Abstract:
A free-standing, cross-shaped tubular frame having a v-shaped top portion with two pair of elastic projection means disposed therein, a carrier affixed to the two pair of elastic projection means, the carrier adapted for retaining surf-fishing bait and rigging, the device adapted for pulling the carrier rearward and propelling the surf-fishing bait and rigging forward when the carrier is released.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0002]    This invention relates generally to surf fishing devices and the like, and especially devices adapted to cast surf-fishing baits, lures and weights. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0004]    Surf Fishing is a sport enjoyed by many in coastal areas. Surf fishing typically involves use of a long, generally stiff fishing rod to cast weighted lures or bait into the ocean surf. While the skill of casting can be learned, there are those that cannot adequately enjoy sport fishing. For example, those with disabilities or infirmities can have difficulty in properly casting a surf-fishing rod. Casting can also be difficult. A well-performed surf cast may place bait about 100 feet out. However, larger fish are often found several hundred feet out past sand bars and breakers. Fishermen often wade out before casting to take advantage of the additional distance. 
         [0005]    No free-standing devices are available that facilitate casting with a wide variety of fishing rods while also retaining the rod during casting or afterwards. Presently, a participant must hold a rod or the device to operate available casting devices. This hindrance further reduces accessibility to those who may be unable to hold the rod and operate the device simultaneously. Nor are previous sling shot type devices suitable for the larger, heavier-weight surf-casting gear, which typically includes sinkers or weights, multiple baited hooks, and leaders, all of which can weigh several ounces. 
         [0006]    Some devices utilize an explosive projectile to cast the bait. However, these devices can be loud or annoying to users. Likewise, some users may not wish to use devices utilizing explosives. Additionally, such devices require a new explosive charge for each use. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention is directed to a bait-casting device, and more specifically to a surf-fishing bait casting device. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device comprises free-standing, cross-shaped tubular frame having a v-shaped top portion with two pair of elastic projection means disposed therein, a carrier affixed to the two pair of elastic projection means, the carrier adapted for retaining surf-fishing bait and rigging, the device adapted for pulling the carrier rearward and propelling the surf-fishing bait and rigging forward when the carrier is released. 
         [0008]    The invention and the various features of novelty that characterize the invention are pointed out in the specification and claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a more complete understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  shows a front elevation view of a device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  shows a side elevation view of a device according to an embodiment of the invention having a rest position a′ and a second position a″ and a rod and reel for illustrative purposes. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    Referring now to the drawings in greater detail,  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  depict a surf-fishing casting device  10 . In a preferred embodiment depicted, the device  10  comprises multiple tubular members generally arranged in cross-shaped or offset-“x” shaped frame  20  and a rearward offset stabilizing member. A first tubular member  40  connects to a second tubular member  50  at a point approximately two-thirds of each member&#39;s length. A connection portion  60 , where the first and second tubular members  40 ,  50  connect, could vary along the length of the first tubular member  40  and the second tubular member  50  from half of their length to approximately one-third of their length. The first tubular member  40  and second tubular member  50  are offset about this connection such that a v-shaped bottom portion  70  and an opposite v-shaped top  80  portion is formed. The frame  20  is arranged such that the bottom portion  70  is dimensionally larger than the top portion  80  providing stability to the frame  20  during use. The connection may be made through any of a number of known connection means for securing tubular members such as tack welding, riveted, bolted, clamps, couplings and the like. The connection may be fixed or pivotal, allowing the first tubular member  40  and second tubular member  50  to be folded about the connection for ease in transport or storage. A third rear tubular member or stabilizing member  30  extends from the frame  20 . 
         [0012]    The rear tubular member  30  also has a connection portion  90  affixing to the connection. From this connection, the rear tubular member  30  extends downwardly and outwardly via a generally arcuate portion  100  that is bent or rolled to a predetermined radius. The roll radius ensures that the remainder of the rear tubular member  30  juts outwardly from the frame  20 . The rear tubular member  30  has a predetermined length to preferably allow the frame  20  to lean backward at a preconfigured angle that may range from 1 degree to 45 degrees or more from the vertical axis. The tubular members  30 ,  40 ,  50  terminate in a cap or foot  110 . A cap-style foot  110  would seal the end of the tube while other styles may be a protective plastic or rubber ring. Also, the foot  110  could be the exposed tube end that would permit the end portion of the tubular members  30 ,  40 ,  50  to be easily pushed into the sand for further stability during use. Tubular members  30 ,  40 ,  50  are preferably selected from light-weight metal such as aluminum, although a variety of metals having high strength to weight ratio&#39;s may be used. PVC and similar materials may also be utilized. Since the device  10  will be used in salt-water environments, aluminum is preferred to prevent rust and corrosion. The rear tubular member  30  may be configured to permanently affix to the frame  20  or detachably affix. If a detachable configuration is used, any of a variety of detachable affixing means well known in the mechanical arts may be utilized to detachably affix the rear tubular member  30  to the frame  20  at the point of connection along the connection portions  60 ,  90  such as bolted connections, pins, and the like. The rear tubular member  30  provides stability to the frame  20  and is preferably positioned so that the three feet  110  form an offset triangular base. 
         [0013]    Two pair of elastic projection means affix to each of the first tubular member  40  and second tubular members  50  respectively. As depicted, each pair of elastic projection means is composed of a first elastic member  120 ,  130  and a second, longer, elastic member  122 ,  132 . Elastic members  120 ,  122 ,  130 ,  132  are preferably composed of highly elastic, stretchable rubber compositions, surgical gum rubber bands and like elastic members. Elongated tubular elastic members commonly available and known in the art are preferably since they are strong, can be stretched significantly, and snap back to shape quickly providing a fast and effective propulsion means for the device  10 . In one embodiment, each elastic member has a first end  140 ,  142  affixed to the frame  20  and an opposite second end affixed to a carrier  160 . The elastic members are arranged such that the first elastic members  120 ,  122  are disposed on the frame  20  top portion  80  a predetermined distance from the frame  20  connection. The first elastic members  120 ,  122  are likewise disposed along the same horizontal plane relative to each other. The longer, second elastic members  130 ,  132  also have a first end  150 ,  152  affixed on the frame  20  top portion  80  distal the connection on the first tubular member  40  and second tubular member  50  respectively. The second elastic members  130 ,  132  are also disposed along the same horizontal plane relative to each other. The ends  140 ,  142 ,  150 ,  152  affixed to the frame  20  may be tied onto the frame  20 , bolted to the frame  20 , clamped to the frame  20 , or otherwise affixed to the frame  20  using conventional means. The first elastic means and second elastic means on a tubular member forms the elastic projection means. The first elastic projection means and second elastic projection means affix to the carrier  160  as previously noted. The elastic projection means may be tied through grommets or holes disposed in the carrier  160 . In this type of embodiment, carrier  160  has four corners with a grommet in each corner with each grommet further securing to one of the elastic members. The carrier  160  is preferably formed from a piece of flexible or pliable material such as canvas or other heavy fabric, rubber, leather, plastic or the like. Other carrier  160  choices also include rigid, pre-formed carrier  160  bodies such as a plastic cup or detent-shaped piece adapted for retaining a bait  210 , sinkers, and line during use. In a preferred embodiment, the carrier  160  top portion and bottom portions are folded back on themselves allowing the elastic projection means to pass completely through the folded over portions, respectively. In this embodiment, the first elastic member  120  passes through the top portion fold and the second elastic member  130  passes through the bottom portion fold. A pull portion  170  is preferably affixed to the rear of the carrier  160  to facilitate grasping the carrier  160  during use. The pull portion  170  may be a canvas or cloth tab sewn or otherwise affixed to the carrier  160  using conventional means. The device  10  may also have a carrier  160  adapted to slidably receive the first and second elastic projection means there-through. In such embodiments, as depicted in  FIG. 1 , the carrier top and bottom may be folded over to and hemmed to form a conduit along the top and bottom carrier edges for receiving the first elastic projection means  120 ,  130  and the second elastic projection means  122 ,  132  therethrough. In such embodiments, the first elastic projection means  120 ,  130  is a continuous piece of elastic material while the second elastic projection means  122 ,  132  is likewise a continuous piece of elastic material. In this manner, the first and second elastic projection means retain the carrier in position. 
         [0014]    The device  10  further includes a rod holder  180  for retaining a standard surf-fishing rod  200  during device  10  use. In a preferred embodiment, a downwardly disposed, u-shaped holder  180  formed into one end of a tubular cross-brace  190  disposed between the tubular members  40 ,  50  on the bottom portion retains the rod  200 . The holder tubular cross-brace  190  extends outwardly from the frame so that the holder  180  is disposed outside of the frame, although other embodiments may include the holder  180  inside the frame at a predisposed point. The depicted holder  180  is generally hook-shaped such that a portion of the rod  200  can be placed inside the holder  180  while the rod  200  handle or grip is placed on the ground behind the device  10 , all as shown in  FIG. 2 . This arrangement allows the tip  220  of the rod  200  to extend out in front of the frame  20 . 
         [0015]    To operate the device  10 , a conventional rod  200  and reel assembly having baited  210  lines and sinkers is placed into the rod holder  180  as described. The leader having the sinker and baited  210  hooks are placed into the carrier  160  front or retention area. The carrier  160  is in a first position indicated by a′ in  FIG. 2  during rest. The reel mechanism is opened so that line may draw from the reel. The user grasps the pull portion  170  and draws the carrier  160  backward to a second position indicated by a″ in  FIG. 2 , stretching the elastic members. When the carrier  160  is drawn backward the desired distance, the user releases the pull portion  170 . The elastic members  120 ,  122 ,  130 ,  132  quickly return to their rest state forcefully moving the carrier  160  and retained bait  210  forward. The carrier  160  will continue forward some distance beyond the frame  20 , then the elastic members will pull the carrier  160  backward until the carrier  160  is finally at the first position. The quick return of the carrier  160  to the first position a′ from the second position a″ forcefully casts the baited  210  line forward. The force provided by the elastic means casts the baited  210  line further than they would otherwise be cast using traditional casting means. In preferred embodiments, the device  10  may be quickly disassembled with the component members placed inside a pouch or bag for carrying. To facilitate breakdown, each tubular member may further be composed of a plurality of mating sections with each section having an end adapted for insertion into the mating end of the adjacent member. 
         [0016]    While the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described, additional variations and modifications in that embodiment may occur to those skilled in the art once they learn of the basic inventive concepts. Therefore, it is intended that the appended claims shall be construed to include both the preferred embodiment and all such variations and modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.