Abstract:
Disclosed embodiments include a hook setting apparatus having a base, a rod holder block rotatable about a shaft in communication with the base, a rod holder tube connected to the rod holder block, a trigger rod movably mounted in the base and connected to the rod holder block, and selectively contactable with a trigger block, a trigger trip rod connected to the trigger block, and movement of the trigger trip rod imparts motion to the trigger block and releases the selective contact between the trigger block and the trigger rod and causes the rod holder block to rotate about the shaft.

Description:
CROSS-REFENENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application, under 35 U.S.C. §119, claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/946,211 filed on Feb. 28, 2014, and entitled “Lightning Strike Fishing Pole,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    This disclosure related to apparatus for fishing. More particularly, the disclosure relates to apparatus for automatically setting a hook when a fish strikes the same. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Some automatic fishing apparatus already exist, however, they are often inconvenient to use because they are not adjustable in one or more aspects concerning the type of fishing rod they can hold, the setting force of the hook, the amount of force that will trigger the setting of the hook, or the size and position of the support used. The inability to adjust one or more of these aspects of existing devices can be inconvenient and cause misfires, lost fish, or other undesirable results. Other drawbacks and disadvantages of existing apparatus may also exist. 
         [0004]    Accordingly, there is a need for an adjustable hook setting apparatus that is easy to set and reliable to use. In particular, there is a need for an automatic hook setting apparatus that is adaptable to a variety of fishing conditions, types of fish, types of fishing rods, or the like. Other needs may also exist. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Accordingly, the present disclosure provides apparatus that ameliorates the drawbacks and disadvantages of existing apparatus and substantially meets the existing needs identified above. 
         [0006]    In some disclosed embodiments there is provided a hook setting apparatus comprising a base, a rod holder block rotatable about a shaft in communication with the base, a rod holder tube connected to the rod holder block, a trigger rod movably mounted in the base and connected to the rod holder block, and selectively contactable with a trigger block, a trigger trip rod connected to the trigger block, and wherein movement of the trigger trip rod imparts motion to the trigger block and releases the selective contact between the trigger block and the trigger rod and causes the rod holder block to rotate about the shaft. 
         [0007]    In some disclosed embodiments the trigger rod includes a biasing spring that exerts a biasing force on the trigger rod and imparts motion to the trigger rod when the selective contact between the trigger block and the trigger rod is released. In further embodiments, the biasing force is adjustable. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments, the hooks setting apparatus further comprises a trigger block spring in contact with the trigger block and wherein the trigger block spring exerts a biasing force on the trigger block. In further embodiments, the biasing force is adjustable. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the hook setting apparatus further comprises a sear plate connected to the trigger block. In further embodiments, the sear plate selectively contacts the trigger rod. In still further embodiments, the amount of the sear plate that selectively contacts the trigger rod is adjustable. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, the trigger trip rod is adjustable. In further embodiments, the trigger trip rod is adjustable in length. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, the rod holder tube is removable from the rod holder block. In further embodiments, of the hook setting apparatus a second rod holder tube that is selectively attachable to the rod holder block. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments of the hook setting apparatus at least one leg is connected to the base. In further embodiments, the at least one leg is adjustable. Other embodiments, advantages, and features of the disclosed apparatus also exist and will be apparent from the below detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of hook setting apparatus in the closed or transportable position in accordance with some disclosed embodiments. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of hook setting apparatus with a fishing rod mounted in the set position in accordance with some disclosed embodiments. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of hook setting apparatus with a fishing rod mounted in the set position in accordance with some disclosed embodiments. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is cross-sectional view of hook setting apparatus with a fishing rod in the triggered position in accordance with some disclosed embodiments. 
       
    
    
       [0017]    While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of hook setting apparatus in the closed or transportable position in accordance with some disclosed embodiments. As shown, embodiments of the hook setting apparatus may include a base  101  to rigidly and securely mount the other components. Base  101  may comprise any suitable material sufficient to securely mount the other components. For example, base  101  may comprise metal, metal-alloys, plastics, fiberglass, wood, composite materials, or combinations of the foregoing. 
         [0019]    As shown, embodiments of the hook setting apparatus may also include one or more legs  102 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , legs  102  may be positionable to enhance the stability of the apparatus, to accommodate a varying surface where the device is set, and to facilitate transport and storage. For example, legs  102  may pivot about pivot screws  125  in order to fold out of the way during storage and transport ( FIG. 1 ) or be spread apart to offer greater stability when the apparatus is in use ( FIG. 2 ). Other types of positionable legs are also possible. 
         [0020]    Some embodiments of hook setting apparatus may also comprise a rod holder block  103 . Rod holder block  103  is configured to connect to or otherwise hold a rod holder tube  104 . For example, rod holder tube  104  may thread into corresponding threads in rod holder block  103 . Other arrangements are also possible, and in some embodiments rod holder block  103  and rod holder tube  104  may be integrally formed. 
         [0021]    For embodiments where rod holder block  103  and rod holder tube are separate pieces, it may be advantageous to provide more than one rod holder tube  104 . For example, different sized rod holder tubes  104  may be used to accommodate fishing rods  130  of differing sizes or types. 
         [0022]    As shown, rod holder block  103  may be pivotably attached to base  101  via a rod holder shaft  105 . As disclosed herein, rod holder block  103  and rod holder tube  104  may pivot about shaft  105  to set the apparatus in a ready position and when triggered to set a hook as described herein. 
         [0023]    Some embodiments of the hook setting apparatus may also include trigger rod  107 . Again, trigger rod  107  may comprise any suitable material such as metals, alloys, plastics, composites, wood, or combinations of the same. As shown in  FIG. 3 , trigger rod  107  may be connected to rod holder block  103  through, for example, trigger rod link  106  held in place by pins  117 ,  118 , so that when triggered the motion of the trigger rod  107  causes the rotation of the rod holder block  103  and rod holder tube  104  about rod holder shaft  105 . 
         [0024]    Embodiments of the apparatus may also include a trigger rod collar  108  to enable the adjustment of the force used to rotate the rod holder  103  (and ultimately the force used to set the hook (not shown) of fishing rod  130 ). Any suitable mechanisms for adjusting the force may be implemented. For example, trigger rod collar  108  may be positionable along the trigger rod  107 , for example, by use of a set screw  120  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ) in order to vary the compression/expansion force of an actuator spring  119  mounted in or against a shoulder in base  101 . Other mechanisms for adjusting the force used to set the hook are also possible, for example, trigger rod  107  may be threaded and rod collar  108  may have corresponding threads on an interior surface that allow the collar  108  to be positioned along the threading on the rod  107 . In this manner, the hook setting apparatus can be fine-tuned in accordance with the type of fish or other fishing conditions. 
         [0025]    As perhaps best illustrated in  FIGS. 3-4 , the setting and triggering of the hook setting apparatus in some embodiments may be enabled by trigger block  109  and trigger block sear plate  110 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , when in the set or ready to use position trigger rod  107  is prevented from moving with the force set in compressed spring actuator  119  by contact with the trigger rod sear plate  110 . In some embodiments, trigger rod sear plate  110  is connected to trigger block  109 , for example, using screws  121 . Of course, other connections are possible, and in some embodiments, the trigger block  109  and sear plate  110  may be integrally formed. 
         [0026]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , when trigger trip rod  111  is moved (e.g., due to the strike of a fish on a hook (not shown) attached to rod  130 ), trigger block  109  pivots about a pivot pin  123  causing sear plate  110  to move and release trigger rod  107  allowing it to move forward under the force of expanding actuator spring  119 . The motion of trigger rod  107 , in turn, cause the rotation of rod holder block  103  and rod holder tube  104  (and ultimately sets the hook (not shown) of fishing rod  130 ) as described previously herein. Other triggering mechanisms are also possible. 
         [0027]    As also shown, embodiments of the hook setting apparatus are adjustable with respect to the amount of force required to actuate the trigger mechanisms. For example, trigger block  109  may be biased into position by a biasing device such as block spring  116 . Furthermore, the amount of biasing due to block spring  116  may be adjustable using, for example, block spring adjuster  115  to vary the compression/expansion force of block spring  116 . For example, in some embodiments block spring adjuster  115  may comprise a threaded knob that contacts or is connected to block spring  116  and can be used to move the spring  116  and adjust the compression/expansion force accordingly. Other adjustment mechanisms are also possible. 
         [0028]    In addition, embodiments of the hook setting apparatus may also include the capability to adjust the sear plate  110  and trigger rod  107  interface. For example, a set screw  122  may be used to adjust how much of the sear plate  110  contacts the trigger rod  107 . Other adjustment mechanisms are also possible. In this manner, the amount of motion of the trigger trip rod  111  necessary to move the trigger block  109  and sear plate  110  may be fine-tuned as fishing or other conditions require. 
         [0029]    As also shown, embodiments of the hook setting apparatus may also include adjustment mechanisms for the trigger trip rod  111 . For example, the length of trigger trip rod  111  that extends beyond the front edge of base  101  may be adjusted, for example, by use of a clamp screw  124  that enables trip rod  111  to be releasably held in place at the desired position. In addition to enabling convenient positioning of the trip rod  111 , the adjustment of the length of trip rod  111  can also be used to fine-tune the amount of force required to actuate the trigger block  109  mechanism because torque generated about block pivot  123  will vary with the length of trip rod  111 . In addition, and as shown in  FIG. 1 , for some embodiments, trip rod  111  may be positionable within a suitable hole or indent in base  101 , or a portion thereof, and secured by clamp screw  124  to facilitate storage and transport of the hook setting apparatus. 
         [0030]    As also shown, embodiments of the hook setting apparatus may also include a trip rod end block  112  that is shaped to facilitate positioning and retention of the fishing rod  130  line (not shown). For example, embodiments of the hook setting apparatus may include pins, eyelets, or rollers  114  through which the fishing line (not shown) may be threaded in order to keep it in the desired location. 
         [0031]    As should be apparent from the above disclosure, the disclosed embodiments enable an adjustable hook setting apparatus that can be adjusted and set in accordance with fishing or other environmental conditions in order to increase the chances of a successful, automatic setting of a fish hook in the mouth of a fish when the fish strikes the hook, bait, or other lure. In operation, a user may unfold or otherwise position legs  102  to provide a stable support for base  101 . A fishing pole  130  may be placed in an appropriate rod holder tube  104 . Fishing line and a hook (not shown) may be threaded through rollers  114  in trip rod end block  112  and placed into the water being fished. Trip rod  111  may be adjusted via clamp screw  124  to position the hook in the desired location, or to provide the appropriate triggering force desired to actuate trigger block  109  when a fish strikes the hook. In addition, the amount of force necessary to trigger the hook setting apparatus can be adjusted through block spring adjuster  115  and/or sear plate  110  engagement set screw  122 . Likewise, the amount of hook setting force can be adjusted through trigger rod collar  108  and actuator spring  119 . The hook setting apparatus is initially set in the ready position shown n  FIG. 3 , for example, and the trigger mechanisms (e.g.,  111 ,  109 ,  110 ,  107 ) engaged in place. When a fish strikes the hook (not shown) the trigger mechanisms will move and actuate the pivoting of the fishing rod  130  (via block  103  and tube  104 ) causing the hook to be set in the fish&#39;s mouth. 
         [0032]    Although various embodiments have been shown and described, the present disclosure is not so limited and will be understood to include all such modifications and variations are would be apparent to one skilled in the art.