Abstract:
A strike indicator for a fishing device is provided. The signaling mechanism of the strike indicator is activated by a trigger. Either the trigger or the signaling mechanism is attached to a rotating component of the fishing device. An optional location beacon or fish attractor light may be incorporated into the signaling mechanism.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES 
     None. 
     GOVERNMENTAL RIGHTS 
     None. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many types of automatic fishing devices exist, including trotlines, limblines, jugs, and hook setters. However, each of these devices is suited for use only in specific environments. For instance, trotlines are most effective for a relatively broad expanse of water with two readily identifiable endpoints protruding from the water. Limblines are useful only in places where thin, flexible tree limbs hang over the water at a height such that the fisherman can secure the limbline to the tree. Jugs are best suited to large areas of open water to avoid lost fish due to snagging. Finally, hook setters require close supervision, as such devices are not designed to maintain tension after a fish strikes. For these reasons, perhaps the most versatile automatic fishing device is the rotary automatic fisher, one type of which is also known as a “yoyo” to many fishermen. Yoyos can be used on boats, boat docks, trees, ice fishing rigs, and just about any other location where the yoyo can be secured to an above-water object. 
     As useful as yoyos are, they lack a strike indicator so that the fisherman knows to check the yoyo to see if a fish is on the line or if the yoyo needs to be rebaited. Fishermen must instead individually inspect each yoyo to determine whether the yoyo has hooked a fish. It is a primary object of the invention to provide a strike indicator for a yoyo that allows a fisherman to determine whether a yoyo needs to be checked without requiring the fisherman to be in very close proximity to the yoyo. 
     The original yoyo is the subject of U.S. Pat. No. 2,577,552 (the “&#39;552 patent”), issued in 1951 to J. W. White, Jr. The design disclosed in the &#39;552 patent is still in widespread use among fishermen and is readily available. Due to the sheer number of yoyos already on the market, it is thus another object of the invention to provide a strike indicator for a yoyo that may be retrofitted to yoyos of the prior art. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,791,857 (the “&#39;857 patent”) discloses a device similar to a yoyo but that adds to the original design a rotating bar having a clapper to strike bells. An auditory signal is only useful if the fisherman is in close proximity to the device at the time the fish strikes. Notably, the &#39;857 patent requires a separate frame to which the bells are mounted to give enough space between the rotating bar and the bells for the clapper to generate sufficient force to audibly ring the bells. For this reason, among others, the &#39;857 patent cannot be easily retrofitted to yoyos of the prior art. Furthermore, the choice of bells for the &#39;857 patent is unduly limiting, as the bells only ring when the line is actually retrieved into the spool of the device. The fisherman must be within earshot of the device at the time the fish strikes to work effectively, as the bells will not continue to ring after the line is fully retrieved. It is thus an object of the invention to provide a strike indicator that is functional even after the line of the automatic fishing device is fully retracted. 
     In many instances, fishermen use yoyos at night because many species of sporting fish actively feed at night. Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide a strike indicator that is useful at night. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,168,651 (the “&#39;651 patent”) discloses a jug-type fishing device that has, as one component, a switch to turn on a light upon a fish strike. However, the &#39;651 patent cannot be applied to a yoyo because such patent utilizes a jug-type fishing device that relies upon buoyancy as a counterweight to a fish&#39;s tugs. Such configuration is bulky and requires open water for efficient use, and the fishing device disclosed in the &#39;651 patent cannot easily be mounted to fixed objects. The design disclosed in the &#39;651 patent is also problematic because the design allows the switch to be triggered multiple times if a fish tugged on the line with sufficient strength more than once. Each cycle of slack and tension would trigger the switch, thus making the signal blink on and off and rendering the device useless half of the time. Furthermore, the line itself may trigger the switch because the line is fed through the switch at a severely acute angle; such an angle places excessive stress on both the line and the switch, which could lead to failure of either component. It is thus an object of the invention to provide a strike indicator for an automatic fishing device that is reliable and consistent. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The apparatus in accordance with the invention meets the above objectives and represents an advance in the art by providing a strike indicator for a fishing device that can signal when a fish needs to be removed or the device needs to be rebaited without requiring the fisherman to be in very close proximity to the device. The following three preferred embodiments set forth the inventor&#39;s best mode for practicing the invention. 
     A first preferred embodiment utilizes a signaling mechanism, such as a light-emitting diode (“LED”), coupled with a rotary switch. The rotary switch cooperates with and is mounted to the spool of an automatic fishing device. When a fish strikes, a trigger engages the rotary switch, thus activating the signaling mechanism. When used on a rotary automatic fishing device, each successive spool rotation further engages the rotary switch, thus ensuring a complete activation of the signaling mechanism. 
     A second preferred embodiment utilizes a signaling mechanism mounted to a binary switch. Like the first preferred embodiment, the binary switch in the second preferred embodiment is mounted to the spool of a rotary automatic fishing device, and a trigger mounted to the base of the device engages the binary switch following a fish strike. In the second preferred embodiment, however, the trigger physically actuates the switch from a first position to a second position. Following the actuation of the switch, the binary switch does not come into contact with the trigger again, which allows the spool to retract the fishing line without friction associated with the trigger engaging the binary switch. 
     A third preferred embodiment utilizes a different configuration than the previous two embodiments in that the signaling mechanism is mounted not to the spool, but to the base of the automatic fishing device. Such configuration provides an opportunity to add more features to the device. For example, a base-mounted signaling mechanism could easily be used to reduce the rotating mass of the spool. If necessary, the base-mounted signaling mechanism allows larger batteries to be used, which are typically less expensive and last longer than smaller, lighter watch-type batteries. A larger battery could also allow flexibility of incorporating a fish attracting light or a location beacon. Because the signaling mechanism is mounted to the base, the signaling mechanism switch protrudes from the base, where it is capable of being engaged by a trigger that is mounted to the spool of a rotary device. Thus configured, the battery can power a fish attracting light until such time as a fish strikes the device. When a fish strikes, the fish attractor light may be automatically switched off and the strike indicator switched on; if utilized, this configuration could conserve battery time for use by the strike indicator. 
     Any of these three preferred embodiments may be retrofitted to existing fishing devices, including a rotary automatic fisher of the prior art. These and other advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description which, when viewed in light of the accompanying drawings, disclose the embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an automatic fisher of the prior art. 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the invention in the set position. 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the invention in the triggered position. 
         FIG. 4  is a front view showing the activation of the rotary switch signaling mechanism utilized in the first preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of the invention in the set position. 
         FIG. 6  is a front view showing the activation of the binary signaling mechanism utilized in the second preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of the third preferred embodiment of the invention in the set position. 
         FIG. 8  is a rear perspective view of the third preferred embodiment of the invention in the set position. 
         FIG. 9  is a front view showing the activation of the multiway signaling mechanism utilized in the third preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a cut-away view showing the activation of the multiway signaling mechanism utilized in the third preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a rear perspective view of the third preferred embodiment of the invention in the off position. 
         FIG. 12  is a circuit diagram of the third preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     LISTING OF COMPONENTS 
       11 —yoyo 
       13 —base 
       15 —spindle 
       17 —spring 
       19 —- spool 
       21 —fishing line 
       23 —latch 
       25 —securing means 
       27 —notch 
       29 —lip 
       31 —aperture 
       33 —signaling mechanism 
       35 —cogs 
       37 —trigger 
       39 —teeth 
       41 —binary signaling mechanism 
       43 —lever 
       45 —multiway signaling mechanism 
       47 —on/off switch 
       49 —strike indicator switch 
       51 —set position signal 
       53 —strike signal 
       55 —battery 
       57 —housing 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The apparatus in accordance with the invention meets the above objectives and represents an advance in the art by disclosing a signaling mechanism for a fishing device that provides a strike indicator following a fish strike. In several embodiments, the invention may be constructed by retrofitting a small number of components to a fishing device of the prior art, or the device may be sold as a complete unit. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , a fishing device, or yoyo,  11  has four basic parts: a base  13  with a spindle  15 , a spring  17 , a spool  19  that is rotatable around the spindle  15  for storing a length of fishing line  21 , and a latch  23  pivotally attached to base  13 . In order to set yoyo  11 , yoyo  11  is mounted to a fixed object using sufficient securing means  25 , such as heavy twine. Fishing line  21  is drawn from spool  19 , which tensions spring  17 . Once the desired length of fishing line  21  has been lowered into the water, latch  23  pivots to communicate with a notch  27  in the outer lip  29  of spool  19 . Thus secured, latch  23  prevents spring  17  from winding spool  19 . Yoyo  11  is then said to be in the “set position” and can be baited and left unattended. 
     When a fish strikes the bait at the end of fishing line  21 , the fish draws an amount of fishing line  21  out of spool  19 . Because fishing line  21  is routed through an aperture  31  in latch  23 , the tension on fishing line  21  applies force to latch  23  that causes latch  23  to pivot away from notch  27 , thus “tripping” the yoyo  11 . With latch  23  pivoted away from notch  27 , the tension previously established in spring  17  winds fishing line  21  back into spool  19 , and this cycle continues until the fish tires, allowing the device to retract fishing line  21  and retrieve the fish. 
     The first preferred embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 2-4 . As seen in  FIG. 2 , a signaling mechanism  33  is mounted to spool  19 . Signaling mechanism  33  has one or more cogs  35 . One or more triggers  37  is mounted to base  13 , and trigger  37  is generally C-shaped. Trigger  37  spans the gap between the generally parallel, planar surfaces of base  13  of spool  19 , and trigger  37  has teeth  39  oriented towards spindle  15  in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of spool  19 . As shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , when yoyo  11  is tripped, spool  19  winds and the rotary force generated by spring  17  causes teeth  39  to engage cogs  35 , which activates signaling mechanism  33 . 
     The first preferred embodiment may be utilized to determine both the location of yoyo  11  and also whether a strike has taken place. By adding a variable resistance feature to signaling mechanism  33  (thus having a variable resistance signaling mechanism), such as a dial-type electrical switch in which voltage is determined by the rotational position of the switch, a relatively low voltage can be applied to signaling mechanism  33  (e.g., an LED light) when yoyo  11  is in the set position. A low voltage conserves battery life and is thus desirable for use with the set position. A fish strike could trip the yoyo  11  and cause successive rotation of signaling mechanism  33 , which increases the voltage to signaling mechanism  33 . Simply put, the amount of voltage to signaling mechanism  33  may be a function of the amount of rotation applied to signaling mechanism  33 . Again using an LED light as an example, the light would be much brighter following several rotations of spool  19 , which occurs after a fish strike. 
     In some retrofit applications, notch  27  may protrude from the generally flat, planar surface of spool  19 . In such retrofit applications, care must be taken so that trigger  37  does not interfere with the rotation of spool  19  as notch  27  passes trigger  37 . 
     The second preferred embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 5-6 . The second preferred embodiment utilizes a binary signaling mechanism  41 . That is, binary signaling mechanism  41  for the second preferred embodiment is in either an “on” position or an “off” position. When yoyo  11  is baited and placed in the set position, binary signaling mechanism  41  is placed in the “off” position. As spool  19  rotates following a fish strike, however, one or more triggers  37  engages a lever  43  on binary signaling mechanism  41 , thus moving binary signaling mechanism  41  to the “on” position. Further, once binary signaling mechanism  41  has been switched on, lever  43  will not engage trigger  37  until binary signaling mechanism  41  has been reset by the fisherman. That is, spool  19  may rotate freely without interference between lever  43  and trigger  37 . 
     The third preferred embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 7-12 . As shown in  FIGS. 7-10 , a multiway signaling mechanism  45  is mounted to base  13  opposite spindle  15 . One or more triggers  37  are mounted to spool  19 . Multiway signaling mechanism  45  has an on/off switch  47  and a strike indicator switch  49 . In the set position, strike indicator switch  49  completes an electrical circuit for a set position signal  51 . Upon a fish strike, strike indicator switch  49  simultaneously opens the electrical circuit to set position signal  51  and closes an electrical circuit for a strike signal  53 . 
     The inventor contemplates several configurations of trigger  37  and strike indicator switch  49 . For example, in  FIG. 10 , strike indicator switch  49  is movable in a direction tangent to the rotation of spool  19 . When not engaged with strike indicator switch  49 , trigger  37  extends beyond lip  29  of spool  19 . Trigger  37  is spring-loaded and capable of pivoting away from lip  29  such that trigger  37  does not extends beyond lip  29  of spool  19  after strike indicator switch  49  has closed the circuit with strike signal  53 . The tension force required to pivot trigger  37  is more than the force required to close strike indicator switch  49 , but not so great as to impede free rotation of spool  19  when trigger  37  contacts strike indicator switch  49  after strike indicator switch  49  has closed the circuit with strike signal  53 . 
     Another example of a configuration of trigger  37  and strike indicator switch  49  is shown in  FIG. 11 . Instead of pivoting, trigger  37  is securely mounted to spool  19  (not shown in FIG.  11 &#39;s rear view). When trigger  37  engages strike indicator switch  49 , strike indicator switch  49  moves in a direction normal to the rotation of spool  19 . Once strike indicator switch  49  has closed the circuit with strike signal  53 , spool  19  may rotate without trigger  37  engaging strike indicator switch  49 . 
       FIG. 11  also demonstrates the need for a battery  55  to be sealed within a housing  57 , as yoyos  11  are used in marine environments conducive to water contamination, rust, and corrosion. 
       FIG. 12  is a circuit diagram showing generally the operation of the third preferred embodiment. On/off switch  47  is used to activate multiway signaling mechanism  45  when in use and to conserve battery  55  when multiway signaling mechanism  45  is not in use. In a first position, strike indicator switch  49  closes an electrical circuit that powers set position signal  51 . Likewise, in a second position, strike indicator switch  49  closes an electrical circuit that powers strike signal  53 . Strike indicator switch  49  is only operable when on/off switch  47  is in the “on” position such that the electrical circuit is closed. 
     Optionally, set position signal  51  may be configured in several different ways. The inventor contemplates that the set position signal  51  could be a green location beacon which indicates the yoyo  11  is in the set position. The inventor also contemplates that the set position signal  51  could be a white fish attracting light pointed towards the water, which would increase the efficacy of yoyo  11 . A combination location beacon and fish attracting light is yet another configuration of set position signal  51 . In each of these examples, an LED light is preferred for use as set position signal  51  due to the substantially lower power requirements of an LED light than an incandescent bulb. 
     Also optionally, strike signal  53  can be configured in several different ways. As a first example, strike signal  53  can be implemented as a red light, preferably an LED for low power consumption, which signals that yoyo  11  requires attention. Another configuration of strike signal  53  recognizes that many fishermen own handheld, short distance, two-way radios. Thus, strike signal  53  can be implemented as a radio transmission capable of being received by such two-way radios. The use of radio signals has the advantage of extending the range of strike signal  53  beyond line of sight. 
     The radio transmission implementation of strike signal  53  can be as simple as a single intermittent tone. However, since the placement of a large number of yoyos  11  may oftentimes preclude all yoyos from being seen at the same time, it is advantageous to have a unique identifier for each yoyo  11 . Strike signal  53  implemented with radio signals allows for such identification. For instance, the use of a DIP switch (a group of manual electric switches in a standard dual inline package) on each yoyo  11  allows each yoyo  11  to carry a unique identifier. For instance, a five-switch DIP switch can easily be used to identify ten yoyos  11  in Morse code, as each numeral in Morse code has exactly five dashes or dots. Using slightly more sophisticated but readily available components, the radio transmission can comprise a voice recording which states, “Check yoyo X,” where X is a unique identifier for each yoyo  11 . 
     The inventor contemplates a retrofit application of the invention in which base  13  and spool  19  are cleaned with an included alcohol swab. In either the first or second preferred embodiment, signaling mechanism  33  or binary signaling mechanism  41 , respectively, is then secured to spool  19  using an adhesive. Trigger(s)  37  are mounted to base  13 , also using an adhesive. Similarly, a retrofit application of the third preferred embodiment of the invention involves securing multiway signaling mechanism  45  to base  13  using an adhesive. Trigger(s)  37  are mounted to spool  19 , also using an adhesive. 
     While the inventor has described above what he believes to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, persons having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other and additional changes may be made in conformance with the spirit of the invention and the inventor intends to claim all such changes as may fall within the scope of the invention.