Abstract:
A hydrodynamic fishing device includes a plate that changes attitude as the plate passes through a body of water. A plate positioning controller is pivotally mounted to the plate and is indexable relative to the plate by direct application of manual force so as to assume a plurality of predetermined adjustment positions. The adjustment positions establish different paths of travel of the plate as the plate passes through a body of water.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to hydrodynamic fishing devices, and in particular to fishing tackle of the diver sinking type. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   In order to consistently catch fish using diver sinking tackle or other types of fishing tackle, it is necessary that the bait or lure be presented at the proper depth, since fish tend to maintain activity at a particular depth or range of depths, while avoiding activity at other depths. If the bait or lure is not presented in close proximity to the fish, is it is unlikely that the fish will respond in the desired manner. The use of simple weights has been found to be undesirable, since the weights are typically consumed when a fish strikes, and are not readily reusable. Accordingly, depth control has been sought using special types of fishing tackle such as diver sinking tackle. While a certain level of improvement has been attained, other problems have emerged, especially when several fishermen are working in the same area, as when several trolling lines are operated from the same boat. 
   The need has arisen for three-dimensioned positioning control, not only to control depth of presentation of the bait or lure, but also for lateral or horizontal positioning control that is needed to avoid interference between the lines of fishermen operating in close proximity to one another. Such interference can lead to tangling of the lines, resulting in downtime and possible loss of fishing equipment. In order to meet the need for greater three-dimensional control, certain improvements have been made over the years to fishing tackle of the diver sinking type. Examples of improvements to such fishing tackle are given in U.S. Pat. No. 2,924,907; No. 3,844,059; No. 3,940,872; and No. 3,643,370. 
   In U.S. Pat. No. 3,844,059 and No. 3,940,872, for example mechanical fasteners are used to provide operating adjustments to the fishing tackle. One or more threaded fasteners are provided. These fasteners are alternately and arbitrarily tightened and loosened with the aid of a screwdriver or other implement, to allow a weight to be shifted about the flat plate so as to provide a desired lateral repositioning of the path of travel of the fishing device. Unfortunately, tightening and loosening of the fasteners is not controlled, leading to inconsistent operation of the diver sinker device. Other difficulties are encountered, since tools are required for fastener adjustments. A fisherman may find it difficult to manipulate tools to make the needed adjustments when operating from a moving boat or when otherwise off-balance, and particularly after prolonged exposure to cold or inclement weather. Accordingly, improvements in fishing tackle are still being sought. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides a novel and improved hydrodynamic fishing device. The device includes a plate for developing vertical pressure with changes in attitude of the plate, as the plate passes through a body of water. A plate positioning controller is pivotally mounted to the plate about an axis substantially normal to the plate. The plate positioning controller is indexable relative to the plate and is biased against the plate. However, with direct application of manual force, the plate positioning controller is moved to a plurality of predetermined adjustment positions that establish different paths of travel of the plate as the plate passes through a body of water. 
   The plate positioning controller may be provided with a flat face contiguous with the plate, and the plate as well as the flat face may have circular configurations. If desired, the flat face may be generally concentrically mounted to the plate. The plate positioning controller may be provided with a manually graspable weighting ridge upstanding from the flat portion, and the weighting ridge may be curved or part cylindrical in shape. 
   Through use of a detent arrangement, for example, indexing of the plate positioning controller with respect to the plate may provide a tactile and audible indication of a change in adjustment position. It is generally preferred that the hydrodynamic fishing device include a first connection to which a hook may be connected, and a second connection to which a trolling line may be connected. In those arrangements where the plate positioning controller has a curved weighting ridge upstanding from the flat face thereof, the weighting ridge is arranged so as to have a downstream facing concave inner face and an opposed upstream facing convex outer face adjacent the second connection. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the drawings, 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective view of a hydrodynamic fishing device illustrating the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a hydrodynamic fishing device of  FIG. 1 , shown in a different operating condition; 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the hydrodynamic fishing device; 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic top plan view thereof; 
       FIG. 5  is a side elevational view thereof, 
       FIG. 6  is a front elevational view thereof, 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic top plan view of a weight member placed on top of the plate portion thereof, 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  are schematic top plan views showing hand adjustment of the hydrodynamic fishing device in phantom; 
       FIG. 10  is a schematic side elevational view showing hand adjustment of the hydrodynamic fishing device; 
       FIG. 11  is a schematic perspective view showing interior portions of the plate and the plate positioning controller; and 
       FIG. 12  is a schematic exploded side elevational view of the hydrodynamic fishing device, 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The invention disclosed herein is, of course, susceptible of embodiment in many forms. Shown in the drawings and described herein below in detail are the preferred embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the present disclosure is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and does not limit the invention to the illustrated embodiments. 
   For ease of description, hydrodynamic fishing devices embodying the present invention are described hereinbelow in their usual assembled positions as shown in the accompanying drawings and terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, top, bottom, inner, outer, horizontal, longitudinal, etc. may be used herein with reference to this usual position. However, the hydrodynamic fishing devices may be manufactured, transported, sold, or used in orientations other than that described and shown herein. As another example, the present invention is described as having a connection to a hook. As is understood by those skilled in the art, a bait, a lure, or virtually any type of fish attracting device, either artificial or natural, may be used in conjunction with one or more hooks. 
   Referring now to the drawings, and initially to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a hydrodynamic fishing device is generally indicated at  10 . Fishing device  10  is preferably operated as a directional diving device of the type that is pulled through the water to control the depth and position of a hook assembly, coupled to the device for use in a trolling fishing operation. As will be seen herein, an improved positioning control is provided that can be set to selectively adjust the depth and the lateral track of a hook assembly as the hydrodynamic fishing device and the hook assembly are either trolled, or pulled toward an operator of the device. Included in device  10  is a plate  12  for developing vertical pressure with changes in attitude of the plate, as the plate passes through a body of water. As can be seen, for example, in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  5 , plate  12  has an outer, upper surface  14  and a lower surface  16  ( FIG. 5 ), with a forward end  20  and a rearward end  22 . Included at the forward end  20  is a connection  26  (preferably of the rotating, barrel type) to which a trolling line, such as line  28  may be connected. A connection  30  (also preferably of the rotating, barrel type) is provided at the rearward end  22  for coupling to a hook assembly through a line  32 . The hook assembly may comprise virtually any desirable arrangement known today. For example, a lure, or virtually any type of fish attracting device, either artificial or natural, may be used in conjunction with one or more hooks or hooked objects. 
   As can be seen in  FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  5 , and  6 , several structures are disposed above the upper surface  14  of plate  12 . An upstanding fin  80  is located adjacent the rearward end  22  of plate  12  and receives a fastener ring  82  that joins connection  30  to plate  12 . If desired, reinforcing supports  84  can be provided to strengthen connection of line  32  to the rearward end of plate  12 . 
   According to one aspect of the present invention, the hydrodynamic fishing device is configurable in two different modes of operation, with an automatic transfer from one mode ( FIG. 2 ) to the other mode ( FIG. 1 ). The automatic transfer is provided by a slotted clamp  88  that releasably engages a pin  98 . The slotted clamp  88  is located forward of fin  80  and slightly overlaps fin  80  to provide threaded securement for the tip of screw fastener  70  (see  FIGS. 3 and 12 ). That is, the overlapping ends of clamp  88  and fin  80  are centered about the central axis normal to plate  14  (that coincides with the central axis normal to a circular flat, plate-like controller body portion  42  of plate positioning controller  40  shown in  FIG.3  as well as the central longitudinal axis of the screw fastener  70 ). The central axis is indicated by reference numeral  90  in  FIG. 3 . 
   Clamp  88  includes a pair of spaced apart clamp members  94  that extend above the upper surface  14  of plate  12 . As can be seen for example in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the opposed faces of clamp members  94  define an elongated recess  96 . This recess is dimensioned so as to receive pin  98  that is pivotally connected to plate  12 . The pivotal connection is provided by a pair of spaced apart support lugs  102  that receive a pivot pin  104 . Pin  98  has rolled ends that form fastening eyes for securement to pin  104  and to forward connection  26 . As indicated in  FIGS. 2 and 5 , pin  98  is received between clamping members  94  of clamp  88  so as to remain in the “set” or “trolling” position illustrated in  FIG. 2 . If desired, an adjustment screw  106  and nut  108  can be employed to control the clamping pressure. 
   As indicated in  FIG. 2  the forward and rearward lines  28 ,  32  are located generally parallel, but vertically offset to one another. When a fish strikes the hook or when a fisherman sets the hook, tension on forward line  28  is increased, overcoming the clamping force applied to pin  98 , releasing the pin from its clamped position, allowing the pin to extend forward, bringing forward line  28 , and rearward line  32  into substantially coaxial alignment, as indicated in  FIG. 1 . With the hydrodynamic fishing device  10  in the position indicated in  FIG. 2 , the vertical offset between forward and rearward lines  28 ,  32  causes the forward end  20  of plate  12  to dip in a downward direction, thereby causing the depth of the hydrodynamic fishing device to increase as water flows over the upper surface  14  of plate  12 . After a fish has been hooked, the hydrodynamic fishing device assumes the position indicated in  FIG. 1 , bringing the hydrodynamic fishing device to a shallower depth, as the fish is retrieved. 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , hydrodynamic fishing device  10  includes a plate positioning controller  40 , having a generally circular controller body portion  42  with an outer, upper surface  44  and an opposed lower surface  46  (see also  FIG. 11   a ). Plate positioning controller  40  further includes a manually graspable raised ridge  50 , preferably integral with the controller body portion  42 , that is preferably hollow, but which could also be solid, if desired. Ridge  50  is raised above the upper surface  44  of the controller body portion  42 . Ridge  50  includes a scale with indicator marks (see also  FIGS. 8 and 9 ) and indicia designating the direction and amount of position control, as will be explained herein. Ridge  50  includes end faces  52 ,  54  that aid in manual grasping and adjustment of the position control (see for example,  FIGS. 8-10 ). 
   It has been found necessary to control the three-dimensional position of the hydrodynamic fishing device, so as to alter the three-dimensional path of travel of the hydrodynamic fishing device  10  as it is being trolled so as to pass through a body of water or when being pulled toward the fisherman. Horizontal or lateral path control has been found necessary to prevent interference between the lines of multiple hydrodynamic fishing devices being operated in close proximity to one another, as when several fisherman are engaged in the same boat or when otherwise in close proximity to one another. As will be seen herein, hydrodynamic fishing devices according to principles of the present invention provide the ability to conveniently and reliably change operating parameters of the hydrodynamic fishing device, without requiring tools or other implements. 
   Referring again to  FIG. 3  and in addition to  FIG. 11   b , plate  12  has a recessed inner face  56  surrounded by raised rim  58 , that includes an indicator such as arrow  60 . As can be seen in  FIG. 3 , a hole  62  is formed at the center of plate  12 , in alignment with a hole  64  formed in the center of plate positioning controller  40 . Hole  64  is a through hole, extending through the controller body portion  42 , whereas hole  62  is a blind hole, preferably threaded, that terminates in the interior of plate  12 , as can be seen in  FIG. 12 . A screw fastener  70 , shown in  FIG. 3 , for example, passes through plate positioning controller  40  and is received in hole  62 , for threaded securement to plate  12 , thus holding the plate positioning controller  40  and the plate  12  together. A bias spring  72  is provided to bias plate positioning controller  40  into contact with plate  12 , as screw fastener  70  threadingly engages plate  12 . The biasing force aids in the operation of a detent arrangement that provides a tactile and visual indication of the adjustment setting. As will be explained herein, the biasing force can be augmented or replaced by employing screw fastener  70  to bend somewhat the controller body portion  42  of plate positioning controller  40 , about a bending axis  55  shown in  FIG. 3 , without causing substantial disengagement of projection  114  from raised pad  116 . 
   Preferably, plate positioning controller  40  and plate  12  are formed of molded plastic material, although other materials, such as metals and metal alloys can be employed, if desired. It is generally preferred that ridge  50  is a hollow shell  51  that receives insert  76 , preferably formed of a relatively dense material such as lead or steel. Ridge  50  provides a concentrated weight that is carried by plate positioning controller  40  as it is pivoted about the screw fastener  70  (i.e. rotated about an axis that is normal to controller body portion  42 , as well as plate  12 ). In the preferred embodiment, the plate positioning controller  40  is formed of relatively light weight molded plastic material. Accordingly, in order to provide a concentrated weight, an insert  76  of dense material such as lead, is preferred. As will be seen herein, further advantages of an improved low friction sliding surface are provided by the insert  76  to aid in the smooth adjustment of the hydrodynamic fishing device. 
   As mentioned above, the insert  76  is conveniently accommodated by making ridge  50  hollow. It may be desirable, in certain instances, to form the plate positioning controller of a different material such as a metal or metal alloy. If the ridge  50  is made solid, the additional volume of material at that location may provide the desired weight concentration, eliminating the need for a separate insert  76 . It is, however, preferred that an improved sliding contact be provided with the addition of a strip of low friction material, for example, and that the lower face of the plate positioning controller  40  in the region of ridge  50  be raised so as to extend beyond the inner face  46  in the manner indicated, for example, in  FIGS. 11  a and  12 . 
   As noted above, both the controller body portion  42  of plate positioning controller  40  and plate  12  have a generally cylindrical configuration, and are concentrically aligned with one another by screw fastener  70 . In addition, concentric alignment is enhanced by raised rim  58  of plate  12 , that is dimensioned to surround the outer edge of controller body portion  42 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the hydrodynamic fishing device  10  can be operated at a number of different settings so as to control the three-dimensional position or path of the hydrodynamic fishing device as it passes through the water. In  FIG. 8 , the plate positioning controller  40  is manually moved or indexed in a clockwise direction to provide increasing “rightward” adjustment (an opposite adjustment is shown in  FIG. 9 ). The scale applied to ridge  50  provides graduated indications of adjustment and numerical indicia are provided to keep track of the amount of adjustment. 
   The current setting of the amount of adjustment is indicated by indicator arrow  60 . For example, a setting of Magnitude  2  rightward adjustment is indicated in  FIG. 8 . This causes the concentrated weight of insert  76  (or alternatively, a solid ridge  50  of dense material) to be shifted away from the direction of forward and rearward lines  28 ,  32 , thereby causing the plate  12  to list in a rightward direction, laterally displaced from the path of travel normally assumed with a neutral position setting of “0”. The amount of lateral displacement of the path of travel of the hydrodynamic fishing device  10  increases as the magnitude of the adjustment setting increases. This also changes the depth of the path of travel of the hydrodynamic fishing device. With a neutral position of “0”, the hydrodynamic fishing device  10  travels in a straight line toward the fisherman as it passes through the water. The hydrodynamic fishing device also travels at its greatest depth, with this setting. With increasing settings of right or left position control, the hydrodynamic fishing device travels at increasingly lesser depths, but with increasing lateral displacement, as the hydrodynamic fishing device is trolled or is reeled in toward the fisherman. 
   With a simple manipulation of the plate positioning controller, as indicated by the indexing illustrated in  FIGS. 8 ,  9  and  10 , changes in the vertical and horizontal or lateral path of travel of the hydrodynamic fishing device are programmed. As will now be explained, these simple and easy positioning adjustments are accompanied by tactile and/or audible indications allowing a precise control of positioning adjustment without requiring tools or implements. Thus, with simple manipulation motions, manual force directly applied to the hydrodynamic fishing device can produce a predetermined, reliable, and accurate adjustment, despite the use of gloves or the effects of prolonged exposure to cold or inclement weather. Further, with the present invention, positioning adjustments are always made with familiar, constant friction between the control members. 
   Referring again to  FIGS. 3 and 7 , plate  12  has an inner face  56  provided with raised pad  116  against which the plate positioning controller  40  is pressed, preferably with a spring bias force. As mentioned, this bias force can be provided by a bias spring such as the spring  72 , or, as will be explained herein, can be provided by deflection of the controller body portion  42  by tightening screw fastener  70  to the body of plate  12 , (i.e., in the region where fin  80  and clamping member  88  overlap, as indicated for example in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 12 ). Referring to  FIGS. 11   a  and  12 , it can be seen that projection  114  and the face  110  of insert  76  are raised slightly above the inner face  46  of plate  12 . Also, as can be best seen in  FIGS. 11   b  and  12 , raised pad  116  extends above the inner surface  56  of plate  12 . It is generally preferred that the upper surface of raised pad  116  is approximately coplanar with the upper surface of raised rim  58 , as indicated for example in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 12 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 3 and 11   b , a series of apertures or depressions  118  are provided in the raised pad  116 . 
   Thus, with plate  12  and plate positioning controller  40  being juxtaposed and joined together by screw fastener  70 , the inner faces  46 ,  56  are brought close together, so that the sliding surface  110  of insert  76  can slide across face  56  as the plate positioning controller is rotated back and forth. As mentioned, in the preferred embodiment, insert  76  is formed of lead or similar material. The exposed face  10  of the lead insert is lubricious, providing a relatively low friction sliding contact with the inner face  56  of plate  12 . Thus, the exposed face  110  acts as a sliding shoe of reduced friction material that supports the underside of plate positioning controller  40 , allowing the plate positioning controller  40  to be readily displaced even small amounts with a controlled reliable result. 
   The protruding exposure of the sliding surface  110  of insert  76  cooperates with force applied by screw fastener  70  to apply a momentum force that urges projection  114  into engagement with raised pad  116 , so as to pass from one depression  118  to another as the controller is indexed, providing a tactile and/or audible indication of the movement of projection  114  from one predetermined position to another, and hence the movement of the scale carried on ridge  50  from one indicated index position to another. If desired, depressions  118  could be formed in face  56 , with raised pad  116  omitted. However, it is been found advantageous to locate the depressions in a raised pad, such as pad  116 , so as to further augment the positive engagement with the projection  114 . As will be appreciated, the extension of projection  114  and the sliding surface  110  of insert  76  beyond the inner face  46  of plate  12  causes the center of the flat plate-like controller body portion  42  of plate positioning controller  40  to be raised slightly above the inner face  56  of plate  12 . With a suitable choice of material for plate positioning controller  40 , such as a resilient plastic, the controller body portion  42  of the plate positioning controller  40  can be depressed, even close to, or at the point of contact with, the inner face  56  of plate  12 , under application of force from screw fastener  70 . This deflection of body controller portion  42  between projection  114  and the sliding surface  110  of insert  76  causes bending about line  55  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) that stores a substantial bias force urging projection  114  into the depressions  118 . Accordingly, if desired, the bias spring can, in these arrangements, be eliminated and/or replaced with a flat washer or a split lock washer, for example. However, if a still greater bias forces desired, a spring such as the bias spring  72  or a wave washer or coil spring or other bias member can be associated with screw fastener  70 , to urge plate positioning controller  40  toward plate  12  with an increased bias force. If desired, the relative positions of projection  114  and the apertures or depressions  118  can be reversed, that is, interchanged one for the other. 
   The foregoing description and the accompanying drawings are illustrative of the present invention. Still other variations and arrangements of parts are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.