Abstract:
A submersible artificial fish bed is provided formed of hollow members that are self flooded in order to be placed.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
         [0001]    The present invention was first described in Disclosure Document No. 478,179 filed on Aug. 9, 2000. There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates generally to artificial structures for attracting fish and, more particularly, to a reticulated fish aggregation apparatus.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0005]    Fish that live in natural environments such as lakes, streams, oceans, 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.  
           [0006]    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 reticulated fish aggregation apparatus fulfills this need.  
           [0007]    A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related. The following patents disclose an artificial fish bed or reef system: U.S. Patent No. 5,201,136 issued in the name of La Morte et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,362 issued in the name of Jimbo; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,791 issued in the name of Laier et al.  
           [0008]    The following patents describe a fish aggregating system in an anchored or floating mode: U.S. Pat. No. 4,916,845 issued in the name of Aydelette, Sr. et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,727,672 issued in the name of Hill et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,471,552 issued in the name of McIntosh et al.  
           [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,670 issued in the name of Troutman et al. discloses a submersible object with a bait compartment for attracting fish.  
           [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,829 issued in the name of Roberts et al. describes a fish attracting basin stump.  
           [0011]    Consequently, a need has been felt for providing a device which replaces or creates fish habitats in a manner which is quick, easy and effective.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0012]    Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a fish habitat which provides an artificial habitat for fish.  
           [0013]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a fish habitat which encourages the growth of other marine life and provides protection from predators.  
           [0014]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide a fish habitat which allows fish to feed.  
           [0015]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide a fish habitat which can be made in a multitude of shapes and sizes.  
           [0016]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an artificial fish habitat with a base made of large diameter PVC pipe.  
           [0017]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an artificial fish habitat with a base being approximately four feet square.  
           [0018]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an artificial fish habitat with a base which rests on a lake, a river, an ocean, or a stream bottom.  
           [0019]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an artificial fish habitat with a base which can be easily moved if desired.  
           [0020]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an artificial fish habitat with 32 splines; sectioned as 4 rows of 8 splines.  
           [0021]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an artificial fish habitat with splines which are secured to the base via semi-interference type fit, thereby allowing fish to weave in and out.  
           [0022]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an artificial fish habitat which can be used to replace natural habitats that were destroyed.  
           [0023]    Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, a reticulated fish aggregation apparatus is disclosed for providing an artificial habitat for fish seeking refuge from predators or seeking other fish or food to eat.  
           [0024]    The present invention is comprised of PVC piping arranged in a grid pattern approximately four feet square. From this grid pattern a series of 32 smaller PVC pipes, one-half inch in diameter and four feet long, extend upward, forming a series of upright splines. The invention can also be made in a variety of other shapes and sizes as well. The entire invention is lowered to the bottom of a lake, stream, pond or other similar body of water. The splines form an artificial habitat or shield for any fish who may be seeking refuge from predators or seeking other fish or food to eat. Such artificial habitats can also be used to the advantage of fishermen who are looking for the areas where fish tend to congregate.  
           [0025]    The use of the present invention provides fish an artificial habitat in areas where none exist. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0026]    The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a reticulated fish aggregation apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 2 is a top plan view thereof;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 3 is a top plan enlarged view of a ballast member according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 4 is a perspective view a T-shaped fastener according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a ballast connecting member according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 6 a  is a perspective view of a first alternate embodiment of the present invention shown in-use;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 6 b  is a top plan view thereof;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 6 c  is a side elevational view of a cylinder securement member according to the first alternate embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 6 d  is a side elevational view of a T-shaped fastener according to the first alternate embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second alternate embodiment of the present invention shown in-use. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0037]    1. Detailed Description of the Figures  
         [0038]    Referring now to FIGS.  1 - 5 , a reticulated fish aggregation apparatus  10  is shown, according to the present invention, comprised of a plurality of linearly elongated, cylindrical ballast members  20 , a plurality of cylindrical, T-shaped fasteners  30 , and a plurality of linearly elongated cylindrical splines  40  forming a generally 4 feet square grid-like structure for providing an artificial habitat for fish seeking refuge from predators or seeking other fish or food to eat. In the preferred embodiment, four ballast members  20  are constructed of PVC material, wherein each ballast member  20  is of a linearly elongated, cylindrical configuration formed with integral, opposed stems  22 , positioned perpendicularly with respect to the ballast member  20  near each end thereof. Such design affords each ballast member  20  with T-shaped ends, wherein the stems  22  thereof are positioned parallel with respect to each other. The materials utilized in fabricating the present invention is intended merely as a suggestion, and other materials such as a rigid plastic material may be employed.  
         [0039]    It is envisioned that the length of each ballast member  20  measures approximately 4 feet in length with a diameter measuring approximately 3 inches. Each ballast member  20  includes semi-open ends, wherein each end is formed with an integral semi-enclosure  23  extending from an equatorial line thereof, depicted by line  24 , to a lower lip  26  of each end of each ballast member  20 . The ballast members  20  serve to anchor and stabilize the present invention.  
         [0040]    The stems  22  forming the T-shaped ends of each ballast member  20  are envisioned as having open ends with a length measuring approximately 4.5 inches and a diameter measuring approximately 0.75 inches.  
         [0041]    Referring now more specifically to FIG. 3, a plurality of spline receiving holes  28  are formed at irregular intervals along an upper external circumferential surface of each ballast member  20 . Each spline receiving hole  28  is designed so as to receive in a semi-interference type fit a linearly elongated, cylindrical spline  40 , removably held therein by physical friction.  
         [0042]    Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2,  4 , and  5 , each spline  40  is of a linearly elongated, cylindrical configuration constructed of PVC material and has open ends. It is envisioned that each spline has a length measuring approximately 4 feet, and a diameter of approximately 0.5 inches.  
         [0043]    Once inserted into the spline receiving holes  28 , the splines  40  extend upwardly from the ballast member  20  in a secured fashion thereby forming a series of splines  40  vertically erected at irregular intervals.  
         [0044]    Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 2,4 and  5 , in order to removably connect the four ballast members  20 , each of a plurality of threaded T-shaped fasteners  50 , constructed of PVC material, are inserted within an outer upper and an outer lower stem  22  of a single ballast member  20 . The fasteners  50  are mounted to the stems  22  by glue typically employed when mounting PVC material. The remaining ballast members  20  are adjacently aligned in a parallel series in such fashion whereby the ballast member  20  with fasteners  50  mounted thereto, is positioned as the outermost ballast member  20 , with the fasteners  50  positioned opposed to an adjacent ballast member  20 . Once the ballast members  20  are properly aligned in parallel series, each of a plurality of linearly elongated, cylindrical ballast connecting members  60  having a T-shaped end opposite a threaded end, is inserted threaded end first, starting with the outermost ballast member  20  in the series opposite the ballast member  20  with mounted fasteners  50 , within each stem  22  of each adjacent ballast member  20  until reaching the fastener  50 .  
         [0045]    Each fastener  50  threadably receives each ballast connecting member  60  thereby allowing each ballast connecting member  60  to be removably coupled to each fastener  50 . The T-shaped design of the ballast connecting member  60  provides a user with an easily grippable handle for facilitating the removable connection of each ballast member  20  to each fastener  50 , and further provides a device being easily assembled and disassembled.  
         [0046]    Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2,  4 , and  5 , once the ballast members  20  are connected in parallel series, the user then inserts and secures the plurality of splines  40  within the spline receiving holes  28 . It should be noted that the operation stated heretofore is meant only as a suggestion and may be adapted at the option of the user. Thus, if desired, the user may insert the splines  40  within the spline receiving holes  28  before removably connecting the four ballast members  20  in the parallel aligned series.  
         [0047]    At this point, the present invention is 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.  
         [0048]    Referring now to FIGS. 6 a - 6   d , a first alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown comprised of a linearly elongated, plastic cylinder  70  having an anterior end  72  opposite a posterior end  74 . The cylinder  70  is preferably constructed of corrugated plastic typically utilized as drain lines, and measures approximately 25 feet in length with a diameter measuring approximately 4 inches. The cylinder  70  is tightly coiled to a spiral configuration, and is held in such position by two cylinder securement members  80 , wherein each securement member  80  has a threaded end  82  opposite a T-shaped end  84 . Each cylinder securement member  80  is of a linearly elongated, cylindrical configuration constructed of PVC material, and has a diameter measuring approximately 0.5 inches.  
         [0049]    A first hole  90  is drilled into and extends linearly from the anterior end  72  of the cylinder  70  through each external circumferential sidewall piercing the internal circumferential sidewall, and progressing through each external and internal circumferential sidewall which follows in the spirally configured cylinder through the external circumferential sidewall at the posterior end  74  of the cylinder  70 .  
         [0050]    A second hole  92  is drilled into the external circumferential sidewall of the cylinder  70  angularly positioned 90° from the anterior end  72  thereof, and extends linearly therefrom transversely and perpendicularly with respect to a linear axis formed by the first hole  90 , through each external and internal circumferential sidewall which progressively follows in the spirally configured cylinder  70 .  
         [0051]    In order to securably maintain the cylinder  70  in such spiral position, a cylinder securement member  80  is inserted within the first hole  90  at the anterior end  72  of the cylinder  70 , threaded end first, linearly through the sidewalls , and through the posterior end  74  thereof. A cylinder securement member  80  is then inserted through the second hole  92 , threaded end first, linearly through the sidewalls, and through a last hole formed in the external circumferential sidewall of the cylinder  70  transversely and perpendicularly with respect to the cylinder securement member  80  inserted within the first hole  90 . Each cylinder securement member  80  is of a length such that the threaded end  82  thereof protrudes from an exit point  85 ,  86  of the first and second holes  90 ,  92  respectively.  
         [0052]    A plurality of T-shaped, threaded fasteners  88  constructed of PVC material are threadably received by the threaded end  82  of each cylinder securement member  80 , thereby removably securing the fasteners  88  to the cylinder securement members  80  and facilitating the maintenance of the cylinder  70  in its tightly coiled configuration.  
         [0053]    The T-shaped ends  84  of each cylinder securement member  88  mechanically interferes with an external circumferential sidewall of an entry point, depicted as holes  90 ,  92  of the cylinder  70 , thus preventing the complete entry of the cylinder securement member  80  within the holes  90 ,  92 .  
         [0054]    The T-shaped design of each fastener  88  provides a user with an easily grippable handle for facilitating the removable connection thereof to each cylinder securement member  80 , and further provides a device being easily assembled and disassembled.  
         [0055]    A plurality of spline receiving holes  99  are drilled in an upper external circumferential surface of the cylinder  70 , aligned in a circular series such that each spline receiving hole  99  is preferably separated by a distance of approximately 12 inches. Each spline receiving hole  99  is designed so as to receive in a semi-interference type fit a linearly elongated, cylindrical spline  100 , removably held therein by physical friction. Each spline  100  is constructed of PVC material and has open ends. It is envisioned that each spline  100  has a length measuring approximately 4 feet, and a diameter of approximately 0.5 inches. Once inserted into the spline receiving holes  99 , the splines  100  extend vertically from the cylinder  70  in a secured fashion thereby forming a circular series of vertically extending splines  100 .  
         [0056]    At this point, the first alternate embodiment of the present invention is 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.  
         [0057]    Referring now to FIG. 7, a second alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown, comprised of a linearly elongated, cylindrical upright member  110  with open ends constructed of PVC material and has a length measuring approximately 5 feet and a diameter measuring approximately 4 inches.  
         [0058]    A plurality of stabilizing member receiving holes  112  are formed near a lower end of the upright member  110  along an external circumferential surface thereof, spaced equidistant, circumferentially therearound. Each hole  112  is designed and configured so as to receive in a semi-interference type fit a linearly elongated, cylindrical stabilizing member  114  with open ends, removably held therein by physical friction. It is envisioned that each stabilizing member  114  has a length measuring 7 feet and a diameter measuring 0.5 inches The stabilizing members  114  serve to ensure stabilization of the second alternate embodiment in an upright position.  
         [0059]    The upright member  110  is further defined as having a plurality of spline receiving holes  116  drilled along an external circumferential surface thereof at irregular intervals from the lower end thereof above the stabilizing members  114  to an upper end thereof. Each hole  116  is designed and configured so as to receive in a semi-interference type fit a linearly elongated cylindrical spline  120  with open ends, removably held therein by physical friction. Each hole  116  is further configured so as to frictionally hold each spline  120  at an upward directed angle of approximately 45°. it Is envisioned that splines  120  of various lengths would be utilized, thereby providing an upright member  110  with various sized splines  120 , each extending vertically and circumferentially therefrom at approximately 45°. It is further envisioned that the splines  120  would measure variably between 1 to 4 feet in length  
         [0060]    At this point, the second alternate embodiment of the present invention is 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  
         [0061]    It should be noted that attention to state and federal wildlife rules and regulations prohibiting the use of such an apparatus as the present invention in particular bodies of water should be carefully observed and adhered to.  
         [0062]    2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment  
         [0063]    To use the present invention, first, the user adjacently aligns the ballast members  20  in a parallel series. Next, in order to removably connect the four ballast members  20 , the user inserts each of a plurality of threaded T-shaped fasteners  50  within an outer upper and an outer lower stem  22  of a single ballast member  20 . The user then mounts the fasteners  50  to the stems  22  by glue typically employed when mounting PVC material. Next, the user adjacently aligns the remaining ballast members  20  in a parallel series in such fashion whereby the ballast member  20  with fasteners  50  mounted thereto, is positioned as the outermost ballast member  20 , with the fasteners  50  positioned opposed to an adjacent ballast member  20 . Once the ballast members  20  are properly aligned in parallel series, the user inserts each cylindrical ballast connecting member  60  threaded end first, starting with the outermost ballast member  20  in the series opposite the ballast member  20  with mounted fasteners  50 , within each stem  22  of each adjacent ballast member  20  until reaching the fastener  50 . Each fastener  50  threadably receives each ballast connecting member  60  thereby allowing each ballast connecting member  60  to be removably coupled to each fastener  50 .  
         [0064]    Once the ballast members  20  are connected in parallel series, the user then inserts and secures the plurality of splines  40  within the spline receiving holes  28 .  
         [0065]    Finally, the user submerges the present invention 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.  
         [0066]    The use of the present invention provides fish an artificial habitat in areas where none exist.  
         [0067]    Therefore, the foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. As one can envision, an individual skilled in the relevant art, in conjunction with the present teachings, would be capable of incorporating many minor modifications that are anticipated within this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be broadly limited only by the following claims.