Patent Description:
When fishing, it is common practice to attach bait to a hook and to disperse unattached bait in the water where the baited hook will be located. This is done in the hope the unattached bait will attract fish into the area, and thus increase the likelihood of a fish taking the bait attached to the hook. Traditionally, to gather fish in a specific area of a body of water, anglers form or use balls of bait, such as maggots in dough, and drop or throw them at the desired area. This is particularly ineffective, as the dough balls cannot efficiently release the feed. Additionally, it relies upon good aim when throwing the balls of bait and so can be an expensive and wasteful practice.

Consequently, it is common for anglers to use bait dispensers for dispensing bait during angling. The bait dispensers are filled with bait and then cast into the desired fishing area, where the bait is released. Common, cage like bait dispensers comprise a perforated cylinder connected to a fishing line with an open rear end. However, these run the risk of not all the bait reaching its intended location. Additionally, live bait such as crickets and grasshoppers are quite easily dropped or lost from conventional cage like bait dispensers because of the natural propensity of the bait to move suddenly.

Another well-known type of bait dispenser has a release mechanism at the front end of the bait dispenser activated upon impact with the water. Disadvantageously, the bait dispenser is required to strike the water nose-first in order to open and release the bait. An angler may not have the required casting skills to ensure that the bait dispenser enters the water nose first. If this is the case, the bait dispenser enters the water on its side, and it will fail to open as less force is transferred from the impact to the dispenser release mechanism. The use of such a dispenser can also be highly wasteful if the angler does not have the skill to align the casts. As the angler may then deposit bait outside of the specific area, this leads to wasted bait and a less effective fishing practice. Additionally, if the push button mechanism has a loose connection, potentially due to bait entering the mechanism, then less force is required to activate the release mechanism and so it is possible the dispenser may become unstable, and bait may fall out of the dispenser during flight.

<CIT> and <CIT> disclose each a bait dispenser according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

The object of the present invention is to provide a bait dispenser that solves the above stated problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention defined in claim <NUM>, there is provided a bait dispenser for use with a fishing line, the bait dispenser comprising: a bait dispenser body having a head and a tail portion; the head portion having first and second bait receivers together defining a bait receiving chamber; the first and second bait receivers being moveable relative to each other between an open and a closed condition at an articulation element located at or adjacent to the tail portion; and a releasable securing means at or adjacent to the tail portion for securing the first and second bait receivers in the closed condition.

Advantageously, the releasable securing means and articulation element, which form the opening mechanism of the bait dispenser, are positioned at or adjacent to the tail portion, and therefore the bait dispenser is not required to strike nose-first into the water for it to be operated. Additionally, the position of the releasable securing means reduces the likelihood of bait entering the releasable securing means and causing the releasable securing means to get stuck in the closed condition and not release, or to release prematurely.

Preferably, the tail portion may be at least in part formed from a buoyant or substantially buoyant material. The tail portion will therefore float, and bait is released via the head portion under gravity. Beneficially, this would facilitate the dispersion of the bait as it allows the bait dispenser to right itself in the water and stay evenly balanced in the water, such that the bait containing chamber is in the correct orientation to release bait. Additionally, this ensures the bait dispenser does not sink if the fishing line breaks during casting.

Preferably, the head portion may have ogive or substantially ogive curvature. This curvature creates an aerodynamic shape to help stabilise the bait dispenser during casting, similar to that of a rocket. Therefore, there is an increased likelihood that the angler will hit the area of interest in the body of water. An ogive or substantially ogive curvature also reduces the disturbance to the water causes when the bait dispenser lands and so is less likely to disturb the fish.

Preferably, the tail portion has stops abuttable with the first and second bait receivers to limit the opening of the first and second bait receivers. The limitation of the opening of the first and second bait receivers ensures the bait is fully dispensed, but that the bait dispenser is easy to reel in in a controlled manner. The provision of a smooth, non-turbulent reeling motion reduces reeling time in between dispensing the bait and casting the catching line, which can be particularly important if fishing in moving water. Also, turbulence in general is undesirable as it may frighten the fish.

Preferably, each of the first and second bait receivers may have one or more apertures for the release of trapped air from the bait receiving chamber. Beneficially, the apertures ensure the head portion of the bait dispenser is not filled with air and therefore more buoyant than the tail portion of the bait dispenser. This helps to suitably orientate the bait dispenser in the water so the bait can be dispensed with ease. The apertures are preferably dimensioned so to not allow the escape of bait.

The releasable securing means comprises at least one locking element, which is preferably engagable with one or more engagement portions associated with each of the first and second bait receivers which mutually overlap in the closed condition for releasable engagement with the one of more locking elements. Locking elements which optionally interact with engagement portions on each side of the bait receiving chamber provide a mechanically simple means of locking the chamber from the tail end.

Each of the first and second bait receivers may have a pair of said engagement portions which are spaced apart in an axial direction to permit overlap with the said corresponding engagement portions of the other of the first and second bait receivers. Furthermore, each of the first and second bait receivers may have a pair of said engagement portions which are spaced apart in a lateral direction to permit engagement with a plurality of said locking elements. The axial and/or lateral spacing of engagement portions can allow for multiple points of locking of the bait dispenser, significantly reducing the likelihood of accidental bait ejection.

The or each locking element is formed as a locking pin. A pin forms a suitable formation to engage with apertures in the engagement portions of the bait receivers.

The or each locking element may have an at least in part tapered extent. Tapering of the extent of the locking element prevents over insertion of the locking element into the engagement portions, and may therefore prevent wedging which might make unlocking difficult.

Optionally, the releasable securing means may have a guide plate dimensioned to positionally align the or each locking element with the said engagement portions. The guide plate ensures correct alignment of the locking elements with the engagement portions, so that failed locking actions do not occur.

The releasable securing means may have a biasing member to bias the or each locking element into engagement with the engagement portions. The default preferred condition is that the bait dispenser is locked, and that only by a specific, user-defined action, is the bait receiver opened. Biasing towards the locked condition is therefore advantageous.

The or each locking element may be mounted to a moveable base, the releasable securing means having a moveable member movable relative to the moveable base. The two-part moveable mechanism has an advantage in the method of casting, since the moveable member only engages with the moveable base once the bait dispenser is in the correctly buoyant condition in the water, in which the moveable member slides into coupling under gravity. This provides a unique and advantageous means of allowing the user to open the bait dispenser at the desired place only.

The moveable member is housed in a channel extending through the tail portion of the bait dispenser body to allow slidable movement therein. The slidable movement ensures that gravity affects the moveable member only once correctly buoyed in the water, a side-effect of forming the tail portion from an at least in part buoyant material.

Optionally, the channel may have a throated portion to limit the extent of the slidable movement of the moveable member. The throated portion provides a means of keeping the moveable member captive within the bait dispenser, so that the bait dispenser does not accidently become lost in the body of water.

Preferably, the releasable securing means may have a fastening means to allow for releasable engagement between the moveable member and the moveable base. Optionally, the fastening means may comprise a first magnet on the moveable member and a second magnet on the moveable base.

The ability to couple and decouple the locking elements from the moveable member allows for the casting technique described below, in which there is no risk of accidental opening of the bait dispenser in the air, since the moveable member is brought out of contact with the moveable base.

The bait dispenser may further comprise a biasing element for biasing the first and second bait receivers into the open condition. To ensure correct opening of the bait dispenser on activation of the releasable securing means, it is preferred that there be a means of biasing to the open condition.

The articulation element may preferably be biased via a torsion spring. Beneficially, the torsion spring further facilitates the efficient dispersion of bait and the smooth reeling in of the bait dispenser. As the first and second bait receivers are rigidly held in a pre-determined angle by the spring and stops, the reeling in is less turbulent and the bait dispenser can aquaplane over the surface of the water, disturbing the water less and in turn, the fish less. The stops also have the advantage of ensuring the spring is not overloaded.

The releasable securing means includes a fishing line coupling engageable with an associated fishing line. Activation of the releasable securing means may be most readily achieved if a fishing line coupling is provided directly thereon.

Said fishing line coupling is provided on a moveable member of the releasable securing means. Since it is the moveable member being retracted that provides the trigger for release, it is preferred that the fishing line coupling be connected thereto.

The releasable securing means is released upon the application of a threshold force via the fishing line coupling and associated fishing line to enable the first and second bait receivers to move into the open condition. Said threshold force needs to be sized to be just enough to overcome the biasing force from the spring, but not sufficient to break the magnetic coupling. Permanent magnets are therefore preferred for the coupling means, due to their high magnetic strength.

The releasable securing means comprises a moveable member slidable within a channel of the tail portion, and a locking pin biased towards the head portion to secure the first and second bait receivers in the closed condition, the movable member and locking pin having complementary magnetic fastening means to allow releasable engagement with one another, and a rear end of the moveable member having a fishing line coupling for attaching the bait dispenser to an associated fishing line, a threshold force being applicable by the fishing line to draw the moveable member and locking pin upwards to permit the first and second bait receivers to move relative to one another to the open condition.

According to a second aspect of the invention defined in claim <NUM>, there is provided a method of using a bait dispenser in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: a] loading bait into the bait receiving chamber when in the open condition; b] closing the bait receiving chamber using the releasable securing means; c] attaching the bait dispenser onto an associated fishing line; d] casting the bait dispenser into a body of water; e] positioning using the associated fishing line the bait dispenser in a desired position of the body of water; and f] exerting a threshold force using the associated fishing line on the releasable securing means to release the first and second bait receivers at the said desired position.

The method of use of the present invention allows for accurate placement of bait to be achieved without necessarily requiring precise casting ability on the part of the angler.

According to a third aspect which does not form part of the invention, there is provided a bait dispenser for use with a fishing line, the bait dispenser comprising: a bait dispenser body having first and second bait receivers together defining a bait receiving chamber; the first and second bait receivers being moveable relative to each other between an open and a closed condition; and a releasable securing means for securing the first and second bait receivers in the closed condition, the releasable securing means having a fishing line coupling engageable with an associated fishing line; wherein a threshold force is applicable to the releasable securing means via the associated fishing line to release the releasable securing means and to enable the first and second bait receivers to move into the open condition.

A remotely operable releasable bait dispenser has the ability to be triggered only in the event of the bait dispenser being correctly cast and positioned. This has a significant advantage over impact-triggered arrangements known in the art, which may scatter bait over a much wider area.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Referring to <FIG>, there is indicated a bait dispenser, referenced globally at <NUM> which is suitable for the purpose of dispensing bait when fishing. The bait dispenser <NUM> comprises a bait dispenser body <NUM> having a head portion <NUM> and a tail portion <NUM>, and a releasable securing means <NUM> which is configured to enable opening and closing of the head portion <NUM>. A moveable member <NUM> of the releasable securing means <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>, showing the fishing line coupling <NUM> thereof.

The head portion has first and second bait receivers 24a, 24b pivotably connected at an articulation element <NUM> so as to be movable relative to one another. Said first and second bait receivers 24a, 24b collectively form a bait receiving chamber <NUM> of the bait dispenser <NUM>, first shown in <FIG>.

The terms forward and front as used herein will be understood to refer to the end of the bait dispenser <NUM>, or components thereof, which, in use, is furthest from or distal to the fishing line to which it is attached. Rearward and rear as used herein will be understood to refer to the end of the bait dispenser <NUM>, or components thereof, which, in use, is closest to the fishing line to which it is attached.

The tail portion <NUM> is at least in part formed from a preferably buoyant or substantially buoyant material. Beneficially, this facilitates the dispersion of the bait as it allows the bait dispenser <NUM> to right itself in the water, such that the bait receiving chamber <NUM> is in the correct orientation to release bait. Additionally, this ensures the bait dispenser <NUM> does not sink if the fishing line breaks during casting. Alternative materials can be envisaged; however these are likely to be less beneficial as the bait dispenser <NUM> may not efficiently disperse bait.

The head portion <NUM> is formed from a preferably rigid or substantially rigid or semi rigid material. The head portion <NUM> may beneficially be made from less buoyant materials than the tail portion <NUM>. Alternatively, the head portion <NUM> could be provided with weights, preferably removable, to encourage the bait dispenser <NUM> to right itself under buoyancy in the water, so that on contact with the water the head portion <NUM> is the portion of the bait dispenser body <NUM> primarily in the body of water. In this case, the head portion <NUM> beneficially is manufactured from plastics, but could be manufactured from wood, metal or a combination thereof as required. The head portion <NUM> may also be manufactured from or include hydrophobic material to reduce water resistance, and to the aid aquaplaning of the bait dispenser <NUM> on reeling. Additionally, the rigidity of the head portion <NUM> aids with the loading of the bait dispenser <NUM>.

The head portion <NUM> has a preferably ogive or substantially ogive curvature, with each of the first and second bait receivers 24a, 24b comprising half of the ogive nose cone. Alternatively, the head portion <NUM> may have conic, parabolic, elliptical, tangent ogive, spherically blunted conic or bi-conic curvature or the like. These shapes are preferable as they reduce drag in flight and reduce the disturbance to the water and fish when the bait dispenser <NUM> lands. Any shape that would induce aerodynamic properties to the overall shape of the bait dispenser body <NUM> may be imagined, such as teardrop, balloon, torpedo, or rocket shape to aid a smooth casting.

The first and second bait receivers 24a, 24b preferably have smooth major outer surfaces. Although the major outer surfaces are preferably smooth, they may be non-smooth, such as dimpled, ridged chequered and the like. However, this is envisaged as being less preferable due to the increased disturbance to the surface of the water.

As shown in <FIG>, the first and second bait receivers 24a, 24b of the head portion <NUM> define the bait receiving chamber <NUM>. This allows for bait to be easily placed within the bait receiving chamber <NUM>. The shape of the first and second bait receivers 24a, 24b also allows them to act as scoops for ease and speed of loading the bait receiving chamber <NUM>, since they have concave inner surfaces. Preferably, the first and second bait receivers 24a, 24b have a similar or substantially similar shape. An embodiment with first and second bait receivers of different sizes and shape can be imagined, for instance, where the two receivers are dimensioned as mismatched jaws.

The articulation element <NUM> connects to the first and second bait receivers 24a, 24b to provide relative movement to one another. In an indicative embodiment, the articulation element <NUM> may comprise a hinge pin perpendicular to the axial direction of the bait dispenser <NUM> which is arranged to provide a hinge joining the first and second bait receivers 24a, 24b together. In a preferred embodiment, the hinge pin provides a pivot axis for one or both of the first and second bait receivers 24a, 24b to move away from the other. In the depicted embodiment, the second bait receiver 24b is fixed, whilst the first bait receiver 24a is free to pivot around the articulation element <NUM>. Said second bait receiver 24b may be fixedly secured to, or integrally formed with, the tail portion <NUM> to achieve this. This may allow for the integral formation of bearings or an axle within the tail portion <NUM> to create the articulation element <NUM>. It is appreciated other forms of articulation element could be provided. For instance, the first and second bait receivers could be joined at a living hinge, or indeed could move relative to one another in a linear fashion.

The first and second bait receivers 24a, 24b are secured in the closed condition by the releasable securing means <NUM> adjacent to the tail portion <NUM>. The releasable securing means <NUM> comprises one or more locking elements <NUM> and one or more engagement portions <NUM> associated with each of the first and second bait receivers 24a, 24b. In the depicted embodiment, there is a single locking element, and this may be a preferred arrangement for simplicity of construction. As viewed from the side in <FIG>, the or each locking element <NUM> extends axially within the bait dispenser <NUM>. When the corresponding engagement portions <NUM> of the first and second bait receivers 24a, 24b overlap with one another, the or each locking pin <NUM> can engage with overlapped apertures in the engagement portions <NUM> to secure the first and second bait receivers 24a, 24b together.

The or each locking element <NUM> is preferably formed as an elongate locking pin. The locking pins preferably have a circular or substantially circular cross section. Alternatively, any shape of locking element <NUM> which is complementarily shaped to the engagement portions <NUM> that ensures the engagement portions are secured with respect to one another may be viable. Although one locking element <NUM> is described herein, it is appreciated that one or more locking elements <NUM> could be used, as will be described in the later embodiments below.

Whilst a pin-like locking element <NUM> is shown, it will be apparent to the skilled person that alternative releasable mechanisms are feasible. For instance, a door-lock style latch, having a triangular prism shape, will allow for directional latching, with delatching only occurring on activation of a force from the fishing line. It will be clear that the locking pin arrangement described is therefore not the only one possible within the scope of the present invention.

The engagement portions <NUM> comprise locking element apertures dimensioned to allow the locking elements <NUM> to engage with the engagement portions <NUM> in the closed condition. The engagement portions <NUM> of opposing first and second bait receivers 24a, 24b may be spaced apart axially such that the or each engagement portion <NUM> mutually overlaps with the or each engagement portion <NUM> of the other of the first and second bait receivers 24a, 24b in the axial direction.

<FIG> shows the bait dispenser <NUM> in cross section. The first and second bait receivers 24a, 24b are biased to the open condition by a biasing element <NUM>. The biasing element <NUM> in this embodiment is formed as a torsion spring. A torsion spring may be defined by the features of a pair of contact arms <NUM> which respectively engage with the first and second bait receivers 24a, 24b, and a coil <NUM> between the contact arms <NUM>. The coil <NUM> may be mounted around the articulation element <NUM> and each contact arm <NUM> then extends radially outward with respect to the coil <NUM> to allow for contact with the internal or external surface of the first and second bait receivers 24a, 24b respectively. The contact arms <NUM> of the biasing element <NUM> may be hooked at their outer ends for attachment to first and second bait receivers 24a, 24b.

<FIG> shows various components of the releasable securing means <NUM>. The locking pin <NUM> is connected to a moveable base <NUM> which is held captive in a first channel <NUM> within the tail portion <NUM>. Preferably, the moveable base <NUM> has a greater lateral extent than the or each locking element <NUM>. The moveable member <NUM> is positioned within a second channel <NUM>, with a throated portion <NUM> of the second channel <NUM> being dimensioned to prevent a member head <NUM> of the moveable member <NUM> from being extracted therefrom.

The moveable base <NUM> is biased towards the head portion <NUM>, and thus urging the or each locking pin <NUM> into a locked condition with the engagement portions <NUM>. A base-biasing member <NUM>, here shown as a compression spring, is located in the first channel <NUM> to provide the biasing force.

Whilst the moveable base <NUM> is biased towards the head portion <NUM>, the moveable member <NUM> has a linear member body <NUM> which is freely slidable within the second channel <NUM>. Only the presence of the throated portion <NUM> prevents the moveable member <NUM> from escaping the second channel <NUM>. The moveable member <NUM> may be formed from a dense material, such as metal, so as to improve the sliding action. The smooth outer surfaces of such a metal moveable member <NUM> will also reduce friction.

Although in this illustrated embodiment the member body <NUM> has been described as cylindrical, it will be envisaged that the member body <NUM> may have a polygonal, substantially polygonal, or circular or substantially circular cross section.

The moveable base <NUM> and moveable member <NUM> have complementary fastening means to allow releasable engagement with one another, in the embodiment shown. It will, however, be apparent that an arrangement could be constructed in which the moveable base <NUM> and moveable member <NUM> were a unitary component. Preferably, the fastening means may comprise a first magnet <NUM> engaged with the moveable base <NUM> and a second magnet <NUM> engaged with the member head <NUM> of the moveable member <NUM>. The first and second magnets <NUM>, <NUM> are preferably formed as permanent magnets having a magnetic coupling force which cannot be overcome by the biasing force of the base-biasing member <NUM> alone.

The method of use of the bait dispenser <NUM> is detailed in <FIG>. In <FIG>, the bait dispenser <NUM> is in an open condition. The first and second bait receivers 24a, 24b are open, the first bait receiver 24a having been urged away from the second bait receiver 24b by the biasing element <NUM>. It is presumed that the user will have, at some point disengaged the releasable securing means <NUM> to enable the opening thereof. In <FIG>, the moveable member <NUM> and moveable base <NUM> are disengaged or decoupled, and thus the moveable base <NUM> is biased towards the head portion <NUM>. However, the locking element <NUM> can only engage with one of the engagement portions <NUM>, as the first bait receiver 24a is out of alignment.

<FIG> shows a loading condition. Whilst the bait receiving chamber <NUM> is accessible, bait <NUM> can be loaded into the bait dispenser <NUM>, for example, by scooping into the second bait receiver 24b.

To close the bait dispenser <NUM>, the moveable member <NUM> is first brought into engagement with the moveable base <NUM>, to couple the first and second magnets <NUM>, <NUM>. Gentle retraction of the moveable member <NUM> results in retraction of the moveable base <NUM>, so that the or each locking pin <NUM> is disengaged from the engagement portion <NUM>. This is the condition of the releasable securing means <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

Once the bait <NUM> is loaded, the first and second bait receivers 24a, 24b can be manually urged shut, whilst the or each locking pin <NUM> is out of the way. Once shut, the moveable base <NUM> is moved so that the or each locking pin <NUM> engages with engagement portions <NUM> on both of the first and second bait receivers 24a, 24b simultaneously, locking the bait receiving chamber <NUM> shut. This can be performed either by pushing the moveable member <NUM> to move the moveable base <NUM> into position, or, as illustrated in <FIG>, by providing a sufficient threshold force to decouple the first and second magnets <NUM>, <NUM>, allowing the moveable base <NUM> to lock into position under the biasing force of the base-biasing member <NUM>.

At the rear end of the moveable member <NUM> is the fishing line coupling <NUM> for attaching the bait dispenser <NUM> to an associated fishing line <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The fishing line coupling <NUM> may have an opening for threading the fishing line <NUM> through and tying to the fishing line coupling <NUM>. However, it is appreciated that other fishing line coupling arrangements that allow the bait dispenser <NUM> to be attached to the fishing line may be utilised, such as a hook or clip.

Once the bait dispenser <NUM> is closed, then the angler can attach it to a fishing line <NUM>, and it can be cast into the relevant body of water. Most anglers of some competence will be able to cast the bait dispenser <NUM> into approximately the correct location, but will be unlikely to be able to successfully cast into the same spot every time.

Upon landing in the water, the bait dispenser <NUM> will float in position without opening, held afloat by the buoyancy of the tail portion <NUM>. Under gravity the moveable member <NUM> will move down the second channel <NUM> and engage with the moveable base <NUM>, coupling the first and second magnets <NUM>, <NUM> together. This is illustrated in <FIG>. The fishing line <NUM> should be relatively slack at this point, and therefore gentle reeling of the fishing line <NUM> will allow the angler to correctly position the bait dispenser <NUM> in the body of water. If this cannot be achieved, the bait dispenser <NUM> can be gently reeled back to the user for recasting.

The angler can open the first and second bait receivers 24a, 24b by releasing the releasable securing means <NUM> at the point they desire. To release the releasable securing means, the angler applies a threshold force counterbalancing the biasing force, by drawing the fishing line <NUM> taut with a jerk movement, to draw the moveable member <NUM> upwards, which in turn draws the moveable base <NUM> with it. The movement of the moveable base <NUM> disengages the or each locking pin <NUM> from the engagement portion <NUM> of the first and second bait receivers 24a, 24b. As the first and second bait receivers 24a, 24b are biased in the open condition by the biasing element <NUM>, once the or each locking pin <NUM> disengages from the engagement portions <NUM>, the first and second bait receivers 24a, 24b move relative to one another. This releases the bait <NUM> at the desired location.

It is appreciated, that in an alternative method of use, the bait dispenser <NUM> is cast beyond the desired fishing area and is purposely landed away from the fishing area. This has the advantage that the landing of the bait dispenser <NUM> will not scare fish away from the desired fishing area, therefore, the fishing line <NUM> can be gradually reeled in until the bait dispenser <NUM> reaches the target area, whereafter a threshold force can be applied to the fishing line to release the releasable securing means <NUM> and hence the bait <NUM> contained within the bait receiving chamber <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a more specific embodiment of the generalised bait dispenser described above. Similar or identical references refer to parts which are similar or identical to those described above, therefore, further detailed description is omitted for brevity.

In this arrangement, the tail portion <NUM> beneficially has a plurality of guidance fins <NUM> for facilitating the flight of the bait dispenser <NUM>. Preferably, the guidance fins <NUM> are evenly distributed around a rear end of the tail portion <NUM>. The guidance fins <NUM> may also assist the reeling in of the bait dispenser <NUM> on the surface of the water in between casts. A tail portion <NUM> without guidance fins <NUM> can be envisaged, however, that arrangement is anticipated to be less beneficial as the bait dispenser <NUM> would likely have less directionality and stability.

In this case, the guidance fins <NUM> are at least in part formed from a preferably buoyant or substantially buoyant material. Preferably, the tail portion <NUM> is moulded and/or integrally formed with the guidance fins <NUM>. A continuous structure may reduce joins and crevices that increase water disturbance. Additionally, a continuous structure may be helpful for ease of manufacture. Alternatively, the guidance fins <NUM> may be releasably attachable to the tail portion. The size and shape of the guidance fins <NUM> may be adjustable to allow the user to adapt the float to their preferences and the fishing conditions.

The first and second bait receivers 124a, 124b have one or more apertures <NUM> in the first and second bait receivers 124a, 124b providing fluid access to the bait receiving chamber <NUM>. The apertures <NUM> may extend lengthways along the first and second bait receivers 124a, 124b. Preferably, the apertures <NUM> are dimensioned such that bait is not prematurely released from inside the bait receiving chamber <NUM>. The apertures <NUM> may be sloped to reduce aerodynamic drag. To this end, the apertures <NUM> are preferably located at an end of the first and second bait receivers 124a, 124b proximal to the tail portion <NUM> so as to reduce water intake when the bait dispenser <NUM> is in the water.

In this embodiment, the tail portion <NUM> proximal to the first and second bait receivers 124a, 124b includes cutaway portions <NUM> on opposing sides to allow the first and/or second bait receiver 124a, 124b to pivot around the articulation element <NUM>, here formed as a continuous hinge pin, without colliding with the tail portion <NUM>.

The construction of the cutaway portions <NUM> is such that a ridge <NUM> formed thereby is of a complementary dimension and shape to that of the rear edge <NUM> of the respective first and/or second bait receiver 124a, 124b. The ridges <NUM> located on the tail portion <NUM> also act as stops that abut the rear edges <NUM> of the first and/or second bait receivers 124a, 124b to restrict a degree of the pivoting moment of the first and/or second bait receivers 124a, 124b upon moving to the open condition. Limiting the opening the first and/or second bait receivers 124a, 124b ensures the bait is fully dispensed, but that the bait dispenser is easy to reel in in a controlled manner. The cutaway portions <NUM> may be designed to impede the opening to specific angles as required by the angler.

The first and second bait receivers 124a, 124b in this embodiment each have a pair of engagement portions <NUM>, as opposed to a single engagement portion, that extend laterally from an internal surface of the first and second bait receivers 124a, 124b into the bait receiving chamber <NUM>. The engagement portions <NUM> are spaced apart axially such that the engagement portions mutually overlap with the engagement portions of the other of the first and second bait receivers 124a, 124b.

The engagement portions <NUM> may also be spaced apart laterally so as to provide engagement portions <NUM> for more than one locking element <NUM>, in this case, for two locking elements <NUM>. This arrangement provides more stability than a singular locking element <NUM>. The releasable securing means <NUM> of the second embodiment is illustrated in detail in <FIG>.

Two locking elements <NUM> are provided on the moveable base <NUM> in a spaced apart configuration, and which respectively engage with different engagement portions <NUM> of the first and second bait receivers 124a, 124b.

The locking elements <NUM> are provided as locking pins having a slightly enlarged head portion <NUM> which provides for detent engagement with the engagement portions <NUM> providing additional resistance to accidental delatching. A tail-proximal end of the locking elements <NUM> also includes a stop <NUM> which limits the insertion of the pins in the axial direction; this is achieved by the provision of an intermediate guide plate <NUM> which also advantageously aligns the locking elements <NUM> to the engagement portions <NUM>. A tapered end may also achieve the same result as a stop <NUM> for the locking elements <NUM>.

A further embodiment of bait dispenser is illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. Similar or identical references refer to parts which are similar or identical to those described above, therefore, further detailed description is omitted for brevity.

This embodiment of the bait dispenser <NUM> shows some alternative construction arrangements for the tail portion <NUM> and releasable securing means <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the tail portion <NUM> in which the bait-biasing member <NUM> is inserted into a specific recess <NUM> within the tail portion <NUM> between the first and second channels <NUM>, <NUM>. The throated portion <NUM> is formed as a frusto-cone to limit egress of the moveable member.

The first and second channels <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed by a channel body structure <NUM>, shown in <FIG>. This is able to be coupled to the guide plate <NUM> and may act as a water seal to the moving parts of the bait dispenser <NUM>.

The guide plate <NUM> has a collar section <NUM> that extends axially above the major surface of the guide plate <NUM>. Receiving apertures <NUM> extend through the major surfaces of the collar section <NUM>. The receiving apertures <NUM> could be located directly on the major surface of the guide plate <NUM>; however, this is imagined to be less beneficial as the collar section <NUM> provides additional torsional support to the locking elements <NUM>.

The receiving apertures <NUM> are of similar or substantially similar size and shape to the locking elements <NUM> to guide the locking elements <NUM> into the engagement portions and provide lateral support to the locking elements <NUM>. By being a similar or substantially similar size and shape, the guide plate <NUM> can also act to prevent water from flowing into the tail portion <NUM> of the bait dispenser <NUM> when the bait dispenser <NUM> is in the open condition. It is appreciated that a guide plate <NUM> with receiving apertures <NUM> larger than the size and shape of the locking elements <NUM> may be viable. However, this is imagined to be less beneficial as less lateral support for the locking elements <NUM> will be provided and water may travel up into the tail portion <NUM>.

The channel body structure <NUM> in this case is axially dimensioned to allow for the locking elements <NUM> to be raised through the guide plate <NUM> to an axial extent that allows for disengagement of the locking elements <NUM> from the engagement portions.

The guide plate <NUM> preferably includes attachment means for attaching the channel body structure <NUM> to the guide plate <NUM>. In the illustrated specific embodiment, the channel body structure <NUM> is placed over the moveable member and the moveable base and connected to the guide plate <NUM> by the attachment means, typically screw-threaded fasteners.

The locking elements <NUM> in this arrangement have narrower heads <NUM> to act as pins into the engagement portions. The main bodies <NUM> of the locking elements <NUM>, however, include runner channels <NUM> through which the articulation element can extend, so that the locking elements <NUM> do not collide with or interfere with the pivoting action of the bait dispenser <NUM>.

It is therefore possible to provide a bait dispenser which can be remotely triggered from a rear end by a fishing line. This has significant advantages over impact-triggered arrangements known in the art, since the angler has much greater control over the distribution of bait in the water.

The words 'comprises/comprising' and the words 'having/including' when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.

Claim 1:
A bait dispenser (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) for use with a fishing line, the bait dispenser (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) comprising:
a bait dispenser body (<NUM>) having a head portion (<NUM>) and a tail portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>);
the head portion (<NUM>) having first and second bait receivers (24a, 24b; 124a, 124b) together defining a bait receiving chamber (<NUM>; <NUM>);
the first and second bait receivers (24a, 24b; 124a, 124b) being moveable relative to each other between an open and a closed condition at an articulation element (<NUM>; <NUM>) located at or adjacent to the tail portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>); and
a releasable securing means (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) at or adjacent to the tail portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>),
characterised in that the releasable securing means (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) comprises a moveable member (<NUM>) slidable within a channel (<NUM>) of the tail portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), and a locking pin (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) biased towards the head portion (<NUM>) to secure the first and second bait receivers (24a, 24b; 124a, 124b) in the closed condition, the movable member (<NUM>) and locking pin (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) having complementary magnetic fastening means to allow releasable engagement with one another, and a rear end of the moveable member (<NUM>) having a fishing line coupling (<NUM>) for attaching the bait dispenser to an associated fishing line, a threshold force being applicable by the fishing line to draw the moveable member (<NUM>) and locking pin (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) upwards to permit the first and second bait receivers (24a, 24b; 124a, 124b) to move relative to one another to the open condition.