Abstract:
A fish locating system combines the functionality of a remote controlled miniature electric boat with an underwater sonar system. The watercraft is provided with a sonar transponder attached to an exterior deck. The sonar transponder wirelessly transmits sonar readings including bottom depth and terrain, schools of fish, underwater obstructions, water temperature, and the like, to the watercraft&#39;s wireless remote controller&#39;s display screen. The remote controller comprises a display screen that visually depicts the sonar scan in real-time. In use, a person can be on shore or on an anchored boat while performing underwater reconnaissance.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/206,269, filed Jan. 30, 2009, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to sonar devices used to locate fish and other physical objects in underwater settings, and in particular, to a remote controlled fish finder with a wirelessly controllable sonar device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The technology used by anglers to catch fish has become increasingly complex in nature. A broad range of products have hit the market which are designed to aid the fisherman in catching fish more quickly than is possible with the traditional hook-and-worm approach. In particular, sonar-based fish finding devices have become popular as a reliable and informational method of locating schools of fish, detecting water depth, and sensing underwater obstructions. 
     One problem associated with common sonar based fish finding system is that they only scan a small portion of a surrounding area from a given configuration. When the sonar is mounted to the boat, the user must jockey the entire boat back and forth in order to map an entire underwater area. This wastes both time and fuel and limits the functionality of the sonar to a very particular area of usage. Such arrangements also prevent on-shore users from utilizing the technology. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide sonar based fish finding systems which provide broader and more efficient scanning capabilities. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 4,926,399, issued in the name of Hickman, describes a transducer mounting system. The Hickman device is a bracket which allows a sonar-based fishing system to be mounted to a boat in a rotatable manner. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,661,742, issued in the name of Hansen, describes a trolling motor with a sonar transducer. The Hansen apparatus provides a trolling motor sonar attachment which allows for the repositioning of the boat and sonar in a more efficient manner. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,791,902, issued in the name of Steiner et al., describes a portable fish finder. The Steiner apparatus provides a sonar device which is attached to a control module by means of a deployable cable to allow a user to manipulate the sonar portion while underwater. 
     While these apparatuses fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such apparatuses still require great expenditures of time, effort, or fuel in order to operate at maximum potential. Also, many such apparatuses require time and effort in order to retrofit to an existing boat or the like, and as such are also not readily usable in a variety of situations. Furthermore, many such apparatuses do not provide additional facilities and data which may be useful in the determination of likely fish locations, such as water temperature. Accordingly, there exists a need for a sonar-based fish finding system without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a means to provide an apparatus. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to comprise a radio-controlled fish locating system capable of searching for solid objects and underwater terrain as well as receiving information on water temperature. The system comprises a watercraft, a controller, and a sonar buoy. 
     Another object of the present invention is to comprise a controller of an electric circuit which further comprises a controller battery, a controller power switch, menu control buttons, a pair of joysticks, a controller antenna, and a display screen. The controller provides a user with selectable functionality including steering for the watercraft via the joysticks. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide electrical current to the controller power switch and menu control buttons via the controller battery. The menu control buttons allow a user to manipulate the display screen in order to read desired information including underwater topography, location of solid objects with the water, water temperature, and the like. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise a pair of hulls, a deck, a plurality of motors, a plurality of propellers, and corresponding propeller covers. An RF signal provided by the controller determines the speed of each of the motors and propellers in order to direct the watercraft in a desired manner. An RF signal provided by the watercraft relays data receiving from the sonar buoy to the controller for display. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to further comprise a threaded deck aperture on an underside of the deck of the watercraft. The sonar buoy is removably attachable to the aperture. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to further comprise a watercraft electric circuit which comprises a watercraft battery, a watercraft power switch, and a watercraft antenna which receives the RF signals from the controller. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise a sonar buoy of a conventional sonar based fish finding system which includes capabilities for determining the location of solid objects underwater, depth and terrain mapping, water temperature, and the like. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of attaching the sonar buoy to the watercraft, placing the watercraft in the vicinity of a desired area of water, utilizing the controller to steer and position the watercraft in a desired, transmitting data collected by the sonar and watercraft, and displaying the data in a usable manner on the controller. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       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 a radio-controlled fish locating system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a controller  30 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a side perspective view of a watercraft  20 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the watercraft  20 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of the watercraft  20 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom perspective view of the watercraft  20  depicting attachment of a sonar buoy  60 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 7  is an electrical block diagram of the radio-controlled fish locating system  10  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  radio-controlled fish locating system 
               20  watercraft 
               21  first hull 
               22  second hull 
               23   a  deck 
               23   b  deck aperture 
               24   a  first motor 
               24   b  second motor 
               25   a  first propeller 
               25   b  second propeller 
               26   a  first propeller cover 
               26   b  second propeller cover 
               27  watercraft battery cover 
               28  watercraft battery 
               29  watercraft power switch 
               30  controller 
               31  housing 
               32  first joystick 
               33  second joystick 
               34  display screen 
               35  controller power switch 
               36   a  first menu control button 
               36   b  second menu control button 
               37  controller battery cover 
               38  controller battery 
               39  controller control module 
               40  first RF signal 
               42  watercraft antenna 
               44  controller antenna 
               46  watercraft control module 
               48  second RF signal 
               60  sonar buoy 
               61  sonar threading 
               62  sonar control module 
               65  sonar signal 
               70  electrical wiring 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 7 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a radio-controlled fish locating system (herein described as the “system”)  10 , which provides a means for combining a remote controlled watercraft  20  with an underwater sonar system, thereby enabling a user to wirelessly search under the surface of a body of water for any solid object and receive information on the water&#39;s temperature, depth, and the terrain of the bottom of said body of water. An image will then be displayed graphically to a user thereon a controller  30 . The system  10  generally comprises a watercraft  20 , the controller  30 , and a sonar buoy  60 . The system  10  enables a user, such as a fisherman, to remain on shore or on a boat while coincidentally performing an underwater search. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  comprises a controller  30 , thereby enabling the user to control the location of the watercraft  20  and to view underwater terrain and aquatic creatures. The controller  30  preferably comprises expected features similar to other common radio-controlled (RC) toy transmitters such as, but not limited to a first joystick  32 , a second joystick  33 , a controller power switch  35 , and a controller antenna  44 . The system  10  also comprises a watercraft  20 , thereby providing a means to detect underwater features such as terrain and aquatic creatures in a desired location. The watercraft  20  is to be placed therein a desired body of water and works in conjunction with the controller  30 . The watercraft  20  comprises expected features similar to other common RC toy watercraft such as, but not limited to a first hull  21 , a second hull  22 , a deck  23 , one or more batteries  28 , a plurality of motors  24 , and a plurality of propellers  25 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of the controller  30 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The controller  30  comprises an outer housing  31  which is preferably made of a rigid thermoplastic material and is fabricated through common injection molding techniques. The controller  30  is multifunctional and provides a means of controlling the operation of the watercraft  20 . The controller  30  transmits a first RF signal  40  (see  FIG. 1 ) with the assistance of the controller antenna  44  and provides a means of communication and control thereto the watercraft  20  via said first RF signal  40 . The watercraft  20  receives and processes the first RF signal  40  from the controller  30  and translates it into electrical signals that are sent to an internal watercraft control module  46  (see  FIG. 7 ). 
     The forward-backward movement of the watercraft  20  is controlled via an up-down manipulation of the first joystick  32  and the side-to-side motion of said watercraft  20  is controlled via a left-right manipulation of the second joystick  33 . Each joystick  32 ,  33  are comprised of conventional potentiometers, yet other electrical means may be utilized without limiting the functions of the system  10 . The controller  30  further comprises a controller power switch  35  located on a top surface of said controller  30 , thereby providing a means to turn on and off an internal controller control module  39  (see  FIG. 7 ). Although the controller power switch  35  is illustrated as a single pull single throw on-off switch it is understood that the controller  30  may be introduced with a variety of switches, such as a push switch or the like and as such should not be viewed as a limiting factor of the system  10 . 
     One (1) or more controller batteries  38  provide a power supply thereto the controller  30  and are comprised of common disposable or rechargeable electrochemical cells and are located therein a side portion of the body of said controller  30 . A controller battery cover  37  provides a means of housing and protection for said controller batteries  38  and removably attaches thereto the housing  31  of the controller  30 . 
     The controller  30  further comprises a display screen  34  located on a front surface thereof. The display screen  34  preferably comprises a graphical display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like which displays information received from the sonar buoy  60  (see  FIG. 3 ). The display screen  34  graphically represents the underwater terrain and aquatic creatures such as located by the sonar buoy  60 . The controller  30  yet further comprises a first menu control button  36   a  and a second menu control button  36   b , thereby providing an incrementing and decrementing means to the controller  30  in a conventional manner. The control buttons  36   a ,  36   b  enable the user to skip through various menus incorporated within the controller  30 . Each control button  36   a ,  36   b  is preferably a pushbutton, yet other electrical switching devices may be utilized without limiting the functions of the system  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3  through  FIG. 5 , various views of the watercraft  20 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed.  FIG. 3  depicts a side perspective view of the watercraft  20 ,  FIG. 4  depicts a rear perspective view of the watercraft  20 , and  FIG. 5  depicts a front perspective view of the watercraft  20 . The watercraft  20  comprises a first hull  21  and a second hull  22  as abovementioned. The first hull  21  and the second hull  22  comprise the body of the watercraft  20  and provide a means of buoyancy thereto said watercraft  20 . The hulls  21 ,  22  are connected thereto one another via the deck  23  in a parallel orientation. Although illustrated here comprising a plurality of hulls  21 ,  22  similar to a commercially available boat, the watercraft  20  may be introduced with various hull  21 ,  22  and deck  23  configurations and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the system  10 . The watercraft  20  is preferably made of a buoyant thermoplastic material and is fabricated through a common injection molding process comprising various colors, patterns, or indicia. 
     The watercraft  20  is driven via a pair of motors  24   a ,  24   b , a pair of attached propellers  25   a ,  25   b , and is powered via removably attached batteries  28 . The motors  24   a ,  24   b  are preferably comprised of a common brushless direct-current electric motor typical to RC toy watercraft and each shaft of the motors  24   a ,  24   b  are attached to a respective propeller  25   a ,  25   b  axis thereon a rear upper portion of the watercraft  20 . Although illustrated as attached thereto the rear end of the watercraft  20  it is understood that the motor  24   a ,  24   b  or a plurality of motors  24   a ,  24   b  may be attached at various locations thereon said watercraft  20  having equal benefit and as such should not be interpreted as a limitation of the present system  10 . The propellers  25   a ,  25   b  provide a force when in motion to direct the watercraft  20  in a desired location as determined via manipulation of the controller  30 . The propellers  25  are enclosed therewithin a respective circular propeller cover  26   a ,  26   b , thereby providing a means of protecting said propellers  25   a ,  25   b  and directing the airflow thereof. 
     The watercraft batteries  28  are located thereon an upper surface of the watercraft  20  and are preferably comprised of common disposable or rechargeable electrochemical cells and are located therein an upper surface of the watercraft  20 . A watercraft battery cover  27  provides a means of housing and protection therefrom the outside elements and removably attaches thereto the upper surface of the watercraft  20 . 
     The watercraft  20  further comprises a watercraft power switch  29  located on an outside surface of said watercraft  20  adjacent to the watercraft battery cover  27 , thereby providing a means to turn on and off an internal electric circuit. Although the watercraft power switch  29  is illustrated as a single-pull single-throw on-off switch it is understood that the watercraft  20  may be introduced with a variety of switches, such as a push switch or the like and as such should not be viewed as a limiting factor of the system  10 . 
     The watercraft  20  also comprises a watercraft antenna  42  comprising a common RC transducer which receives a first RF signal  40  for a typical internal radio wave receiver. The antenna  42  also transmits a second RF signal  48  to the controller  30 , thereby providing said controller  30  with data acquired from a sonar signal  65  (see  FIG. 7 ). The antenna  42  is preferably locating thereon an intermediate upper surface of the watercraft  20 , yet other locations may be utilized without limiting the functions of the system  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a bottom view of the watercraft  20 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  comprises a preferably circular sonar buoy  60  comprised of a type of fathometer similar to other common commercially available fish finding devices which use a type of active sonar to detect various solid objects under the surface of the water such as fish, the floor portion of a body of water, water depth, water temperature, and the like. The sonar buoy  60  generates a sonar signal  65  (see  FIG. 7 ) which is an electrical impulse from an internal transmitter which is converted into a sound wave by an internal transducer and is sent into the water. The sonar signal  65  strikes a solid object such as a fish and is reflected back. This information is then transmitted via the second RF signal  48  thereto the controller  30  and size, composition, and shape of the object as well as the water depth, temperature, and the like are displayed graphically thereon the display screen  34 . The sonar buoy  60  is removably attached thereto a threaded deck aperture  23   b  on an underside of the deck  23   a  of the watercraft  20 , thereby providing a means for replacement if needed and for use without said watercraft  20 . Although illustrated here as removably attached thereto a bottom surface of the watercraft  20  it is understood that the system  10  may be introduced with the sonar buoy  60  build thereinto said watercraft  20  removably or otherwise having equal benefit and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of said present system  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , an electrical block diagram of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The watercraft  20  comprises an electric circuit which further comprises a current which is generated from the watercraft batteries  28  and carried via insulated conductive electrical wiring  70  thereto the watercraft power switch  29 , a watercraft control module  46 , the motors  24 , and a sonar control module  62 . The watercraft power switch  29  comprises two (2) positions, the first is an open or “off” position which disconnects the electric circuit and the second is a closed or “on” position which connects the electric circuit. The watercraft control module  46  comprises a type of central processing unit common to other similar RC vehicles and directs the operation of said watercraft  20  and is in electrical communication therewith the motors  24 . The sonar control module  62  comprises a type of central processing unit common to similar active sonar fish finding devices and directs the operation of the sonar buoy  60 . 
     The controller  30  comprises an electric circuit which further comprises a current which is generated from the controller batteries  38  and carried via insulated conductive electrical wiring  70  thereto the controller power switch  35  and pair of menu control buttons  36   a ,  36   b . The controller power switch  35  comprises two (2) positions, the first is an open or “off” position which disconnects the electric circuit and the second is a closed or “on” position which connects the electric circuit. The controller control module  39  directs the operation of the first joystick  32 , the second joystick  33 , and the display screen  34 . The display screen  34  is controlled via manipulation of the pair of menu control buttons  36   a ,  36   b . The first RF signal  40  is generated by the controller control module  39  via input of the first joystick  32  and the second joystick  33  and then transmitted to the watercraft control module  46  via the watercraft antenna  42  which manipulates the location of the watercraft  20  via maneuvering the joysticks  32 ,  33 . The first RF signals  40  determines the speed of each motor  24   a ,  24   b  and further each propeller  25   a ,  25   b . Meanwhile, the sonar control module  62  transmits a sonar signal  65  to the watercraft control module  46  to the controller control module  39  which is then further graphically displayed thereon the display screen  34 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the system  10 , it would be provided as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of utilizing the system  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the system  10 ; retrieving the system  10  near a desired body of water; powering on the watercraft  20 , thereby engaging the watercraft power switch  29 ; powering on the controller  30 , thereby engaging the controller power switch  35 ; placing the watercraft  20  on the surface of the water; moving the watercraft  20  over the surface of the body of water via the controller  30  and the first RF signal  40 ; controlling the forward and backward motion of the watercraft  20  by engaging the first joystick  32  which controls the rotation of the first motor  24   a  and first propeller  25   a ; controlling the left and right motion of the watercraft  20  by engaging the second joystick  33  which controls the rotation of the second motor  24   b  and second propeller  25   b ; enabling the sonar signal  65  to engage the solid objects under the surface of the water; receiving the second RF signal  48 ; viewing the graphical representation of an active sonar image thereon the display screen  34 ; locating a solid object under the surface of the water, such as a fish; approaching the area of the recently located object; fishing as normal; and, benefiting from improved enjoyment, convenience, and time afforded a user of the present system  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.