CA1262628A - Remote release deep trolling system - Google Patents

Abstract

REMOTE RELEASE DEEP TROLLING SYSTEM

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the invention, a fishing line connecting device can be connected to a first line or cable for use below the surface of a body of water. The device can be releasably connected to a second line. There is a release mechanism for releasing the second line when the release mechanism is struck.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus for adapting a fishing rod and reel for use with a depth seeking weight. The apparatus has a bracket for holding the rod in a substantially horizontal position, a guide pulley for guiding a line wound on the reel and passing downwardly into the water and bollards between the bracket and the guide pulley for restraining movement of the line between the rod and the guide pulley.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is a release device having a first member with an aperture and a second member having a portion tapering towards one end thereof and shaped to wedge within the first aperture so the one end passes through the aperture. The one end has another aperture for connecting a spring scale to set a force wedging the second member in the first aperture.

Description

- ~2~2~

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention rel~tes to fishing equipment, namely to improved systems for deep trolling.

Conventional downriggers employ a relatively heavy downrigger line or cable with R heavy wei~ht on the 0nd. This weight carries t31e cable to the desired fishing depth. The Iisherman employs a separate reel and line Ior fishing. The fishing line is rele~ably secured to the 10 downrigger line just above the weight so the weight carries the fishing tackle to the desired depth. Typically, the relea3e mechanism employs a wedge shaped member fitted, to a tighter or looser degree, within an aperture on ~nother member. When a fish strikes the hook on the end of the fishing line, the two members are intended to pull apQrt, releasing the 15 fishing line from the downrigger line. Thus9 the fisherman is then supposed to be free to reel in the flsh without interference from the downrigger line.

However, in practice, certain difficulties arise. ~or example, the fisherman must wedge the two members together with 2û sufficient force so they are not prematurely released under horizontal or vertical tension. At the same time, the force must not be so large so that the device fails to relea3e when a fish strikes the hook. The force exerted to push the two members together depends on certain factors such ~s the size of the fish being sQught. However, the fi~herman has no accurate 25 means of determining the correct ~orce ~nd the result is that the two members frequently rele~se prematurely or fail to release when a fish strikes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Aocording to one aspect of the invention, a fishing line connecting device has means for connecting the device to a ~irst line or .

a cable for use below ehe surface of a bod~ of water. There is rneans for releasably connecting the device to a second line and release means for releasing the second line when the release means is struek.

Preferrably~ the release mefln~ is adapted to be struck by a weight slidably engaging the first line or cable and dropped downwardly to the device.

In a preferred form, the device comprises a hollow outer member and a second member slidably received in the outer member.
The outer member has an aperture in a side thereof. The means for releasably connecting comprises a pin on the inner member adjacent the aperture and having free end. The second member has a normal position where the pin extends across the aperture to connect a loop of the second line about the pin. The seeond member is displaceable relative to the first member by the striking weight so the free end moves across the aperture to release the loop.

According to another aspect OI the invention, there i5 an apparatus for adapting a fishing rod and reel for use with a depth seeking weight. The apparatus comprises bracket mean~ for holding the rod in a substantislly horizontal position, guide pulley means for guiding a line wound on the reel and passjng downwardly into the w~t~r and bollard means beeween the bracket means snd the guide pulley means for restraining as movement of the line between the rod and the guide pulley means.
According to a further aspect of the invention, a rele~se device has a first member with an aperture and a second member having a portion tapering towards one end thereof ~nd shaped to wedge within the aperture so the one end passes through the aperture. The one end has a means for eonnecting a force setting device to set a force wedging the second member in the aperture.

i2 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front view, partly broken away, of a first embodiment of a fishing line connecting device;

Figure2 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line

2-2 of Fi gure 1;
10 ~igure 3 is a side view of a second embodiment of a fishing line connecting device;

Figure 4 is a side view, partly broken away, of a third embodiment of a fishing line connecting deviee connected to fishing tackle;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an apparatus for adupting a fishing rod and reel for use with R depth seeking weight;

20 Figure 6 is a side view of the fishing line connecting device and other fishing tackle connected to the fishing line of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a side view of three fishing rods used simultaneously with a single downrigger line in combination with three of the devices o~ Figure l;

Figure 8 is a side view of fishing appar~tus used with the device of Figure 1 and a plurality of weights used to reconnect the device to the downrigger line near the depth seeking weight;

Figure 9 is a side view of fishing apparatus including the device ~6 ~

of Figure 1 used with a single rod and downrig~er line;

Figure 10 iB a perspec~ive view of a fishing tackle cornbination including the device of Figure 1 and a bag for rele~sably holding a depth seekin~ weight;

Figure Ll is a side ~view of the device of Figure 1 used in combination with apparatus used to release a snag;

Figure 12 is a side view of a release device havin~ means for connecting a force settin~ device for wedging one member into another member; ~nd Figure 13 is a plan view of the device of ~igure 12; and Figure 14 is a ~ide view of a ~ourth embodiment of a fishing line eonnecting device having means for releasing a line when a release means is struck.

ao DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRRD EMBODIM~NT~

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, these illustrate a fishing line connecting device I connected to a first line or cable, in this case a downrigger eable 2. The device is also releasably connected to a second ~5 line 3 as shown in Figure 1.

The device has an outer member or housing 4 in the ~orm of a hollow cylinder. The housing has an open top 6 and a disc-shaped bottom 8 having a central aperture 10. The bottom has a lip 12 extending 30 from one side thereo~. The lip is provided with an aperture 14.

A substantially cylindrical second member or plunger 16 is slidably received in the housin~ for reciprocAtion in the longitudinal direction which is the vertical direction illustrated in ~igures 1 and 2. The plunger is resiliently biased toward~ a norma~ position illustr~ted in Figure 1 by a coil spring 18 located ~bove the bottom of the housing. The plur~er 5 has a bottom projection 20 of smaller diameter which îits within the coil spring. A washer 22 fits over the proiection and rest~ ontop of the coil spring.

Plwlger 16 he,s a cut out portion 24 on the side thereoî
having a bottom surface 26. A pin 28 is tightly ~itted within Qn ~perture 30 projecting downw~qrdly from bottom surface 26. The cut out portion 24 has a top surface 3a and the pin 28 ha~ a free end 34 spaced apart from the top surface.

lS There is a rectangul~r aperture 36 in the side of housing 4. In the normal position of Figure 1, it may be obsel~ved that the pin 28 extends completely across the aperture due to the fact that the free end 34 of the pin i9 above the top 38 of the apertute. It m~y be obsetved in Figure 1 that a loop 40 on line 3 is thus secured on the pin.

Plunger 16 is kept within the housing by a retaining ring 42 having two ends 44 and 4~ projecting into the housing through apertures 48 and 50. Upward and sideways movement of the plunger is limit~d when ends 44 and 46 contQct the bottom surface 26 OI the cut out portion oi the 25 plunger.

The plunget is displacable downwardly to the position o~
Figure 1 where the coil spring is eompressed. In moving between the normal position of Yigure 1 and the displaced position of Pigure a, the free end 34 of 30 the pin moves ~cross the aperture 36 in the housing. This releases the 1OGP
40 of the second line 3 a8 ~hown in Figure a.

The downrigger cable 2 ~its through a length o~ tuhinK
52 whieh projects above the open top 6 of the housing in the normal position of Figure L The cable then extend~ through an aperture 56 extending longitudinally through plunger 16 and finally through aperture 10 in the bottom of the housing. The apertures 56 and 10 servs as me~ns for connecting the downrigger cable to the device. A 5plit ~hot 58 is crimped on the end of the c~le to keep the cable from pulling out of the device.

The length of tubing 5~ serve3 a~ means ror releasing the second line 3 when the tubing i5 ~truck on its top 60 by a weight 62.
Downrigger cable 2 fits through eyelets 64 and 66 on the weight. When the fisherman wishes to release line 3, he simply drops weight 62 from Qbove.
The weight drops until it strikes the top 60 of length of tubing 52. The length of tubing has a bottom 68 which strikeg top 70 o~ the plunger. This compresses coil spring 18 ~nd moves the plunger to the po~ition of ~igure 2.
In the process, loop 40 on second line 3 is relea~ed from the free end 34 of pin 28 ~s the free end pa~es acro~s the aperture 36 in the hou~ing.

Figure 3 illustrate~ a slight variation Ll of the device shown in Figures 1 and 2. In this case, the pin 28.1 is connected to plunger lB.l by a hinge 72. This allows the pin to swing outwardly through aperture 63.1 in housing 4.1. In some cases this may better assure release of the second line.

Figure 4 illustrates another variation of the device 1.2 having a projection 74 below the bottom 8.2 of the housing. The projection is hollow with an opening 76 on one side thereof. Lip 12.2 and aperture 10.2 are located on the projection. The projection has a bottom 78 with an aperture ao. The projection ~nd aperture 80 serves as mean~ for connecting a third line 82 to the device. A weight 84 is typically carried on the third line. The third line i~ prevented from slipping through aperture 80 by a split shot 86 crimped on top o~ the third line.

" ` `i ~igure 10 illustrates another variation of the device 1.4 used for releasably holding ~ weight 84.4. 7'h~ device L4 i~ e~sentially similar to the device I shs)wn in Figures 1 and 2. Second line 3.4 passes Preelythrough ~perture 10.4 and is connected to net bag 92 to one side o~ its open top end 90. The bag has a closed bottom end 94 connected to a foLIrth line 96. The opposite end of line 96 is connected to aperture 84.4. This device is adapted for use with a single fishing line 2.4 instead of a downrigger cable.
The line 2.4 passes through the device and ha~ a hock 98 connected to its free end. Split shot 58.4 prevents the line from moving upwardly through the device. The weight 84.4 is used to ta~ce the hook and attached dodging device 100 to the required depth and mainWn them at thisdepthuntil a fish strikes. At this point, the fisherman will wish to release the weight 84.4.
This is accomplished by dropping ~ weight, similar to weight 62 o~ Figures 1 and 2, down the fishing lins 2.4 to strike length of tubing 52.4. This releases line 3.4 which slips through aperture 10.4 and allows the open end 90 of the bag to fall below the weight 84.4. This allow3 the weight to fall through the open end. The fisherman can then play the fish without the restriction of the we~ght. Obviously, weight 84.4 ~hould b~ of A disposable nature suoh QS
a ro~k.

When the boat moves throu~h the water, there may be a tendency for lines 3.4 and 96 to tangle. For this reason, a rudder 102 is used.
Line 96 passes through an opening 104 at one end of the rudder. Line 3.4 is held by a pair of fins 106 and 108 which extend away from each in a V-shaped arrangement. A split shot 109, acting as a stop, holds the rudder in vertical position on the line. The rudder tends to keep lines 3.4 and 96 from tangling as the apparatus moves through the water.

Figure 14 illustrates another variation of a fishing line connecting device. Device 1.5 is quite different in construction from the previous embodiments. This device comprises el pair of elongated members 110 and 112 which are generally I~shaped. Member 110 has a bend 114 while member 112 has the corresponding bend 116. The members ~re pivotally ~2~

connected together by a pin 118. Member 110 h~s a jaw 120 at one end which normally meets a similar jaw 122 of rnember 112. A coil spring line extends between the members to bias the members 80 the jaws 120 and 122 are together. JQW 120 has an outwardly angled pin 123 received in aperture 125 o~ jaw 122. The pin holds a loop of line 3.5 and release~ the loop when the jaws move apart. The members have corresponding apertures 124 and 126 at the ends opposite the jaws. ~ downrigger line 2.5 passes through these apertures and has a weight 84.5 secured at the bottom end. End 128 of member 110 adjacent aperture 124 serves as means for releasing line 3.5. A
- weight 62.5 is dropped from above to s~rike this end of the member and compress spring 144. This opens jaws 120 and 122 to release the line.

In some cases a fisherman may wish to rele&se a fishing line, for example frorr. a downrigger line, without using weight a¢tivated means. The embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 13 provides meuns for releasing the fishing line at a predetermined force. However, unlike prior art devices, the release force can be accurately set. Release device 130 has a first member 132 with a colla~like portion or hollow housing 134 having an aperture 136 passing completely therethough. The device also has a second member or pin 138 which has a ball-shaped portion 140 at one end and a tapering portion 142 extending from the ball-shaped protion. The tapering portion is shaped to fit within the aperture 136 of the first member. The first member also has a loo~shaped portion 144. When the first member receives the second member, ~ shown in ~igures 12 and 13, the ball~haped a5 portion of the second member forms a first end of the device 146. A ~econd end 1~8 of the device 130 i5 formed by a portion of the loop 144 extending further from the first end 146 than end 150 of the second member.

An aperture 152 comprises means for connecting the device to one line, for example a downrigger line. Another line, for example the ~ishing line, passes through an aperture 154 in the second member. The fishing line may be wedged between the first member and second member if the fisherman does not wish the iishing line to slide through aperture 154.

%~

An elongated aper~tlre 15~ near end 150 of the second 5 member comprises means for connecting a force setting device to set a force wedging the second member in aperture 136. The force setting device is normally a spring scale. In use, the fisherman normally grasps collarlike portion 134 with one hand and holds the spring scale with the other hand.
The hook of the spring sca~e is fitted within aperture 156. The ~isherman 10 pulls on the scale to achieve any certain reading on the scale. A chart can be provided so the fisherman can determine what scale reading is required for the desired release force for the particular fishing conditions~

- Figure 7 illustrates how the previously described release 15 devices may be used by three fish0rmen employing three separate fishing rods 158, 159 and 160 fishing from a boat 162 on the surface 1~5 of a body of water. A single downrigger line 164 is connected to a downrigger 166. Three separate dodgers 168, 170 and 172 are connected to the downrigger line by a conventional non-slip "S" stop or equivalent means. Each of the dod~ers is 20 connected to a line 3, each provided with a loop 40. The loops are releasablyconnected to fishing lines 174,176 and 178 by three o~ the release devices L
A weight ~2 is slidably received on each of the fishing lines and is normally held near the surface OI the water by a restraining line 180 as illustrated for fishing line 174 only. When a fish strikes any particularline, the weight 62.7 is 25 dropped on that particular line to strike the corresponding release device 1. This releases the fishing line from the downrigger line and allows a fisherman to play the fish in a conventional manner. E`or example, fishing line 178 shown released from the downrigger line and dodger 172 in ~igure 7.

The previously described release devices can also be used when the fisherman is "mooching". This means dragging a mooching weight 182 along the Sottom 184 as illustrated in Figure 11. A rock or other disposable mooching weight may be used. The hope is that - lo -the mooching weight will stir up fish on the bottom so they may be attracted lo hook 185. However, an in~lerent problern is the mooching weight becoming snagged as between two r ocks 188 and 190 iIIustrated in Figure 11. The fisherman in order to save his Ijrle~ will have to r elease the mooching weight 5 For ~his purpose, the mooc~ling weigtIt i9 connected to a line 3.6 which is releasably connected to a release device 1. When the line becomes snagged, the fisherman drops a weight down fishing line 2.6 to release line 3.6. This allows line 2.6 and the release device to be reeled in while losing only the mooching weight and hook.

Figure 8 illustrates an arrangement which allows the fisherman to begin fishing again af~er fishing line 3.7 is released from downrigger cable 2.7 without raising the downrigger cable and weight 84.7.
This is done by fitting a plurality of sli~able weights 62.7 over the 15 downrigger cable. The we~ights are held by the same number of hooks 192 connected to a restraining line 194. Alternatively a plurality of rings such as ring 195 may be held by the hooks. The weights are connected to the rings as required The release device 1 is connected to a dodger 196 having a line 198 on one side and a line 199 on the opposite side. Line 199 is relensably 20 connected to the release device 1. When a fish is hooked, the fisherman drops a weight down line 3.7 to release the release device from the dodger.
After the release device has been reeled in, it may be re-at~ached to the lowest weight 62.7 by another dodger flnd similar lines 198 and 199. The weight is removed from a hook and dropped down downrigger line 2.7 until it 25 reaches weighe 84.7. The fisherman may then resume fishing. A stop 200 in the nature of a split length of metal ~ubing, for example, is connected to a downrigger line 2.7 above the weight 84.7. This prevents the weight 72.7 from rising during normal fishing. However, stop 200 is sufficiently small to allow weight 62.7 to drop over the stop during the downward motion.

Figure 9 illustrates an arrangement using the release device 80 releasably connected to downri~ger cable 2.8 by a line 3.8. In this case, fishing line 202 and the release device are separated from the ~1:1~

downrigger cable, weight 84.8 and dodger ao4 W~len a weight i~ dropped down fishing line 202.

Figure 5 illustrates an apparntus 210 for udapting a fishing rod 212 and reel 214 for use with a relatively heavy depth seeking weight such as weight 216 held within a net bag 218 a3 shown in Figure 6.
The apparatu~ cornprises a first bracket 220 with a bottom n~nge 222 for connecting the ~racket to a bo~t. The first bracket ha~ a bifurcated upper portion 224 on opposite sides of a slot 226 for receiving the rod near handle lû 22~.

The apparatus also h~s a second bracket 230 with a bottom flange 232 for connecting the second bracket to ~ boat. The second bracket has a vertical flange 234 with a plurality of apertures 236. The 15 second bracket has a bifurcated upper portion 237 on opposite sides of ~ slot238. The upper portion haæ a plurality of apertures 240. The upper portion is connected to vertical nange 234 by at lea~t one screw 242 pagsing through suitable apertures in the upper portion and the vertical ~lange su~h that the rod tip 244is at the required height.

An angled arm 246 extends upwardly from flange 232 and is provided with a horizontal platform 248. A pair of bollards 250 and 252 are fixedly rnounted on the platform. A guide pulley 254 for fishing line 256 is rotatably connected to a bracket 258 connected to the platform by a 25 hinge 259. The upper portion 236 is adjusted so that the rod tip 244 is approxim~tely ~t the vertical position from the bollards.

Referring to Pigure 6, the fishing line 256 is connected to a release device 1 as shown in Figure L A hook 260 is connected to the 30 bottom OI the ~ishing line. The net bag 218 has its open end releasably connected to the relea~e device by a line a64 simil~r to the embodiment of Figure 10.

This apparatus allows u regular rod and reel to be used with the heavy ballast or weight 216. The brackets hold the rod substantially horizontal so that the force of line 256 acts orly on the reel flnd not on the rod, avoiding any tendency to bend the rod. The force on the reel is 5 diminished by looping ~he fighing line as illustrated in Figure 5 over the bollards which serve as line braking mee.ns. This takes up some of the strain.
When a fish strikes ~he hook 260, the fisherman releases a weight 62 normally connected to br~cket 258 by ~ line 266. The weiE~ht slides down the vertical portion of the fishing line until it strikes release device L This 10 releases the open end 262 of the net bag and allows the weight al6 to drop.
The fisherm~n also pulls the loops of the fishing line over the bollard~ ~nd can remove the rod frorrl the bracket and the line from the pulley 254 and play the fish in the usual manner. This apparatus completely removes the need for a downrigger and separate downrigger line.
The hinge 259 ~llows pivoting of pulley 254 and bracket 258 about a vertical axis through the hinge according to the direction of pull on line 256. At the same time, the bollards maintain a straight pull on the line ~xtending towards the rod and reeL
ao

Claims (13)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A fishing line connecting device having means for connecting the device to a first line or cable for use below the surface of a body of water, means for releasably connecting the device to a second line and release means for releasing the second line when the release means is struck.

2. A device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the release means is adapted to be struck by a weight slidably engaging the first line or cable and dropped downwardly to the device.

3. A device as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the device comprises a hollow first member and a second member slidably received in the first member, the first member having an aperture in a side thereof, the means for releasably connecting comprising a pin on the second member adjacent the aperture and having a free end, the second member having a normal position where the pin extends across the aperture to secure the second line to the pin, the second member being displacable relative to the first member by the striking weight so that the free end moves across the aperture to release the second line.

4. A device claimed in Claim 3, further comprising resilient means for biasing the second member towards the normal position.

5. A device as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the means for connecting the device to the first line or cable comprises an aperture extending in a longitudinal direction through the first member and the second member, the second member being slidable relative to the first member in said longitudinal direction.

6. A device as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the first member has an open top, the release means extending through the open top of the first member and having a bottom end contacting the second member.

7. A device as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the release means comprises a tube, the first line or cable extending through the tube.

8. A device as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the pin is hingedly connected to the second member in a manner to permit the free end to swing out through the aperture when the release means is struck.

9. A device as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising a pair of elongated members pivotally connected together and means for resiliently biasing the members so a first two adjacent ends are together and a second two adjacent ends are apart, the means for connecting to the first line or cable comprising apertures through the members near the second ends, the means for releasably connecting comprising the first two ends of the members and the release means comprising one of the second ends.

10. A device as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising a weight connectable to the device by the second line so that the weight is disconnected from the device when the release means is struck.

11. A device as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising bag means, connected to the device, for releasably holding a weight, the weight being supportable in a position to hold the weight by a second line so that the weight is released from the device when the release means is struck.

12. An apparatus for adapting a fishing rod and reel for use with a depth seeking weight, the apparatus comprising bracket means for holding the rod in a substantially horizontal position, guide pulley means for guiding a line wound on the reel and passing downwardly into the water, line braking means, between the bracket means and the guide pulley means, for restraining movement of the line between the rod and the guide pulley means, a device having first means for connecting the device to the line wound on the reel, second means for connecting the device to a line connected to a hook, third means for releasably connecting the device to a weight and release means for releasing the weight when the release means is struck.

13. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the release means is adapted to release the weight by another weight slidably engaging the line wound on the reel and dropped down to the device.