred spring outside diameter is about 0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches, with about 0.5 (or 0.47) inches being more preferred. A preferred wire gauge or thickness is between about 22 AWG (0.0253 inches) and about 14 AWG (0.0641 inches), with about 18 to about 17 AWG (about 0.042 inches) being most preferred. A preferred predetermined number of spring coils is about 50 to about 120, with about 90 or 92 being more preferred. Alternatively, the biasing member7240may be a compression spring and puck arrangement, similar or identical to that described previously in connection with the third embodiment3000.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. For instance, in connection with the seventh embodiment7000, the lines discussed (third line30and fourth line35) are referred to by indexed numerals, it is understood that the particular embodiment does not include a second line20, as described in connection with previous embodiments. Accordingly, the indexed numerical references should not be interpreted as requiring a particular number of lines, but only as identifiers. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.