GB2405070A - A water soluble bait container system - Google Patents

Abstract

A water soluble bag 11 containing ground bait 12 is attached to a weight 1 of a generally conical shape. The bag may be made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The securing of the bag to the weight involves a circumferential groove 3 around the weight into which the material of the bag is constricted by a stretched ring 16. The fishing line 10 is threaded through the weight with the hook 13 and bait ball 14 enclosed in the bag. Alternatively the line may be attached to the weight by a traditional swivel and the hook and hook bait remain outside the bag. For shallower fishing a float may be attached, or the bait bag may be attached directly to a float with a circumferential groove.

Description

1 2405070 Angling Device and Method This invention relates to a device and

method for supplying bait to a body of water in the attempt to lure and catch fish, and in particular for supplying bait to the beds of rivers and lakes.

In the attempt to catch those fish that inhabit the bottom of rivers and lakes, it is customary to spread bait on the base of a chosen fishing area. This attracts fish to the area, and may cause them to consume bait attached to a hook (hook bait), enabling the fish to be captured.

The delivery of free bait to the fishing area is often achieved by enclosing the bait in a water-dispersible bag attached loosely to a line, a ledger weight, or a hook. The ledger weight is attached to a line by means of a swivel, or by passing the line through an aperture formed through the weight.

In an alternative system the free bait is placed in a 'swim feeder'. This is a cylindrical container having two end-caps and a series of apertures in the end caps and the cylindrical case. 'Open-end feeders' are also used; these are attached to a line but have open ends.

The water-dispersible bags used in conjunction with ledger weights are usually fabricated from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), which softens and disperses when immersed in water. The bags of this prior art, having been filled with bait, are attached to the end of a line by means of string or twine, and accompanied by a ledger weight and baited hook. The package is then cast into the water over the fishing area.

The above-described methods of bait distribution require considerable manual dexterity to fit to a line, and to change.

The problem is exacerbated during fishing for carp and similar species, when the best time for a successful catch may be during the hours of darkness. Furthermore, when a package using a PVA bag is cast it is not unusual for the bag to burst while in the air or when hitting the water, requiring the bait-packaging operation to be repeated.

The present invention provides a bait-container system that is easily fitted using one hand. Furthermore, the operation can be carried out in dim light, torchlight or even darkness.

According to the present invention there is provided a fishing system comprising an angling device (which may serve as a ledger weight), a baitcontaining bag of water-dispersible material, and a hook, all adapted to be attached by a single connection to a line; the system is characterized in that the line is attached to the angling device and the hook, and in that the bait bag is fitted to the device by attachment means.

The system enables bait bags to be fitted easily, and replaced as necessary, using the minimum of manual dexterity and without removing the device-and-hook combination from the line.

The bait bags may be made of polyvinyl alcohol, cellophane alginate, or other water-dispersible film. The speed at which the bag disperses in water depends on the temperature, the film thickness, and the material from which the film is formed. For convenience the film may be pigmented to enable the material and dispersing time to be identified prior to use. To improve attraction to fishes the bag may contain luminous pigments whose phosphorescence can be enhanced by placing the bag in a light box prior to use. The use of such luminous bags also assists loading in conditions of darkness.

The bait bags need not be made of film, but can be made of coated netting provided that the bait becomes accessible to fish when the bag is immersed. The netting mesh reinforces the water-dispersible bait bag. Alternatively the bag may carry perforations covered with waterdispersible film.

While for illustration the bait bags have been described as fitted to an angling device serving as a ledger weight, they may also be fitted to other angling devices such as free-running attachments, floats, attracts sponges and spods.

The bag may be fitted to the angling device by a variety of attachment means. In the case of a ledger weight the bag may be fitted to the outside of the weight by attachment means comprising a resilient band, or tied by a thread, or held by a resilient rim integral with the bag. In order that the bag is retained during casting and during falling when immersed in water, the weight may have a furrow cut around its periphery, or a series of lugs.

In one embodiment the bag may carry attached pieces of film in order that it may perform functions additional to that of carrying bait. Such attachments comprise portions of the same film material glued, welded or otherwise attached to the exterior of the bag. The attachment may form a pocket into which a hook or baited hook is inserted, so that it does not swing freely when the angling-device assembly is cast. The attachment may comprise a flap of the film material, and the hook may be retained during casting by hooking it into the flap.

Alternatively the hook may be retained by placing it against the bag, moistening the flap and pressing it against the bag surface; this causes it to adhere, due to the effect of water on the film.

In order that the invention may be clearly understood a number of embodiments are now described with reference to the accompanying figures in which: Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an angling device for use in the invention, comprising a ledger weight for in-line attachment; Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an angling device for use in the invention, comprising a ledger weight for swivel attachment; Figures 3a and 3b are schematic cross-sectional views of the ledger weight shown in Figure 1, fitted with a hook and bait bag; Figures 4a, 4b and 4c (in side elevation) show three forms of bait bags for use in the invention; Figure 5 (in side elevation) shows a further embodiment of the bait bag attached to a ledger weight; Figures 6a and 6b (in side elevation) show an alternative embodiment of the angling device, comprising a float instead of a weight, and Figures 6c, Ed and Be (in side elevation) show a further embodiment using both a float and a weight; Figure 7 (in cross-section) shows a free-running fitting of an assembly of bait bag and float; and Figures 8a, 8b and 8c show alternative forms of hook attachment to bait bags for use in the invention.

In Figure 1, an in-line ledger weight for use in the invention consists of a weight 1 formed from a material having a density considerably higher than that of water, such as lead.

The weight 1 is of generally conical shape, with a fine tube 2 running from the apex to the base to accommodate a fishing line (not shown). Near the base of the weight 1 is a circumferential groove 3. A rubber end-sleeve 4 may fit over the apex of the weight 1 to prevent abrasion of the line by the edges of the tube 1 2. A second rubber cap 5 may fit over a projection portion 6 of the base. An optional scallop 7 is shown hatched (not in the plane of cross-section) ; this is cut into the weight 1 to assist access to any item within the groove 3.

In use a bait bag (not shown) is fitted over the base, and held in place by an O-ring (not shown) which lodges in the groove 3. After use, when the bait bag has substantially disintegrated, the scallop 7 assists the manual removal of the 0- ring. A second scallop may be cut in the side opposite to the scallop 7.

Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment, in which the weight 1 has a swivel fitting at its apex and no tube 2 through its axis. The bait bag is fitted in the manner described with respect to Figure 1: by fitting a bait bag over the base and securing it with an O-ring.

Figure 3a shows an in-line ledger weight, as described with reference to Figure 1, threaded with a line 10. A hook 13, fitted with a bait ball 14, is connected to the base of the weight by a swivel 15. A bait bag 11 holds a batch of bait 12, and encloses the hook 13 with attached bait ball 14.

Figure 3b shows how the bait bag 11 is attached to the weight 1 by raising the rim of the bag above the groove 3 and retaining it in position by sliding an O-ring 16 over the weight 1 so that it beds into the groove 3. The tension in the O-ring 16 ensures that the bag 11 is firmly held in position.

Figure 4 illustrates that, as an alternative to the use of an O-ring, the bait bag may be fitted with a resilient rim 21, either by moulding the rim and bag or by direct attachment of an O-ring to a bag. The bag may be a EVA film bag 22 with its integral rim 21 (as in Figure 4a), a mesh bag with its integral rim (as in Figure 4b), or a PVA sponge with its integral rim (as in Figure 4c). In all cases the rim 21 of the bag is stretched and fitted to the groove 3 in the ledger weight 1, where it is retained.

Figure 5 shows a side elevation of an alternative embodiment in which a bait bag 30 has a pouch 31 attached to its surface by welding or similar fixing means. In use the bag 30 is fitted over a weight 32 attached to a line 34, which extends beyond the swivel 33 to a hook 35 carrying a bait ball 36. The bag 30 is retained in position on the weight 32 by an O-ring 37 bedded in a circumferential groove in the weight 32. The bag 30 contains bait 38. The hook 35 and associated hook-bait 36 are contained in the pouch 31 during casting. Once immersed in water, the hook 35 and bait 36 are released as the bag 30 disperses.

Figure 6 shows that, as an alternative to the use of a ledger weight resting on the bottom of a pond or other water, a float (such as a pike float) may be used. The invention then becomes appropriate to fishing at shallower levels. In the embodiments illustrated, a float 40 held by a line 42 carries a live bait or a lure 41; a bait bag 44 is used with a resilient rim 45.

In a first embodiment (as in Figures 6a and fib), the float has a circumferential groove 46. The bag 44 is fitted to the float so that it encloses the bait 41 and is held in position by the engagement of the rim 45 in the groove 46.

In an alternative embodiment illustrated in Figures 6c, 6d and Be, a supplementary weight 43, carrying a circumferential groove 47 as in Figure 6c, is provided between the float and the bait to facilitate somewhat deeper fishing. Then, as in Figures 6d and be, the bag 44 is fitted to the weight 43 so that it encloses the bait 41 and is held in position by the engagement of the rim 45 in the groove 47.

Figure 7 shows (in cross-section) an alternative embodiment consisting of a low-density float body 50 having a central tube 51 through which a line 53 is threaded. The body 50 has a circumferential groove adapted to receive an O-ring 54. The ring 54 holds in place a bait bag 55. In this embodiment the hook (not shown) is contained in the bag, and becomes functional as the bag 55 disintegrates.

The bait bags may have attachments, as described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 8 shows various forms of a bait bag 60, having attachments fitted for specific purposes. A hook pouch 61, as in Figure 8a, may be fitted to the side of the bag to hold the hook (usually baited) during casting. Instead of the pouch 61 a tab 62 may be welded to the bag 60, as in Figure fib. Before the bag 60 is cast, the hook may be pressed against the side of the bag, and covered with the tab 62; as the bag 60 and tab 62 are made of water-dispersible material, moistening the area of contact causes adhesion. When immersed, the bag and tab disintegrate, releasing the hook. Alternatively the hook may be attached to a tab 63, as in Figure 8c, by piercing the tab 63 with the hook so that it is retained.

The attachment of bait bags to angling devices has been described in embodiments using resilient means. The retention of the bait bags has been described either using O-rings to hold the bag to a weight or float, or using bags with a resilient mouth. In alternative embodiments bags may be used which have a quick-release attachment means, adapted to engage a mating attachment on a weight or other line-held body. Such attachment means may include a twist grip in which the bait bag is clamped to the base of a ledger weight or float. The base of the ledger weight or float may have a threaded section engaging with a threaded cap through which the mouth of the bag is fed before twisting. Other quick-release attachment means include a bayonet twist grip and push-fit attachments.

Other means of attachment include tying the mouth of the bag, for instance with thread or with tape, which may be water soluble or dispersible. Ledger weights have been illustrated having substantially circular cross sections. Alternative cross sections such as hexagonal or other multifaceted forms may be used. The weights, regardless of crosssectional form, may be adapted for use with free-running lines or fixed lines. In the former case a central tube is formed, preferably with friction- reducing lining and abrasion-reducing ends, to accommodate the line. In the latter case the weight is fitted with line- attachment means such as a swivel.

Claims (15)

1. In the practice of angling using the traditional line, weight, hook and bait, an apparatus combining the following elements: a) a water- soluble container to receive the bait; b) a weight configured to be inserted into, and thereby close, the open end of the bait container; and c) fixing means to secure the said open end of the bait container to the said weight.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, in which the said water- soluble container is made of polyvinyl alcohol film.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, in which the said weight is of a generally conical form and of a maximum diameter that can be accommodated within the open end of the said bait container.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1, in which the said fixing means include a circumferential groove formed near the base of the said weight, provision to insert the grooved portion of the weight into the open end of the said bait container, and an extensible band, said band being configured to fit in the said groove in tension and to constrict the material near the open end of the bait container into the groove.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1, in which the said fixing means include a circumferential groove formed near the base of the said weight and an extensible band formed around the open end of the said bait container, such extensible band being configured to be a secure fit in the said groove.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1 configured to permit location of the hook within the said bait container, in which the said weight is formed with an axial hole, such hole allowing the line to be passed through and the hook attached before the bait container is affixed to the weight.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1 configured to permit location of the hook outside the said bait container, in which the said weight is formed with a hole for passage of the line through its upper part above the said bait container.

8. An apparatus according to claim 1, in which the said fixing means include a circumferential groove formed into the said weight and an extensible band compressing the open end of the said bait container into the said groove, and in which one or more recessed scallops are formed across the groove to permit easy removal of the said extensible band.

9. An apparatus according to claim 1, in which attachment means are provided on the outside of the said bait container to secure the hook during casting.

10. An apparatus according to claim 1, in which a float is used above the said weight.

11. In the practice of angling using the traditional line, float, hook and bait, an apparatus combining the following elements: a) a water- soluble container to receive the hook and bait; b) a float whose lower end is configured to be inserted into, and thereby close, the open end of the bait container; and c) fixing means to secure the said open end of the bait container to the said float.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11, in which the said fixing means include a circumferential groove formed near the base of the said float, provision to insert the grooved portion of the float into the open end of the said bait container, and an extensible band, said band being configured to fit in the said groove in tension and to constrict the material near the open end of the bait container into the groove.

13. An apparatus according to claim 11, in which the said fixing means include a circumferential groove formed near the base of the said float and an extensible band formed around the open end of the said bait container, such extensible band being configured to be a secure fit in the said groove.

14. A method of angling using the traditional line, weight, hook and bait, and including the following steps in combination: a) presenting the bait within a bait container made of water soluble material; b) inserting into the open end of the said bait container a weight of form and dimensions to act as a closure to such open end; c) applying fixing means to secure said open end of the bait container to the said weight; and d) casting the secured bait container and weight together as a single assemblage.

15. Apparatus for use in angling, substantially as described and illustrated in the foregoing description and drawings.