GB2432768A

GB2432768A - Fishing feeder

Info

Publication number: GB2432768A
Application number: GB0624089A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan Albert Ferrar; John Bertima Carris
Original assignee: FERRIS TECH Ltd
Current assignee: FERRIS TECH Ltd
Priority date: 2005-12-02
Filing date: 2006-12-01
Publication date: 2007-06-06
Anticipated expiration: 2026-12-01
Also published as: GB2432768B; GB0624089D0

Abstract

A fishing feeder 10 comprising a container for receiving a quantity of bait and an ejection mechanism operable to eject bait from the container, the ejection mechanism includes a delay mechanism, a resilient member 38 and an ejection member 44 movable from a storage position to an ejection position by the resilient member 38, the delay mechanism being configured such that the ejection 10 mechanism operates after the feeder 10 has been immersed in water for a predetermined period of time. In a preferred embodiment, the container is formed from two jaws 12, 14 which are biased open by a resilient member 38, which, in use, are held together by water-sensitive material such that water acts on the material to allow the resilient member 38 to force open the jaws 12, 14 to release the enclosed bait. In this preferred embodiment, the ejection member 44 is a curved projection which moves with the jaw, forcing bait into the surrounding water.

Description

Improved Fishing Feeder The present invention relates to an improved

fishing feeder for use in particular, though not exclusively, with coarse fishing.

Feeders are used in coarse fishing to deliver ground bait in the vicinity of a baited hook connected to a fishing line. A feeder typically comprises a container for holding a quantity of ground bait which is attached to a fishing line at or near a hook of the fishing line. The container is provided with one or more apertures through which the 0 ground bait is able to pass once the fishing line has been cast into a body of water. The ground bait generally passes exits the feeder by crumbling or breaking down into particles have a size smaller than the apertures. The ground bait can be assisted in its exit from the feeder by shaking or agitation of the line and subsequent movement of the feeder. The ground bait generally stays in the vicinity of the feeder which may be some distance from the baited hook it is intended to lure the fish towards.

One solution to the problem of ground bait becoming trapped in the feeder has been the development of a soluble feeder. The feeder typically takes the form of a container, such as a bag, which is manufactured from a material which dissolves upon contact with water. This type of feeder however does not address the ground bait dispersal problem noted above.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a fishing feeder comprising a container to receive a quantity of bait and an ejection mechanism operable to eject bait from the container, the ejection mechanism including a delay mechanism, a resilient member and an ejection member movable from a storage position to an ejection position by the resilient member, the delay mechanism being configured such that the ejection mechanism operates after the feeder has been immersed in water for a predetermined period of time The provision of the ejection mechanism ensures that bait is removed from the container, while the delay mechanism ensures that the feeder is able to reach an intended position within the water column before bait ejection occurs.

It will be appreciated that the ejection member contacts bait within the container and causes it to be ejected from the container.

The container may be movable from a closed position to an open position, with movement from the closed to the open position causing ejection of bait from the container.

The delay mechanism preferably includes a water sensitive member. The water sensitive member may be soluble. Alternatively, the water sensitive member may be adapted to soften and deform or otherwise decompose after coming into contact with water. For example, the water sensitive member may comprise a compacted fibre material such as card or cardboard.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a feeder having first and second jaws movable between an open position and a closed position, a spring arranged between the jaws to urge the jaws towards the open position and a latch arrangement to retain the jaws in the closed position, wherein the latch arrangement is configured such that it disengages after the feeder has been immersed in water.

The provision of the spring causes the rapid opening of the jaws and the subsequent projection of bait from the jaws and into the area surrounding the feeder. The latch arrangement ensures that the jaws do not open during casting of the feeder.

In a preferred embodiment the latch arrangement includes a water soluble element which is dissolved upon contact with water. The water soluble element retains the jaws in the closed position against the force of the spring. The water soluble element may comprise a water soluble polymer such as, for example, PVA. In an alternative embodiment the latch arrangement includes an element which softens or disintegrates after coming into contact with water.

One or both jaws may be provided with an ejection member. The ejection member is arranged to contact bait retained between the jaws and urge the bait out of the jaws as the jaws move from the closed to the open position. The ejection member may preferably be formed by a projection of the jaw. Each jaw may be provided with a plurality of ejection members.

Each jaw may be part cylindrical such that the jaws, when in the closed position, define a substantially cylindrical container. With the jaws in the closed position, the container may be open at both ends, open at one end and closed at the other end, or closed at both ends depending upon the jaw configuration. Each jaw is preferably provided with at least one aperture. In such an embodiment, the ejection member of the or each jaw may be curved so as to conform to the curvature of the jaws.

The feeder is preferably also provided with a an attachment feature to enable the feeder to be connected to or associated with a fishing line. The attachment feature may comprise a projection of the feeder. The projection may be provided with an aperture through which the line may pass, in use.

The feeder may be provided with a removable cap. The feeder may further be provided with one or more stabilising fins. A weight may be also be provided which can be mounted either internally or externally to the container.

The container may be provided with a rounded or tapered nose. The nose may be textured so as to improve the flow of air over the feeder when the feeder is cast. In such an embodiment, the nose may be dimpled in a similar manner to a golf ball.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a feeder according to the present invention in a closed position; Figure 2 shows an end view of the feeder of figure 1; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the feeder of figure 1 in an open position; Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the feeder of figure 1; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a feeder according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention in a closed position; Figure 6 shows an end view of the feeder of figure 5; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the feeder of figure 5 in an open position; Figure 8 shows an exploded view of the feeder of figure 5; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a feeder according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention in a closed position; Figure 10 shows an end view of the feeder of figure 9; Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the feeder of figure 9 in an open position; Figure 12 shows an exploded view of the feeder of figure 9; Figure 13 shows an exploded perspective view of a feeder according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the feeder of figure 13 in a closed position; Figure 15 shows an end view of the feeder of figure 13; Figure 16 shows another perspective view of the feeder of figure 13; Figure 17 shows a side view of the feeder of figure 13; Figure 18 shows an end view of a feeder according to a further alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 19 shows a plan view of the feeder of figure 18; Figure 20 shows a side view of the feeder of figure 18; Figure 21 shows a perspective view of the feeder of figure 18; and Figure 22 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a feeder according to the present invention.

Referring firstly to figures 1 to 4 there is shown a feeder generally designated 10. The feeder 10 comprises first and second jaws 12,14 which are connected by a hinge 16.

The jaws 12,14 are movable between a closed position (figure 1) and an open position (figure 3). Each jaw 12,14 includes a curved wall 18 and a base 20. In the closed position of the feeder 10, the respective walls 18 and bases 20 of the jaws 12,14 define a substantially cylindrical container which is open at one end. It will be understood that the feeder 10 may embody other shapes. The walls 18 and bases 20 are each provided with apertures 22,24. The hinge 16 is defined by respective projections 26,28 provided along an edge 30,32 of each jaw 12,14. The projections 26,28 are each provided with a through aperture 34. In use, the jaws 12, 14 are positioned such that the apertures 34 are aligned. A hinge pin 36 is then inserted therethrough to retain the jaws 12,14 in association with one another.

The feeder 10 is further provided with a spring 38 which urges the jaws 12,14 to the open position. The spring 38 is of the hairpin type having a coiled body 40 through which the hinge pin 36 passes. Spring legs 42 which extend from the body 40 rest against the respective edges 30,32 of the jaws 12,14. The jaws 12,14 are each further provided with two curved fingers 44. The fingers 44 of each jaw 12,14 extend away from the wall 18 of the jaw 12,14. The radius of curvature of each finger 44 is substantially the same as that of each wall 18 such that, in the closed position, the fingers 44 of one jaw 12,14 lie against the inner surface of the wall 18 of the adjacent jaw 12,14.

Each jaw 12,14 is further provided with a latch projection 46. Each latch projection 46 is provided on an outer surface of the wall 18 of the jaw 12,14. In the closed position of the feeder 10, the latch projections 46 are positioned adjacent to one another as can be readily seen in figure 2. A length of soluble thread, such as PVA thread, may be wound around the latch projections 46 to retain the feeder 10 in the closed position. In an alternative embodiment, the latch projections may be retained by a catch made from a material which softens or disintegrates upon contact with. For example, the catch may be made from cardboard. One of the jaws 14 is further provided with a bar weight 48, The weight 48 is clipped to the jaw 14 so as to ensure that the feeder 10 will sink. The weight 48 is clipped to the jaw 14 close to the hinge so as to ensure that the feeder 10, when submerged, lies in an orientation with the hinge 16 lowermost with respect to the surface 50 upon which the feeder 10 rests. It will be appreciated that the presence of weight bar 48 is optional and that more than one weight bar may be clipped to the feeder 10 if required.

Operation of the feeder 10 will now be described. With the feeder 10 in the closed position and a length of soluble thread wound around, or a card retainer attached to, the latch projection 46 to retain the jaws 12,14 in the closed position, ground bait is loaded into the jaws 12,14. The jaws 12,14 are then closed and the feeder 10 is then connected to a fishing line in an appropriate manner in the vicinity of a baited hook of the line. In the embodiment shown one of the jaws 12 is provided with a connection projection 52 having an aperture 54 through which the fishing line may be threaded. Once the feeder has been attached to the line, the baited hook and feeder 10 are cast into a body of water whereupon they sink to the bottom. The soluble thread starts to dissolve once the feeder 10 has entered the water and will eventually reach a point where it can no longer resist the spring force urging the jaws 12,14 to open position. Once this point has been reached, the jaws 12, 14 open and the ground bait is released. The fingers 44 act to project the ground bait upwardly and outwardly from the jaws 12,14.

Figures 5 to 8 show an alternative embodiment of a feeder generally designated 56.

Features common to the feeder 10 described with reference to figures 1 to 4 are identified with like reference numerals. The feeder 56 differs in that it is not provided with fingers 44, nor are the jaws 12, 14 provided with bases 20. The feeder 56 is shown with a weight bar 48 clipped to each jaw 12,14. The feeder 56 operates in the same manner as the feeder 10 described with reference to figures 1 to 4.

Figures 9 to 12 show a further alternative embodiment of a feeder generally designated 58. Features common to the feeders 10,56 described with reference to figures 1 to 8 are identified with like reference numerals. The feeder 58 operates in the same manner but differs in that the bases 60 of the jaws 12, 14 do not just extend across the curved end of a wall 18, but are tapered so that the feeder 58 is provided with a nose cone 62 when the jaws 12,14, are in the closed position. The walls 18 are further provided with stabiliser fins 64.

Figure 13 to 17 show a further alternative embodiment of a feeder generally designated 66. As before, features common to the aforementioned embodiments are identified with like reference numerals. The feeder 66 operates in the same manner as hereinbefore described.

The hinge 16 of the feeder 66 is of a snap together configuration which eliminates the need for a separate hinge pin. Each jaw 12,14 is provided with clip member 68 and bar member 70. The clip member 68 of one of the jaws 12,14 is positioned so as to receive the bar member 70 of the of the jaws 12,14. One of the bar members 68 is further provided with a spring mount 72 onto which the coil of a hairpin spring may be mounted.

The connection projection 52 is of a larger size than that shown in figures 1 to 12. The projection 52 is provided with an aperture 54 through which a fishing line or filament can extend. The aperture 54 comprises a cental portion of relatively small diameter and end portions 74 of a larger diameter. The end portions 74 are sized so as to be able to receive a plug which may be used to fix the position of the feeder 66 on the fishing line.

The end portions 14 may also accommodate the body of an item of line mounted fishing tackle, such as a swivel, in use.

The feeder 66 is optionally provided with a further latch 76. The further latch 76 may be employed to retain the jaws 12,14 in the closed position prior to the application of the soluble thread to the latch projections 46. An angler may pre fill a number of feeders 66 and retain them in the closed position with the further latch 76 until shortly before use. The soluble thread can then be wound around the latch projections 46, and the further latch 76 disengaged, shortly before the feeder 66 is attached to a fishing line and cast into a body of water. In this way, the angler need not worry about the soluble thread weakening or failing ahead of being cast into a body of water due to it getting wet.

The latch projections 46 of the feeder 66 differ slightly in configuration to those of the feeders of figures 1 to 12. The latch projections 46 are positioned upon their respective jaws 12,14 such that they are spaced apart when the jaws 12,14 are in the closed position. This spacing assists in the application of the soluble thread so as to ensure that a single filament or length of soluble thread extends across the jaws. In use, and angler first winds the soluble thread around a first latch member 46 before drawing the thread across the gap between the latch members 46 and then winding the thread around the second latch member 46.

Referring now to figures 18 to 21, there is shown a further alternative embodiment of the a feeder generally designated 78. Features common to the previously described embodiments are identified with like reference numerals. The feeder 78 operates in the same manner as hereinbefore described. The feeder 78 may be provided with the snap together hinge arrangement of the feeder described with reference to figures 13 to 16 or the hinge pin feature of the feeder of figures ito 12.

The feeder 78 is provided with a finned cap 80 which, in use, is fitted to the open end of the container defined by the jaws 12,14 when they are in the closed condition. The cap is connected to one of the jaws 12 both by a hinge 82 and a resiliently deformable tube 84. The tube 84 extends from the centre of the cap 80 to a tubular portion 86 extending from the nose 62 of the feeder 78. The tube 84 is aligned with apertures 88,90 of the cap 80 and tubular portion 86 such that the feeder 78 may be threaded onto a fishing line 92. With the jaws 12,14 in the closed position the cap 80 may be hinged and held open against the resilience of the tube 84 as it extends so that ground bait can be inserted into the interior of the feeder 78. The subsequent contraction of the tube 84 draws the cap 80 to a closed position after the feeder 78 has been filled with ground bait. The feeder 78 is further provided with a frusto-conical weight 94 which fits to the tapered nose of the feeder 78.

Figure 22 shows a further embodiment of a feeder, generally designated 96, according to a further embodiment of the invention. Features common to the previously described embodiments are identified with like reference numerals. The feeder 78 operates in the same manner as hereinbefore described. The nose 62 of the feeder 96 is provided with a plurality of dimples 98 in a manner similar to that of the exterior surface of a golf ball. 4 I

The dimples 98 serve to improve the airflow over the feeder 96 when is cast over long distances.

The jaws 12,14 and, where fitted, the cap 80 are preferably manufactured by an injection moulding operation from a thermoplastics material such as, for example, Acetal or polypropylene.

As described above the feeder 10,56,58,78 may be provided with one or more weights so as to unsure that the feeder 10,56,58,78, in use, sinks to bottom before opening.

Depending upon such factors as the type of fish being sought, the type of fishing rod or pole being employed and the surface conditions of the water, the feeder may be associated with the line so as to float on the surface or be positioned mid-water. In such an embodiment the feeder 10,56,58,78 may be manufactured from a buoyant material or be provided with one or more buoyancy aids. It will further be appreciated that the delay experienced between the feeder entering the water and the opening of the jaws can be varied by, for example, using threads having differing solubility and thickness, or differing compressed fibre retainers such as paper or card. l0

Claims

Claims 1. A fishing feeder comprising a container to receive a quantity

of bait and an ejection mechanism operable to eject bait from the container, the ejection mechanism including a delay mechanism, a resilient member and an ejection member movable from a storage position to an ejection position by the resilient member, the delay mechanism being configured such that the ejection mechanism operates after the feeder has been immersed in water for a predetermined period of time.

2. A feeder as claimed in preceding claim I wherein the container is movable from a closed position to an open position, with movement from the closed to the open position causing ejection of bait from the container.

3. A feeder as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the delay mechanism includes a water sensitive member.

4. A feeder as claimed in claim 3 wherein the water sensitive member is soluble.

5. A feeder as claimed in claim 3 wherein the water sensitive member is adapted to soften and deform upon contact with water.

6. A feeder as claimed in claim 1 wherein the container includes first and second jaws movable between an open position and a closed position, the ejection mechanism includes a spring arranged between the jaws to urge the jaws towards the open position and the delay mechanism includes a latch arrangement to retain the jaws in the closed position, wherein the latch arrangement is configured such that it disengages after the feeder has been immersed in water.

7. A feeder as claimed in claim 6 wherein the latch arrangement includes a water sensitive element.

I I

8. A feeder as claimed in claim 7 wherein the water sensitive element is water soluble.

9. A feeder as claimed in claim 8 wherein the water soluble element comprises a water soluble polymer.

10. A feeder as claimed in claim 7 wherein the water sensitive element is adapted to soften and deform when immersed in water.

Il. A feeder as claimed in claim 10 wherein the water sensitive element is made from a compacted fibre material.

12. A feeder as claimed in claim 11 wherein the compacted fibre material is paper or card.

13. A feeder as claimed in any of claims 7 to 12 wherein the latch arrangement comprises a connection feature of each jaw and a water sensitive element extending therebetween.

14. A feeder as claimed in claim 13 wherein the connection feature of each jaw comprises a projection of the jaw.

15. A feeder as claimed in any of claims 7 to 14 wherein one of said jaws is provided with the ejection member.

16. A feeder as claimed in claim 15 wherein the ejection member is defined by a projection of the jaw.

17. A feeder as claimed in claim 16 wherein the projection is curved.

18. A feeder as claimed in any of claims 15 to 17 wherein the ejection member fits to the other of the jaws when the jaws are in the closed position.

19. A feeder as claimed in any of claims 15 to 18 wherein both jaws are provided with ejection members.

20. A feeder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the feeder is provided with an attachment feature to enable the feeder to be connected to a fishing line.

21. A feeder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the feeder is provided with an attachment feature having an aperture through which a fishing line can extend, in use.

22. A feeder as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the container is provided with a removable cap.

23. A feeder as claimed in claimed in claim 22 wherein the cap is resiliently biased to a closed position.

24. A feeder as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the container is provided with one or more stabilising fins.

25. A feeder as claimed in any preceding claim and including a weight.

26. A feeder as claimed in claim 25 wherein said weight is mounted externally to the container 27. A feeder as claimed in claim 25 wherein said weight is mounted internally to the container.

28. A feeder as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the container has a rounded or tapered nose.

29. A feeder as claimed in claim 28 wherein the nose is textured so as to improve the flow of air over the feeder.

30. A feeder as claimed in claim 29 wherein the nose is dimpled.

31. A feeder substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to or as shown in Figures Ito 4, or Figures 5 to 8, or Figures 9 to 12, or Figures 13 to 17, or Figures 1 8 to 21, or Figure 22 of the accompanying drawings.