Abstract:
A structure for attracting fish in lakes and ponds is presented that includes a central mast with one or more angled shafts for the fish to rest upon and congregate near.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/600,639, filed Aug. 31, 2012 and claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/591,648, filed Aug. 22, 2012, which claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/807,230, filed Aug. 21, 2010, which claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/337,770, filed Feb. 10, 2010, which are both hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention pertains to artificial structures adapted for submersion in bodies of water. The artificial structure is configured to be attractive to fish, and thus to create an artificial habitat around which fish can usually be found. 
     2. Description of the Known Art 
     Fish that live in natural environments such as lakes, streams, oceans, ponds and rivers, can usually be found around the protective cover of rocks, coral, plant life and the like. However, many of these habitats have been destroyed by natural phenomena such as hurricanes, floods, and the like. Additionally man made problems such as pollutants, dams and other developmental issues have claimed their fair share of these habitats as well. This loss of habitats has led to entire species being lost from certain bodies of waters, thus further affecting other organisms in the food chain. Even fishermen, who at one time would frequent certain fishing spots, would stop their visits, thus affecting local business cycles as well. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which fish habitats can be replaced or created in a manner which is quick, easy and effective. The development of the artificial structure for attracting fish fulfills this need. 
     Details of artificial structures for attracting fish are contained in U.S. Pat. No. 4,727,672 issued to Hill, et al. on Mar. 1, 1988; U.S. Pat. No. 4,916,845 issued to Aydelette, Sr. on Apr. 17, 1990; U.S. Pat. No. 5,005,309 issued to Hall on Apr. 9, 1991; U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,829 issued to Roberts, et al. on Dec. 28, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 5,315,779 issued to Fussell on May 31, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 6,523,497 issued to Smith on Feb. 25, 2003; U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,735 issued to Yeager on Dec. 27, 2005. Each of these patents is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,727,672 issued to Hill, et al. on Mar. 1, 1988 entitled Artificial Structure for Attracting Fish teaches an artificial structure for attracting fish that includes a ballast and anchoring subassembly having an elongated trunk detachably and pivotally connected thereto and extending in a generally vertical direction therefrom. A plurality of elongated leaf fronds are each centrally engaged with the trunk at longitudinally spaced intervals along the trunk. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,916,845 issued to Aydelette, Sr. on Apr. 17, 1990 entitled Device to Attract Fish discloses a device for attracting fish in fresh water lakes and ponds that includes one or more disk which are tandemly arranged and are anchored by a tubular transparent anchor which contains bait fish. The disk have a concave configuration and are formed from a floatable plastic. A serrated edge on at least the bottom disk provides a niche for a fishing line to maintain the fishing line bait near the fish which congregate under the disks. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,005,309 issued to Hall on Apr. 9, 1991 entitled Instrumented Drift Fish Aggregating Device and Method discloses an instrumented drift fish aggregating device to attract game fish for harvest. A highly positive flotation buoy with instrumentation including visual and radio acquisition devices floats on the water. Suspended from the buoy is a plurality of suspension lines connected to a ballast weight, which combine for stability of the buoy. A multiplicity of fish attraction streamers are connected to the suspension lines. The device can provide information to a remote location, such as a fishing vessel, by radio means as to its location, water temperature and quantity of fish in the vicinity of the buoy. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,829 issued to Roberts, et al. on Dec. 28, 1993 entitled Fish Attracting Bassin Stump and Method of Use discloses a fish attracting device which simulates a tree stump to provide a habitat for fish to congregate. The device includes an outer textured wall that resembles the bark on a tree trunk and an inner chamber secured to the outer textured wall. A structure for deploying the device within a body of water is secured to the inner chamber. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,315,779 issued to Fussell on May 31, 1994 entitled Fish Habitat discloses an artificial habitat assembly for fish or other aquatic life that includes a series of vertically spaced plates or discs having a specified gravity less than 1.0, which are held adjacent the bottom of a body of water by an anchor and a flexible stress member to which the plates are attached in vertically spaced relationship. The plates provide areas of shade or darkness which are attractive to fish seeking shelter. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,523,497 issued to Smith on Feb. 25, 2003 entitled Reticulated Fish Aggregation Apparatus discloses a submersible artificial fish bed formed of hollow members that are self flooded in order to be placed. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,735 issued to Yeager on Dec. 27, 2005 entitled Artificial Fish Habitat discloses an artificial fish habitat that comprises an open framework including a plurality of layers. The layers each include an open portion and are generally aligned so that the open portions cooperate to define a passageway through the framework for fish to reside therein. Each layer includes a periphery section which is formed from a material presenting a minimum cross section sized and configured to be greater than the gap spacing of a conventional fish hook such that the hook may not snag on the framework. A method of utilizing the partially submerged habitat comprises descending a hook through the passageway to contact a layer and withdrawing the hook without snagging. 
     The use of the present invention provides fish an artificial habitat in areas where none exist. Fisherman in the past have cut natural tree limbs or shrubs and placed them at desired locations in lakes and ponds to serve as gathering points and shelters for fish. All such past devices have been employed with varying degrees of success depending on the type of fishing conducted, and the particular conditions encountered. Certain serious drawbacks have resulted for example, in using artificial or natural tree limbs as fishing lines often become enwrapped with the limbs and have to be cut free. Other specific devices which have been used are difficult to retrieve or move as may be desired from time to time or from location to location. Also, artificial devices can be expensive, easily damaged and are therefore little used. Other artificial devices have provided an area that attracts fish momentarily, but does not encourage the fish to stay within the area for a length of time since the fish must remain active. 
     In icy environments, government restrictions prevent fishermen from deploying permanent or semi-permanent structures. Only structures which can fit within the limits of a hole cut in the ice, approximately eight inches or so, can be used. The prior art fails to show a device that can be deployed within the confines of an ice fishing hole and subsequently removed. 
     The prior art patents are very limited in their teaching and utilization, and an improved artificial structure for attracting fish in an icy environment is needed to overcome these limitations. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is an artificial structure for attracting fish within an icy environment. The structure is comprised of central mast with a series of pivoting shafts with deploying mechanisms to pivot the shafts into an extended position once the shafts are submerged in water. The structure is composed of material adapted to be lowered to the bottom of a lake, stream, pond or other similar body of water. The structure forms an artificial habitat or shield for any fish who may be seeking refuge from predators or seeking other fish or food to eat. In one embodiment, the shafts are angled, allowing for fish to rest upon the surface of the shaft. These resting areas provide motivation for the fish to stay within the area for a length of time. Such artificial habitats can also be used to the advantage of fishermen who are looking for the areas where fish tend to congregate. The present invention has proven to provide an attractive area for fish to congregate as fishermen have hooked numerous fish hours after the invention has been deployed. 
     An objective of the present invention is to provide a device which will present fish in icy ponds and lakes with an attractive gathering site and also will be convenient for the fishermen to exploit. 
     Another objective to the present invention is to provide a device to attract fish which includes an angular shaft which provides a resting place and cover for fish. 
     It is also an objective of the present invention to provide a device which can be selectively and quickly deployed through an ice fishing hole. 
     It is also an objective of the present invention to provide a device that provides a greater surface area of habitat. 
     Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device that deflects sonar waves providing a virtually invisible habitat. 
     Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device that is adjustable to different environs and depths of those environs. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, along with features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear or become apparent by reviewing the following detailed description of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the artificial structure for attracting fish; 
         FIG. 2  is a top elevational view thereof; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom elevational view thereof; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view thereof, the back view being the same; 
         FIG. 5  is a right side environmental view thereof, the left side view being the same; 
         FIG. 6  is an environmental view of a compound structure formed from two structures. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an alternative artificial structure for attracting fish in its undeployed state; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the artificial structure partially deployed; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the artificial structure fully deployed; 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of the artificial structure undeployed; 
         FIG. 11  is a front view of the artificial structure partially deployed, 
         FIG. 12  is a front view of the artificial structure fully deployed; 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of the artificial structure undeployed; 
         FIG. 14  is a bottom view thereof; 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of the artificial structure fully deployed; 
         FIG. 16  is a bottom view thereof; 
         FIG. 17  is a partial front view of the artificial structure fully deployed; and 
         FIG. 18  is an environmental view thereof. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is an artificial structure  100  for attracting fish. The structure  100  is comprised of central mast  110  with a series of outward extending shafts  115 . The structure  100  is composed of material, such as a PVC material, suitable for lowering to the bottom of a lake, stream, pond or other similar body of water. A cable may also be provided for attaching to a dock to suspend the structure  100  or attach weight. Additionally, a docking platform may be utilized to secure multiple structures ( 100 ) (not shown) at a single location. The structure  100  forms an artificial habitat or shield for any fish who may be seeking refuge from predators or seeking other fish or food to eat. 
     The central mast  110  as shown in the drawings is an elongated, cylindrical tube with open ends, but it is envisioned that the mast  110  can be a variety of shapes. Along the length of the mast  110  are a variety of shaft apertures  114  spaced equidistant around the circumference of the mast  110  and designed and configured so as to receive an extending shaft  115 , removably held in the aperture  114  by physical friction. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the shafts  115  are inserted to extend through the interior  113  of the mast  110 . Above each shaft aperture  114  is a second aperture  116  which allows access to the interior  113  of the mast. As shown in  FIG. 1 , multiple second apertures  116  can be placed around the diameter of the mast  110  creating multiple entrances to the interior  113  of the mast  110 . In this manner, fish can access the interior of the mast  110  to hide from larger fish, thus providing an attractive environment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the structure  100  can be deployed on its side under the water, or as shown in  FIG. 6 , in an upright position. When the structure  100  is deployed in an upright position, the base  111  can be secured to a docking port  250 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the docking port  250  includes multiple piers  251  within a trough  252  having sides  253 . When secured, the base  111  fits around a pier  251  and it is envisioned that multiple structures  100  can be secured to a single port  250 . The trough can be weighted to the bottom of a body of water through the use of concrete or other similar materials. 
     Multiple structures  100  can be secured together to form taller or longer structures. The base  111  includes a bell housing  120  attached to the main body  112  to allow for stacking the structure  100  onto another structure  100  to create a compound structure  200 . When the base of the first structure is connected to the top of the second structure, the housing  120  fits around the exterior of the top of the second structure. A locking pin  121  running through the housing  120  of the first structure and through the top of the second structure can be utilized to secure the housing  120  connection. 
     As shown in the drawings, the extending shafts  115  are angled, allowing for fish to rest upon the surface of the shaft. The extending shafts  115  have two flat planks  118 ,  119  which are joined at a point  130  to form a 90 degree angle. During assembly, the angled shafts  115  are inserted into the mast  110  in pre-cut apertures  114 . The angle of the shafts  115  allows for the shaft to support itself through the mast  110  without the use of hardware connecting the shafts  115  to the mast  110 . In this manner, the structure  100  is more durable in the aquatic environment without hardware to rust the structure. When installed within the mast  110  when the mast  110  is perpendicular to the ground, the point  130  of angle is downward towards the ground, thus creating a v-shape. 
     The angled shafts  115  provide a greater surface area for the habitat in contrast to rounded shafts. The angles likewise deflect sonar waves from a fish locators used by other fishermen, protecting the location of the habitat. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the surface of the angled shafts  115  have an applied texture  111  that is mottled in appearance. This mottled texture  111  is composed of a durable paper composite suitable for an underwater environment. After the angled shafts  115  are installed in the water, the surface texture  111  promotes algae to attach and grow on the angled shafts  115 , whereas a smooth texture inhibits growth. 
     The structure  100  can be placed in the water in a horizontal alignment or a vertical alignment. If a horizontal alignment is utilized, weights may be added to the structure  100  to maintain the position of the structure  100  against the current of the water. In the horizontal alignment, the point  130  of the angle of the angled shafts  115  should be oriented towards the shore if the user plans on fishing from a boat casting toward the bank. Conversely, if the user plans on fishing from the shore, the angled shafts  115  should be oriented with the point  130  of the angle toward the interior of the lake. The angled arrangement allows for laminar flow of water over the shafts  115  to create an ideal environment for fish. The flow of the water also allows for fish to rest within the structure  100  on the shafts  115  while exerting minimal energy. In another embodiment, the extending shafts have an essentially horizontal surface with an indentation allowing for fish to rest upon the surface of the shaft. These resting areas provide motivation for the fish to stay within the area for a length of time. Such artificial habitats can also be used to the advantage of fishermen who are looking for the areas where fish tend to congregate. 
     Once constructed, the structure  100  may be submerged within the bottom of a lake, stream, pond, or other similar body of water thereby providing an artificial habitat for the congregation of fish in areas where natural habitats fail to exist. A cable may be looped around the uppermost extending shaft  115  to provide a cable tether to the structure  100 . The extending shafts  115  may be adjusted to vary the length from the mast  110  to accommodate different areas or dock locations. 
     It is envisioned that the angled shafts  115  alone could be utilized within a water environment through installation in concrete-filled buckets or solid materials suitable for maintaining an upright position for the angled shafts  115 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7-18 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention is an artificial structure  100  for attracting fish that can be deployed through an ice fishing hole which is typically eight inches in diameter. Given the restraints on the diameter of the hole that the structure  100  is deployed through, the diameter of the entire structure  100  in its undeployed state must be less than eight inches. 
     The structure  100  is comprised of an elongated central mast  110  with a series of pivoting shafts  115  adapted to pivot into a position perpendicular to the central mast in a deployed position underwater. Prior to deployment, the pivoting shafts  115  are positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the central mast  110 . The structure  100  is composed of material, such as a PVC material, suitable for lowering to the bottom of a lake, stream, pond or other similar body of water. A cable may also be provided for attaching to a dock to suspend the structure  100  or attach weight. The structure  100  forms an artificial habitat or shield for any fish who may be seeking refuge from predators or seeking other fish or food to eat. 
     The central mast  110  as shown in the drawings is an elongated, cylindrical tube with open ends, but it is envisioned that the mast  110  can be a variety of shapes. Along the length of the mast  110 , pivoting shafts  115  are spaced equidistant around the circumference of the mast  110 . Each pivoting shaft  115  is secured by a pivot  116  adapted to allow the shaft  115  to rotate. Each shaft  115  has a top end  117  and a bottom end  118 . As shown in  FIG. 17 , the distance between the top end  117  and the bottom end  118  can differ. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the distance between the top end  117  and the bottom end  118  is less than the distance between each segment of the central mast  110 . However, it is envisioned that if the distance between the ends  117 ,  118  is longer than a segment of the central mast  110  such that the upper shafts  115  intrude into a lower segment of mast  110 , the placement of the pivoting shafts  115  can be shifted in the lower segment  111  from the placement in the upper segment  112 . In this manner, the pivoting shafts  115  of both segments  111 ,  112  will not overlap when undeployed. Above the top end  117  of each shaft  115  when the shafts are in the undeployed position is a restraining collar  120  which extends outward from the mast  110  and provides an upper limit for the shaft  115  when moving into a deployed position. 
     As shown in the drawings, the pivoting shafts  115  are angled, allowing for fish to rest upon the surface of the shaft. The pivoting shafts  115  have two flat planks  119 ,  121  extending between the top end  117  and the bottom end  118  and are joined at a point to form a 90 degree angle. When deployed in the water when the mast  110  is perpendicular to the ground, the point of angle is parallel to the ground, thus creating a flat surface. At the end of each pivoting shaft  115 , a flotation device  130  is secured by means of a fastener  131  or other suitable attachment known in the art. The flotation device  130  can be composed of any buoyant material capable of rising under water, such as cork, building foam or high density foam. However, cork or corklike substances do not rise quickly and add weight to the device  100 , especially after submersion. The preferred substance for the flotation device  130  is a closed cell foam. 
     The angled shafts  115  provide a greater surface area for the habitat in contrast to rounded shafts. The angles likewise deflect sonar waves from a fish locators used by other fishermen, protecting the location of the habitat. 
     The angled arrangement allows for laminar flow of water over the shafts  115  to create an ideal environment for fish. The flow of the water also allows for fish to rest within the structure  100  on the shafts  115  while exerting minimal energy. In another embodiment, the extending shafts have an essentially horizontal surface with an indentation allowing for fish to rest upon the surface of the shaft. These resting areas provide motivation for the fish to stay within the area for a length of time. Such artificial habitats can also be used to the advantage of fishermen who are looking for the areas where fish tend to congregate. 
     Once constructed, the structure  100  may be submerged within the bottom of a lake, stream, pond, or other similar body of water thereby providing an artificial habitat for the congregation of fish in areas where natural habitats fail to exist. When the device is deployed, the pivoting arms  115  are in an undeployed position extending parallel along the length of the central mast  110  (as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 10 ). As the flotation device  130  of each pivoting arm is submerged, the buoyancy of the flotation device causes the pivoting arm  115  to pivot to a partially deployed position (as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 11 ) to a fully deployed position (as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 12 ) with the pivoting arms  115  extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the central mast  110 . The pivoting arms  115  are restrained from extending further than the fully deployed position by the restraining collar  120 , which contacts the edge of the upper flat plank  119  of the pivoting arm  115  and prevents that upper edge from moving further. When the device is removed from water, the pivoting arms  115  are biased downward by gravity and return to the undeployed position. 
     A cable may be looped around the central mast  110  to provide a cable tether to the structure  100  so that it may be easily removed from the water. The extending shafts  115  may be adjusted to vary the length from the mast  110  to accommodate different areas or dock locations. 
     From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure. It will also be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.