CA1221536A - Automatic submersion downrigger releasing device - Google Patents
Automatic submersion downrigger releasing deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA1221536A CA1221536A CA000494172A CA494172A CA1221536A CA 1221536 A CA1221536 A CA 1221536A CA 000494172 A CA000494172 A CA 000494172A CA 494172 A CA494172 A CA 494172A CA 1221536 A CA1221536 A CA 1221536A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- wheel
- line
- downrigger
- plug
- frame
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 claims 3
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 15
- 241000251468 Actinopterygii Species 0.000 description 3
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K91/00—Lines
- A01K91/06—Apparatus on lines not otherwise provided for, e.g. automatic hookers
- A01K91/08—Trolling devices
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Husbandry (AREA)
- Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A device for attachment to a fishing line and for releasably gripping a downrigger line, consisting of a wheel for automatic submersion down the downrigger line, and a frame that breaks open upon tension by means of a pull-away plug.
A device for attachment to a fishing line and for releasably gripping a downrigger line, consisting of a wheel for automatic submersion down the downrigger line, and a frame that breaks open upon tension by means of a pull-away plug.
Description
SPECIFICATION
122153~
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the release of a downrigger line from a, fishing line. A downrigger line is a device used in fishing at considerable depths. A heavy weight is attached to the downrigger line to achieve an approximately vertical downrigger line even when trolling. The fishing line is attached to the downrigger line at some point down the downrigger line, in order to achieve a great depth of the lure or bait at the end of the fishing line when trolling. When a fish strikes, it is necessary, as a matter of law, sportsmanship, or convenience, that the fishing line become detached from the downrigger line. The continued attachment of the weight would be considered unfair to the fish and further would require the fisherman to reel in the downrigger line, with the downrigger line or indirectly with the fishing line, to bring in the fish.
This invention is a unique assemblage of known components and methods. It is comprised of readily available or readily fashioned components made of or from plastic, rubber, metal, wood or other materials. The parts are brought together in a specific form or forms to comprise a new device which is this invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR TECHNOLOGY 12~153~
A number of mechanisms have been invented for the purpose of attaching the fishing line to the downrigger line, while providing detachment at the appropriate time. A common system in such mechanisms is to have a frame attached to the downrigger line and ~urrounding the fishing line, which breaks open under sufficient tension, releasing the fishing line. A common method of enabling to the opening of the frame is to have a plug inserted into a tube, with the breaking tension determined by the degree of force used in jamming the plug into the tube. Other, more sophisticated devices to enable the release required have also been invented.
Two examples are shown in U.~. Patent Numbers 4,395,481 and 4,417,414. Previous inventions have the release mechanism affixed to the downrigger line and have the mechanism remain attached to the downrigger line rather than to the fishing line upon release.
This has the disadvantages of requiring the downrigger line and its weight to be hauled up in order to check the lure or bait or, after the release, in order to reset the mechanism for more trolling. In prior designs these disadvantages would not be overcome by affixation to the fishing line in any event, because no means has herebefore been provided to enable the release mechanism to slide down an already submerged downrigger line into operative position. The within invention overcomes these disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
12~1~3~
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a drawing showing a perspective view of an embodiment of the release device, which is this invention, in trolling position, affixed to the fishing line and attached to the downrigger line.
Figure 2 is an exploded side view of the embodiment.
Figure 3 is an exploded top view of the embodiment.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a downrigger releasing device that is automatically submersible down an already submerged downrigger line.
A further object of the invention is to provide a downrigger releasing device that may be reeled into the boat along with the fishing line, without retrieving the downrigger line and weight.
To this end, the invention provides a wheel on an axle as part of a break-away frame for enclosing the downrigger line. The wheel and axle assembly, or pulley, is affixed at each end of the axle 12Z~53~, to trailing wires which are in turn affixed at their other ends to a breakaway mechanism. A common plug and tube mechanism, whereby the plug requires a measure of force to be pulled out of the tube will suffice as the breakawy mechanism.
The fishing line is attached to the trailing, breakaway mechanism end of the device, and the frame is joined up around the downrigger line by connecting the breakaway mechanism. The device may then be submerged down the downrigger line, taking the fishing line, lure and bait with it, simply by positioning the \ downrigger line against the pulley and reeling out the fishing line. The fishing line, together with the automatic submersion releasing device, may be reeled in again without reeling in the downrigger line. This can be done regardless of whether or not the device has been caused to release the downrigger line.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figure 1 shows the downrigger line 1 with weight 2 suspended from a trolling boat 3. The automatic submersion downrigger releasing device 4 is attached around the downrigger line 1 and is affixed to the fishing line 5. The fishing lure or bait 6 trail the entire apparatus at the desired depth, determined by the heaviness of the weight 2, the length of the downrigger line 1, the length of fishing line 5 reeled out, and the speed of the boat 3. The fishing line 5 can be reeled in by the rod and reel 7, together with the device 4, without disturbing or reeling in the downrigger line with the downrigger reel 8.
~'~Z~36 Referring to Figure 2, the pulley wheel 9 consists of an outer rolling surface 10 that is tapered from either end toward the middle so as to form an effective spool to keep the downrigger line 11 positioned on the wheel. Alternately or additionally a groove 12 can be made within the narrowest part of the taper to further enable to the downrigger line 11 to stay on the wheel 9.
If the taper and the groove 12 are positioned off-center on the wheel, toward the si~e of the frame where the break occurs, at 13, then the releasing of the downrigger line 11 will be enhanced, by distributing more force to the side of ~he frame where the break will occur at 13, and by providing a more certain direction for the downrigger line 11 to exit the frame once the frame has been broken. The pulley wheel 9 is mounted on an axle 14 through which the trailing wires 15 are attached. The wheel 9 and the axle 14 may be made of a plastic that is lubricated by water. Washers 16 may be used to bolster the retaining effect of the wires 15 to keep the wheel 9 on the axle 14 and to facilitate the turning of the wheel 9 on the axle 14. The wires 15 may be covered with an insulating material 17 to reduce any fraying that might occur should the downrigger line 11 or the fishing line 18 mischance to rub against the wires 15. The insulating material 17 can have a tapered stub 19 to guide a misplaced downrigger line back onto the wheel at the proper position 11. The trailing ends of the wires 15 are attached respectively to the releasing mechanism plug 20 and tube 21. The tube 21 is connected by a pin 22 and swivel 23 to the fishing line 18. The releasing mechanism shown in Figure 2 is one that has an adjustable releasing force by means of an adjusting screw 24 that increases or decreases pressure on a spring 25 that in turn increases or decreases pressure on a pin 26 that in turn increases or decreases pressure on the release plug 20 at a groove 27 in the plug 20. The groove 27 is smoothed and tapered to as to allow the plug 20 to slide against the pin 26 when opposing forces are exerted by the downrigger line 11 and the fishing line 18.
When the plug 20 slides against the pin 26, the spring 25 is depressed until the pin 26 exits the groove 27, at which point the plug 20 exits the tube 21, and the frame breaks open, releasing the downrigger line 11. The releasing could be accomplished without such a mechanism, by using a breakable, replaceable line of known approximate tensile strength.
Referring to Figure 3, the downrigger line 28 is shown in its groove 29 in the wheel 30. The wheel's axle 31 is attached to the trailing wires 32. The plug 33 is within the releasing mechanism tube 34, that is in turn attached to the pin 35, that is in turn at-tached to the swivel 36, whereby the device is attached to the fishing line 37.
The parts of the automatic submersion downrigger release device should be made of non-corrosible metal and other materials that will withstand being submerged in fresh and salt water.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The presently disclosed ernbodiment is therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.
122153~
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the release of a downrigger line from a, fishing line. A downrigger line is a device used in fishing at considerable depths. A heavy weight is attached to the downrigger line to achieve an approximately vertical downrigger line even when trolling. The fishing line is attached to the downrigger line at some point down the downrigger line, in order to achieve a great depth of the lure or bait at the end of the fishing line when trolling. When a fish strikes, it is necessary, as a matter of law, sportsmanship, or convenience, that the fishing line become detached from the downrigger line. The continued attachment of the weight would be considered unfair to the fish and further would require the fisherman to reel in the downrigger line, with the downrigger line or indirectly with the fishing line, to bring in the fish.
This invention is a unique assemblage of known components and methods. It is comprised of readily available or readily fashioned components made of or from plastic, rubber, metal, wood or other materials. The parts are brought together in a specific form or forms to comprise a new device which is this invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR TECHNOLOGY 12~153~
A number of mechanisms have been invented for the purpose of attaching the fishing line to the downrigger line, while providing detachment at the appropriate time. A common system in such mechanisms is to have a frame attached to the downrigger line and ~urrounding the fishing line, which breaks open under sufficient tension, releasing the fishing line. A common method of enabling to the opening of the frame is to have a plug inserted into a tube, with the breaking tension determined by the degree of force used in jamming the plug into the tube. Other, more sophisticated devices to enable the release required have also been invented.
Two examples are shown in U.~. Patent Numbers 4,395,481 and 4,417,414. Previous inventions have the release mechanism affixed to the downrigger line and have the mechanism remain attached to the downrigger line rather than to the fishing line upon release.
This has the disadvantages of requiring the downrigger line and its weight to be hauled up in order to check the lure or bait or, after the release, in order to reset the mechanism for more trolling. In prior designs these disadvantages would not be overcome by affixation to the fishing line in any event, because no means has herebefore been provided to enable the release mechanism to slide down an already submerged downrigger line into operative position. The within invention overcomes these disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
12~1~3~
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a drawing showing a perspective view of an embodiment of the release device, which is this invention, in trolling position, affixed to the fishing line and attached to the downrigger line.
Figure 2 is an exploded side view of the embodiment.
Figure 3 is an exploded top view of the embodiment.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a downrigger releasing device that is automatically submersible down an already submerged downrigger line.
A further object of the invention is to provide a downrigger releasing device that may be reeled into the boat along with the fishing line, without retrieving the downrigger line and weight.
To this end, the invention provides a wheel on an axle as part of a break-away frame for enclosing the downrigger line. The wheel and axle assembly, or pulley, is affixed at each end of the axle 12Z~53~, to trailing wires which are in turn affixed at their other ends to a breakaway mechanism. A common plug and tube mechanism, whereby the plug requires a measure of force to be pulled out of the tube will suffice as the breakawy mechanism.
The fishing line is attached to the trailing, breakaway mechanism end of the device, and the frame is joined up around the downrigger line by connecting the breakaway mechanism. The device may then be submerged down the downrigger line, taking the fishing line, lure and bait with it, simply by positioning the \ downrigger line against the pulley and reeling out the fishing line. The fishing line, together with the automatic submersion releasing device, may be reeled in again without reeling in the downrigger line. This can be done regardless of whether or not the device has been caused to release the downrigger line.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figure 1 shows the downrigger line 1 with weight 2 suspended from a trolling boat 3. The automatic submersion downrigger releasing device 4 is attached around the downrigger line 1 and is affixed to the fishing line 5. The fishing lure or bait 6 trail the entire apparatus at the desired depth, determined by the heaviness of the weight 2, the length of the downrigger line 1, the length of fishing line 5 reeled out, and the speed of the boat 3. The fishing line 5 can be reeled in by the rod and reel 7, together with the device 4, without disturbing or reeling in the downrigger line with the downrigger reel 8.
~'~Z~36 Referring to Figure 2, the pulley wheel 9 consists of an outer rolling surface 10 that is tapered from either end toward the middle so as to form an effective spool to keep the downrigger line 11 positioned on the wheel. Alternately or additionally a groove 12 can be made within the narrowest part of the taper to further enable to the downrigger line 11 to stay on the wheel 9.
If the taper and the groove 12 are positioned off-center on the wheel, toward the si~e of the frame where the break occurs, at 13, then the releasing of the downrigger line 11 will be enhanced, by distributing more force to the side of ~he frame where the break will occur at 13, and by providing a more certain direction for the downrigger line 11 to exit the frame once the frame has been broken. The pulley wheel 9 is mounted on an axle 14 through which the trailing wires 15 are attached. The wheel 9 and the axle 14 may be made of a plastic that is lubricated by water. Washers 16 may be used to bolster the retaining effect of the wires 15 to keep the wheel 9 on the axle 14 and to facilitate the turning of the wheel 9 on the axle 14. The wires 15 may be covered with an insulating material 17 to reduce any fraying that might occur should the downrigger line 11 or the fishing line 18 mischance to rub against the wires 15. The insulating material 17 can have a tapered stub 19 to guide a misplaced downrigger line back onto the wheel at the proper position 11. The trailing ends of the wires 15 are attached respectively to the releasing mechanism plug 20 and tube 21. The tube 21 is connected by a pin 22 and swivel 23 to the fishing line 18. The releasing mechanism shown in Figure 2 is one that has an adjustable releasing force by means of an adjusting screw 24 that increases or decreases pressure on a spring 25 that in turn increases or decreases pressure on a pin 26 that in turn increases or decreases pressure on the release plug 20 at a groove 27 in the plug 20. The groove 27 is smoothed and tapered to as to allow the plug 20 to slide against the pin 26 when opposing forces are exerted by the downrigger line 11 and the fishing line 18.
When the plug 20 slides against the pin 26, the spring 25 is depressed until the pin 26 exits the groove 27, at which point the plug 20 exits the tube 21, and the frame breaks open, releasing the downrigger line 11. The releasing could be accomplished without such a mechanism, by using a breakable, replaceable line of known approximate tensile strength.
Referring to Figure 3, the downrigger line 28 is shown in its groove 29 in the wheel 30. The wheel's axle 31 is attached to the trailing wires 32. The plug 33 is within the releasing mechanism tube 34, that is in turn attached to the pin 35, that is in turn at-tached to the swivel 36, whereby the device is attached to the fishing line 37.
The parts of the automatic submersion downrigger release device should be made of non-corrosible metal and other materials that will withstand being submerged in fresh and salt water.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The presently disclosed ernbodiment is therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.
Claims (13)
1. A device for fixed attachment to a fishing line, consisting of a wheel for automatic submersion down a downrigger line, and a frame that breaks open under tension for releasing the downrigger line.
2. A device as claimed in Claim 1 above, in which the frame consists in part of a line that breaks under tension.
3. A device as claimed in Claim 1 above, in which the frame breaks open under tension by means of a pull-away plug.
4. A device as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3 above, in which the wheel is tapered toward its middle to assist in the retention of the downrigger line on the wheel.
5. A device as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3 above, in which the wheel has a groove in it to assist in the retention of the downrigger line on the wheel.
6. A device as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3 above, in which the wheel has spool-like rims to assist in the retention of the downrigger line on the wheel.
7. A device as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3 above, in which the sides of the frame on either side of the wheel consist of wires.
8. A device as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3 above, in which the sides of the frame on either side of the wheel have tapered guides to assist in the placement or relocation of the downrigger line on the wheel.
9. A device as claimed in Claim 3 above, in which the pull-away plug consists of a plug and socket with a groove around the plug and a pressure pin located in the socket to fit into the groove when the plug is inserted into the socket.
10. A device as claimed in Claim 3 above, in which the pull-away tension is determinable by means of ridges or marks on the plug to indicate the degree of insertion into the socket.
11. A device as claimed in Claim 3 or 9 above, in which the pull-away tension is determined by means of the setting of a screw that increases or decreases pressure on the plug.
12. A device as claimed in Claim 3 or 9 above, in which a spring is used to exert variable pressure on the plug.
13. A device as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3 above, in which the wheel is unsymmetrically tapered or grooved so as to position the downrigger line off-centre on the wheel.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000494172A CA1221536A (en) | 1985-10-15 | 1985-10-15 | Automatic submersion downrigger releasing device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000494172A CA1221536A (en) | 1985-10-15 | 1985-10-15 | Automatic submersion downrigger releasing device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1221536A true CA1221536A (en) | 1987-05-12 |
Family
ID=4131747
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000494172A Expired CA1221536A (en) | 1985-10-15 | 1985-10-15 | Automatic submersion downrigger releasing device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1221536A (en) |
-
1985
- 1985-10-15 CA CA000494172A patent/CA1221536A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |