AU2017204118A1 - Fishing Accessory - Google Patents

Abstract

FISHING ACCESSORY In an aspect there is disclosed a fishing accessory (10) for use in attracting fish to a fishing location. The fishing accessory (10) comprises a container (12) to hold bait. The container has one or more holes (14) through which bait are in use dispensed from the container into the fishing location. The fishing accessory (10) comprises an agitator (16) for operative location inside the container (12). The agitator (16) includes an agitator cutting formation (18) for operative cutting of bait located inside the container (12). There is further provided an actuator (20) operatively associated with the agitator (16). In use the actuator (20) causes the agitator (16) and the container (12) to undergo relative movement such that bait inside the container (12) are cut by the agitator cutting formation (18). The actuator (20) comprises a flexible cord (22) a portion of which is locatable within the container (12) and operatively adapted to undergo lateral movement within the container (12) to cut bait in the container (12). (00 C) loz FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3

Description

FISHING ACCESSORY

FIELD [0001] The invention concerns a fishing accessory, in particular but not exclusively, a fishing accessory for use in attracting fish to a fishing location.

BACKGROUND [0002] Fishermen often disperse bait (known in Australia as berley but in many other parts of the world as chum) into the water around a fishing location to attract fish to the location or vessel from which they are fishing. Fish are attracted to the scent of the bait carried on water currents. By having a greater supply of fish at the location being fished a fisherman’s prospects of success are enhanced.

[0003] Berley can be prepared from a range of ingredients and many fishermen have their own “secret” recipes. Typical ingredients for preparing berley include fish scraps, fish bait, berley pellets, chopped meat, fish oil or combinations thereof.

[0004] To dispense berley, fishermen often employ so-called berley cages. The berley is placed inside the berley cage after having been manually cut with a knife. The berley cage with its cut berley is placed in water at the fishing location. Under the influence of water movement the chopped berley is dispersed into the water to produce a berley trail to attract fish.

[0005] Fishermen familiar with the process of preparing a berley cage for use will readily attest that cutting berley before location within a berley cage can be inconvenient and an unsafe exercise. This is particularly the case when the process of berley and berley preparation is undertaken on a small fishing vessel bobbing at sea and by a fisherman cutting berley held by hand.

OBJECT [0006] It is an object of the present invention substantially to overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages associated in cutting berley, or to provide a useful alternative fishing accessory for use in attracting fish to a fishing location.

SUMMARY [0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is disclosed herein a fishing accessory for use in attracting fish to a fishing location, the fishing accessory comprising:

2017204118 18 Jun 2017 a container to hold bait, the container having one or more holes through which bait are in use dispensed from the container into the fishing location;

an agitator for operative location inside the container, the agitator including an agitator cutting formation for operative cutting of bait located inside the container; and an actuator operatively associated with the agitator, in use the actuator causing the agitator and the container to undergo relative movement such that bait inside the container are cut by the agitator cutting formation, wherein the actuator comprises a flexible cord a portion of which is locatable within the container and operatively adapted to undergo lateral movement within the container to cut bait in the container.

[0008] Preferably the container includes a removable closure to close an open bait loading end of the container.

[0009] Preferably the container includes one or more lateral elongate cutting slots in use adapted to facilitate entry of a cutting implement into the container to cut bait located inside the container.

[0010] Preferably the container includes a base end opposing the bait loading end, the base end including a base cutting formation, the base cutting formation operatively cooperating with the agitator cutting formation to cut bait located inside the container.

[0011] Preferably the base end includes a transverse actuator slot to facilitate lateral movement of the actuator within the container.

[0012] Preferably the one or more holes of the container are provided in the form of a plurality of venturi slots operatively adapted to facilitate intake of water into the container and exhaust of water from the container.

[0013] Preferably the agitator comprises a piston.

[0014] Preferably the agitator cutting formation comprises one or more blades extending outwardly from the piston.

[0015] Preferably the piston comprises one or more holes to enable the passage of water through the piston when the agitator and container are caused to undergo relative movement.

2017204118 18 Jun 2017 [0016] Preferably the piston defines a passage to enable the cord to pass through the agitator.

[0017] Preferably the agitator is secured to the cord by stops located on opposite sides of the passage.

[0018] Preferably the actuator is operatively adapted to transfer wave movement into relative movement between the container and the agitator.

[0019] Preferably the flexible cord includes a first coupling formation adjacent the bait loading end and a second coupling formation adjacent the base end.

[0020] Preferably the first coupling formation comprises a looped portion in the cord to facilitate attachment of the container to a water vessel.

[0021] Preferably the flexible cord is a rope.

[0022] Preferably the rope is a stainless steel rope.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is disclosed herein a fishing accessory for use in attracting fish to a fishing location, the fishing accessory comprising:

a container to hold bait, the container having one or more holes through which bait are in use dispensed from the container into the fishing location;

an agitator for operative location inside the container, the agitator including an agitator cutting formation for operative cutting of bait located inside the container; and an actuator operatively associated with the agitator, in use the actuator causing the agitator and the container to undergo relative movement such that bait inside the container are cut by the agitator cutting formation, wherein the container includes one or more lateral cutting slots in use adapted to facilitate entry of a cutting implement into the container to cut bait located inside the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0024] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described hereinafter, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompany drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment fishing accessory;

2017204118 18 Jun 2017 [0026] Figure 2 is an end view of the embodiment fishing accessory;

[0027] Figure 3 is a side view of the embodiment fishing accessory;

[0028] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment fishing accessory at line A-A in Figure 2;

[0029] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a container of the embodiment fishing accessory;

[0030] Figure 6 is an end view of the container of Figure 5;

[0031] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the container at line A-A in Figure 6;

[0032] Figure 8 is a bottom perspective view of a closure of the container of Figure 5;

[0033] Figure 9 is a top perspective view of the closure of Figure 8;

[0034] Figure 10 is a perspective view of an agitator of the embodiment fishing accessory;

[0035] Figure 11 is a bottom view of the agitator in Figure 10;

[0036] Figure 12 is a side view of the agitator of Figure 10;

[0037] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view at the line A-A in Figure 11;

[0038] Figure 14 is a top view of the agitator in Figure 10;

[0039] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a second embodiment container for the fishing accessory;

[0040] Figure 16 is a bottom perspective of a second embodiment closure for the fishing accessory; and [0041] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a second embodiment agitator for the fishing accessory.

2017204118 18 Jun 2017

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0042] Figures 1 to 4 show an embodiment fishing accessory for use in attracting fish to a fishing location, generally indicated with the reference numeral 10. The fishing accessory 10 comprises a container 12 to hold bait, typically berley. The container 12 has a plurality of holes 14 through which bait are in use dispensed from the container 12 into the water at the fishing location.

[0043] The fishing accessory 10 further includes an agitator 16, shown in Figure 4, operatively located inside the container 12. The agitator 16 includes an agitator cutting formation 18 for operative cutting of bait located inside the container 12 as discussed below. The agitator 16 is operatively associated with an actuator 20. In use the actuator 20 causes the container 12 and the agitator 16 to undergo relative movement such that bait inside the container are cut by the agitator cutting formation 18. The actuator 20 of the embodiment fishing accessory 10 comprises a flexible cord 22 a portion 24 of which is locatable within the container 12. The flexible cord portion 24 locatable within the container 12 is adapted to undergo lateral movement within the container 12 so as to cut through bait in the container 12. Such lateral movement is the result of movement of the flexible cord 22 responsive to wave movement in the water being fished, as is discussed below.

[0044] The flexible cord 22 includes a first coupling formation 26 and a second coupling formation 28. In one application the first coupling formation 26 facilitates attachment of the container 12 to a non-illustrated water vessel. The first coupling formation can, for example, be attached to the vessel by a rope. The second coupling formation 28 facilitates attachment to the container 12 of a non-illustrated sinker. The first and second coupling formations 26 and 28 are provided by looped portions in the flexible cord 22. Copper ferrules 29 are employed to form the looped portions.

[0045] The actuator 20 acts to convert wave energy to useful energy by causing relative movement between the container 12 and the agitator 16. In use, with the first coupling formation 26 coupled to the water vessel and the second coupling formation 28 coupled to a sinker, upward movement of a wave will cause the vessel also to move upwards. Such upwards movement of the vessel causes the actuator 20 to pull the agitator 16 towards a bait loading end 30 having a closure 31, thus causing the agitator 16 to move relative to the container 10. As shown, the bait loading end includes a closure 31. Upward movement of the agitator 20 causes the agitator 20 to be “loaded” by providing it with potential energy. After the vessel has moved over the crest of the

2017204118 18 Jun 2017 wave, the boat commences downwards movement towards the trough of the wave. During such downward movement the sinker pulls the actuator 20 downwards in turn causing the agitator 16 to accelerate downwards to impact berley located inside the container 12 whereby the agitator cutting formation 18 will cut the berley. Cut berley will be dispersed through the holes 14 so as to provide a bait trail for attracting fish. In effect the actuator 20 causes the agitator 20 to pump water inside the container 10. Such pumping also produces a swirling effect inside the container 12 to assist with bait distribution.

[0046] Figures 5 to 7 show the container 12 as having a cylindrically shaped body which longitudinally extends between the open bait loading end 30 and the opposing base end 32. The container 12 includes multiple lateral elongate cutting slots 36 in use adapted to facilitate entry of a non-illustrated cutting implement into the container 12 to cut bait located inside the container. The fact that bait can be cut into smaller pieces when located inside the container 12 reduces the likelihood of a fisherman inflicting injury to himself with the cutting implement.

[0047] The container 12 further includes a base cutting formation 38 which projects away from the base end 32 into the container 12. The base cutting formation 38 operatively cooperates with the agitator cutting formation 18 to cut bait located inside the container 12 into smaller pieces. The base cutting formation 38 in this embodiment comprises three blades, one of which is shown and indicated with the reference numeral 40.

[0048] The base end 32 includes a transverse actuator slot 42 to facilitate lateral movement of the cord 22 within the container 12. As discussed above, the cord 22 will at one end be coupled to a sinker. During movement of the cord 22 and the agitator 16 responsive to wave movement, the sinker will cause the cord 22 to undergo lateral movement within the container 12. Such lateral movement is enhanced by the actuator slot 42 providing the cord 22 with more freedom for lateral movement. Enhanced lateral movement of the cord 22 will enhance its ability to cut bait located inside the container 12.

[0049] The holes 14 of the container 12 are provided in the form of a plurality of venturi slots which are operatively adapted to facilitate the intake of water into the container and the exhaust of water from the container. In this embodiment the venturi slots are provided in a number of lateral rows 44. Each venturi slot 14 in a row has the same dimensions and orientation as the other venturi slots 14 in its row. Venturi slots in different rows have different orientations.

2017204118 18 Jun 2017 [0050] The reason for venturi slots with different orientations is that it plays a role in attracting fish to the fishing location. It is known to fishermen that underwater sounds tend to attract fish. Movement of the agitator 16 within the container 12 and its impact on the closure 31 at the bait loading end 30 and the base end 32 generates sound waves which will be transferred by water. By having venturi slots with different orientations, sound waves can be directed into different directions to attract fish. Typically smaller fish will be attracted first. The accumulation of smaller fish in turn will attract larger fish.

[0051] During reciprocal movement of the agitator 16 within the container 12, areas of in front and behind the agitator 16 will fluctuate between areas of relative high pressure, at which time water will be expelled from the container 12, and relative low pressure, at which time water will be drawn into the container 12. Such movement of water into and out of the container 12 will serve to dispense bait into water so as to create a constant bait trail.

[0052] The container 12 includes a closure attachment formation 46 located adjacent the open bait loading end 30. Referring also to Figures 8 and 9, the closure 31 includes a container attachment formation 48 located on a skirt 49. The closure attachment formation 46 and the container attachment formation 48 cooperate to secure the closure 31 to the container 12 in a snapfit. The closure 31 includes finger recesses 50 to provide purchase to a fisherman’s fingers when it is required to remove the closure 31 from the container 12 when it is required to load the container 12 with bait. The closure 31 finally has an actuator hole 51 centrally located in an operative upper surface 53 to enable the cord 22 to pass therethrough.

[0053] The agitator 16 of the fishing accessory 10 is depicted in Figures 10 to 14 of the drawings. The agitator 16 of this embodiment comprises a piston 52 which supports the agitator cutting formation 18. The agitator cutting formation 18 comprises three blades 54, evenly spaced about a central cylindrical body 56, which extend outwardly from the piston 52. The three blades 54 are configured to move past the blades 40 on the base end 32 of the container 12 to extend into blade slots 41 in the base end 32. The cylindrical body 34 includes a bore which defines a passage 58 enabling the cord 22 to pass therethrough. As shown on Figure 11, the piston 52 includes three protrusions 61 on the opposite side as the blades 54.

[0054] The piston 52 has three holes 60 which enable the passage of water through the piston 52 when the agitator 16 and the container 12 are caused to undergo relative movement. This

2017204118 18 Jun 2017 arrangement reduces drag on the agitator 16 and also enhances agitation of bait within the container 12.

[0055] In this embodiment the flexible cord constituting the cord 22 is a stainless steel rope. It will, however, be readily understood that a range of materials could be employed to produce the actuator 20.

[0056] Referring to Figure 4 the actuator 20 enters the container 12 via the actuator hole 51 of the closure 31, passes through the passage 58 of the agitator 16 and exists the container 12 via the agitator slot 42. The agitator 16 is secured to the cord 22 by stops 62 located on opposite sides of the passage 58. In this embodiment the stops 62 are in the form of ferrules.

[0057] In a non-illustrated embodiment the flexible cord includes transverse members, typically thin wires or fibres. In use such transverse members will act as sheers and act to remove bait from the base end 32. It will also serve to drag bait through the agitator slot 42.

[0058] Although the above embodiment has been described with reference to the cord 22 being attached to a water vessel, the agitator 16 can also be caused to undergo reciprocal movement within the container 12 by a user pulling upwardly on the cord 22.

[0059] The fishing accessory 10 can be secured to a variety of locations on a water vessel, including an anchor of a vessel or a float on the anchor. Further, the fishing accessory could also be cast into a fishing location from land, for example when fishing from rocks or the beach, and then be secured to an anchor point on land. A fisherman may also manually cause the agitator 16 to pump berley and water by pulling on the actuator 20.

[0060] Figure 15 shows a container 70 for a second embodiment fishing accessory. The container 70 differs from the container 12 in that it is shorter in length.

[0061] Figure 16 shows another closure 72 for the container 12. In this embodiment the closure 70 includes a cutting formation 74 comprising three blades 76 for cutting hurley. The cutting formation 74 co-operates with a cutting formation 80, shown in Figure 17, of a second embodiment agitator 82. The cutting formation 80 comprises three blades 84. The agitator 82 also includes a cutting formation 86 on an opposite side of a piston 88. It will be appreciated that

2017204118 18 Jun 2017 the agitator 82 differs from the agitator 16 in that it has cutting formations 80, 86 on either side of the piston 88.

[0062] In a non-illustrated embodiment the fishing accessory 10 includes a light emitting diode (LED), typically powered by a solar panel and battery, and a water switch. When submerged the water switch will activate the LED to attract fish. The fishing accessory can also be clipped to a lifejacket or clothing and can in an emergency situation assist search and rescue teams to locate a person at sea having the activated LED.

[0063] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims (18)

1. A fishing accessory for use in attracting fish to a fishing location, the fishing accessory comprising:

a container to hold bait, the container having one or more holes through which bait are in use dispensed from the container into the fishing location;

an agitator for operative location inside the container, the agitator including an agitator cutting formation for operative cutting of bait located inside the container; and an actuator operatively associated with the agitator, in use the actuator causing the agitator and the container to undergo relative movement such that bait inside the container are cut by the agitator cutting formation, wherein the actuator comprises a flexible cord a portion of which is locatable within the container and operatively adapted to undergo lateral movement within the container to cut bait in the container.

2. A fishing accessory according to claim 1, wherein the container includes a removable closure to close an open bait loading end of the container.

3. A fishing accessory according to claim 2, wherein the container includes one or more lateral elongate cutting slots in use adapted to facilitate entry of a cutting implement into the container to cut bait located inside the container.

4. A fishing accessory according to claim 3, wherein the container includes a base end opposing the bait loading end, the base end including a base cutting formation, the base cutting formation operatively cooperating with the agitator cutting formation to cut bait located inside the container.

5. A fishing accessory according to claim 4, wherein the base end includes a transverse actuator slot to facilitate lateral movement of the actuator within the container.

6. A fishing accessory according to claim 5, wherein the one or more holes of the container are provided in the form of a plurality of venturi slots operatively adapted to facilitate intake of water into the container and exhaust of water from the container.

2017204118 18 Jun 2017

7. A fishing accessory according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the agitator comprises a piston.

8. A fishing accessory according to claim 7, wherein the agitator cutting formation comprises one or more blades extending outwardly from the piston.

9. A fishing accessory according to claim 8, wherein the piston comprises one or more holes to enable the passage of water through the piston when the agitator and container are caused to undergo relative movement.

10. A fishing accessory according to claim 9, wherein the piston defines a passage to enable the cord to pass through the agitator.

11. A fishing accessory according to claim 10, wherein the agitator is secured to the cord by stops located on opposite sides of the passage.

12. A fishing accessory according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator is operatively adapted to transfer wave movement into relative movement between the container and the agitator.

13. A fishing accessory according to claim 12, wherein the flexible cord includes a first coupling formation adjacent the bait loading end and a second coupling formation adjacent the base end.

14. A fishing accessory according to claim 13, wherein the first coupling formation comprises a looped portion in the cord to facilitate attachment of the container to a water vessel.

15. A fishing accessory according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible cord is a rope.

16. A fishing accessory according to claim 15, wherein the rope is a stainless steel rope.

17. A fishing accessory for use in attracting fish to a fishing location, the fishing accessory comprising:

a container to hold bait, the container having one or more holes through which bait are in use dispensed from the container into the fishing location;

2017204118

18 Jun2017 an agitator for operative location inside the container, the agitator including an agitator cutting formation for operative cutting of bait located inside the container; and an actuator operatively associated with the agitator, in use the actuator causing the agitator and the container to undergo relative movement such that bait inside the container are cut by the agitator cutting formation, wherein the container includes one or more lateral cutting slots in use adapted to facilitate entry of a cutting implement into the container to cut bait located inside the container.