AU2005239758B2

AU2005239758B2 - An apparatus and method for fishing

Info

Publication number: AU2005239758B2
Application number: AU2005239758A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Mamae Tautofi Taurik'i
Original assignee: Mamae Tautofi Tauriki
Current assignee: MAMAE TAUTOFI TAURIK'I
Priority date: 2004-05-10
Filing date: 2005-01-31
Publication date: 2011-12-01
Anticipated expiration: 2025-01-31
Also published as: AU2005239758A1

Abstract

Invention 1: An apparatus for releasable attachment to a fishing rod (1), said apparatus including: (a) a barrel (2) having a first end (4) and a releasably sealed first region (3) (b) a means (10) of controllably feeding a propellant into the releasably sealed first region (3) (c) a means (14) of expanding the propellant whereby the said expansion of the propellant causes a projectile (11) disposed within the barrel (2) to be propelled outwardly of the barrel (2) viathe first end (4). Invention 2: A fishing rod including: (a) a first part (19) coupled to a second part (20) wherein said first and second parts are arrangeable relative to each other between at least a first and second position; wherein when disposed in the first position, the second part (20) is retracted relative to the first part (19); and when disposed in the second position, the second part (20) is extended relative to the first part (19) (b) a biasing means (21) for biasing the first part (19) and the second part (20) into the second position (c) a releasable securement means (23) for holding the first part (19) and the second part (20) in the first position, whereby release of the securement means (23) allows the first and second parts to be urged into the second position as a result of the biasing means (21) Invention 3: A burley dispenser for controllably dispensing burley in water including a permeable enclosure (52) having a releasably sealable opening (53) via which a burley tablet is able to be inserted into the permeable enclosure (52), said burley tablet being adapted to disintegrate upon contact with the water into burley sub-particles having relatively smaller dimensions than the burley tablet, whereby the burley sub-particles are able to flow outwardly of the permeable enclosure (52) via a permeable surface of the permeable enclosure (52) whilst the permeable surface substantially retains the burley tablet internally of the permeable enclosure (52)

Description

WO 2005/107449 PCT/AU2005/000103 AN APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FISHING Technical Field 5 The present invention relates to an apparatus for, and method of propelling objects. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus for, and method of, propelling objects from a fishing rod. Background of the Invention 10 Fishing is a popular recreational activity which typically involves the use of a fishing rod to cast a baited hook, line and sinker into a body of water in order to catch a fish. More specifically, the conventional technique of casting out a fishing line involves swinging the fishing rod through an arc and allowing the momentum of the sinker to carry an attached 15 hook, line and bait out into the body of water. However, difficulties tend to arise in relation to the prior art in that certain individuals may often lack the physical strength and/or coordination to swing the rod in such a way as to enable the hook, line and sinker to be sufficiently propelled in to the water. 20 Also, in a cramped environment where numerous individuals may be fishing within a confined space (eg. on a fishing boat) it may be impracticable to swing the fishing rod as the line may become entangled with other nearby fishing lines or adjacent obstructions. Moreover, it may be dangerous to swing the rod in a cramped environment as there is a 25 risk that a bystander might be struck and injured. A further problem with the prior art is that it may often be difficult to control the direction and distance to which a line is cast by swinging a fishing rod. This problem is particularly evident where an individual is inexperienced in the sport of fishing and is unable to 30 properly control the distance and direction in which the line is cast. Fishing can occasionally be a dangerous recreation particularly when fishing in close C :4Ronbl\DCC\HFSU944474_l DOC-20/102011 -2 proximity to a dangerous body of water. For instance, activities such as rock-fishing are responsible for a number of deaths each year throughout the world. However, it tends to be difficult to cast out the fishing line in to the body of water using conventional means and methods without being at the water's edge. 5 There are other problems also associated with the sport of fishing. One area of difficulty relates to the use of burly in a body of water in order to attract fish. In particular, it is desirable for a fisherman to be able to disperse the burley within proximity of the fishing hook and bait so as to increase the chances of catching a fish. However, this is often 10 difficult to achieve given the effects of the tides and other environmental conditions which may disperse the burley in a random manner. Summary of Invention 15 In a first aspect there is provided an apparatus for propelling a projectile, said apparatus including: a barrel having a first end and a releasably sealed first region; wherein the first region of the barrel includes a space within the barrel substantially bounded by a second end of the barrel, wherein the barrel includes a plurality of apertures 20 along a longitudinal length thereof, said plurality of apertures extending through the barrel from an exterior of the barrel to an interior of the barrel so as to be transverse to a longitudinal axis of the barrel, and wherein all of the plurality of apertures being aligned in a row which is substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the barrel; a protrusion for selective insertion within any one of the apertures along the 25 longitudinal length of the barrel to selectively adjust a volume of the first region; wherein the protrusion extends radially-inwardly of the barrel in a substantially transverse orientation to an elongate axis of the barrel; one or more seals for sealing a remainder of the apertures into which the protrusion is not selectively inserted along the length of the barrel; 30 a means of controllably feeding a propellant into the releasably sealed first region; and C \NRPorbl\DCC\HFS\3944474_I.DOC.20/10/2011 -3 a means of expanding the propellant whereby the expansion of the propellant causes a projectile disposed within the barrel to be propelled outwardly of the barrel via the first end. 5 In certain forms, the propellant includes butane gas. In particular forms, when the first region of the barrel is releasably sealed, the propellant disposed within the first region is restricted from escaping from the first region. 10 In certain embodiments, the first region of the barrel is releasably sealed by the projectile loaded into the barrel via the first end, whereby the projectile abuts against the protrusion protruding into the barrel to form the releasably sealed first region. In particular embodiments, the apparatus includes the projectile including at least one of: 15 a sinker; a burley pellet; and a burley dispenser for controllably dispensing burley in water, the burley dispenser including: a permeable enclosure having a releasably sealable opening via which a 20 burley tablet is able to be inserted into the permeable enclosure; and said burley tablet being adapted to disintegrate upon contact with water into burley sub-particles having relatively smaller dimensions than the burley tablet, whereby the burley sub-particles are able to flow outwardly of the permeable enclosure via a permeable surface of the permeable enclosure whilst the permeable 25 surface substantially retains the burley tablet internally of the enclosure. In certain optional forms, the means for controllably feeding a propellant comprises a canister. 30 In certain optional embodiments, the apparatus includes a cap removably attachable to the second end of the barrel.

C WRPrb)\DCC\HFSu944474_.DOC-20/10/2011 -4 In particular optional embodiments, the cap includes a pressure valve to allow for automatic release of at least some pressure from the first region of the barrel when a pressure level within the first region exceeds a predetermined pressure threshold. 5 Optionally, the means of expanding the propellant includes an ignition means for igniting the propellant. In certain forms, the apparatus includes a trigger for triggering the ignition means. 10 In particular forms, the ignition means is adapted to ignite the propellant at a plurality of locations within the first region. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes an attachment means for releasably 15 attaching the apparatus to a fishing rod. In particular embodiments, the apparatus includes a removably attachable handle. In certain optional forms, the apparatus includes a handle including: 20 a first end and a second end, the first end of the handle being releasably engageable with the second end of the barrel; a housing adapted for releasably receiving a propellant canister; and the means of controllably feeding a propellant comprising a means for selectably moving the propellant canister within the housing between at least a first and a second 25 position wherein, when the propellant canister is arranged in the first position, the propellant canister engages with the barrel so that propellant is able to be supplied into the first region of the barrel, and, when arranged in the second position, the propellant canister is disengaged from the barrel so that propellant is not able to be supplied into the first region of the barrel. 30 In particular optional forms, the means of selectably moving the propellant canister within C NRPorbl\DCC\4FS3944474_1 DOC-2010f201 I -5 the housing includes: a depressable button extending inwardly of the housing from an outer surface of the housing, whereby when pressed inwardly of the housing, the depressable button is adapted to abut against a rear of the propellant canister so as to force the propellant canister 5 towards the second end of the barrel and into the first position within the housing; and a biasing means disposed between the propellant canister and the barrel which urges the propellant canister away from the second end of the barrel into the second position when the depressable button is released by the user. 10 In a second aspect there is provided a fishing rod including the apparatus according to the first aspect. In particular embodiments, the fishing rod includes: a first part coupled to a second part wherein said first and second parts are 15 adjustably arrangeable relative to each other between at least a first and a second position; wherein when disposed in the first position, the second part is retracted relative to the first part; and when disposed in the second position, the second part is extended relative to the first part; 20 a biasing means for biasing the first part and second part into the second position; and a releasable securement means for holding the first part and the second part in the first position, whereby release of said securement means allows the first and second parts to be urged into the second position as a result of the biasing means. 25 In certain forms, the releasable securement means includes a latch. In a third aspect there is provided a method of propelling a projectile from a fishing rod including the steps of: 30 (i) providing the apparatus of the first aspect; (ii) selectively setting a volume of the releasably sealable first region of the C :NRPobI\DCC\KFS\3944474_. DOC-20/10201 I -6 barrel of the apparatus, and wherein the volume of the first region is set by unsealing one of the apertures and inserting therein the projection; (iii) feeding the propellant into the first region of the barrel when sealed; and (iv) expanding the propellant whereby the expanding propellant causes a 5 projectile disposed within the barrel to be propelled outwardly of the barrel. Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed 10 description of a preferred but non-limiting embodiment thereof, described in connection C:\NRPrbl\DCC\HFS\3945181_ DOC-20110/2011 -7 with the accompanying drawings, wherein: - Figure 1 depicts a side cut-away view of a first embodiment of the present invention releasably attached to a fishing rod. 5 - Figure 2 shows the first embodiment of the present invention detached from the fishing rod and with releasably attachable handle grips mounted to the barrel in a gun-like fashion. 10 - Figure 3 shows a first aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention and in particular the second end of the barrel including the lid and cap. - Figure 4A shows a first embodiment of a fishing rod disposed in the retracted position. 15 - Figure 4B shows a first embodiment of a fishing rod disposed in the extended position. - Figure 5 depicts a cut-away side-view of a first aspect of a barrel extension for 20 releasable attachment to the barrel of the first embodiment of the present invention. - Figure 6 depicts a second embodiment of the present invention releasably attached to a fishing rod. 25 - Figures 7A, 7B and 7C depict three configurations of a third embodiment of the present invention. Modes for Carrying out the Invention 30 Figure 1 depicts a side view of a first embodiment of the present invention releasably attached to a fishing rod (1).

C \NRPorbl\DCC\HFS\3945181_1 DOC-20/la/2011 -8 The present invention includes a barrel (2) having a first end (4), and, a first region (3) inside the barrel (2) for receiving an explosive propellant. The first region (3) is substantially bounded by a protrusion (6) and a second end (5) of the barrel (2). 5 The barrel (2) includes a substantially circular-shaped cross-section. In the first embodiment, the barrel (2) includes a 40 cm length of PVC pipe. The choice of materials and thickness of the barrel (2) would be selected by a person skilled in the art such that it would withstand the explosive force of an expanding propellant within the barrel (2). It would be understood by a person skilled in the art that in alternative embodiments of the present invention, the barrel 10 may be either longer or shorter than 40 cm and this choice of dimensions will depend upon the individual needs and circumstances of the user. The first end (4) of the barrel (2) includes an opening through which a sinker (11) may be both inserted into, and propelled from. The second end (5) of the barrel (2) includes a lid (8) which 15 releasably engages with the second end (5) by way of a screw-thread arrangement. The lid (8) includes an inlet valve (9) through which propellant is able to be fed into the barrel (2) from a canister (10). The lid (8) also includes a pressure valve (34) which allows pressure to be released from the barrel (2) when a threshold pressure level is exceeded inside the barrel (2). 20 A releasably attachable cap (29) is also secured to the second end (5) of the barrel (2) so as to cover the lid (8) and thereby additionally secure the lid (8) to the barrel (2). The cap (29) includes a pair of resilient arms (30,30') which snap fit around a pair of complementary protrusions (31,31') disposed on the second end (5) of the barrel (2) as shown in Fig. 3. 25 Figure 1 also shows a propellant canister (10) which releasably stores a propellant comprising of a mixture of butane and air prior to being fed into the barrel (2). The propellant canister (10) includes a nozzle (16) which is adapted to engage with the inlet valve (9) of the lid (8) whereupon the propellant is able to be controllably fed in to the barrel (2). 30 The barrel (2) also includes a first region (3) which is substantially bounded by the protrusion C UWRPoblDCC\HFS3945181 I DOC-20/10/2011 -9 (6) and the second end (5) of the barrel (2). The protrusion (6) protrudes into the barrel (2) via an aperture disposed on the barrel (2) and is adapted to impede the sinker (1I) from moving in to the first region (3). The first region (3) is releasably sealed by inserting a sinker (11) into the first end (4) of the barrel (2) whereupon the sinker (11) abuts against the protrusion (6) 5 protruding into the barrel (2) and releasably seals the first region (3) of the barrel (2). The sinker (11) in this first embodiment is substantially spherical or cylindrical and includes substantially the same diameter as the cross-sectional shape of the barrel (2) to provide a relatively snug fit. 10 A plurality of apertures are disposed along the length of the barrel (2) in which the protrusion (6) may be selectively inserted. The apertures in which the stopper (6) has not been inserted are releasably sealed using plugs. It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that by selectively altering the positioning of the protrusion (6) along the length of the barrel (2) the volume of the first region (3) of the barrel (2) is adjustable and subsequently, the amount of 15 propellant that may be fed into the first region (3) is controllable. The barrel (2) is releasably attached to the fishing rod (1) by way of a pair of resilient metal clamps (12,12') as shown in Fig. I. A top surface of the barrel (2) and a bottom surface of the fishing rod (1) include grooves which are contoured to receive the clips (12,12') when the 20 barrel (2) is releasably attached to the fishing rod (1). The grooves assist in preventing the barrel (2) from being dislodged from the fishing rod (1). Other mechanisms and arrangements may be employed in alternative embodiments of the first embodiment to serve this function. The propellant in the first region (3) is ignited by an ignition means which includes a "spark 25 plug" (14) such as is commonly used to ignite a gas stove, a gas barbeque or the like. The spark plug (14) is actuated by a trigger button (15) that is mounted to the handle of the fishing rod (1). The spark plug (14) is disposed on the lid (8) of the second end (5) as shown in Fig. 1. A screw (13) is positioned to protrude from the bottom of the barrel (2) approximately 1 cm away from the spark plug (14). When the trigger button (15) is depressed, an electric current is 30 transmitted to the spark plug (14) and sparks are generated by the electric potential arising between the spark plug (14) and the nearby screw (13).

C:\NRPo.nblDCCHfFS\394518J_j DOC-20/10O2 I -10 As shown in Figs. 4A and 4B, the fishing rod (1) includes a first part (19) coupled to a second part (20) wherein the second part (20) is telescopically extendable from the first part (19). The first part (19) of the fishing rod (1) includes a hollow cavity (22) in which the second part (20) is housed when disposed in the retracted position relative to the first 5 part (19). Figure 4A shows the fishing rod (1) disposed in the retracted position. A spring (21) is positioned within the cavity (22) of the first part (19) such that it biases the second part (20) of the fishing rod (1) into the extended position. Figure 4B shows the fishing rod (1) disposed in the extended position. 10 The second part (20) is able to be releasably held in the retracted position by means of a releasable locking mechanism (23). The releasable locking mechanism (23) includes a lever (23) which is pivotally movable between a lock position and a release position. When the second part (20) is retracted in to the first part (19) a first opening (24) disposed on the first part (19), and a second opening (24') disposed on the second part (20), become 15 substantially aligned. The lever (23) is able to be pivoted in to the lock position, whereby a hooked end (28) of the lever (23) is received in to the substantially aligned first and second openings (24,24') thereby releasably locking the second part (20) to the first part (19). When the lever (23) is pivoted into the release position, the hooked end (28) of the lever (23) is manoeuvred outwardly of the substantially aligned openings (24,24'), whereby 20 the second part (20) is able to be freely moved in to the extended position relative to the first part (19) by the force of the spring (21). The fishing rod includes two eyelets - a first eyelet (55) disposed on the first part (19) of the fishing rod, and a second eyelet (55') disposed on the second part (20) of the fishing rod. The fishing rod further includes an "open runner" (54) disposed on the first part of the fishing rod upon which the fishing line 25 is suspended. In use, the user would firstly decide upon the desired distance over which he or she wishes to propel the sinker (11), and hence, the attached fishing line, hook and bait. In the present embodiment, this distance is approximated by controlling the amount of propellant that is 30 fed into the barrel (2). In the first embodiment, the amount of propellant that is fed into the barrel (2) is constrained by the choice of volume of the first region (3) in the barrel (2) C\NRonbl\DCC\KFS\3945181 I.DOC-20110/2011 - 11 which has been selected by the user. This adjustment of the first region (3) is achieved by selectively moving the protrusion (6) amongst the plurality of apertures disposed along the surface of the barrel (2). 5 The fishing rod (1) includes a screw-on base (57) which is able to be interchanged with other screw-on bases of varying dimensions as the need arises. For instance, a user may seek to screw on a base which is suitable for being wedged within a narrow crevice in a rock surface, or alternatively, the user may seek to screw on a more pointed base which is more suitable for being driven in to sand on a beach and thus anchoring the fishing rod to 10 the beach surface. By being able to remove the screw-on base from the fishing rod, this may also allow greater ease of cleaning and maintenance to be conducted upon the inside of the fishing rod. The fishing line is set on a 3-way swivel as shown in Fig. I - one line being for the hook 15 (17) and bait, a second line being for the sinker (11), and a third line being connected to the fishing reel (18). In order to propel the line and sinker, a user would insert the sinker (11) into the first end (4) of the barrel (2) until it abuts against the protrusion (6) thus releasably sealing the first region (3) of the barrel (2). 20 The propellant canister (10) is thereafter attached to the second end (5) of the barrel (2) whereby the propellant is able to be controllably fed in to the releasably sealed first region (3) through the inlet (9) of the barrel (2). In the present example, the propellant that is used is butane gas. When the first region (3) of the barrel (2) has been filled with the butane, the canister (10) is removed. 25 In order to propel the hook (17) line and sinker (11) from the fishing rod (1) the user presses the ignition trigger button (15) disposed on the handle of the fishing rod (1) which causes the butane to ignite and expand, and thereby propelling the sinker (11) from the barrel (2). 30 It should be noted that prior to propelling the hook, line and sinker from the barrel (2) attached to the fishing rod (1), the fishing rod (1) is arranged in the retracted position and C \NRPortl\CC\HFSU945181_1 DOC.2/IO/201 1 - 12 then subsequently arranged into the extended position after the hook, line and sinker have been propelled. In order for the butane to be effectively ignite, the butane is pre-mixed with air in the butane canister (10). The proportion of air to butane is variable depending upon the specific requirements of the user. 5 In the first embodiment of the present invention, the barrel (2) is also able to be detached from the fishing rod (1) such that the fishing rod (1) may be used conventionally. Also, when the barrel (2) is detached, a pair of handle grips (25,25') are releasably attachable to the barrel (2) such that the barrel (2) is able to be ergonomically handled in a gun-like 10 fashion as shown in Fig. 2. The handle grips (25,25') include clamps (26,26') which are adapted to be received in the grooves disposed on the barrel. A trigger button (27) is disposed on a rearward handle grip (26) which actuates the spark plug (14). In the present embodiment, the trigger button (27) 15 is releasably attachable and may be selectively re-positioned upon the fishing rod, the barrel or any other suitable location as determined by the user. The first embodiment also includes a cylinder (32) which is releasably attachable to the first end (4) of the barrel (2) as shown in Fig. 5. The cylinder (32) includes a circular 20 shaped cross-section having a relatively smaller diameter than that of the barrel (2). The cylinder (32) is adapted to receive a sinker and/or burly ball having a different size. The cylinder (32) is able to be inserted in to the barrel (2) and releasably locked in to place using screws (33,33'). It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that a range of different cylinders having various cross-sectional dimensions can be selectably attached to 25 the barrel (2) such that a range of sinker and/or burly ball shapes and dimensions can be suitably accommodated in the barrel (2) of the first embodiment. Figure 6 depicts a second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the inlet valve (35) and the pressure valve (36) are disposed on a side of the 30 barrel (37) as shown in Fig. 6. The igniter (48) is disposed on the cap (47) which is attached to the barrel (37) by screw thread engagement.

C:\NRPorbl\DCC\HFuS9451tgI DOC-20/10/2011 - 13 A cylinder (38) is releasably attachable to the first end of the barrel (37) by way of screw thread (39) engagement as shown in Fig. 6. The cylinder (38) is of a different diameter to that of the barrel (37). A protrusion (40) protrudes in to the interior of the cylinder (38) via an aperture (41) disposed on the lateral surface of the cylinder (38), adjacent to an end of 5 the cylinder (38) which is to be attached to the barrel (37). The protrusion (40) seeks to prevent a sinker, burley ball or the like that has been inserted in to it from entering in to the first region (3). The cylinder (38) also includes a depressable button (42) which protrudes into the cylinder 10 (38) via an aperture (43) disposed on a lateral surface of the cylinder (38). The depressable button (42) is positioned between the protrusion (40) and an end of the cylinder (38) which is not attached to the barrel (37) as shown in Fig. 6. Different cylinders of varying diameter may be attachable to the barrel in this way in order to accommodate a varying range of sinker sizes. 15 When a sinker is loaded in to the cylinder (38), the sinker first comes in to abutting contact with the depressable button (42). As the sinker is forced against the depressable button (42), the depressable button (42) retracts outwardly of the cylinder (38) such that the sinker is able to move further in to the cylinder (38). When the sinker has passed the depressable 20 button (42), the depressable button (42) is able to return to its previous position protruding inwardly of the cylinder (38). The sinker proceeds further in to the cylinder (38) until it abuts against the protrusion (40). The depressable button may be selectably inserted in to the cylinder via a plurality of 25 apertures (49) disposed along a length of the cylinder (38). When propellant is ignited inside the barrel (37), the expansion force of the propellant forces the sinker outwardly of the cylinder (38). In doing so, the force of the outwardly moving sinker is sufficient to move past the depressable button (42) and be propelled out 30 of the cylinder (38). Figures 7A, 7B and 7C shows various configurations of a third embodiment of the present invention, including a burley cage (43) for releasably containing burley. The cage (43) C :NRPonbl\DCCHfS\3945181_ .DOC-2010I/201I - 14 includes a plastic material and at least one meshed surface (44) to allow water to permeate into the interior of the cage. The cage (43) also includes a door (45) which may be releasably sealed using a latch (46). 5 Burley is introduced into the cage (43) through the door (45). The door (45) is thereafter locked to prevent escape of the burley. When the cage (43) is submerged in water, and burley is contained within the cage (43), the water is able to permeate into the cage (43) such that the burley may gradually be dissolved into the surrounding water. 10 The burley cage (43) is also adapted to be propelled by either the first and/or second embodiments of the present invention. For instance, the cage would be shaped to complement the interior space of the cylinder and/or barrel. Three swivel points (51) are included on the cage (43) to allow the cage (43) to be attached 15 to at least one fishing line. For instance a line attached to a first swivel point may connect the cage (43) to a fishing reel, a second line may connect the cage with a sinker, and a third line may connect the cage with a hook. The third embodiment is able to float by including a buoyant material such as foam or 20 rubber with the cage (43). For instance, Fig. 7B shows a variation of the third embodiment wherein a top surface (56) of the cage (43) includes rubber to ensure that the cage (43) partially floats. Alternatively, the third embodiment may be implemented using a flexible net (52) for 25 enclosing a portion of burley such as a small fish or the like. The net (52) includes an opening (53) through which the burley is inserted into the net (52), and at least one string (51) for tying the opening. It would be understood by a person skilled in the art that the first and second embodiments 30 are not limited to use in propelling burley balls and sinkers, but may be used to propel any number of objects. It would be understood by a person skilled in the art that the objects that is propelled from the barrel need not be spherical, but may be cylindrical, tubular or any other suitable shape.

C \NRPortbl\DCC\HFS%3945181 1 DOC-20/10/2011 - 15 Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described without departing from the scope of the invention. All such variations and modification which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope of the 5 invention as broadly hereinbefore described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps and features, referred or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features. 10 The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims

1. An apparatus for propelling a projectile, wherein the apparatus includes: a barrel having a first end and a releasably sealed first region; 5 wherein the first region of the barrel includes a space within the barrel substantially bounded by a second end of the barrel, wherein the barrel includes a plurality of apertures along a longitudinal length thereof, said plurality of apertures extending through the barrel from an exterior of the barrel to an interior of the barrel so as to be transverse to a longitudinal axis of the barrel, and wherein all of the plurality of apertures being aligned in 10 a row which is substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the barrel; a protrusion for selective insertion within any one of the apertures along the longitudinal length of the barrel to selectively adjust a volume of the first region; wherein the protrusion extends radially-inwardly of the barrel in a substantially transverse orientation to an elongate axis of the barrel; 15 one or more seals for sealing a remainder of the apertures into which the protrusion is not selectively inserted along the length of the barrel; a means of controllably feeding a propellant into the releasably sealed first region; and a means of expanding the propellant whereby the expansion of the propellant 20 causes a projectile disposed within the barrel to be propelled outwardly of the barrel via the first end.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the propellant includes butane gas. 25

3. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the first region of the barrel is releasably sealed, the propellant disposed within the first region is restricted from escaping from the first region.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first region of the barrel is 30 releasably sealed by the projectile loaded into the barrel via the first end, whereby the projectile abuts against the protrusion protruding into the barrel to form the releasably sealed first region. C :NRPotb\DCC\HFS\3937308_I.DOC-20/10/2011 - 17

5. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus includes the projectile including at least one of: a sinker; 5 a burley pellet; and a burley dispenser for controllably dispensing burley in water, the burley dispenser including: a permeable enclosure having a releasably sealable opening via which a burley tablet is able to be inserted into the permeable enclosure; and 10 said burley tablet being adapted to disintegrate upon contact with water into burley sub-particles having relatively smaller dimensions than the burley tablet, whereby the burley sub-particles are able to flow outwardly of the permeable enclosure via a permeable surface of the permeable enclosure whilst the permeable surface substantially retains the burley tablet internally of the enclosure. 15

6. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein, the means for controllably feeding a propellant comprises a canister.

7. The apparatus as claimed in any one the preceding claims including a cap 20 removably attachable to the second end of the barrel.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the cap includes a pressure valve to allow for automatic release of at least some pressure from the first region of the barrel when a pressure level within the first region exceeds a predetermined pressure threshold. 25

9. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the means of expanding the propellant includes an ignition means for igniting the propellant.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the apparatus includes a trigger for 30 triggering the ignition means.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the ignition means is adapted to C 4RPorbI\DCC\HFSIA9371X-I DOC-20/1012011 -18 ignite the propellant at a plurality of locations within the first region.

12. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including an attachment means for releasably attaching the apparatus to a fishing rod. 5

13. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus includes a removably attachable handle.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes a handle 10 including: a first end and a second end, the first end of the handle being releasably engageable with the second end of the barrel; a housing adapted for releasably receiving a propellant canister; and the means of controllably feeding a propellant comprising a means for selectably 15 moving the propellant canister within the housing between at least a first and a second position wherein, when the propellant canister is arranged in the first position, the propellant canister engages with the barrel so that propellant is able to be supplied into the first region of the barrel, and, when arranged in the second position, the propellant canister is disengaged from the barrel so that propellant is not able to be supplied into the first 20 region of the barrel.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the means of selectably moving the propellant canister within the housing includes: a depressable button extending inwardly of the housing from an outer surface of the 25 housing, whereby when pressed inwardly of the housing, the depressable button is adapted to abut against a rear of the propellant canister so as to force the propellant canister towards the second end of the barrel and into the first position within the housing; and a biasing means disposed between the propellant canister and the barrel which urges the propellant canister away from the second end of the barrel into the second 30 position when the depressable button is released by the user.

16. A fishing rod including the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15. C \NRPortbIDCC\HFS\3937308I DOC-20/10/201 I - 19

17. The fishing rod according to claim 16, wherein the fishing rod includes: a first part coupled to a second part wherein said first and second parts are adjustably arrangeable relative to each other between at least a first and a second position; 5 wherein when disposed in the first position, the second part is retracted relative to the first part; and when disposed in the second position, the second part is extended relative to the first part; a biasing means for biasing the first part and second part into the second position; 10 and a releasable securement means for holding the first part and the second part in the first position, whereby release of said securement means allows the first and second parts to be urged into the second position as a result of the biasing means. 15

18. The fishing rod according to claim 17, wherein the releasable securement means includes a latch.

19. A method of propelling a projectile from a fishing rod including the steps of: providing the apparatus according to any one of claims I to 16; 20 selectively setting a volume of the releasably sealable first region of the barrel of the apparatus, and wherein the volume of the first region is set by unsealing one of the apertures and inserting therein the projection; feeding the propellant into the first region of the barrel when sealed; and expanding the propellant whereby the expanding propellant causes a projectile 25 disposed within the barrel to be propelled outwardly of the barrel.

20. An apparatus, fishing rod, or method of propelling a projectile from a fishing rod, substantially hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures.