Hydrodynamic fishing device

A hydrodynamic fishing device includes a plate that changes attitude as the plate passes through a body of water. A plate positioning controller is pivotally mounted to the plate and is indexable relative to the plate by direct application of manual force so as to assume a plurality of predetermined adjustment positions. The adjustment positions establish different paths of travel of the plate as the plate passes through a body of water.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to hydrodynamic fishing devices, and in particular to fishing tackle of the diver sinking type.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In order to consistently catch fish using diver sinking tackle or other types of fishing tackle, it is necessary that the bait or lure be presented at the proper depth, since fish tend to maintain activity at a particular depth or range of depths, while avoiding activity at other depths. If the bait or lure is not presented in close proximity to the fish, is it is unlikely that the fish will respond in the desired manner. The use of simple weights has been found to be undesirable, since the weights are typically consumed when a fish strikes, and are not readily reusable. Accordingly, depth control has been sought using special types of fishing tackle such as diver sinking tackle. While a certain level of improvement has been attained, other problems have emerged, especially when several fishermen are working in the same area, as when several trolling lines are operated from the same boat.

The need has arisen for three-dimensioned positioning control, not only to control depth of presentation of the bait or lure, but also for lateral or horizontal positioning control that is needed to avoid interference between the lines of fishermen operating in close proximity to one another. Such interference can lead to tangling of the lines, resulting in downtime and possible loss of fishing equipment. In order to meet the need for greater three-dimensional control, certain improvements have been made over the years to fishing tackle of the diver sinking type. Examples of improvements to such fishing tackle are given in U.S. Pat. No. 2,924,907; No. 3,844,059; No. 3,940,872; and No. 3,643,370.

In U.S. Pat. No. 3,844,059 and No. 3,940,872, for example mechanical fasteners are used to provide operating adjustments to the fishing tackle. One or more threaded fasteners are provided. These fasteners are alternately and arbitrarily tightened and loosened with the aid of a screwdriver or other implement, to allow a weight to be shifted about the flat plate so as to provide a desired lateral repositioning of the path of travel of the fishing device. Unfortunately, tightening and loosening of the fasteners is not controlled, leading to inconsistent operation of the diver sinker device. Other difficulties are encountered, since tools are required for fastener adjustments. A fisherman may find it difficult to manipulate tools to make the needed adjustments when operating from a moving boat or when otherwise off-balance, and particularly after prolonged exposure to cold or inclement weather. Accordingly, improvements in fishing tackle are still being sought.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a novel and improved hydrodynamic fishing device. The device includes a plate for developing vertical pressure with changes in attitude of the plate, as the plate passes through a body of water. A plate positioning controller is pivotally mounted to the plate about an axis substantially normal to the plate. The plate positioning controller is indexable relative to the plate and is biased against the plate. However, with direct application of manual force, the plate positioning controller is moved to a plurality of predetermined adjustment positions that establish different paths of travel of the plate as the plate passes through a body of water.

The plate positioning controller may be provided with a flat face contiguous with the plate, and the plate as well as the flat face may have circular configurations. If desired, the flat face may be generally concentrically mounted to the plate. The plate positioning controller may be provided with a manually graspable weighting ridge upstanding from the flat portion, and the weighting ridge may be curved or part cylindrical in shape.

Through use of a detent arrangement, for example, indexing of the plate positioning controller with respect to the plate may provide a tactile and audible indication of a change in adjustment position. It is generally preferred that the hydrodynamic fishing device include a first connection to which a hook may be connected, and a second connection to which a trolling line may be connected. In those arrangements where the plate positioning controller has a curved weighting ridge upstanding from the flat face thereof, the weighting ridge is arranged so as to have a downstream facing concave inner face and an opposed upstream facing convex outer face adjacent the second connection.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention disclosed herein is, of course, susceptible of embodiment in many forms. Shown in the drawings and described herein below in detail are the preferred embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the present disclosure is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and does not limit the invention to the illustrated embodiments.

For ease of description, hydrodynamic fishing devices embodying the present invention are described hereinbelow in their usual assembled positions as shown in the accompanying drawings and terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, top, bottom, inner, outer, horizontal, longitudinal, etc. may be used herein with reference to this usual position. However, the hydrodynamic fishing devices may be manufactured, transported, sold, or used in orientations other than that described and shown herein. As another example, the present invention is described as having a connection to a hook. As is understood by those skilled in the art, a bait, a lure, or virtually any type of fish attracting device, either artificial or natural, may be used in conjunction with one or more hooks.

Referring now to the drawings, and initially toFIGS. 1 and 2, a hydrodynamic fishing device is generally indicated at10. Fishing device10is preferably operated as a directional diving device of the type that is pulled through the water to control the depth and position of a hook assembly, coupled to the device for use in a trolling fishing operation. As will be seen herein, an improved positioning control is provided that can be set to selectively adjust the depth and the lateral track of a hook assembly as the hydrodynamic fishing device and the hook assembly are either trolled, or pulled toward an operator of the device. Included in device10is a plate12for developing vertical pressure with changes in attitude of the plate, as the plate passes through a body of water. As can be seen, for example, inFIGS. 1,2and5, plate12has an outer, upper surface14and a lower surface16(FIG. 5), with a forward end20and a rearward end22. Included at the forward end20is a connection26(preferably of the rotating, barrel type) to which a trolling line, such as line28may be connected. A connection30(also preferably of the rotating, barrel type) is provided at the rearward end22for coupling to a hook assembly through a line32. The hook assembly may comprise virtually any desirable arrangement known today. For example, a lure, or virtually any type of fish attracting device, either artificial or natural, may be used in conjunction with one or more hooks or hooked objects.

As can be seen inFIGS. 1,4,5, and6, several structures are disposed above the upper surface14of plate12. An upstanding fin80is located adjacent the rearward end22of plate12and receives a fastener ring82that joins connection30to plate12. If desired, reinforcing supports84can be provided to strengthen connection of line32to the rearward end of plate12.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the hydrodynamic fishing device is configurable in two different modes of operation, with an automatic transfer from one mode (FIG. 2) to the other mode (FIG. 1). The automatic transfer is provided by a slotted clamp88that releasably engages a pin98. The slotted clamp88is located forward of fin80and slightly overlaps fin80to provide threaded securement for the tip of screw fastener70(seeFIGS. 3 and 12). That is, the overlapping ends of clamp88and fin80are centered about the central axis normal to plate14(that coincides with the central axis normal to a circular flat, plate-like controller body portion42of plate positioning controller40shown inFIG.3as well as the central longitudinal axis of the screw fastener70). The central axis is indicated by reference numeral90inFIG. 3.

Clamp88includes a pair of spaced apart clamp members94that extend above the upper surface14of plate12. As can be seen for example inFIGS. 1 and 4, the opposed faces of clamp members94define an elongated recess96. This recess is dimensioned so as to receive pin98that is pivotally connected to plate12. The pivotal connection is provided by a pair of spaced apart support lugs102that receive a pivot pin104. Pin98has rolled ends that form fastening eyes for securement to pin104and to forward connection26. As indicated inFIGS. 2 and 5, pin98is received between clamping members94of clamp88so as to remain in the “set” or “trolling” position illustrated inFIG. 2. If desired, an adjustment screw106and nut108can be employed to control the clamping pressure.

As indicated inFIG. 2the forward and rearward lines28,32are located generally parallel, but vertically offset to one another. When a fish strikes the hook or when a fisherman sets the hook, tension on forward line28is increased, overcoming the clamping force applied to pin98, releasing the pin from its clamped position, allowing the pin to extend forward, bringing forward line28, and rearward line32into substantially coaxial alignment, as indicated inFIG. 1. With the hydrodynamic fishing device10in the position indicated inFIG. 2, the vertical offset between forward and rearward lines28,32causes the forward end20of plate12to dip in a downward direction, thereby causing the depth of the hydrodynamic fishing device to increase as water flows over the upper surface14of plate12. After a fish has been hooked, the hydrodynamic fishing device assumes the position indicated inFIG. 1, bringing the hydrodynamic fishing device to a shallower depth, as the fish is retrieved.

Referring toFIG. 3, hydrodynamic fishing device10includes a plate positioning controller40, having a generally circular controller body portion42with an outer, upper surface44and an opposed lower surface46(see alsoFIG. 11a). Plate positioning controller40further includes a manually graspable raised ridge50, preferably integral with the controller body portion42, that is preferably hollow, but which could also be solid, if desired. Ridge50is raised above the upper surface44of the controller body portion42. Ridge50includes a scale with indicator marks (see alsoFIGS. 8 and 9) and indicia designating the direction and amount of position control, as will be explained herein. Ridge50includes end faces52,54that aid in manual grasping and adjustment of the position control (see for example,FIGS. 8-10).

It has been found necessary to control the three-dimensional position of the hydrodynamic fishing device, so as to alter the three-dimensional path of travel of the hydrodynamic fishing device10as it is being trolled so as to pass through a body of water or when being pulled toward the fisherman. Horizontal or lateral path control has been found necessary to prevent interference between the lines of multiple hydrodynamic fishing devices being operated in close proximity to one another, as when several fisherman are engaged in the same boat or when otherwise in close proximity to one another. As will be seen herein, hydrodynamic fishing devices according to principles of the present invention provide the ability to conveniently and reliably change operating parameters of the hydrodynamic fishing device, without requiring tools or other implements.

Referring again toFIG. 3and in addition toFIG. 11b, plate12has a recessed inner face56surrounded by raised rim58, that includes an indicator such as arrow60. As can be seen inFIG. 3, a hole62is formed at the center of plate12, in alignment with a hole64formed in the center of plate positioning controller40. Hole64is a through hole, extending through the controller body portion42, whereas hole62is a blind hole, preferably threaded, that terminates in the interior of plate12, as can be seen inFIG. 12. A screw fastener70, shown inFIG. 3, for example, passes through plate positioning controller40and is received in hole62, for threaded securement to plate12, thus holding the plate positioning controller40and the plate12together. A bias spring72is provided to bias plate positioning controller40into contact with plate12, as screw fastener70threadingly engages plate12. The biasing force aids in the operation of a detent arrangement that provides a tactile and visual indication of the adjustment setting. As will be explained herein, the biasing force can be augmented or replaced by employing screw fastener70to bend somewhat the controller body portion42of plate positioning controller40, about a bending axis55shown inFIG. 3, without causing substantial disengagement of projection114from raised pad116.

Preferably, plate positioning controller40and plate12are formed of molded plastic material, although other materials, such as metals and metal alloys can be employed, if desired. It is generally preferred that ridge50is a hollow shell51that receives insert76, preferably formed of a relatively dense material such as lead or steel. Ridge50provides a concentrated weight that is carried by plate positioning controller40as it is pivoted about the screw fastener70(i.e. rotated about an axis that is normal to controller body portion42, as well as plate12). In the preferred embodiment, the plate positioning controller40is formed of relatively light weight molded plastic material. Accordingly, in order to provide a concentrated weight, an insert76of dense material such as lead, is preferred. As will be seen herein, further advantages of an improved low friction sliding surface are provided by the insert76to aid in the smooth adjustment of the hydrodynamic fishing device.

As mentioned above, the insert76is conveniently accommodated by making ridge50hollow. It may be desirable, in certain instances, to form the plate positioning controller of a different material such as a metal or metal alloy. If the ridge50is made solid, the additional volume of material at that location may provide the desired weight concentration, eliminating the need for a separate insert76. It is, however, preferred that an improved sliding contact be provided with the addition of a strip of low friction material, for example, and that the lower face of the plate positioning controller40in the region of ridge50be raised so as to extend beyond the inner face46in the manner indicated, for example, inFIGS. 11a and12.

As noted above, both the controller body portion42of plate positioning controller40and plate12have a generally cylindrical configuration, and are concentrically aligned with one another by screw fastener70. In addition, concentric alignment is enhanced by raised rim58of plate12, that is dimensioned to surround the outer edge of controller body portion42.

Referring toFIGS. 8 and 9, the hydrodynamic fishing device10can be operated at a number of different settings so as to control the three-dimensional position or path of the hydrodynamic fishing device as it passes through the water. InFIG. 8, the plate positioning controller40is manually moved or indexed in a clockwise direction to provide increasing “rightward” adjustment (an opposite adjustment is shown inFIG. 9). The scale applied to ridge50provides graduated indications of adjustment and numerical indicia are provided to keep track of the amount of adjustment.

The current setting of the amount of adjustment is indicated by indicator arrow60. For example, a setting of Magnitude2rightward adjustment is indicated inFIG. 8. This causes the concentrated weight of insert76(or alternatively, a solid ridge50of dense material) to be shifted away from the direction of forward and rearward lines28,32, thereby causing the plate12to list in a rightward direction, laterally displaced from the path of travel normally assumed with a neutral position setting of “0”. The amount of lateral displacement of the path of travel of the hydrodynamic fishing device10increases as the magnitude of the adjustment setting increases. This also changes the depth of the path of travel of the hydrodynamic fishing device. With a neutral position of “0”, the hydrodynamic fishing device10travels in a straight line toward the fisherman as it passes through the water. The hydrodynamic fishing device also travels at its greatest depth, with this setting. With increasing settings of right or left position control, the hydrodynamic fishing device travels at increasingly lesser depths, but with increasing lateral displacement, as the hydrodynamic fishing device is trolled or is reeled in toward the fisherman.

With a simple manipulation of the plate positioning controller, as indicated by the indexing illustrated inFIGS. 8,9and10, changes in the vertical and horizontal or lateral path of travel of the hydrodynamic fishing device are programmed. As will now be explained, these simple and easy positioning adjustments are accompanied by tactile and/or audible indications allowing a precise control of positioning adjustment without requiring tools or implements. Thus, with simple manipulation motions, manual force directly applied to the hydrodynamic fishing device can produce a predetermined, reliable, and accurate adjustment, despite the use of gloves or the effects of prolonged exposure to cold or inclement weather. Further, with the present invention, positioning adjustments are always made with familiar, constant friction between the control members.

Referring again toFIGS. 3 and 7, plate12has an inner face56provided with raised pad116against which the plate positioning controller40is pressed, preferably with a spring bias force. As mentioned, this bias force can be provided by a bias spring such as the spring72, or, as will be explained herein, can be provided by deflection of the controller body portion42by tightening screw fastener70to the body of plate12, (i.e., in the region where fin80and clamping member88overlap, as indicated for example in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 12). Referring toFIGS. 11aand12, it can be seen that projection114and the face110of insert76are raised slightly above the inner face46of plate12. Also, as can be best seen inFIGS. 11band12, raised pad116extends above the inner surface56of plate12. It is generally preferred that the upper surface of raised pad116is approximately coplanar with the upper surface of raised rim58, as indicated for example in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 12. As can be seen inFIGS. 3 and 11b, a series of apertures or depressions118are provided in the raised pad116.

Thus, with plate12and plate positioning controller40being juxtaposed and joined together by screw fastener70, the inner faces46,56are brought close together, so that the sliding surface110of insert76can slide across face56as the plate positioning controller is rotated back and forth. As mentioned, in the preferred embodiment, insert76is formed of lead or similar material. The exposed face10of the lead insert is lubricious, providing a relatively low friction sliding contact with the inner face56of plate12. Thus, the exposed face110acts as a sliding shoe of reduced friction material that supports the underside of plate positioning controller40, allowing the plate positioning controller40to be readily displaced even small amounts with a controlled reliable result.

The protruding exposure of the sliding surface110of insert76cooperates with force applied by screw fastener70to apply a momentum force that urges projection114into engagement with raised pad116, so as to pass from one depression118to another as the controller is indexed, providing a tactile and/or audible indication of the movement of projection114from one predetermined position to another, and hence the movement of the scale carried on ridge50from one indicated index position to another. If desired, depressions118could be formed in face56, with raised pad116omitted. However, it is been found advantageous to locate the depressions in a raised pad, such as pad116, so as to further augment the positive engagement with the projection114. As will be appreciated, the extension of projection114and the sliding surface110of insert76beyond the inner face46of plate12causes the center of the flat plate-like controller body portion42of plate positioning controller40to be raised slightly above the inner face56of plate12. With a suitable choice of material for plate positioning controller40, such as a resilient plastic, the controller body portion42of the plate positioning controller40can be depressed, even close to, or at the point of contact with, the inner face56of plate12, under application of force from screw fastener70. This deflection of body controller portion42between projection114and the sliding surface110of insert76causes bending about line55(shown inFIG. 3) that stores a substantial bias force urging projection114into the depressions118. Accordingly, if desired, the bias spring can, in these arrangements, be eliminated and/or replaced with a flat washer or a split lock washer, for example. However, if a still greater bias forces desired, a spring such as the bias spring72or a wave washer or coil spring or other bias member can be associated with screw fastener70, to urge plate positioning controller40toward plate12with an increased bias force. If desired, the relative positions of projection114and the apertures or depressions118can be reversed, that is, interchanged one for the other.

The foregoing description and the accompanying drawings are illustrative of the present invention. Still other variations and arrangements of parts are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.