Abstract:
The present invention is directed to providing self-propelled casting within a fishing apparatus that is the functional replacement of a conventional rod and reel combination. The system and method of the present invention advantageously include utilization of a self-propelled casting apparatus that employs a compression spring motor to impart a sufficient force on a projectile loaded within a tubular support member, to launch the projectile during a casting cycle. The casting apparatus employs a point-and-release method of safely and accurately casting a bobber or other article of fishing tackle over a specified distance.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/134,939, filed Jul. 15, 2008, the entire specification of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates in general to methods and devices utilized for fishing, and in particular to an improved apparatus and method for projecting or casting a lure, bait, sinker, or other article of fishing tackle or projectile from a user-handled fishing device and a comprehensive and integrated fishing system and method for use with the same. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Fishing is a popular sport and continues to grow in popularity as a sport and recreational activity. Different fishing styles and conditions require differing fishing equipment including different types of rods, reels, line, bait, lures, floats, sinkers, etc. 
         [0004]    One of the most fundamental of all fishing techniques is that of “casting” a fastened bait or lure article into a desired location on the water. A person handling a rod-and-reel combination casts a bait using a rotational motion of the rod. In this manner, the rod is utilized to “throw” the bait in much the same way as an arm throws a ball or a stone. The rod starts in a tilted back position opposite the intended cast direction while the bait is typically pulled up and held near the rod tip. When the cast is started, the fishing line must be manually or mechanically “locked” to the rod and reel so that the bait will, upon release, properly follow the direction of the rod tip. As the rod is rotated forward, the relatively high velocity at the tip of the rod imparts a corresponding velocity on the bait which then travels in a direction and to a distance as determined by the force and direction applied in the rotation. Casting, along with other manual fishing techniques, often poses considerable challenges for younger, novice, or handicapped anglers. 
         [0005]    A longtime favorite fishing setup that is particularly well-suited for younger or inexperienced anglers includes a so-called closed-face spincast reel together with a suitable rod. Spincast reels are well known to fishermen and are widely produced and readily available in most retail stores that carry fishing equipment and gear. By design, spincast reels provide for relatively simple fine spooling and handling features, making them a popular choice for younger or less experienced anglers. Although spincast reels address many of the problems associated with line handling, the ability to accurately and safely cast fishing tackle having exposed hooks remains a barrier for many would-be anglers. The technique required for casting also poses substantial difficulties often to the extent that the individual simply cannot cast effectively and must rely on an experienced angler to perform the casting portion of the fishing experience. 
         [0006]    Another problem occurs when fishing in close proximity to other people or near a structure that limits the possible range of motion during casting. Such situations may frequently arise, for example, on crowded boats, piers, and banks in which swinging fishing tackle having exposed hooks poses a significant hazard to oneself and/or nearby persons. In these situations, the ability to deliver a bait or lure to a desired location on the water is substantially limited by the mechanics of conventional manual casting techniques which require the angler to swing, sway, roll, flip, or otherwise move the end of the fishing rod or pole to effectuate a directed launching of the lure or bait. 
         [0007]    It can therefore be appreciated that a need exists for an improved device and method for addressing the foregoing problems associated with casting fishing tackle easily, safely, and accurately. The self-propelled cast fishing system addresses such a need. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    In one aspect, the present application is directed to a self-propelled cast fishing system. The fishing system includes a launch mechanism which includes a tubular support member with a bore, a first end and a second end, a compression spring fixedly positioned at the first end of the tubular support member, a retaining mechanism for retaining the compression spring in a compressed position, and a release mechanism for releasing the compression spring to an extended position. The system further includes a safety interlock mechanism which prevents activation of the release mechanism when in a rest state and allows activation of the release mechanism when in an activated state. Further components of the fishing system include a reel, an article of fishing tackle which can be positioned within the bore of the tubular support member such that activation of the release mechanism acts to propel the article of fishing tackle from the second end of the tubular support member, and fishing line with a first end and a second end, the first end fixed to the reel and the second end fixed to the article of fishing tackle. 
         [0009]    It is to be understood that other aspects of the present self-propelled cast fishing system will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein various embodiments are shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the self-propelled cast fishing system is capable of other and different embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in various other respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of self-propelled cast fishing system described. Accordingly the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate similar parts throughout the several views, several aspects of the applicant&#39;s self-propelled cast fishing system are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in detail, wherein: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective front view of one embodiment of the applicants&#39; self-propelled cast fishing system; 
           [0012]      FIG. 1B  is a partial perspective front view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A  with the flex tip assembly extended; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective front view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A , with cover panels removed to show internal components; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a perspective front view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A , showing additional internal components; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a perspective front view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A , showing further internal components; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the launch mechanism, the flex tip assembly and the article of fishing tackle of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the flex tip assembly of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7A  is an exploded view of the safety interlock mechanism portion of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7B  is a perspective top view of a portion of the safety interlock mechanism portion of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8A  is a rear end plan view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A , with the safety interlock knob in the position allowing depression of the knob; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8B  is a rear end plan view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A , with the safety interlock knob in a position preventing depression of the knob; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a side perspective view of the reel assembly portion of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of the line release mechanism of the reel assembly portion of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 11A  is a partial side perspective view of the line release mechanism of the reel assembly portion of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A , with the catch pin extended; 
           [0025]      FIG. 11B  is a partial side perspective view of the line release mechanism of the reel assembly portion of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A , with the catch pin retracted; 
           [0026]      FIG. 12A  is a front perspective view of the article of fishing tackle portion of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A , shown in the closed position; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 12B  is a front perspective view of the article of fishing tackle portion of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A , shown in the open position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    The present self-propelled cast fishing system is described in at least one embodiment in the following description with reference to the figures. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations may be accomplished in view of these teachings without deviating from the spirit or scope of the present invention. 
         [0029]    The present self-propelled cast fishing system is generally directed to an improved fishing apparatus, system and method that overcome problems relating to safety, accuracy and difficulty encountered when using conventional hand-held cast fishing devices to cast a fastened article of fishing tackle which may be a lure or bait or any other article or body or projectile that is attached to a fishing line and included among the material cast from the apparatus. In addition to addressing the issues facing novice or handicapped anglers, the present self-propelled cast fishing system employs a point-and-release casting method that eliminates problems encountered with swing or arc casting, enabling anglers to easily and safely cast in crowded spaces or limited-space environments such as when casting from under overhead manmade or natural obstructions such as power lines or tree branches. Furthermore, the present self-propelled cast fishing system is compact and easily portable and does not require any other protective casing for transport or storage. To this end, and as further depicted and explained with reference to the figures, the present self-propelled cast fishing system includes a self-propelled casting apparatus that advantageously employs a compression spring to provide a motive force to the article of fishing tackle. The present self-propelled cast fishing system further encompasses a protective bobber advantageously utilized in combination with a tubular casting apparatus to improve casting and tackle handling safety. 
         [0030]    The various features and components of the self-propelled cast fishing system are now described with reference to the Figures. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIGS. 1A ,  2  to  4  and  9 , in at least one embodiment, the self-propelled cast fishing system  10  comprises a launch mechanism  11 , a reel  12  including fishing line  13 , and an article of fishing tackle  14  attached to fishing line  13 . The launch mechanism  11  and reel  12  are enclosed in external covers  15  and reel cover  16 , which are designed to cover and shield the internal working components from contact with the user, as well as to provide external styling that appeals to the eye and to provide ergonomic hand grips for the operator. The covers further serve to protect the line  13  and reel  12  from getting tangled or damaged during storage and transport, eliminating the need to provide a separate storage container. In addition, in at least one embodiment, reel  12  is a self-contained unit which is not permanently attached to self-propelled cast fishing system  10 , and reel cover  16  is readily opened to allow an operator to easily remove the reel  12  for maintenance or service, such as repairing broken fishing line. 
       Launch Mechanism 
       [0032]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 to 5 , in at least one embodiment, the launch mechanism  11  includes a tubular support member  21 , a compression spring  22 , a launch shuttle  23 , and a launch trigger  24 . 
         [0033]    The tubular support member  21  is a hollow tube with an internal stop at the front end comprised of a stop shoulder  25  which prevents the shuttle  23  from being propelled out the end of the tubular support member  21  along with the fishing tackle  14 . Tubular support member  21  also includes external molded features  26  that locate the launch trigger  24 , allowing it to pivot about pivot pin  27 . Tubular support member  21  is conveniently made of molded plastic, but can be made of any suitable material known in the art. 
         [0034]    The launch shuttle  23  is a tubular slider device that glides inside the bore of tubular support member  21 , making contact with the compression spring  22  at one end, and the article of fishing tackle  14  at the other end. The launch shuttle  23  has a mating stop face  29  that contacts the above mentioned stop shoulder  25  on the inside of the tubular support member  21 . The launch shuttle  23  also engages the pawl  30  of the launch trigger  24  at mating stop face  31 , to hold the compression spring  22  in the “armed” state until the operator chooses to discharge the article of fishing tackle  14 . 
         [0035]    The compression spring  22  provides the launch force to propel the article of fishing tackle  14 . In its “home” or expanded position, it will bias mating stop face  29  of the launch shuttle  23  against the stop shoulder  25 . In the “armed” or compressed position, it will bias mating stop face  31  of the launch shuttle  23  against the launch trigger pawl  30 . 
         [0036]    The launch trigger  24  is a pivoting lever which has a pawl  30  at one end that engages mating stop face  31  of the launch shuttle  23 . A small bias spring  32  keeps the pawl  30  engaged until the operator depresses the trigger  24 . As described in detail below, the launch trigger  24  engages safety interlock mechanism  60  so as to prevent actuation until the operator depresses and holds the safety interlock knob  61 . Bump guard  28 , located on external cover  15  ( FIG. 1A ), also acts to prevent accidental actuation of launch trigger  24 . 
         [0037]    The end cap  33  is a fixed part of the launch mechanism  11  and acts to cap off the tubular support member  21  after the above mentioned components are assembled and to restrain the spring force of compression spring  22 . End cap  33  is conveniently snap fit and glued to the tubular support member  21 , but may also be attached with screws or in any other similar manner known in the art. 
         [0038]    In operation, the compression spring  22  is compressed when the operator inserts the article of fishing tackle  14  into the tubular support member  21  and pushes down on it with his/her hand until the launch trigger pawl  30  “clicks” into engagement with stop face  31  on launch shuttle  23 . It is important to note that the fishing line  13  of the applicants&#39; self-propelled cast fishing system travels through the centre of the launch assembly  11  as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  and is attached to the article of fishing tackle  14 . When the operator disengages the safety interlock mechanism  60  as described below and depresses launch trigger  24 , launch shuttle  23  is released from engagement with pawl  30  and compression spring  22  is allowed to expand, forcing launch shuttle  23  and article of fishing tackle  14  towards the open end of tubular support member  21 . Launch shuttle  23  is retained within tubular support member  21  by means of the engagement of stop face  29  with stop shoulder  25  while the article of fishing tackle  14  is propelled out of the open end of tubular support member  21 . 
         [0039]    Should the applicants equip the present self-propelled cast fishing system with a sufficiently strong fishing line  13  and a sufficiently robust reel  12 , those skilled in the art will appreciate from the description of the launch assembly above, that the reel  12  could be used to compress the compression spring  22  by retracting the article of fishing tackle  14  into the tubular support member  21  against the force of the spring  22 , until the pawl  30  is engaged. 
       Flex Tip Assembly 
       [0040]    With reference to  FIGS. 1B ,  5  and  6 , in at least one embodiment, the flex tip assembly  40  includes flexible element  41 , ejection spring  42  and flex tip latch  43 . The flexible element  41  is slidingly retained in track  44  in external cover  15 , and can be retracted along track  44 , thereby compressing ejection spring  42 . Protrusion  45  on flex tip latch  43  engages a recess  46  in flexible element  41 , retaining it in the retracted state against the bias of ejection spring  42 . Tab  47  on flex tip latch  43  protrudes slightly through an opening  48  in the wall of tubular support member  21  into the bore of tubular support member  21 , and as the launch shuttle  23  is launched and passes over the tab  47 , the latch deflects sufficiently to disengage the protrusion  45  on flex tip latch  43  from the recess  46  on flexible element  41 . When this occurs, the ejection spring  42  pushes the flexible element  41  out of the front end of the tubular support member  21 . The flexible element  41  is prevented from being expelled entirely from track  44  by means of a shoulder  49  on flexible element  41 , which engages a stop  50  in track  44 . 
         [0041]    Connected to the flex tip element  41  is an annular line guide  51 . The line guide is larger than a typical line guide on a conventional fishing rod and has a large enough internal diameter to allow the article of fishing tackle  14  to pass through. An abrasion resistance liner is contained in the line guide  51 , for example, a poly carbonate ring, however, any other material that would resist abrasion/cutting from a fishing line running over it will work as well. 
         [0042]    The flex tip assembly  40  forms an important part of the self-propelled cast fishing system to allow the operator to “feel” a nibble of a fish on the hook, and then impact a “jerk” to set the hook in the fish&#39;s mouth. With a rigid object it is difficult for an operator to sense this subtle activity at the hook, while flexible element  41  visibly deflects under this activity. Additionally, as the fish fights the force of being reeled in, the flexible element  41  again deflects and provides the operator with what is commonly known as “rod feel” in the cast fishing industry. Since the present self-propelled cast fishing system is designed to be compact, only a short flexible element  41  is provided. Nonetheless, it does serve the purpose of providing “rod feel”. 
       Safety Interlock Mechanism 
       [0043]    With reference to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , in at least one embodiment, the safety interlock mechanism  60  includes safety interlock knob  61  and return spring  62  enclosed in safety interlock cover  63 , a slider  64 , interlock  65 , which includes stop  66 , and return spring  67  (shown in  FIGS. 2 to 6 ). Tab  69  located at the end of safety interlock knob  61  contacts one end of slider  64  and the other end of slider  64  is in contact with interlock  65 . Referring to  FIGS. 2 to 5  and  7 A, in operation, the safety interlock knob  61  is biased in the extended position at rest, by means of return springs  62  and  67 , positioning stop  66  so as to engage and prevent depression of launch trigger  24 . To initiate launch of the article of fishing tackle  14  from the end of tubular support member  21 , the operator must first depress and hold safety interlock knob  61 , compressing return springs  62  and  67  and moving slider  64  and interlock  65  forward along tubular support member  21 . This in turn moves stop  66  forward so that it no longer engages launch trigger  24 , which can then be depressed, thus initiating launch. When safety interlock knob  61  is released, return springs  62  and  67  re-expand, returning stop  66  and safety interlock knob  61  to their rest positions and preventing actuation of launch trigger  24 . 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIGS. 7B ,  8 A and  8 B, the safety interlock knob  61  is designed so that when the knob is in the twelve o&#39;clock position ( FIG. 8A ), tab  69  is in contact with slider  64 , thus allowing depression of safety interlock knob  61  to activate launch trigger  24 . In any other rotary position of the knob ( FIG. 8B ), tab  69  is in contact with shoulder  70  on the interior of exterior cover  15 , thus preventing depression of the safety interlock knob  61 . This provides an extra measure of safety in preventing accidental launch of article of fishing tackle  14  from the device. 
         [0045]    As described above, the safety interlock mechanism  60  is designed so that the operator must depress both the safety interlock knob  61  and launch trigger  24  to initiate launch of the article of fishing tackle  14  from the end of tubular support member  21 . The operator cannot reach both the safety interlock knob  61  and the primary launch trigger  24  with one hand. Therefore, two-handed operation is required to discharge the self-propelled cast fishing system, promoting the operator to always have a positive grip on the unit. In addition, the operator&#39;s hands must be clear of the end of the tubular support member  21  while the article of fishing tackle  14  exits, thereby reducing chance of injury. Furthermore, since the most compact storage of the unit is with the article of fishing tackle  14  stored in the tubular support member  21 , the safety interlock mechanism  60  reduces the chance of accidental discharge in the operator&#39;s pocket, backpack or glove box should the launch trigger  24  be accidentally “bumped”. In at least one embodiment, external covers  15  include a bump guard  28  ( FIG. 1A ), which further acts to prevent accidental actuation of launch trigger  24 . 
         [0046]    As described below, the safety interlock mechanism  60  also functions to activate a line release feature in fishing line reel  12  allowing the fishing line  13  to uncoil freely from the reel as the article of fishing tackle  14  travels through its flight path after being expelled from the tubular support member  21 . The line release feature is designed so that when the safety interlock mechanism  60  is activated, the fishing line  13  is released prior to the disengagement of launch trigger  24 . This ensures that when launch trigger  24  is depressed, fishing line  13  is already free to uncoil from reel  12 . 
       Fishing Line Reel 
       [0047]    In at least one embodiment, as seen in  FIG. 9 , the reel  12  is a conventional fishing reel of closed face design. Fishing reel  12  serves the purpose of storing fishing line  13  and allowing it to uncoil as the article of fishing tackle or bobber  14  (also referred to herein as a projectile) is projected from the device. It will be clear to one skilled in the art that the reel  12  can be positioned in any orientation that will permit the fishing line  13  and the article of fishing tackle  14  to be launched and retrieved. The fishing line  13  can be of any type known in the art and is advantageously made of an appropriate material, such as a synthetic polymer, including but not limited to nylon and polyethylene, and is of a weight and strength appropriate to the type of fish that is intended to be caught. The reel  12  also allows the operator to retrieve the article of fishing tackle  14  after launch from the device, as well as any fish caught during use of the present self-propelled cast fishing system, by means of hand crank  82 . Hand crank  82  has a conventional anti-reverse mechanism, which allows the handle to crank in only one direction, to prevent “birds nesting” of the fishing line should an operator wind a partly full spool in the wrong direction. Such an anti-reverse mechanism is well known to one skilled in the art. The hand crank  82  includes a folding handle  83  for compact storage. 
         [0048]    The fishing reel  12  provides line drag functionality to limit the possibility that a fish may break the line and be left swimming around with a hook in its mouth and a considerable length of line attached. The line drag feature is a conventional clutch mechanism with adjustable preload, such as is well known in the art. As the fish fights back, the clutch slips allowing the spool to unload more line, but not to free wheel. The fish eventually tires from this exercise permitting the fisherman to reel in the fish. 
         [0049]    The fishing reel  12  also includes a line release feature, which is actuated by the safety interlock knob  61 . This ensures that, when the article of fishing tackle  14  is launched, the fishing line unreels with negligible force so that as little as possible of the stored energy in the launch spring is lost and the farthest possible cast distance is achieved. The line release feature is designed so that when the safety interlock knob  61  is depressed, the fishing line  13  is released prior to the disengagement of launch trigger  24 , so that when launch trigger  24  is depressed, fishing line  13  is already free to uncoil from reel  12 . 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIGS. 10 ,  11 A and  11 B, the line release mechanism includes release shaft  84 , which is D-shaped in cross-section and which passes through a circular bore in spool  85 , through which shaft  84  can be freely rotated. Release shaft  84  has release tip  86  at one end and is attached to spool cover  87  at the other end. As shown in  FIG. 11A , when the reel assembly is engaged, line catch pin  88  is urged by shoulder  89 , against the bias of compression spring  90 , through an opening  91  in spool cover  87 , and engages fishing line  13  (not shown). As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11B , when the safety interlock knob  61  is depressed by an operator, it contacts release tip  86 , urging release shaft  84  and attached spool cover  87 , against the bias of compression spring  92 , away from spool  85 . Line catch pin  88  is urged against shoulder  93  by compression spring  90  and retained by lip  94  against the bias of compression spring  92 , so that line catch pin  88  no longer protrudes through opening  91 , releasing fishing line  13  and allowing it to pass freely from spool  85 . When hand crank  82  ( FIG. 9 ) is operated, release shaft  84  and attached spool cap  87  are rotated through the interaction of gear train  95 , and line catch pin  88  travels along lip  94 , being gradually urged outwards by shoulder  93  against the bias of spring  90 . When line catch pin  88  has traveled to the point where shoulder  93  is flush with shoulder  89 , so that lip  94  no longer retains line catch pin  88 , release shaft  86  and spool cover  87  are urged back towards spool  85  by compression spring  92 . Shoulder  89  again urges line catch pin  88  through opening  91 , so as to again engage fishing line  13 , allowing the operator to reel in a fish. 
       Article of Fishing Tackle 
       [0051]    The purpose of the article of fishing tackle or bobber  14  is to carry the tackle, that is, the bait, and hook to catch a fish. The article of fishing tackle  14  is similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,880,286, which is herein incorporated by reference. The applicants describe the present self-propelled cast fishing system as being capable of launching an article of fishing tackle  14 , however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other suitable projectiles could be launched as well. For example, one could contemplate launching a “hook hiding lure”, or other mechanism to attract or catch fish. 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIGS. 12A and 12B , in at least one embodiment, the distal half  101  of the article of fishing tackle  14  is a “split clamshell” arrangement. Clamshell sides  102  can be opened and closed by rotation about pivot pin  103  and, in the closed state, distal half  101  can be recessed into the proximal half  104  of the article of fishing tackle  14  by sliding pivot pin  103  inwards in slot  105 , so as to prevent clamshell sides  102  from opening. In operation, when the article of fishing tackle  14  hits the water, the proximal half  104  floats on the surface, aided, for example, by a float  106  contained in proximal half  104 . The weight of the distal half  101  and its contents, including, for example, tackle  107  and/or a weight (not shown) attached to one or both of clamshell sides  102  to aid the opening of distal half  101 , causes pivot pin  103  to slide outwards in slot  105  under the force of gravity or of the motion of the article of fishing tackle  14 , thereby allowing clamshell sides  102  to open, releasing tackle  107  attached to fishing line  13 . If a weight is attached to one or both of clamshell sides  102 , it is advantageously located in the portion closer to pivot pin  103 , so as to maximize the opening of clamshell sides  102  upon entry into the water. 
         [0053]    The previous detailed description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present self-propelled cast fishing system. Various modifications to those embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the self-propelled cast fishing system described herein. Thus, the present self-propelled cast fishing system is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular, such as by use of the article “a” or “an” is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more”. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout the disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be encompassed by the elements of the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.