CA2340360A1 - Fishing tip-up - Google Patents

Abstract

A fishing tip-up device is provided. A magnet holds a signaling device in a non-activated state. When an electronically operated sensor device senses movement of a fishing reel, a signal is sent to the magnet which causes the magnet to release the signaling device to indicate the occurrence of a possible fish strike. An annunciator turns on and off as a result of the sensing device sensing the rotation of the reel. The electrical circuit is activated when a fishing rod is properly positioned within a base frame of the fishing tip-up device. The electrical circuit is deactivated when the fishing rod is properly placed within the base frame for storage and transportation.
The fishing tip-up can be manipulated into a single compact unit which is convenient for storage and transportation. A fishing reel is provided which creates drag in the unreeling of the fishing line when a fish takes off with the bait, thereby inhibiting the fish from unreeling the entire line.

Description

WO 00/74480 PCT/US00/40i82 FISHING TIP-UP
CROSS-REF>E;RENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. GO/I
38,335, filed June 9, 1999, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF' THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to fish bite signaling apparatuses and, more particularly, to ice-fishing tip-up devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1 ~ It is generally known in the field of fishing to use certain signaling equipment to indicate a fish strike. In particular, in the field of ice fishing, for various generally understood reasons, it is desirable to use a fish strike indicator device commonly referred to as a fishing tip-up device. Typically, a fishing tip-up device is mounted above a hole in the ice. Many fishing tip-up devices normally include a base plate positioned over a hole in the ice; a vertical column extending below the base plate, through the hole in the ice and into the water therebelow; a reel with frshing line and a hook connected to the vertical column; a spring mounted flag pole attached to a top side of the base plate;
and a flag attached to an upper end of the flag pole. Upon initial set-up, prior to a fish strike, the spring mounted flag pole is bent to be parallel with the base plate or the ice surface and held in this position by any number of different known mechanical mechanisms.
Generally, the spring mounted flag pole, the mechanical mechanism and the reel are interconnected so as to indicates the occurrence of a fish bite. When a fish strikes the bait located on a hook at the end of the fishing line, as the reel of fishing line turns, it causes the mechanical mechanism to release the spring mounted flag pole, such that the flag pole springs up to a vertical position, thereby indicating to the fisherman that a fish may have been hooked. Certain fishing tip-up devices include an indicator light which allows the fisherman to observe whether a fish has hit the bait during night time fishing. There are many different designs for fishing tip-up devices other than the type just mentioned.
However, the main objective is the same for all fishing tip-up devices.
Namely, a fishing tip-up device generally allows an ice-fisherman to leave the immediate area of the hole in the ice and watch his fishing tip-up device in order to observe whether a fish has taken the bait or lure. As a result, the fisherman can leave his fishing tip-up device untended for substantial periods of time, and can have several fishing tip-up devices located at holes in S the ice at several different locations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Ice-fishing tip-up devices are generally faced with the problem of preventing freezing of the reel and line. Accordingly, it is known to provide a lubricating agent between a reel and a structure to which it is attached. Usually, the lubricating agent is some form of commonly known oil. Since the lubricating oil remains viscous at very low temperatures, the reel is prevented from freezing up when placed in cold water for extended periods of time. Hovvever, a problem with using a lubricating oil in this fashion concerns preventing the oil ITC>m leaking onto the fishing line. Because of the normally cold temperatures to which a tip-up device is subjected, it has proven difficult, if not impossible, to adequately seal the lubricating oil from unwanted leakage. As generally understood, fish are extremely sensitive to foreign smells. Thus, if a lubricating oil leaks onto a fishing line, the likelihood of catching any fish is greatly diminished.
What is needed is a lashing tip-up device which eliminates the possibility of contaminating the fishing line with lubricating oil.
Known types of fishing tip-up devices which provide a light indicator to signal when a strike has occurred have a number of problems. A fish bite is generally signaled in conventional fishing tip-up devices by the raising of a spring mounted pole or similar device and, if a light indicator is used, for instance for night-time fishing, the light indicator is activated. A proble:rn with these types of known fishing tip-up devices is that there is no indication as to whether a fish is playing with the bait or lure, has hit the bait or lure only to discontinue feeding, is actually hooked, or if an unknown interfering force actually activated the fishing tip--up device. In other words, once the fishing tip-up device signals to the fisherman that something may be happening at the end of the fishing line, the fisherman has no way of knowing what may be going on until he tests the line.
This leads to many false alarms and greatly inconveniences the fisherman. He may have to leave his sheltered area to check his line or he may wrongly choose to check a line which does not have a fish hooked thereto when one of his other activated fishing tip-up devices has an actual hit. The delay in reaching the fishing tip-up device with the actual fish hit may cause the fisherman to lose his prey.
What is needed is a fishing tip-up device which distinguishes between a false fish strike or weak fish strike, as compared to an actual, hard fish strike.
As known to those skilled in the art, certain fish, especially walleye, are extremely sensitive to any appreciable resistance they feel when attacking a bait or lure. As previously mentioned, many known fishing tip-up devices include a mechanical connection to hold the spring mounted flag pole prior to signaling a fish strike. As a fish turns the reel, the mechanical c:onneetion is caused to release, thereby allowing the spring mounted flag pole to spring upward and signal a fish strike. However, the fish must provide a certain amount of pull on the fishing line in order to enable the mechanical connection to be released. The; resistance in the mechanical connection may cause certain fish, such as walleye, to discontinue its assault on the bait or lure, thereby preventing the fisherman from making his catch.
What is needed is a fishing tip-up device which incorporates a virtually resistance free reel assembly in combination with a signaling device. What is needed is a fishing tip-up device which provides a free floating reel and line assembly which is not mechanically tied to a signaling device. What is also needed is a fishing tip-up device which eliminates the need for such known conventional mechanical connections, which reduces noise and increases reliability of the fishing tip-up device, thereby improving the likelihood of catching fish.
Many other problems exist with known f shing tip-up assemblies. Problems often ari a from difficulties in dismantling or erecting the assembly especially in cold weather conditions; to having the ice hole freeze and trap the fishing line; to having the reel or flag 2~ freeze with drifting/blowing snow or ice; to transporting or storing the assembly or multiple assemblies; to maintaiining the battery life or energy source for a light indicator;
to not being able to see the bite indicator under low light conditions; to not being of dependable operation.
What is needed is a fishing tip-up device which solves the aforementioned problems and yet is not unduly expensive to manufacture, so as to be reasonably economical to both commercial and recreational fisherman.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing tip-up apparatus which utilizca an electro-magnetic assembly to activate a signaling device.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing tip-up apparatus which utilizes an electro-magnetic assembly to activate a signaling device, and an electrical circuit electrically coupled to the signaling device to indicate the severity of a fish strike, if' a;ny, after the fishing tip-up signaling device has been activated.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a fishing tip-up apparatus which includes a base frame, a fishing rod, a reel of fishing line, and a signaling device. The reel of fishing line and the signaling device are electrically coupled together, such that when the reel of fishing line rotates, the signaling device is activated to indicate the occurrence ok' a. possible fish strike. The electrical circuit which operates the fishing tip-up device is turned on when the fishing rod is attached to the base frame in a first position for fishing, and the electrical circuit is turned off when the fishing rod is removed from the first position for fishing and placed in the base frame in a second position for storage and transportation. The on/off power connection of the fishing tip-up device will help preserve the life of the energy source or battery for the electrical circuit by 1 ~ practically eliminating the possibility that the fishing tip-up device will be accidentally turned on.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing tip-up apparatus which includes a base frame having a longitudinal opening, a fishing rod which is pivotally connected to the base frame, and a signaling device which is spring mounted to the base frame. During storage or transportation of the fishing tip-up device, the fishing rod is pivoted into the longitudinal opening and the signaling device is bent to be substantially parallel with the base frame to provide a compact unit.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing tip-up apparatus which includes a base frame having a box-like structure and a fishing rod and signaling device which are attachable to the base frame for fishing, and which are detachable from the base frame and placeable within the base frame for storage and transportation. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a twisting snap lock combination between the fishing rod and the base frame is provided. ,A
simple twist of the fishing rod in one direction is all that is needed to lock the fishing rod to the base frame for fishing, and a sample twist of the fishing rod in an opposite direction is all that is needed to unlock the fishing rod from the base frame so that the fishing rod can be placed within the base frame for storage and transportation.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing tip-up apparatus which includes a base frame that is adapted to connect to other fishing tip--j_ up apparatus base frames, so that multiple fishing tip-up apparatuses can be easily stored and transported.
In accordance with one; aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing tip-up apparatus which includes a base frame which supports various accessory items, such as a tackle box and a fish ho (ding box during use, storage and transportation. Preferably, the base frame, the tackle box and the fish holding box are hinged together, so as to be foldable into a single, compact unit for storage and transportation, and also unfoldable into a single unit for fishing.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing tip-up apparatus which is battery operated to enhance the operation of the fishing tip-up apparatus for the convenience of a fisherman. In one aspect of the present invention, rechargeable batteries and a solar panel are used to increase the life of the batteries. In another aspect of the present invention, digital electronic components are used as to provide a programmable control board. One advantage of a programmable control board is that the fishing tip-up device can be programmed to accommodate a number of electronic features, such as providing a cell phone, a pager, a beeper or any number of different annunciators to announce movement of the fishing line to a fisherman.
A significant feature of the present invention is to provide a simple, reliable, convenient to use, and easy to stow and transport fishing tip-up apparatus, particularly, an ice-fishing tip-up apparatus.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings in which like numerals are used oo designate like features.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of a fishing tip-up apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is another illustrative view of the fishing tip-up device of FIG. 1 showing the fishing tip-up device in a non-activated state (bold lines) and an activated state (dashed lines).
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the fishing tip-up device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines IV-IV of FIG. 2.

-fi-FIG. ~ is an illustrative view of an alternative fishing tip-up apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention showing the fishing tip-up device in an activated state (bold lines) and a non-activated state (dashed lines).
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the fishing tip-up device of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines VII-VII of FIG. 5 showing the fishing tip-up device positioned over a hole in the ice.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines VIII-VIII of FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines IX-IX of FIG. 7 showing the fishing rod in a locked position (bold lines) and in an unlocked position (dashed lines).
FICi. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 8 except the fishing rod has been removed.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines XI-XI of FIG. 10, except the fishing rod is shown in dashed lines.
FIG. 12 is a cross-secticmal view taken along lines XII-XII of FIG. 7.
FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a portion of the fishing rod and signaling device shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectic>nal view taken along lines X1V-XIV of FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines XV-XV of FIG. 5 when the fishing tip-up device is in the non-activated state.
FIG. 16 is a plan developed view of a portion of the fishing rod shown in FIG.
12.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines XVII-XVII of FIG. ?.
FIG. 18 is an illustrative view of three of the fishing tip-up devices of FIG.

5 being ganged or connected together. fIG. 18 further illustrates how the fishing tip-up devices are individually or collectively adapted for storage and transportation.
FIG. 19 is a partial end view of the fishing tip-up device of FIG. 5 with slight 2~ modifications.
FIG. 20 is an illustrative end view of the fishing tip-up devices of FIG. 19 (bold lines) with additional fishing tip-up devices connected thereto (dashed lines).
FIG. 21 is an enlarged, partially cut-away view of one hinge portion of the fishing tip-up device of FIG. ~.
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines XXII-XXII of FIG. 21.
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines XXIII-XXIII ofFIG. 20.
FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines XXIV-XXIV of FIG. 18.
FIG. 25 is a schematic drawing of an example of an electrical circuit for the fishing tip-up device of FIG. 5 _'j-FIG. 26 is a schematic drawing for using an op-amp as a voltage follower to provide a voltage drop for a nine-volt battery.
FICr. 27 is an example of a plotted graph used to determine an estimated life for a nine-volt battery used in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. The use of "consisting of ' herein is meant to encompass only the items listed thereafter and the equivalents thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a fishing tip-up device 10 according to one aspect of the present invention.
The fishing tip-up device 10 is structurally described as follows. The fishing tip-up device 10 includes a base member or frame 12 adapted to span a hole in the ice (see FIG.
2). The base member 12 may be made of wood, plastic, metal or any other suitable material according to the principles of the present invention. Refernng in particular to FIG. 3, base member 12 includes a longitudinal opening 14, a through hole 16, a recessed out portion 18, an opening 20 including a slot 22, and an aperture 24. The base member 12 also includes a slit 26 (FIG. 1 ).
The fishing tip-up device 10 further includes a fishing rod 28 which is preferably pivotally mounted to base member 12. The fishing rod 28 may be made of plastic or any other suitable material. The fisihing rod 28 is adapted to fit within the longitudinal opening 14 of base member 12 when the fishing tip-up device 10 is non-operational or being transported or stored. Still referring in particular to FIG. 3, pin 30 or the like extends through one end of hole 16, through a hole 32 in rod 28 and out the other end of hole 16.
A cap, nut or the like (not shown) is placed on the end of pin 30 extending through the hole 16 to secure the pin 30 in position. Thus, the fishing rod 28 is movable between a -g_ non-operational or stow position (FIG. 1 ) and an operational position (FIG.
2}. In the operational position, the fishing rod 28 is substantially normal to the base member 12 and is submerged into the water through the hole in the ice (FIG. 2).
Refernng in particular to FIG. 4, the fishing tip-up device 10 also includes a spool 34 of fishing line 36 which is wound on to a reel 38 and attached to a lower end 40 of the fishing rod 28 by way of bolt 4.? or the like. The reel 38 includes a fishing line wind-up or un-wind handle 44. A magnet 46 is attached to the reel 38, the purpose of which will be discussed below. A magnet 37 and stop pieces 39 are attached to fishing line 36, the purpose of which will be explained below.
Attached to the other end 48 of fishing rod 28 is a magnet 50. An electrical coil 52 surrounds the magnet 50. A pair of prongs 54 are connected to the fishing rod 28 and extend above the magnet 50. A sheath 56, such as a rubber or plastic sheath, surrounds the magnet 50, coil 52 and prongs 54 (FIG. 3).
Still referring in particular to FIG. 4, a plate 58 is attached to the lowermost end of 1 ~ fishing rod 28 by way of screws 60 (see also FIG. 3) or the like. The plate 58 is preferably made of a material capable of being attracted by a magnet. The plate 58 includes a hole 62 adapted to allow the fishing line to pass therethrough.
Fishing rod 28 also contains a bore 63 which extends bet~~een lower end 40 and the upper end 48 and which is adapted to receive electrical wires 64 and 66. The fishing rod 28 also contains a cut-out portion 68 adapted to receive a sensor device or reed switch 70, the purpose of which will be described below. Wires 72 and 74 also may at least partially extend through the fishing rod 28.
Referring in particular to FIG. 2, the fishing tip-up device 10 further includes a signaling device 75 comprising a. signal mast or shaft 76 which includes a flag 78 affixed to one end and a light indicating device or bulb 80 affixed to the same end.
The shaft or flag pole 76 is spring mounted to the fishing tip-up device 10 by way of spring 82. One end of the flag pole 76 fits through an eye bolt 84 or the like screwed into or otherwise connected to the base member I2 when the fishing tip-up device 10 is in a non-operational mode or during transport or storage. The flag pole 76 is made of a material which is capable of being attracted to a magnet. The flag pole 76 is also capable of receiving electric wires which connect to the bulb 80.
Referring again in particular to FIG. 3, the fishing tip-up device 10 further includes an electrical circuit or a circuit assembly 85 comprising an energy source such as two nine-volt batteries 88, an on-off switch 90 (FIG. 2) with operating light 92 (FIG.
2), a circuit _y_ board 94, sensor device 70, and various electrical wires. The circuit board 94 and various other components are housed within recessed portion 18 of the base member 12 under plate 86 upon assembly.
Having described the structural components of the fishing tip-up device 10, the fishing tip-up device 10 operates as follows. FIG. 1 shows the fishing tip-up 10 in a non-operating state. Fishing rod 28, including the reel 38, magnet SO and prongs S4 attached thereto, is pivoted up into the longitudinal opening portion 14 through connection with pin 30. Shaft 28 is flexed or bent clown such that the upper end thereof fits into eye bolt 84.
Line 36 is passed through slU 2E> and over a portion of the top of base member 12. Hook 96 (FIG. 4) is mounted to bao 98 (FIG. 4) which is placed within opening 2U by being passed at least partially through aperture 24 (FIG. 3). A portion of fishing line 36 passes through slot 22. Accordingly, the fishing tip-up device 10 is easily stored and transported.
FIG. 2 shows the fishing tip-up device 10 when first positioned over a hole in the ice and ready for operation (bold lines). The fishing rod 28 is pivoted down out of housed relationship with the longitudinal opening 14 of the base member 12 through connection with pin 30. 'fhe depth ~.~f the water is typically determined. Once the depth is determined, the stop pieces 3~? are adjusted such that the magnet 37 is moved along the fishing line 36 until it is placed within about one foot of the total amount of depth from the bottom of the fishing line 36 yFI(1. 4). The fishing line 36 is then fixed in position via plate S8 and magnet 37.
The electro-magnetic assembly is activated by flipping switch 90 on and light preferably indicates that the fishing tip-up device 10 is activated. Flag pole 76 is bent so that a portion of the pole 76 is placed between prongs 54. Magnet SO causes pole 76 to remain in place.
When a fish takes the b;~it attached to hook 96 on the end of fishing line 36, the fish will cause the reel 38 to rotate. As the reel rotates, magnet 46 passes reed switch 70 positioned within the fishing rod 28. The magnet 46 pulls the weaker metal of the reed switch 70 towards the stronger metal of the reed switch until the metal parts contact each other as shown in FIG. 4. Once contacted, the reed switch 70 completes the electrical circuit of the fishing tip-up device 10. Two things happen as the magnet 46 passes the reed switch 70. The electrical circuit charges the coil S2 around the magnet S0, thereby reversing the polarity of the magnet 50 causing the flag pole 76 to be released from the magnet SO and to spring into a vertical position (FIG. 2) indicating that something has caused the reel 38 to rotate. Also, the completed circuit causes the indicator bulb 80 to flash when the magnet 46 passes the reed switch 70. Thus, if a fish is merely playing with the bait or if the tip-up is sprang inadvertently, the light 80 will not blink because the reel 38 will not be rotating. On the other hand, if a fish has taken the bait and is swimming off with it, the reel 38 will rotate at a fast rate past the reed switch 70 causing the light 80 to blink in very rapid fashion. It should be noted that the light bulb 80 can be electrically coupled to the energy source such that it turns on when the flag pole 76 is flipped up which is advantageous for night-time fishing. 'the bulb 80 would still blink on and off as described but the bulb 80 would be on in a non-fish attacking mode to enable the fisherman to know that the flag pole 76 has at least been tipped-up.
l0 To reset the electro-magnetic assembly, the fishing tip-up device 10 is simply flipped off and then back on main.
The fishing tip-up device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4 has been described in such a manner to identify various aspects of the present invention. However, the features of the present invention described above may be incorporated into other fishing tip-up ;.5 apparatuses. Moreover, the features identified above may be slightly modified to accommodate difgent fishing tip-up designs. FIGS. 5-24 illustrate another fishing tip-up device 100 in which the features previously described may be employed and in which additional inventive features not yet previously described are incorporated.
It should be noted that features specifically described in relation to FIGS. 5-24 may be incorporated ~',0 into the fishing tip-up device 10 described in relation to FIGS. 1-4, or other tip-up devices.
The fishing tip-up device 100 is structurally described as follows. FIG. 5 illustrates the complete fishing tip-up device 100 according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 illustrates certain components of the fishing tip-up device 100 for the sake of clarity.
Reference is initially made to FIGS. 5 and 6 when describing the fishing tip-up device 100.
W Moreover, unless otherwise indicated, the fishing tip-up device 100 is described with reference to FIGS. ~ and 6. Fishing tip-up device 100 includes a base member or frame 102, a tackle box 104, a fish holding box 106, a fishing rod 108, a reel 110 for fishing line, a signaling device 112 and a handle 114. As shown, the tackle box 104 and fish holding box 106 are coupled to the base frame 102. However, the fishing tip-up device 100 can be ?~0 manufactured and sold without the tackle box 104 and fish holding box 106.
The fishing tip-up device 100 is designed in such a way that it is easily stored and transported.
Moreover, multiple fishing tip-up devices 100 can be connected or ganged together for convenient storage and transportation (see FIG. 18).

The base frame 102 is. preferably rectangular and of sufficient length to span an appropriately sized hole in the ice. The width of the base frame 102, or the width of the base frame 102 plus the tackle box 104 and fish holding box 106, can vary to accommodate any regulation sized fishing hole (see, e.g., FIG. 7). The base frame 102, the tackle box 104 and the fish holding box 106 are preferably made of injected molded plastic, but can be made of other suitable materials such as wood, metal or various other plastics in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The base frame 102, the tackle box 104 and the 6sh holding box 106 are preferably black in color to take advantage of solar heating.
The base frame 102 includes a top side 116, a bottom portion 118, opposite lateral sides 120 and 122, and opposite ends 124 and 126, all of which define a box shaped structure having an open area therein. The top side 116 is closed except for a hole 128 extending therethrough to allo~.v a portion of the fishing rod 108 to pass through the base frame 102 for reasons which vrill be made clear below. The bottom portion 118 is open I S (see FIG. 18) so that the fishing rod 108 can be piaced within the base frame 102 for storage and transportation, and. so that when the fishing tip-up device 100 is in use, and placed on the ice, the open area or the inner air space defined by the inside surfaces of the sides and walls of the base frame 102 provides a thermal protection barrier from the outside elements.
The tackle box 104 includes a top portion 130, a bottom side 132, opposite lateral sides 134 and 136, and oppositf: ends 138 and 140. The top portion 130 is open to provide access to two inner sections 142 and 144 which are divided by wall 146. The inner sections 142 and 144 can be used for housing tackle, extra fishing reels, bait, or other desired fishing equipment. Each inner section 142 and 144 is closed by a separate lid 148, although one lid can be used (see, e.g., FIG. 5). Each lid 148 is pivotally hinged to the tackle box 104 to open and close (see FIG. 7). Each lid 148 includes a finger handle 150 for opening and closing the lid 148. A snap-fit relationship between each lid 148 and the associated surface of the tackle box 104 provides a sufficient seal to keep as much water as practically possible from entering the tackle box 104 when the lids 148 are closed. The pivotal hinge relationship between the lids 148 and the tackle box 104 provides for easy replacement of broken lids 148.
The fish holding box 106 includes a top portion 152, a bottom side 154., opposite lateral sides 156 and 158, and opposite ends 160 and 162. The top portion 152 is open (see FIG. 18) to allow the placement of fish within the fish holding box 106.
The fish holding box 106 is preferably provided with a measuring means 164 {see, e.g., FIG. 5) on the outer side of the bottom side 154 thereof for measuring the length of any fish caught.
Although no lids are shown, lids like the lids 148 for the tackle box 104, may be provided.
The tackle box 104 a.nd fish holding box 106 are, preferably, substantially of the same size and shape as the base frame 102. However, the base frame 102, the tackle box 104 and fish holding box 106 can be of various different sizes and shapes consistent with the principles of the present invention. In a folded up condition (with reference to FIG.
18), normally for storage and. transportation, the open top portion 152 of the fishing holding box 106 is located adjacent to the bottom portion 118 of the base frame 102, and IO the top portion I30 with the lids 148 of the tackle box I04 is located adjacent to the top side 1 I6 of the base frame 102. In this way, any fish held in the fish holding box 106 are prevented from falling out of tlhe fish holding box 106, and the lids 148 of the tackle box I 04 are further prevented from undesirably opening.
At least one lateral side 134 and 136 of the tackle box 104 (FIG. 6) and at least one lateral side 156 and 158 of tile fish holding box 106 (FIG. 18) are provided with an associated longitudinal Fnger ;grip 166 for ease of folding and unfolding the tackle box 104 and fish holding box 106.
The base frame 102 includes connecting means represented by a pair of spaced apart recesses 170 located in the top side I 16 and a pair of spaced apart projections 172 (FIG. 18) located on the bottom portion 1 I $. If the fishing tip-up device 100 is sold without the tackle box 104 and fish holding box I06, a second and a third fishing tip-up device can be attached to the fishing tip-up device 100 via the connecting means for storage and transportation. Additional fishing tip-up devices can be attached to the second and third fishing tip-up devices by similar connecting means. FIG. 24 illustrates a preferred connecting means 168 where a projection 172 snap-fits into an associated recess 170. The depth of the undercut in the recess 170 and the size of the associated ridge in the projection 172 as shown in FIG. 24, depends on the type of material chosen and the desired amount of force needed to snap and unsnap the connecting means.
The tackle box 104 includes connecting means represented by a pair of spaced apart projections 172 located on the top portion 130. The f sh holding box 106 includes connecting means represented by spaced apart recesses 170 located in the bottom portion 152 (FIG. 18). If the tackle box 104 and fish holding box 106 are included in the fishing tip-up device 100, the tackle box 104 and the fish holding box 106 are secured to the base frame 102 with the connecting means for storage and transportation. The same connecting means illustrated in FIG. 24 is preferred to secure the tackle box 104 and fish holding box 106 to the base frame 102. It should be noted that the recesses 170 and projections 172 can be located in alternative positions, or switched from one box to another.
For example, FIG. 19 shows the fish holding box 106 having a projection 172.
The tackle box 104 includes a second connecting means represented by a pair of spaced apart projections 174 located on lateral side 134 and a pair of spaced apart recesses located on lateral side 136 (not shown). The fish holding box 106 includes a second connecting means represented by a pair of spaced apart projections 174 located on lateral side 158 (FIG. 18) and a pair of spaced apart recesses 176 located on lateral side 156.
FIG. 18 illustrates three fishing tip-up devices 100 ganged together for storing and transporting these multiple fishing tip-up devices 100. More than three fishing tip-up devices can be similarly ganged together or only two fishing tip-up devices can be similarly ganged together. FICJ. 23 illustrates a preferred second connecting means 178 where a projection 174 snap-fats into an associated recess 176. The ultimate design of the second connecting means depends on the type of material chosen and the desired connection between the attached fishing tip-up devices.
The handle 114 is adapted to slide along slots 180 and 182 of the base frame 102.
The handle I 14 includes a pair of arms 184 and I 86, and a gripping portion 188 extending therebetween. Each arm 184 and 186 includes an inwardly projecting knob 185 and 187, 0 respectively (see also FIG. 19). 'The knobs 18~ and 187 and associated slots 180 and 182 are appropriately configured so that the handle 114 can slide in and out of the base frame 102, and so that when the handle I 14 is fully extended as shown in FIG. 18, the handle 114 will not disconnect from the base frame 102. The gripping portion 188 is designed to have a comfortable feel and the arms 184 and 186 are designed to be long enough to accommodate an average sized person wearing a glove when the handle 114 is extended out from base frame 102 (see FIG. 18). Small finger grips 190 are provided on opposite ends of the gripping portion 188 to aid in sliding the handle 114 in and out as desired. The end 124 of the base frame 102 includes a sufficiently sized recess 192 which is adapted to receive the gripping portion 188 of the handle I 14 during use of the fishing tip-up device :30 100 or as desired (see FIG. 18). When multiple fishing tip-up devices 100 are ganged together as shown in FIG. 18, one handle 114 can be used to carry the multiple fishing tip-up devices 100.
Another feature of the present invention concerns the pivotal relationship of the tackle box 104 and the fish holding box 106 with the base frame 102. The tackle box 104 and fish holding hox 106 are connected to the base frame l06 so that the fishing tip-up device 100 can be folded into a compact unit for storage and transportation as shown in FIG. 18. A double hinge design is incorporated on each end of the base frame 102 to accommodate the tackle box 104 and fish holding box 106. As best shown in FIG.

6, a pair of diagonally spaced apart substantially ball-shaped members 194 and 196 project outwardly from end 124 of the base frame 102. A second pair of diagonally spaced apart, substantially ball-shaped members 198 and 200 (not shown) project outwardly from end 126 of the base frame 102. A substantially ball-shaped member 202 projects outwardly from end 138 of tackle box 104 and a substantially ball-shaped member 2C)4 (FIG. 21) projects outwardly from end 140 of tackle box 104. A substantially hall-shaped member 206 projects outwardly from ~°nd 160 of fish holding box 106 and a substantially ball-shaped member 208 (not shown ) projects outwardly from end 162 of fish holding box 106.
Four hinge mechanisms 2111, 2.12, 214, and 216 are provided to pivotally connect the tackle box 104 and fish holdinL; box 106 with the base frame 102. Each hinge mechanism 210, 212, 214 and 216 is provided with a pair of ball-shaped recesses 218 which are adapted to snap-fit over the associated outwardly projecting ball-shaped members. Hinge mechanism 210 snap-fits over ball-shaped members 194 of the base frame 102 and ball-shaped member 202 of the tackle box 104. Hinge mechanism 212 snap-fits over ball-shaped member 196 of the base frame 102 and hall-shaped member 206 of the fish holding box 106. Hinge mechanism 214 snap-fits over ball-shaped member 198 of the base frame 102 and ball-shaped member 204 of the tackle box 104. Hinge mechanism 216 snap-fits over ball-shaped member 200 of the base frame 102 and ball-shaped member 208 of the fish holding box 106. FIGS. 21 and 22 provide a clear representative view of a ball/hitch connection between hinge member 214 and ball-shaped members 198 and 204. The placement and configuration of the double hinge connectors is designed to enhance the folding and unfolding operation of the fishing tip-up device 100.
As can be appreciated, when the fishing tip-up device 100 is resting on ice and water, the fishing tip-up device 100 may have a tendency to freeze into position. The hinge connectors are designed not only to hold the tackle box 104 and fish holding box 106 to the base frame 102, but also to withstand certain jarring and shear stresses as a result of having to possibly break the fishing tip-up device 100 free from the ice. Even so, the portion of material 220 (FIGS. 6 and 21 ) of each hinge member 210, 212, 214 and 216 that extends between the respective recesses 218 is designed to fail if to much stress is placed on the double hinge connectors, thereby protecting the major components of the fishing tip-up device 100 from damage. Also, ball-shaped members 194, 196, 198, 200, 202, 204, 206 and 208 are replaceable. The ball-shaped members can be screwed or threaded into their respective boxes. If a ball-shaped member breaks, the oId ball-shaped member can simply be removed and a new ball-shaped member can be installed.
The hinge members and the ball-shaped members are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace, as compared to other components of the fishing tip-up device, e.g., the fishing rod I08. The hinge members 21 (), 2I2, 214 and 216 are preferably made of a thermoplastic material, rubber material, synthetic material, or other materials suitable for use according to the principles of the present invention. The replaceable ball-shaped members can be l 0 more firmly secured to their respective boxes by utilizing a compatible epoxy adhesive.
Another feature of the present invention concerns the cooperation of the fishing rod 108 with the base frame 102. >;Inlike prior designs, the fishing rod 108 is designed to easily disconnect from the base frame 102 for ease of handling a fish on the line and for storing the fishing rod 108 within the base frame 102. A simple rotation or twisting of the 5 fishing rod 108 with respect to the base frame 102 is all that is needed to lock and unlock the fishing rod 108 from its operating position as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7.
Reference is particularly made to FIGS. 8-11 for an explanation of the cooperation between the fishing rod 108 and the base frame 102. An inner wall of lateral side 120 includes a first arcuate formation 222 having a slot 223 (see also FIG. 18).
An inner wall 20 of lateral side 122 includes a second arcuate formation 224 having a slot 225. The arcuate formations 222 and 224 are positioned generally opposite one another on the associated lateral sides 120 and 122. The front of the slot 223 of the arcuate formation 222 includes an entrance opening 226 which i:aces in one direction relative to the end walls 124 and 126 of the base frame 102. The back of the slot 223 includes an end wall 230 (see also FIG.
a!5 18). Between the opening 22(i and end wall 230, there is provided a first restriction member 234 which projects from a top surface of the slot 223 into the slot 223, and a second restriction member 234 (see also FIG. 18) which projects from a bottom surface of the slot 223 into the slot 223. The first and second restriction members 234 are positioned generally opposite one another to define a space extending therebetween (see FIG. 11).
..0 The front of the slot 225 of the arcuate formation 224 includes an entrance opening 228 which faces in an opposite direction relative to the end walls 124 and 126 of the base frame 102. The back of the sloe: 225 includes an end wall 232. Between the opening 228 and end wall 232, there is provided a third restriction member 234 which projects from a top surface of the slot 225 into the slot 225, and a fourth restriction member 234 which _16_ projects from a bottom surface of the slot 225 into the slot 225. The third and fourth restriction members 234 are positioned generally opposite one another to defne a space extending therebetween. ThE: restriction members 234 preferably have a generally semi-circular cross-section.
The fishing rod 108 includes a first outwardly extending locating arm 236 and an opposite second outwardly extending locating arm 238 (see also FIGS. 6 and 7).
When it is desirable to attach the fishing rod 108 to the base frame 102 as shown in FIGS. S and 7, a top portion of the fishing rod 108 is passed up through the hole 128 of the base frame 102 from the bottom portion 1 18 of the base frame 102 (see, e.g., FIG. 6).
When passing the top portion of the fishing rod 108 up through the hole 128, the first locating arm 236 and the second locating arm 238 are generally parallel with the lateral sides 120 and 122 of the base frame 102. The fishing rod 108 is passed up through the hole 128 until the first locating arm 236 and the second locating arm 238 are substantially aligned with the slots 223 and 225 of the respective arcuate formations 222 and 224. FIG. 9 illustrates the 1 S foregoing showing the first and second locating arms 236 and 238 in dashed lines. Once the fishing rod 108 is positioned as shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 9, the fishing rod 108 is caused to rotate or twist in one direction, such as a counterclockwise direction, as evidenced by the arrows 240 in FIG. 9. The entrance opening 226 of the first arcuate formation 222 receives the first locating arm 236 and the zntrance opening 228 of the second arcuate fornlation 224 receives the second locating arm 238. The fishing rod 108 is caused to rotate in the counterclockwise direction so that the first locating arm 236 is forced through the space be°tween the restriction members 234 of the first arcuate formation 222, and the second locating arni 238 is forced through the space between the restriction members 234 of the second arcuate formation 224. The fishing rod 108 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction until such time as the first locating arm 236 is captured between the end wall 230 and the restriction members 234 of the first arcuate formation 222, and the second locating arm 238 is captured between the end wall 232 and the restriction members 234 of the second arcuate formation 224. In this position, the fishing rod 108 is locked to the base frame 102 and is ready for operation.
The fishing rod 108 will remain in this position until such time as an intervening force unlocks the fishing rod I08 from the base frame 102. When it is desirable to detach the fishing rod 108 from the base frame 102, the fishinf; rod 108 is caused to rotate in an opposite direction, in this case a clockwise direction, so that the locating arms 236 and 238 can be forced past the respective restriction members 234 and out of the slots 223 and 225 of the respective arcuate formations 222 and 224. Once the locating arms 236 and 238 are generally parallel with the lateral sides 120 and 122 of the base frame 102 as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 9, the top portion of the fishing rod 108 extending through the hole 128 of the base frame 102 is past back through the hole 128 and the fishing rod 108 is simply removed from having any connection with the base frame IO~Z. It should be noted that the arcuate formations 222 and 224 include outer concave surfaces 242 (see also FIG. 18) and 244, respectively, to help guide the tishing rod 108 into and out of the hole 128 of the base frame 102 and further support 'the fishing rod I 08 in its operating position.
It should also be noted that the dimensions of the opposing projecting restriction members 234 depend 1 U on the type of material used and the desired amount of force needed to snap and unsnap the fishing rod 108 to and from the base frame 102.
FIG. 18 shows the fishing rod 108 in its storage and transportation position within the base frame 102. The inner wall of lateral side 120 of the base frame 102 includes a groove 246 and the inner wall of the lateral side 122 of the base frame 102 includes a 15 groove 24$. Each groove 24(i and 248 is adapted to receive an associated one of the locating arms 236 and 238 of t'he fishing rod 108. Although not shown, each groove 246 and 248 includes opposing projecting restriction members or small radius arcs which are similar to the restriction members 234 of the arcuate formations 222 and 224.
As shown, the first locating arm 236 is snapped into position within groove 246 past the restriction 20 members and the second locating ami 238 is snapped into position within groove 248 past the restriction members. So located, the fishing rod 108 is secured within the base frame 102 for storage and transportation and will remain in this position until an intervening force removes the fishing rod 108 from within the base frame 102.
The theory for operation of the fishing tip-up device 100 is similar to the 25 operation of the fishing tip-up device 10. A fish comes along and plays with the bait before actually biting onto it (because of the cold temperatures, the fish are not very active). Once the fish has the bait and starts swimming away with it, the reel 110 for the fishing line is significantly turned triggering a sensor device. A signal is sent to a circuit board stored in the fishing rod 108 and triggers other signaling devices. An electromagnet 30 stored in the fishing rod 108 quietly reverses polarity enough to override the permanent magnet holding down the signaling device 112. The signaling device 112 then tips up to the vertical signaling position. IrIG. 5 shows the signaling device 112 in dashed lines in its non-signaling position and in bold lines in its signaling position. A light 253, flashing at the top of the signaling device 112 may be provided.

The signaling device 1 12 preferably includes a flag pole 250, a flag 252 attached to an upper end thereof, and a light bulb 253 or some other anrrunciator is attached to the end of the flag pole 250. The light bulb 253 or any other appropriate annunciator may be placed elsewhere on the fishing tip-up device 100 according to the teachings of the present invention. The flag pole 250 is spring mountable to the fishing rod 108 with spring 254.
The flag pole 250 is preferably made of a hollow metal rod or other suitable material for light wiring. A base member '?56 is attached to the lower end of the flag pole 250 or the lower end of the spring 254. 'The base member 256 is preferably made of plastic, but may be made of other suitable materials. The fishing rod 108 includes a recessed track 258 which is adapted to slidably receive the base member 256 when the flag pole 250 is attached to the fishing rod 108. FIGS. 13 and 14 best show the mating relationship between the base member 256 and the recessed track 258. The bottom of the recessed track 258 and the bottom of l:he base member 256 have a diagonal or curved shape (see also FIG. 12), so that if water enters into the recessed track 258 between the surface of the recessed track 258 and the surface of the base member 256, the diagonal or curved surface will cause the water to flow out of the recessed track 258 for reasons which will be apparent below. The signaling device 112 is also positionable within the base frame 102 for storage and transportation. As shown in FIG. 18, the bottom portion 118 and the end wall 124 of the base frame 10'? define a recessed track 260 which is adapted to slidably receive the base member 25ti to provide a compact unit for storage and transportation.
The fishing tip-up d.wice 100 is battery operated. A number of electrical connections exist between various components of the fishing tip-up device 100 so that the fishing tip-up device I00 operates properly. Although a particular electrical circuit will be described in reference to the operation of the fishing tip-up device 100, other electrical circuits consistent with the principles of the present invention may be employed. A
control or circuit board is illustratively shown as 262 in FIG. 12. The fishing rod 108 includes a cap section 264 and a shaft section 266. As shown is FIG. I2, the circuit board 262 is housed within the cap section 264. Before explaining in detail the electronic operation of the fishing tip-up device 100, the structural aspects of the cap section 264 and the shaft section 266 are provided.
Referring in particular to FIG. 12, the cap section 264 houses the central brain or main electronics of the fishing tip-up device 100. The cap section 264 is preferably made of plastic but may be made o~f other suitable materials. A magnet 268 is housed in an upper portion of the cap section 264 (FIG. 15). The magnet 268 is electrically coupled to _lc~_ the circuit board 262 via electrical wires 270 (FIG. 1~). The energy source or battery 272 for operating the fishing tip-up device 100 is also housed with the cap section 264. The battery 272 is electrically coupled to the circuit board 262 by suitable means. 'two 9-volt batteries or l.~-volt C-cell batteries would work well according to the principles of the present invention, although other battery types are acceptable. Two 9-volt batteries and 1.5-volt C-cell batteries give tl~e higher voltage needed when fishing under cold operating temperatures. In general, the diameter or width of the cap section 264, as well as the size of other components, such as the circuit board 262, will depend on the size and type of battery or batteries used for the fishing tip-up device 100. A pair of semicircular projections or engagement members 274 and 276 arc provided on the inner wall of the cap section 264 for reasons further explained below.
The shaft section 26(i is preferably made of a plastic material which is suitable to withstand freezing conditions, allow for electrical conductivity therewithin, and be erosion resistant, but may be made oil other suitable materials. The shaft section comprises an upper portion 278, a lower portion 280 and a main body portion 282 extending therebetween. The shaft 266 is preferably hollow or at least has a bore extending substantially from the lower portion 280, through the main body portion 282, and through the upper portion 278. The main body portion 282 is provided with a plurality of longitudinal finger grips 283 for sure-handed gripping when handling the fishing rod 108.
The grips 283 are sized and contoured for average ergonomics. The upper portion 278 includes a substantially cylindrical section 284 which has a diameter which is less than the adjacent diameter of the main body portion 282, thereby defining an annular ledge 286.
The cylindrical section 284 includes a pair of grooves 288 and 290 (FIG. 12).
FIG. 16 shows a plan developed view of one of the grooves 288 and 290 to better illustrate the shape of the grooves. The grooves 288 and 290 may be described as having labyrinthine paths. Each groove 288 and 290 includes a generally horizontal portion A, a generally vertical portion B extending fiom portion A, and a somewhat U-shaped portion C
extending from portion B. 'The function of the grooves 288 and 290 will be explained below. The lower portion 280 includes a forked end 292. Although not shown, a hook storage device is preferably provided on the lower portion 280 for receiving a hook on the fishing line when the fishing tip-up device 100 is in storage and/or in transit. This will allow the fisherman to keep a leader positioned of the fishing line straight during storage and transportation.

_20_ A sensor device or proximity switch 293 is embedded in one corner of the forked end 292 for reasons which will be explained below. The forked end 292 is adapted to receive the reel 110 for the fishing line. The reel 110 may be any suitable fishing reel.
The reel 110 includes a sensor activator such as a piece of metal 301 (FI(~.
17). An integrated magnetic line holder may be coupled to the reel 110 to provide a free fall of fishing line at the instant a fish nibbles on the bait. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 17, a reel such as reel 110 which includes, a splined shaft 294 or similar shaft which passes through a hole 296 in one arm of the forked end 292, through a spool 298, and snapped into an aperture 299 in the other arm of the forked end 292, and which induces a push button 300 to release the shaft 294 from the forked end 292, and which includes a stainless steel T-shaped handle 302 or similar handle to wind and unwind the fishing line, would work well according to the principles of the present invention. .Although not clearly shown, the push button 300 is preferably flush or slightly indented with respect to the adjacent outer surface of the forked end 292 vrrt~en the shaft 294 is locked to the forked end 292, so as to inhibit an unwanted release of the reel I 10 from the shaft 266. A preferred reel 400 is shown in Exhibits A, B and C' attached to the end of this application and incorporated .
herein by reference in their entirety. As generally known, if a large fish hits the bait attached to a fishing tip-up device, the fish is capable of swimming off and unreeling the whole spool of fishing line. What is needed is a new reel design which inhibits a fish from unreeling the entire spool of fishing line in this manner. What is needed is a new fishing reel which, the faster the reel turns, the more difficult it becomes for the fish to unreel the fishing line. What is needed is a new reel which incrementally increases resistance in rotation as the reel rotates in thf: water. Exhibits A, B and C illustrate the fishing rod 108, the forked end 292, a first circular plate 402 having holes 404, a hub 406, and spring clips 408, a second circular plate 410 having holes 412, a hub 414, and spring clips 416, a fin plate 418 having fins 420, a second fin plate 422 having fins 424, a locking device 426, a shaft 428, and a handle 430. Holes 404 and 412 are shown as having a tear drop shape but can be of other suitable shapes. Moreover, the tear drops can be inverted. The fins 420 and 424 are curved but can be of other suitable shapes. Preferably, the fins are designed to provide increasing resistance to the point of cavitation or close to the point of cavitation.
The curves can be increased or decreased depending on the amount of desired drag in the reel. The shaft 428 can have a square or star or other suitably shaped cross section. The first plate 402 and the second plate 410 are connected by snap clipping together the spring clips 408 and 416. The plates can be connected by alternative means. The locking device WO 00/74480 PCT/US00140i82 or spring 426 is adapted to ride in groove 432 of the shaft 428 and fit within internally provided recesses in the hubs 406 and 414. In this way, the locking device will prevent the reel assembly from undesirably moving axially along the shaft 128 which could adversely affect the operation of the reel. The combination of the shaft 428, the hubs 406 and 414, and the locking device 426 is such that the locking device can expand and contract with changing temperatures without adversely affecting the operation of the reel 400. The handle 430 is provided to also .create drag in the reel 400. The handle 430 is also provided to prevent the fishing line from freely unreeling prior to a fish strike. When assembled, the fins 420 and 424 will pump or suck water through the holes 404 and 4I2 as the reel rotates. This action will create a drag on the reel, thereby preventing a large fish from swimming of with the bait.
Having described many of the structural details of the present invention, the operation of the fishing tip-up device 100 will now be further explained. FIG.
18 shows the fishing tip-up device 1()0 in a non-operating state or in its ready for storage and 1 ~ transportation state. The easv assembly and disassembly of the various components of the fishing tip-up device 100 as previously explained provides a fishing tip-up device which solves many of the problems recognized in the prior art. FIGS. 5 and 7 show the fishing tip-up device 100 in its ready to operate state. The fishing rod 108 has been removed from its storage position in the base frame 102 and attached to the base frame 102.
The signal device 112 has been removed from its storage position in the base frame 102 and mounted on the fishing rod 108. The flag pole 250 is bent or flexed at the spring 254 until the magnet 268 holds the flag pole '?50 (see dashed lines in FIG. S). The uppermost portion of the cap section 264 is provided with a groove 304 to receive the flag pole 250 when the flag pole is held by the magnet 'Z68 {FIG. 15). The fishing tip-up device 100 is ready for 2~ operation.
The on/off power connection for the fishing tip-up device 100 is integrated into the cap section 264 and shaft section 266, so that when the cap section 264 is properly connected to the shaft section !66, the fishing tip-up device 100 is turned on. The thread like grooves 288 and 290 of the shaft section 266 are designed to provide a secure connection for the onoff operation of the fishing tip-up device 100, while also being designed to provide a quick and easy means to separate the shaft section 266 from the cap section 264 when it is desirable to change the batteries. There is no external on/off power switch for the fishing tip-up device 100, thereby decreasing the likelihood of~ the fishing tip-up device 100 from being accidentally turned on and/or off.

With particular reference to FIG. 12, the grooves 288 and 290 of the shaft section 266 include electrical contacts 306 and 308, respectively. The electrical contacts 306 and 308 are electrically coupled to the circuit board 292 via electrical contacts 307 and 309, respectively, found in the engaf;ement members 274 and 276 of the cap section 264, and via electrical wires 310 and 312. The electrical wires 310 and 312 may extend through the wall of the cap section 264 as shown or up through the hollow portion of the cap section 264. The sensor device 293 em'~nedded in the forked end 292 is electrically coupled to one or both of the electrical contacts 306 and 308 by electrical wires 314 (see also FIG. I7), or the sensor device 293 may be directly electrically coupled to the circuit board 292 by any '.0 other suitable means. The recessed track 258 of the cap section 264 includes electrical contacts 316 and 318. The electrical contacts 316 and 318 are electrically coupled to the circuit board 292 via electrical v~ires 320 and 322, respectively. Electrical wires 324 (FIG.
15) coupled to the light bulb 253 extend through the flag pole 250 and terminate in electrical contacts 326 and 328 in the base member 256 of the signaling device 112. The 1 ~ electrical wires 324 could be eliminated if the flag pole 250 is made of a suitable material to conduct electricity to operate the light bulb 253 or any suitable annunciator. When the cap section 264 is screwed onto the shaft section 266 as shown in FIG. 12, such that the electrical contacts 307 and 309 of the semi-circular projections 274 and 276, respectively, engage the electrical contacts 306 and 308, respectively, the fishing tip-up device 100 is a!0 turned on. With continued reference to FIG. I2, it can be observed that a lowermost portion of the cap section 264 rests against the annular ledge 286 of the shaft section 266, and an O-ring seal 330 is provided to create a water tight seal between the cap section 264 and the shaft section 266 to protect the electrical components housed therein and the integrity of the electrical circuit. When the signal device 112 is mounted to the fishing rod ~!5 108, the electrical connection between the electrical contacts 316 and 326, and the electrical contacts 318 and 328 will allow the circuit board 262 to communicate with the signaling device 112.
The fishing tip-up device 100 can only be turned on when the electrical contacts 306 and 308 of the shaft section 266 come into contact with the electrical contacts 307 and ..0 309 of the cap section 264, respectively. When the cap section 264 is positioned or screwed on to the shaft section 266 such that the engagement member 274 of the cap section 264 is positioned in portion A of groove 288 and the engagement member 276 of the cap section 264 is positioned in portion A of groove 290, the fishing tip-up device 100 is ready to be turned on. Electrical contact 306 is positioned at the end of portion A of groove 288 and electrical contact 308 is positioned at the end of portion A of groove 290.
When the fishing rod 108 is attached and locked to the base frame 102 as shown in FIGS.
~ and 7, the cap section 264 and the shaft section 266 are designed such that the electrical contact 306 contacts the electrical contact 307 and the electrical contact 308 contacts the S electrical contact 309. Meaning, in this position, the fishing tip-up device 100 is turned on for operation, and is not turned off to be in a non-operating state until the fishing rod 108 is removed from its locked, operating position. As shown in FIG. 18, when it is desirable to stow the fishing rod 108 in the base frame 102 for storage and transportation, the grooves 288 and 290 are designed in such a way to allow the cap section 264 to be slightly separated from the shaft section 266 without removing the cap section 264 from the shaft section 266. For storage and transportation, the cap section 264 is backed off or unscrewed from the shaft section 266 such that the engagement member 274 of the cap section 264 is positioned in either of portions B and ~C of groove 288 and the engagement member 276 of the cap section 264 is positioned in either of portions B and C
of groove I ~ 290. Once the cap section 2ti4 has been backed off or unscrewed from the shaft section 266 as just explained, and the fishing rod 108 is positioned in the base frame 102 for storage and transportation, the fishing tip-up device 100 cannot accidentally be turned on for operation during storage and transportation because the shape of the grooves 288 and 290 will not allow the engagement members 274 and 276 of the cap section 264 to ride in :?0 portions A of the associated grooves 288 and 290 absent an intervening force. This will help preserve the life of the energy source or battery by ensuring that the energy source or battery can not inadvertently be turned on for operation during storage and transportation.
It should be noted that because of the shape of the grooves 288 and 290, the cap section 264 and 266 cannot accidentally come apart. An intervening force or deliberate action is 25 needed to back off or unscrew the cap section 264 from the shaft section 266. This will help protect the electrical components housed within the fishing rod 108. To repeat, the fishing tip-up device 100 is desi;~ned to be turned on when the fishing rod 108 is located in its operating position and turned off when the fishing rod 108 is located in its stow position.
:30 Preferably, digital electronics are utilized for the fishing tip-up device 100.
However, analog electronics are suitable for use. With digital electronics, all the electrical features of the fishing tip-up device 100 can be programmed directly in the control or circuit board 262. Thus, the fishing tip-up device 100 can be programmed to include a multitude of electronic functions., such as radio signaling and pager receiving for the signal device 112. As another example, the fishing tip-up device 100 can be provided with a reset button. The reset button c;an be placed anywhere on the fishing tip-up device 100 so long as it is electrically coupled to the circuit board 262, but placing the reset button on the cap section 264 of the fishing rod 108 is preferred because of the location of the circuit board 262 within the cap section 264 and because of the convenience to the fisherman in having the reset button located in an accessible position. After the fishing tip-up device 100 has been activated as shown in bold in FI(1. 5, the reset button is simply used when it is desirable to return the fishing tip-up device 100 to its pre-activated state as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 5.
The fishing tip-up device 100 has eliminated the mechanical triggering mechanisms of the prior art alleviating the known problems of freezing up, constant oiling, noise, and false alarms. Tl;,e fishing tip-up device 100 is easy to assemble and disassemble, store and transport, and is of dependable construction and economical to manufacture, all of which improves upon known fishing tip-up devices.
Moreover, the 1 S fishing tip-up device 100 provides an electrical operation which maximizes the life of the energy source or batteries. ~hhe fishing tip-up device 100 also provides a system which distinguishes between false fish strikes or weak fish strikes, as compared to hardlactual fish strikes, thereby providing; a device which is extremely useful to the fisherman.
Various other features are provided to further enhance the usefulness of the fishing tip-up device according to the present invention.
It is envisioned that a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) can be used to visually transmit information to the user, such as the condition of the battery, the depth of the water, fish location, the distance a hooked fish has traveled from the hole in the ice, or other information which would be useful to the fisherman. Rechargeable batteries may be used, such that during the day, a solar panel is connected to the fishing tip-up device 100 to recharge the batteries. A chord may be used so that the fishing tip-up device 100 can be located in an ice-fishing shelter, while the solar panel is placed in the outer environment.
A beeper device, a voice signaling device, a cell phone and/or a pager notification device can be provided to announce movement of the fishing line to the fisherman. The fishing tip-up device 100 transmits a signal to a receiving device of the cell phone and./or pager.
The receiving device then tran:;mits preferably prerecorded messages to the fisherman to alert the fisherman of a possible fish strike. Preferably, the cell phone and/or pager have the capability to transmit and receive radio frequencies to keep the operation costs of the fishing tip-up device 100 at a minimum. Preferably, the LCD screen for the cell phone and/or pager shows the same information that the LCD for the fishing tip-up device shows.
In essence, utilizing digital electronics gives the fishing tip-up device 100 additional versatility as compared to analog electronics. For example, the sensor activator 301 in the reel 110 (FIG. 17) can be made of metal as compared to being a magnet as described in reference to fishing tip-up dev:ire 10. The circuit board 262 is simply reprogrammed to change and recognize the desired input to the sensor device 293. A metal sensor activator 301 is advantageous over a magnet sensor activator in that during storage and transportation of the fishing tip-up device 100, a metal sensor activator 301 will not attract tackle found in an adjacent tackle box 104 as a magnet sensor activator might do, which could be quite inconvenient for the user.
In the fishing tip-up device 100, it is envisioned, according to the principles of the present invention, to utilize a sensor device such as a light emitting or detecting sensor for sensor 293. In the fishing tip-u.p device 100, the metal piece 301 in the reel 110 could be replaced with a reflecting piece of material such as tape or paint or other suitable material.
Alternatively, the reel 110 can be provided with a plurality of holes 332 {FIG. 6) around the periphery thereof which will allow Iight to pass therethrough. Upon initial set-up of the fishing tip-up device 100, l:he magnet 268 holds down the signal device 112 or flag pole 250 as previously described. However, when a fish hits the bait, the following occurs. The reflective piece of material or holes 332 on or in the reel 110 crosses in front of the sensor device 293. This interruption causes the sensor device 293 to send an electrical signal to the circuit board or microprocessor 262 located in the cap section 264 of the fishing rod 108. As in other versions of the present invention, the microprocessor 262 then actuates a coil surrounding the magnet 268 to induce a magnetic field which is greater than the magnetic power in the opposing field so as to negate the magnetic holding power of the magnet 268. When this occurs, the magnet 268 releases the signal device 112 or flag pole 250 so that it springs to its vertical indicating position.
Moreover, as in other versions of the present invention, when the reflective material or holes 332 pass the sensor device 293, an electrical signal is sent to the microprocessor 262 which also actuates the light indicator bulb 253 or other annunciating mechanisms. In the case of the light bulb, 253, the light bulb 253 will flash each time the sensor activator revolves past the sensor device 293. Other annunciators can be used which will turn on/off or activate/deactivate in similar fashion.
The present invention is further explained with reference to the following example of an electrical circuit which is suitable for use with the fishing tip-up device of the present invention. The following example is intended only to help explain the principles of the present invention and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the present rnvent~on.
The following circuit design and batteries are configured to fit into the cap section of the fishing rod. The Digital components use 3.5 volts or 5 volts for power.
Since standard household batteries come in either 1.5V or 9V, a switching voltage regulator (DC
equivalent to an AC transformer) is used to convert the voltage to SV.
An Atmel microprocessor (AT89C2051 ) having 2K of programmable memory is suitable to control all the electrical components. To limit power consumption, the 0 microprocessor or control board is designed to go into a standby mode after 15 seconds of inactivity. In standby mode, the microprocessor will draw much less current, and yet will return to normal mode if a signal is received. A signal is defined as a pulse of low voltage to high voltage and back to low voltage transmitted by the fish sensor or the battery check circuit. FIG. 25 shows the schematic representation for this circuit.
l 5 To check if the battery is any good, pressing a push button located on the top of the cap section will turn on an LED if the battery is useable. The battery check also resets the microprocessor, allowing it to deaect line movement indicating a fish byte.
This allows the fishing tip-up to be reset after placing it in the hole and all unintentional line movement has ceased. A second way to reset the electronics is to twist the cap section and the shaft ~:0 section to the off position and than back on.
When a fish pulls on the line causing the reel to turn significantly, a signal is sent to the microprocessor. Upon receipt of this signal, the microprocessor will return to normal operation and turn on the coil around the magnet holding the flag for one second.
This will release the flag to stand in an upright position. To further announce the line 25 movement and presence of a fish, the microprocessor will flash an LED
located on top of the flag pole.
To use a 9V battery to power a digital circuit, the voltage must be dropped to either 3.SV or 5V, which are common voltages used by digital components. Unlike AC
circuits, a standard transformer will not work. One option would be to use an op-amp as a voltage 30 follower as shown in FIG. 26. With a little manipulation of this circuit, it will produce either 3.5V or 5V output depending on the resisters used. This configuration uses very little power since the resisters are large.
Another option is to use a step down voltage regulator. This component works by switching the output voltage on and off at a rate so that the output appears to be the desired _ 2'j_ voltage. Since the regulator is off part of the time, the power consumed is much lower than the first option.
Table I
Power i Consumed (V~ Cost ' i O -am -,- .18 $ I .80 Step Down V. .135 $2.93 ' i Regulator Since the power consumed by the op-amp is easily made up for by the lower cost of the components, the op-amp is the preferred configuration.
Battery life in the circuit is hard to measure. If the flag pole is never released, then the life of one 9V battery would be roughly G00 hours. Alternatively, if the flag pole l 0 release circuit was to run constantly, then the life of one 9V battery would be 25 minutes.
Since the number of possible flag pole releases depends on the time between each release, only rough estimates are possible. To estimate the number of' releases possible, reference is made to FIG. 27. Assuming that the battery does not recover after or during flag pole releases and that the flag pole release circuit is only active for a maximum of 2 seconds, then 720 flag pole releases are possible. 720 flag pole releases is a small amount compared to 7,200 flag pole releases that a single C-cell could produce. Keep in mind that other electrical operations, such as the flashing light bulb, will reduce the life of the battery.
Since microprocessors are available in 3.5V and 5V versions, power supplied from .:0 batteries need to be either 3.5V or 5V. Household batteries come in 1.5V
(AA, C, D) and 9V. This leads to the natural choice of a 3.5V microprocessor powered by two 1.5V
batteries, thus eliminating the need for a switching power supply (DC
equivalent to an AC
transformer). Another option might include an op-amp to help step down the voltage.
During normal operation, the microprocessor is the only load on the batteries.
At a:5 5.5mA, this is a small load. This can be further reduced by taking advantage of the microprocessor's ability to utilize an "Idle Mode" drawing only ImA.
The amount of current that is necessary for the coil in the flag pole release to operate at 3V can be solved using the following equation:
?~0 F = pi*d*i*N*B

_2g.
where c-on F - force iro P~tewtons lR '~
d - diameter in meters ~ ~ -s- _ i - current N -- number wire turns, and "' hlag~Kn B - magnet.ic flux density in Tesla.
Substituting 13.34847 Newtons and varying the diameter and the number or w,~~.
turns gives the following data.
.015 00 .23 .768 .015 00 .23 .461 .020 00 .23 .576 5 .020 00 .23 .345 .020 00 .23 .247 .020 000 .23 .I73 .025 000 .23 .138 ~0 Assuming that 500 wire turns is reasonable and that a NdFeB magnet is used, the current necessary to release the flag is .345 A. Note that less current is possible with different configurations. The coil will only be activated for a short time to limit battery drain. Since the coil requires a large current, a capacitor will store energy until the coil is turned on.
:?5 Using a C or D cell (D cells last longer but would require more space in the shaft section) to power the electronics. is preferred over using a 9V battery. A 9V
battery would require added expense and would not last as long. C cells have the potential of being able to power the electronics nine times longer v:~ith minor adjustments to the engineered schematic.
_SO To reduce battery drain, tire software must make use of the idle mode provided by the AT89C2051 microprocessor. While in idle mode, the processor is inactive but the on chip peripherals remain active. There are two events that trigger the processor to return to normal mode: an interrupt or hardware reset. Therefore, the reel sensor must be used as -? 9-an interrupt so that when the reel is moved, the processor will return to normal mode and trigger the flag. The processor is not able to release the flag while in the idle mode.
The following is an outline of the software which can be used to program the microprocessor.
Main Program Power Un / Reset:
RE;set reel computer Reset Sleep timer l0 While Reel counter < 2 then While sleep timer < 15 seconds then Release Flag l:f Sleep timer > 2 seconds then Flash LED 3 times a second ~ Reel Interrupt Reset Sleep timer Increment reel counter Flash LED if counter > 'l :? 0 When power is turned on or a reset is issued, the program will start at the top. A
counter is used to count every time the reed switch closes or reel sensor is activated while a timer is used to delay the processor from going immediately into idle mode.
Both of these are reset at the beginning of the program. The software then enters and stays in a loop until the reel counter is greater than one. During this time, the processor will shut down 15 seconds after inactivity. After two interrupts have occurred, the program will leave the Loop and release the Ila.g. With each interrupt, the LED will flash, thus indicating the speed at which the reel is turning. If the flag has been released and there is no reel movement, the LED will illuminate continuous light. The program will not leave this alert ~s0 status until the system has been shut down or a reset has occurred. The software can be modified to accommodate various adjustments of the system.
The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention in the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications ..5 commensurate with the above teachings in skill or knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described herein are further intended to explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention as such, or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular applications or uses of the present invention. It is intended that the appended claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.
Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims (37)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A fishing tip-up device comprising:
a signaling device;
a magnet adapted to hold and release said signaling device; and an electrical circuit electrically coupled to said magnet, such that said magnet holds said signaling device when said electrical circuit is uncharged, and such that said magnet releases said signaling device when said electrical circuit is charged.

2. A fishing tip-up device comprising:
a signaling device which includes an annunciator; and an electrical circuit electrically coupled to said signaling device, such that said annunciator is caused to alternately turn on and off depending on whether said electrical circuit is unbroken or broken.

3. A fishing tip-up device comprising:
a base frame;
a fishing rod pivotally connected to said base frame;
a reel of fishing line being rotatably connected to said fishing rod;
a signaling device being spring mounted to said base frame;
a magnet being supported by at least one of said base frame and said fishing rod;
an electrical circuit electrically coupled to said magnet, such that said magnet is capable of holding and releasing said signaling device depending on whether or not said electrical circuit is broken or unbroken; and a sensing device electrically coupled to said electrical circuit, said sensing device adapted to sense when said reel is rotated, such that said sensing device completes said electrical circuit when said reel is located in a predetermined position, and such that said sensing device breaks said electrical circuit when said reel is not located in said predetermined position.

4. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 3, wherein said base frame includes a longitudinal opening, and wherein during storage or transportation of said fishing tip-up device, said fishing rod is pivoted into said longitudinal opening and said signaling device is bent to be substantially parallel with said base frame.

5. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 4, further comprising a holding device attached to said base frame and adapted to receive and hold a top end of said signaling device when said fishing tip-up device is being stored or transported

6. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 5, wherein said base frame includes a hook receiving device, and wherein said reel of fishing line includes a hook on one end thereof, such that when said fishing tip-up device is being stored or transported, said hook engages said hook receiving device.

7. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 3, wherein said magnet is attached to a top end of said fishing rod.

8. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 7, further comprising a pair of prongs attached to said top end of said fishing rod, such that when said magnet holds said signaling device, a portion of said signaling device is positioned between said prongs.

9. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 3, wherein said reel of fishing line is attached to a lower end of said fishing rod, wherein said fishing tip-up device further comprises a plate member attached to said lower end of said fishing rod, said plate member including a hole adapted to allow the fishing line to pass therethrough, and wherein said fishing tip-up device further includes a depth locator which is adjustable along the fishing line, such that the fishing line is set at a desired depth by appropriately positioning said depth locator along said fishing line and thereafter magnetically coupling said depth locator to said plate member.

10. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 3, wherein said sensing device includes a reed switch having a weak metal member and a strong metal member, said reed switch being positioned in a hollowed out portion of said fishing rod, and wherein said reel of fishing line includes a magnet attached thereto, such that when said magnet attached to said reel of fishing line is located substantially adjacent to said reed switch as said reel of fishing line is rotated, said magnet attached to said reel of fishing line pulls said weaker metal member of said reed switch towards said stronger metal member of said reed switch until the metal members contact each other, thereby completing said electrical circuit, and such that when said magnet attached to said reel of fishing line is not located substantially adjacent to said reed switch as said reel of fishing line is rotated, said weaker metal member and said stronger metal member of said reed switch are not caused to come into contact, thereby breaking said electrical circuit.

11. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 10, wherein said signal device further includes an annunciator, such that depending on whether said electrical circuit is unbroken or broken, said annunciator is caused to alternately turn on and off to announce that said reel has been rotated or is still being rotated.

12. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 3, wherein said base frame includes a recess, and wherein said fishing tip-up device further includes an energy source, said energy source being housed within said recess of said base frame.

13. A fishing tip-up device comprising:
a signaling device;
a magnet adapted to hold and release said signaling device; and an electrical circuit including a circuit board and a sensor device, said electrical circuit electrically coupled to said magnet, such that said magnet holds said signaling device until a predetermined signal is sent from said sensor device to said circuit board, thereby causing said magnet to release said signaling device.

14. A fishing tip-up device comprising:
a signaling device which includes an annunciator; and an electrical circuit including a circuit board and a sensor device, said electrical circuit electrically coupled to said signaling device, such that said annunciator is caused to alternately turn on and off as a result of one or more predetermined signals being sent from said sensor device to said circuit: board.

15. A fishing tip-up device comprising:
a base frame having a top side, a bottom portion, opposite lateral sides and opposite ends, all of which define a box shaped structure having an open area therein;
a fishing rod being attachable to said base frame in a first position, said fishing rod also being detachable from said first position in said base frame and positionable within said open area of said base frame in a second position;
a reel of fishing line being rotatably connected to said fishing rod;
a signal device being spring mountable to said fishing rod, said signal device also being demountable from said fishing rod and positionable within said open area of said base frame;
a magnet positioned within said fishing rod;
an electrical circuit including a circuit board;
a sensing device; and wherein when said fishing rod is attached to said base frame in said first position and when said signaling device is mounted to said fishing rod, said circuit board is electrically coupled to said magnet and said sensing device, such that said magnet is caused to hold said signaling device until a predetermined signal which correlates to rotation of said reel of fishing line is sent from said sensor device to said circuit board, thereby causing said magnet to release said signaling device.

16. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 15, wherein said signaling device includes an annunciator which is caused to alternately turn on and off as a result of said signal being sent from said sensor device to said circuit board.

17. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 15, wherein said base frame includes a first engagement member, and wherein said fishing rod includes a second engagement member, such that when it is desirable to attach said fishing rod to said base frame in said first position, said fishing rod is caused to rotate in one direction until such time as said first engagement member and said second engagement member are :forced into an engaging, locking relationship, and such that when it is desirable to detach said fishing rod from said first position in said base frame, said fishing rod is caused to rotate in an opposite direction until such time as said first engagement member and said second engagement member are forced out of said engaging, locking relationship.

18. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 17, wherein said fishing rod includes at least one longitudinal finger grip to enable rotation of said fishing rod.

19. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 15, wherein one lateral side of said base frame includes a first arcuate formation and the other lateral side of said base frame includes a second arcuate formation, each arcuate formation including a slot which opens into said open area of said base frame and each arcuate formation including opposing projecting restriction members having a space therebetween, and wherein said fishing rod includes a first locating arm and a second locating arm, such that when it is desirable to attach said fishing rod to said base frame in said first position, said first locating arm and said second locating arm are positioned adjacent to and substantially parallel with said first and second arcuate formations, after which said fishing rod is caused to rotate in one direction, so that said first arcuate formation receives said first locating arm and said second arcuate formation receives said second locating arm, said fishing rod being rotated in said one direction until such time as said first locating arm is forced through said space located between said opposing projecting restriction members of said first arcuate formation and said second locating arm is forced through said space located between said opposing restriction members of said second arcuate formation, thereby locking said fishing rod. in said first position to said base frame, and such that when it is desirable to detach said fishing rod from said first position of said base frame, said fishing rod is caused to rotate in an opposite direction until such time as said first locating arm and said second locating arm are again positioned adjacent to and substantially parallel with said first and second arcuate formations.

20. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 19, wherein said fishing rod includes a substantially cylindrical outer portion, and wherein said first arcuate formation and said second arcuate formation each include a concave outer portion, such that when said fishing rod is locked in said first position in said base frame, said cylindrical outer portion of said fishing rod is in engagement with each concave outer portion of said first and second arcuate formation.

21. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 15, wherein one lateral side of said base frame includes a first groove and the other lateral side of said base frame includes a second groove, each groove opening into said open area of said base frame and each groove including opposing projecting restriction members having a space therebetween, wherein said fishing rod includes a first locating arm and a second locating arm, such that when it is desirable to position said fishing rod in said second position within said open area of said base frame, said first locating arm is forced through said space located between said opposing projecting restriction members of said first groove and said second locating arm is forced through said space located between said opposing restriction members of said second groove, thereby locking said fishing rod in said second position in said open area of sand base frame until such time as said first locating arm and said second locating arm are forced out of said respective grooves.

22. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 15, wherein said top side of said base frame includes a hole extending therethrough, wherein said fishing rod includes a top portion which is passed through said hole in said top side of said base frame when said fishing rod is attached to said base frame in said first position, said top portion of said fishing rod including a first recessed track, such that a portion of said signaling device is slidably received by said first recessed track when said signaling device is mounted to said fishing rod, and wherein one end of said base frame includes a second recessed track which is substantially similar to said first recessed track, such that said portion of said signaling device is slidably received by said second recessed track when said signaling device is positioned within said open area of said base frame.

23. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 15, wherein said top side of said base frame includes a hole extending therethrough, wherein said fishing rod includes a top portion which is passed through said hole in said top side of said base frame when said fishing rod is attached to said base frame in said first position, and wherein said top portion of said fishing rod includes a groove, such that when said magnet holds said signaling device, a portion of said signaling device rests within said groove of said top portion of said fishing rod and said signaling device is positioned substantially parallel with said base frame, and such that when said magnet releases said signaling device, said signaling device is sprung into a position which is substantially normal to said base frame.

24. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 15, further comprising:
a tackle box foldably attached to said base frame, said tackle box being foldable from a position adjacent to one of said lateral sides of said base frame to a position wherein said tackle box is adjacent to either of said top side and said bottom portion of said base frame; and a fish holding box foldably attached to said base frame, said fish holding box being foldable from a position adjacent to the other one of said lateral sides of said base frame to a position wherein said fish holding box is adjacent to the other of said top side and said bottom portion of said base frame.

25. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 24, wherein said tackle box includes at least one replaceable. pivotally connected lid.

26. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 24, wherein said fish holding box includes a measurement device formed therein or attached thereto.

27. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 24, wherein each of said tackle box and said fish holding box includes at least one longitudinal finger grip to enable folding and unfolding thereof.

28. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 24, wherein said base frame includes four outwardly projecting, substantially ball shaped members, wherein said tackle box and said fish holding box each include two outwardly projecting, substantially ball shaped members, and wherein said fishing tip-up device further comprises four hinge mechanisms, each being adapted to receive two of the ball shaped members in a snap connecting relationship, such that said tackle box and said fish holding box can not be pivoted substantially greater than 180 degrees with respect to said base frame.

29. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 24, further comprising:
at least one additional fishing tip-up device which is substantially similar to the first fishing tip-up device, each fishing tip-up device being attachable to at least one other fishing tip-up device for storage and transportation.

30. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 1 ~, wherein each lateral side of said base frame includes a slot, and wherein said fishing tip-up device further includes a handle adapted to slide along the slots.

31. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 30, wherein one of said ends of said base frame includes a reces<.., wherein said handle includes a gripper portion and a pair of arms extending from said gripper portion, and wherein said arms are adapted to slide along said slots and said recess is adapted to receive said gripper portion when said handle is pushed substantially all the way in along said slots.

32. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 31, wherein said gripper portion includes a pair of indentations on opposite ends thereof for use in sliding said handle along said slots when said gripper portion is substantially located within said recess.

33. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 15, further comprising:
at least one additional f skiing tip-up device which is substantially similar to the first fishing tip-up device, each fishing tip-up device being attachable to at least one other fishing tip-up device for storage .and transportation.

34. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 15, wherein said fishing rod comprises a cap section and a shaft section, said cap section being sufficiently hollow so as to be able to house said magnet and said circuit board within an inner portion thereof, said cap section including a first engagement member and a second engagement member, both engagement members projecting into said inner portion of said cap section, said shaft section including a first groove and a second groove, said sensor device being operatively positioned within said fishing rod in close proximity to said reel of fishing line when said reel is connected to said fishing rod, such that when said fishing rod is attached to said base frame in said first position, said first engagement member of said cap section engages an electrical contact positioned in said first groove of said shaft section and said second engagement member of said cap section engages an electrical contact positioned in said second groove of said shaft section, thereby activating said electrical circuit, and such that when said fishing rod is detached from said first position in said base frame and/or when said fishing rod is positioned within said open area of said base frame in said second position, said first engagement member of said cap portion disengages from said electrical contact positioned within said first groove of said shaft section and said second engagement member of said cap section disengages from said electrical contact positioned within said second groove of said shaft section, thereby deactivating said electrical circuit.

35. A fishing tip-up device according to claim 34, further comprising:
an O-ring seal placed between said cap section and said shaft section of said fishing rod, so as to provide a water tight seal when said fishing rod is attached to said base frame in said first position.

36. A fishing tip-up device comprising:
a signaling device to indicate a possible fish strike;
a fishing rod having a reel receiving section and a cap section; and an electrical circuit coupled to said signaling device to trigger said signaling device upon the occurrence of the possible fish strike, said electrical circuit being housed within at least one of said reel receiving section and said cap section of said fishing rod, such that said electrical circuit is activated when said cap section and said fishing rod are properly connected together for fishing, and said electrical circuit being deactivated when said cap section and said fishing rod are not connected together for fishing.

37. A fishing tip-up device comprising:
a base frame;
a fishing rod connected to said base frame;
a signaling device operatively connected to at least one of said base frame and said signaling device;
a reel for receiving fishing line; said reel including a first circular plate having a plurality of holes, said first plate further having a first hub and a first pair of spring clips extending from said first hub in a direction generally perpendicular to said first plate, said first hub including a first internal recess;
a second circular plate having a plurality of holes, said second plate further having a second hub and a second pair of spring clips extending from said hub in a direction generally perpendicular to said second plate, said second hub including a second internal recess;
a third circular plate having a first central receiving hole, said third plate having a plurality of fins extending from a surface of said third plate substantially between an outer periphery thereof and said central receiving hole;
a fourth circular plate having a second central receiving hole, said fourth plate having a plurality of fins extending from a surface of said fourth plate substantially between an outer periphery thereof and said central receiving hole;
a shaft having a handle attached to one end thereof; and wherein said first central hole of said third circular plate received said first hub of said first plate, said second central hole of said fourth circular plate receives said second hub of said second plate, said first plate and said second plate being connected by snapping together said first pair of spring clips with said second pair of spring clips, said shaft passing through the plates and attaching said reel to said fishing rod, and said plates being prevented from axially moving along said shaft by the placement of a locking device within the internal recesses of said first and second plate such that said locking device engages said shaft.