Abstract:
A fishing apparatus is provided for ice fishing that can be used unattended. The apparatus can include a substantially vertical tower member, a crane member rotatably attached to the tower member and a fishing line spool rotatably attached to the tower member. Fishing line from the spool can be fed through a guide disposed on one end of the crane member to receive a hook. The crane member and spool can be held in place with threaded studs and wing nuts to keep the crane member and spool from rotating freely. The apparatus can also include means for visually indicating when a fish is hooked. These means can include fluorescent markings on one or both ends of the crane member or a self-powered light mechanism that lights a light bulb when the crane member is tipped downwards thereby indicating that a fish has been caught.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/334,913 filed May 14, 2010, and hereby incorporates the same provisional application by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure is related to the field of unattended fishing rods, in particular, unattended fishing rods that provide visual indication when a fish is caught. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Devices that hold fishing rods, or fishing rod devices that can be left unattended are known, and are typically used in ice fishing although such devices can be used in fishing in lakes or rivers from a shore or from in a boat. 
         [0004]    Unattended fishing rod devices, especially those in ice fishing, typically have reels turn around a vertical axis and hang from the device, which usually hang from the device and sit in the water as the device is supported by the ice surrounding the fishing hole. The problems with this configuration are: a) the fishing line does not play out smoothly from the reel; b) the reel itself can freeze up and stop turning; and c) the reel cannot be manipulated to reel in the fishing line without lifting the device up, which is when the reel can freeze up. 
         [0005]    These devices can also include a flag or “tip-up mechanism” that extends or pops up when a fish is caught on the line. These mechanisms may not always work properly, or at all. 
         [0006]    It is, therefore, desirable to provide a fishing apparatus that overcomes the shortcomings of the known prior art fishing devices. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    A fishing apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus can comprise a substantially vertical tower member that can be inserted into and supported by snow and ice when placed near a ice fishing hole, or into the ground near an open lake or flowing river. The apparatus can include a fishing line reel or spool rotatably attached to the tower member. The spool can rotate about the horizontal axis of a first stud extending substantially horizontal from the tower member. The apparatus can further comprise a crane member rotatably attached to the tower member above the spool, also about the horizontal axis of a second stud extending substantially horizontal from the tower member. In some embodiments, the crane member can comprise a fishing line guide disposed at one end thereof. In this embodiment, the fishing line can be fed through the guide and then have a hook attached to the line, which can then be placed in the ice fishing hole. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments, the studs can be threaded to receive a wing nut that can be tightened to control the rate that the spool can rotate and, hence, how fast or slow fishing line can pay out from the spool. Tightening the wing nut can slow the rate the spool can turn whereas loosening the wing nut can allow the spool to turn more easily. A wing nut can also be used to tighten the crane member to the vertical so as to control how easily the crane member can rotate with respect to the tower member. Tightening this wing nut will increase the force required to pull the crane member downwards whereas loosening the wing nut will decrease the required force. 
         [0009]    In operation, the lower end of the tower member is inserted into the snow and ice surrounding an ice fishing hole, which can be held into position by packing further snow and ice around the base of the tower member. Fishing line is fed through the guide to have a hook attached thereto. The hook and a desired length of line is lowered into the water through the hole. The wing nut on the spool is tightened to a desired tautness so that line can be withdrawn from the spool but not so loose that the spool can freewheel. The crane member can then be positioned such that the end with the guide is in an elevated position. The wing nut on the crane member can be tightened so that the crane member stays in the elevated position but still allows the guide end of the crane member to be pulled down when a fish is hooked thereby putting tension on the line and pulling the guide end of the crane member downwards. In some embodiments, the apparatus can be configured such that when the crane member is pulled down, it can contact the spool and function as a brake or drag on the spool to prevent or eliminate fishing line backlash and tangling of the fishing line when a fish is retrieved. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, the apparatus can comprise means for visually indicating when a fish has been caught. In one embodiment, the means can comprise fluorescent markings on one or both ends of the crane member, which can be observed when a fish is hooked on the line. In representative embodiments, the fluorescent marking is on the guide end of the crane member. When a fish is hooked, the guide end of the crane member can be pulled down. The tipping down of the guide end with fluorescent marking then causes a visual indication of a fish being hooked. In this regard, the apparatus can be referred to as a “tip down” unit. In other embodiments, the visual indication means can comprise a battery-powered light mechanism that turns on a light when the guide end of the crane member is lowered as a result of hooking a fish. 
         [0011]    Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a fishing apparatus is provided, comprising: a substantially vertical tower member having upper and lower ends; a fishing line spool rotatably attached to the tower member nearer the lower end, the spool configured to rotate about a substantially horizontal first axis; a crane member having first and second ends, the crane member rotatably attached to the tower member nearer the upper end and nearer the first end, the crane member configured to rotate about a substantially horizontal second axis; and a fishing line guide disposed on the second end of the crane member. 
         [0012]    Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a method is provided for ice fishing, the method comprising the steps of: drilling a hole for ice fishing through a layer of ice covering a body of water containing fish; providing a fishing apparatus, comprising: a substantially vertical tower member having upper and lower ends, a fishing line spool rotatably attached to the tower member nearer the lower end, the spool configured to rotate about a substantially horizontal first axis, the spool further comprising fishing line disposed thereon, the fishing line comprising a hook disposed on a free end thereof, a crane member having first and second ends, the crane member rotatably attached to the tower member nearer the upper end and nearer the first end, the crane member configured to rotate about a substantially horizontal second axis, and a fishing line guide disposed on the second end of the crane member; erecting the fishing apparatus beside the fishing hole; and paying out the fishing line and hook from the fishing apparatus through the fishing hole into the body of water. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view depicting one embodiment of a fishing apparatus. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a side elevation view depicting another embodiment of a fishing apparatus. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a front elevation view depicting the fishing apparatus of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a side elevation cutaway view depicting the light mechanism for the fishing apparatus of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a rear elevation view depicting the fishing apparatus of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a side elevation exploded view depicting the tower member of the fishing apparatus of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a side elevation view depicting the crane member of the fishing apparatus of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view depicting a holder bracket for the fishing apparatus of  FIG. 1  or  FIG. 2 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a side elevation view depicting the fishing apparatus of  FIG. 1  or  FIG. 2  having a spool guard disposed under the reel spool. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a rear elevation view depicting the fishing apparatus of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a top plan view depicting the spool guard of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a side elevation view depicting a ruler disposed on a rear side of the tower of the fishing apparatus of  FIG. 1  or  FIG. 2 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a side elevation view depicting the tower of the fishing apparatus of  FIG. 1  or  FIG. 2  with the reel spool and crane removed, the apparatus having a tower extension disposed thereon. 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a top plan view depicting the tower of  FIG. 13  with the tower extension removed. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0027]    A fishing apparatus is provided. In some embodiments, the fishing apparatus can be used as an unattended fishing device for ice fishing. In other embodiments, the fishing apparatus can be used as an unattended fishing device for fishing a shore. In further embodiments, the fishing apparatus can be used as an unattended fishing device in a boat. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , one embodiment of fishing apparatus  10  is shown. In this embodiment, apparatus  10  can comprise substantially vertical tower member  12 , crane member  14  rotatably attached to tower member  12  nearer an upper end thereof, and can be tightened to tower member  12  with wing nut  22 . Apparatus  10  can also comprise fishing line reel or spool  16  rotatably attached to tower member  12  nearer a lower end thereof, and can be tightened to tower member  12  with wing nut  20 . Spool  16  can further comprise handle  18  attached thereto to manually reel in fishing line  26 . Fishing line  26  can be paid out from spool  16  through line guide  24  and have a hook (not shown) attached thereto for placing in the water through ice fishing hole  11 . 
         [0029]    In some embodiments, each of the vertical and crane members can be longer than the diameter of fishing hole  11  so as to prevent apparatus  10  from falling into or being dragged into hole  11  when a fish is hooked although the actual length of the members is not critical. In representative embodiments, the length of the vertical and crane members can be 18″. In some embodiments, tower member  12  and crane member  14  can be constructed of nominal 1″×2″ solid or laminated lumber although any suitable materials or dimensions for the members can be used as well known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0030]    In other embodiments, apparatus  10  can comprise means for visually indicating when a fish is caught. In one embodiment, the visual indication means can comprise fluorescent markings  30  disposed on one or both ends of crane member  14 . 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a side view of apparatus  10  is shown. In this embodiment, apparatus  10  can comprise spike  32  disposed on the lower end of tower member  12  for inserting into the ice, which can be used to further stabilize apparatus  10  when it is placed on the ice beside an ice fishing hole, or for inserting into the ground when apparatus  10  is placed on the shore of a lake or river. In this illustrated embodiment, apparatus  10  comprises strike indicator  36  attached to crane member  14  via support legs  38 , which further comprises a light mechanism to provide visual indication when a fish is caught. In other embodiments, apparatus can further comprise wind jig  34  disposed at an end of crane member  14 . 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , wind jig  34  can be comprised of a flat disk-like member that can be hingeably attached to crane member  14 , and guide opening  60 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . In some embodiments, wind jig  34  can comprise slot  56  whereby wind jig  34  can be removably hooked onto slot holder  58  disposed on an end of crane member  14 . When wing jig  34  is attached to apparatus  10 , fishing line  26  can be guided from line guide  24  through guide opening  60  before having a hook attached thereto and placed in the water. In so doing, any wind flowing past apparatus  10  can move wind jig  34  and, hence, jig fishing line  26  up and down. In some embodiments, the attachment of wind jig  34  to apparatus  10  can be configured such that the movement of wind jig  34  when a wind is blowing will only move fishing line  26  and not the rest of apparatus  10 . 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , an embodiment of strike indicator  36  is shown. In this embodiment, indicator  36  can comprise body  44  that is configured to hold one or more batteries  48 . Indicator  36  can comprise nose  42  disposed on a first end of body  44 , which can further comprise light bulb  48 . Batteries  48  can be contained in body  44  with end cap  46  threaded into a second end of body  44 . Indicator  36  can further comprise rubber mount  52  and ground disk  54  for placement against a terminal of a battery  48 . Wire  50  provides an electrical between disk  54  and a first electrical contact of light bulb  40 . When the guide end of crane member  14  is in a raised or elevated position, indicator  36  can be configured such that there is a gap between a second electrical contact of light bulb  48  and battery  48 . When the guide end of crane member  14  is lowered, such as when a fish is hooked, body  44  also tilts downward thereby allowing batteries  48  to slide towards light bulb  44  within body  44  so that battery  48  contacts the second contact of light bulb  44  thereby closing an electrical circuit and causing light bulb  48  to illuminate. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that other embodiments can be used to activate a light mechanism in addition to one the illustrated in this embodiment which can include, but are not limited to, mercury switches, micro-switches, Hall effect magnetic switches, optoelectronic switches and devices, and any other functionally equivalent switches known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , shown is one embodiment of indicator  36 , which can be releasably attached to crane member  14  via support legs  38 . Legs  38  can comprise bent steel legs that are bent such that the steel legs are biased towards each other and function like a spring clamp that can be snugly slipped on and off of crane member  14 . 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , apparatus  10  is shown. In some embodiments, apparatus  10  can comprise crane insert  62 , which can comprise a sleeve with internal threads, inserted into hole  13  disposed on tower member  12 . Crane stud  23  can be threaded into insert  62  and extend substantially horizontally from tower member  12  as a means for crane member  14  to be rotatably attached thereto. Apparatus  10  can further comprise washers  25  disposed on stud  23  and wing nut  22  threadably attached on stud  23 . 
         [0036]    Similarly, some embodiments of apparatus  10  can comprise reel insert  64 , which can comprise a sleeve with internal threads, inserted into hole  15  disposed on tower member  12 . Reel stud  21  can be threaded into insert  64  and extend substantially horizontally from tower member  12  as a means for spool  16  to be rotatably attached thereto. Apparatus  10  can further comprise washers  25  disposed on stud  21  and wing nut  20  threadably attached on stud  21 . 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , some embodiments of crane member  14  can comprise crane insert  68  disposed in hole  66  extending through crane member  14 . Crane insert  68  can comprise of a sleeve configured to allow crane stud  23  pass through. 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, apparatus  10  can further comprise a holder configured to sit on the ground and/or be releasably attached to an edge of a boat and hold apparatus  10  upright. Referring to  FIG. 8 , one embodiment of holder bracket  70  is shown. In some embodiments, holder bracket  70  can be comprised of an upright, box-like structure configured to receive the lower end of tower member  12  in opening or inlet  71 . Holder bracket  70  can further comprise base  72 , which can be attached thereto with screws  74 . Holder bracket  70  can further comprise drain hole  76  to allow water that may accumulate on tower member  12  to drain from holder bracket  70 . In other embodiments, holder bracket  70  can further comprise one or more holder supports  78  that are configured to releasably clip or attach holder bracket  70  to an edge of a boat (not shown). Supports  78  can be attached to holder bracket  70  with screws  80 . 
         [0039]    In some embodiments, apparatus  10  can further comprise spool guard  79  disposed on tower  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . Spool guard  79  can further comprise skirt  81  that, in combination, can be configured to fit or slide onto tower  12  and be fastened thereto. In some embodiments, spool guard  79  can be fastened to tower  12  with screw  82  although any other functional means can be used to attach spool guard  79  to tower  12  as well known to those skilled in the art. Spool guard  79  can function as a depth indicator to prevent apparatus  10  from being inserted to far into snow or ice such that spool  16  is buried in the snow or ice. Spool guard  79  can also function to protect spool  16  from snow or ice. 
         [0040]    In some embodiments, spool guard  79  can further comprise rear tab  86  and front tab  84 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . Front and rear tabs  84  and  86  can also function as depth indicators, and can protect spool  16  from snow or ice. In some embodiments, front tab  84  can also comprise opening  88  as a means for attaching hook  28  when storing apparatus  10 . 
         [0041]    In some embodiments, tower  12  can have tape measure or ruler  90  disposed on a vertical side thereof, as shown in  FIG. 12 . In some embodiments, ruler  90  can be disposed on the side of tower  12  opposite to the side having spool  16  and crane  14  disposed thereon. Ruler  90  can be marked in imperial (i.e, inches) or metric (i.e., centimetres) measurement graduations, or both. Ruler  90  can be used to measure the length of fish caught. 
         [0042]    In some embodiments, tower  12  of apparatus  10  can comprise tower extension  92  that can be configured to releasably attach to the upper end of tower  12 . In some embodiments, tower extension  92  can be inserted in hole  94  disposed on the top end of tower  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . Hole  94  can be sized and shaped to receive tower extension  92  in a snug fit wherein tower extension  92  can be inserted and retained in hole  94 , and yet can be removed from hole  94  with a minimum amount of force. In other embodiments, tower extension  92  and hole  94  can be threaded in a complementary manner such that tower extension  92  can be threaded into hole  94 , and can be also be removed therefrom. In function, tower extension  92  can increase the height of apparatus  10  wherein should apparatus  10  tip over beside fishing hole  11 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , tower extension  92  can prevent apparatus  10  from falling into fishing hole  11  due to the extended length of apparatus  10 . In other embodiments, tower extension  92  can further comprise fluorescent markings to provide additional means for visually locating apparatus  10  when it is snowing or when there are blowing snow conditions that could cover apparatus  10  with snow, and otherwise make locating apparatus  10  difficult in such weather conditions. 
         [0043]    Although a few embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The terms and expressions used in the preceding specification have been used herein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that the invention is defined and limited only by the claims that follow.