GB2453666A

GB2453666A - Fishing pole tip bush

Info

Publication number: GB2453666A
Application number: GB0818692A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Michael Pryce; Brian Roy Bancroft
Original assignee: FRENZEE Ltd
Current assignee: FRENZEE Ltd
Priority date: 2007-10-13
Filing date: 2008-10-13
Publication date: 2009-04-15
Anticipated expiration: 2028-10-13
Also published as: GB2453666B; GB0818692D0; GB0720040D0

Abstract

A tip bush for securing to a fishing pole (2, Fig. 1) comprises a body (3, Fig. 1), connecting means 4 for connection to a pole and auxiliary connecting means 5, 6 to receive a further device (20, Fig. 3). A first part (50, 51, Fig. 6) of the auxiliary connecting means can reside on the pole, which receives a device containing the other part (61, 62, Fig. 8) of the auxiliary connection. Typically, the device is a bait feeder pot (20, Fig. 3). Preferably, the device comprises a bore 4 through a tubular body 7. The bore may have an inwardly projecting ledge 15 to abut the pole. The ledge can include an annular flange 30. Preferably, the auxiliary connection comprises a pair of elongate projections 5, 6, which may be located on opposite sides of the body section 7. Typically, the body has a larger diameter head 8.

Description

TIP BUSH

This invention relates to a fishing pole connector tip bush for connecting another device to a fishing pole. In particular, it relates to a tip bush adapted to connect a further device, such as a pot, to the end of a fishing pole.

In pole fishing or angling a hollow pole is used that comprises a larger diameter handle end at one end that tapers towards a smaller diameter free end. The pole is held by the fisherman at the handle end and the free end can then be extended over the water. A length of elastic cord, known as pole elastic, is typically secured at the handle end and extends through the interior of the pole and out of the free end where the pole elastic is attached to an adapter. The adapter can then be attached to fishing line.

At the free end where the pole elastic leaves the pole, substantial force on the pole elastic can damage the pole causing it to split or fray. Thus, a tip bush is affixed to the pole to act as a guide for the pole elastic and to prevent damage to the pole. The tip bush either fits externally around the pole or fits internally in the free end.

It is known to attach other devices to the end of the pole, such as a feeder pot. The feeder pot typically contains bait that can be tipped from the pot into the water by rotation of the pole. These feeder pots typically have a tapering groove formed in their bases, the groove having pairs of serrations on its walls. The groove is adapted to receive the pole and grip it by an interference fit. Thus, the pole is pushed between the pairs of serrations in the tapering groove until it reaches a point where there is sufficient friction between the pole and groove to retain it thereto. While the pot is easy to attach to the pole, it can cause damage by over compressing it. This is a particular problem as fishing poles can be very expensive.

Another known feeder pot design comprises a snap-fit arrangement in which a pot of resilient material has a slot therein having a narrow entrance. The slot of the feeder pot is adapted to receive the pole through the narrow entrance, which resiliently deforms as the pole passes allowing it to "snap" into the remainder of the slot. Despite the pot being resilient, a substantial force is required to connect the feeder pot to the pole, which makes it difficult to attach without causing damage to the pole.

A still further known feeder pot design comprises a pot having two opposed gripping members that form a claw having a screw thread formed on a part thereof. The claw is constructed and arranged such that when the pot is rotated, the gripping members move together in order to tighten up against the pole. As the claw is required to tighten up to a pole which may have a wall thickness of approximately a millimetre, it is difficult to judge how much to tighten to ensure a reliable connection without crushing the pole.

According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a tip bush for securing to a fishing pole comprising a body having pole connecting means for connecting it to the pole and auxiliary connecting means to receive a further device.

This is advantageous as the tip bush provides an interface between the pole and the further device allowing it to be connected easily and securely while protecting the pole from damage. The tip bush can be secured to the pole and then further devices can be attached and removed when necessary using the auxiliary connecting means.

Preferably, the further device is a feeder pot for holding bait.

Alternatively, the further device may be an illuminating means. It will be appreciated that many different further devices can be attached to the fishing pole by way of the tip bush.

Preferably the tip bush comprises a tubular body having a bore therethrough to receive the fishing pole. Thus, the bore may comprise the connecting means to secure the tip bush to the pole by an interference fit. Preferably, the bore includes an inwardly projecting ledge which is arranged to abut the pole when the tip bush is in use. This prevents the pole being inserted too far into the tip bush.

Preferably, the ledge includes an annular flange that is adapted to be received within the pole. Thus, the body of the tip bush abuts the external surface of the pole and the flange abuts the internal surface. The free end of the pole is thereby held between the body of the tip bush and the flange. The flange is able to guide the pole elastic out of the pole thereby protecting the pole and ensuring smooth running of the pole elastic through the pole. This is advantageous as the pole and pole elastic are both protected from causing damage to each other.

Preferably, the auxiliary connecting means comprises a projecting portion and, in particular, a pair of elongate projections. Preferably the pair of elongate projections are located on opposed sides of the body and extend axially. Preferably, the elongate projections comprise rounded edges.

Preferably the body comprises a larger diameter head portion opposite the end that receives the pole. Preferably, the head portion has a rounded mouth portion. This is advantageous as any pole elastic that may extend through the pole will not snag on the tip bush due to its rounded edges around the mouth.

Preferably the tip bush is of plastics and may be injection moulded.

According to a second aspect of the invention, we provide a tip bush for connecting to a fishing pole in combination with a further device, the tip bush comprising a body having pole connecting means for connecting it to the pole and a first part of an auxiliary connecting means to receive the further device, wherein the further device includes the other part of the auxiliary connecting means.

Preferably, the further device is a feeder pot for holding and dispensing fishing bait.

Preferably, the first part of the auxiliary connecting means comprises a pair of elongate projections and the other part of the auxiliary connecting means comprises a pair of slots complementary to the projections.

Preferably the projections are formed on diametrically opposed sides of the body. Preferably, the other part of the auxiliary connecting means comprises a cylindrical member having a longitudinal opening to receive the fishing pole tip bush. Preferably the cylindrical member includes a sleeve in which the pair of slots are formed.

Preferably the body comprises a larger diameter head portion opposite the end that receives the pole. Preferably, the head portion has a rounded mouth portion.

Preferably, the further device includes a shroud to receive and cover part of the head portion. The shroud in combination with the larger diameter head portion prevents the pole elastic that extends through the pole getting trapped between the tip bush and the further device.

Preferably the tip bush comprises a tubular body having a bore therethrough to receive the fishing pole. Preferably, the bore includes an inwardly projecting ledge which is arranged to abut the pole when the tip bush is in use. Preferably, the ledge includes an annular flange that is adapted to be received within the pole.

There now follows by way of example only a detailed description of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the tip bush of the invention attached to a pole; Figure 2 shows a rear view of the tip bush of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a section through the feeder pot; Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the tip bush with a feeder pot attached thereto; Figure 5 shows a sectional side view of the tip bush with a feeder pot attached thereto; Figure 6 shows a plan view of a second embodiment of the tip bush of the invention; Figure 7 shows an end view of the tip bush of Figure 5; and Figure 8 shows a feeder pot for use with the second embodiment of the tip bush shown in Figures 5 and 6.

The tip bush shown in the Figures is for use in fishing to connect to a fishing pole. A fishing pole is typically of composite material and of substantial length and can be used for pole fishing and for other uses such as laying bait into the fishing zone.

A tip bush 1 is shown in Figure 1 connected to a fishing pole 2. The entire pole 2 is not shown in the interest of clarity. The tip bush 1 fits over the pole 2 and comprises a substantially tubular body 3. The tip bush 1 includes a bore 4 therethrough that forms a pole connecting means. The tip bush 1 also includes a projecting portion comprising two elongate projections 5, 6 that form the auxiliary connecting means to enable a further device to be connected to the pole 2.

The body 3 has a first aperture 9 at one end and a second aperture 12 at the other linked by the bore 4. The tubular body 3 includes a main body section 7 and a head section 8 at one end of the body section 7. The head section 8 is of greater diameter than the body section 7 and comprises an annular section 10, an outer rounded section 11 and an inner rounded section 19. The inner rounded section 19 forms a mouth that defines the second aperture 12. The outer rounded section 11 has the same radius of curvature as the inner rounded section 19. This ensures that the pole elastic that passes through the tip bush 1 can slide freely. The bore 4 has a stepped profile and comprises a larger diameter portion 13 and a smaller diameter portion 14 separated by an annular ledge 15. The smaller diameter portion 14 terminates at the second aperture 12 adjacent the head section 8. The larger diameter portion 13 is adapted to receive the pole 2 through the first aperture 9 and is such that when the pole is inserted fully into the bore 4 it will abut the ledge 15. The larger diameter portion 12 is sized to hold the pole 2 therein by an interference fit.

As can be seen most clearly in Figure 5, the annular ledge 15 includes an annular flange 30 that projects from the axially inward edge of the ledge 15 towards the second aperture 12. The body 3, ledge 15 and flange 30 thereby define an annular recess 35 that is adapted to receive the end of the pole 2. Thus, the width of the ledge 15 is chosen such that the width recess 35 corresponds to the wall thickness of the pole 2. The flange 30 protects the pole elastic from the end of the pole 2 and allows it to slide freely. This is advantageous as when the pole is cut in order to affix the tip bush to it, the end of the pole may have burrs or frayed carbon fibres, depending on what the pole 2 is made from. The flange 30 shields the pole end thereby overcoming these problems.

The elongate projections 5, 6 are formed on opposed sides of the body section 7 and extend axially. The projections 5, 6 extend from the head section 8 and terminate adjacent but spaced from the first aperture 9. The ends of the projections 5, 6, adjacent the first aperture 9, have a rounded edge 16, 17. The top surfaces 18, 19 of the projections 5, 6 are convexly curved with a radius of curvature centred on the axis of the body 3. The projections 5. 6 comprise the first part of the auxiliary connecting means.

Figure 3 shows a further device adapted to be connected to the tip bush 1 in the form of a feeder pot 20. The pot 20 comprises a body 21 having walls of circular cross-section and a base 22 and an open aperture 23 covered by a lid 24. The lid 24 is connected to the body 21 by a hinge 25. The lid 24 may have a plurality of small apertures therein (not shown) to allow the contents of the pot 20 to leave the pot at a controlled rate. Thus the feeder pot 20 may be filled with bait that can be tipped into the water in a controlled manner through the apertures in the lid 24.

The pot 20 includes the other part of the auxiliary connecting means generally indicated by numeral 26. This part of the auxiliary connecting means comprises a cylindrical member 27 that extends through the pot 20 adjacent its base 22 and intersecting the axis of the pot. The cylindrical member 27 includes projections 28 and 29 that protrude from opposed sides of the walls of the body 21 and form a shroud. The cylindrical member 27 has a longitudinal slot therein defining an opening 31 into the cylindrical member 27 from the base 22. Thus, the cylindrical member 27 is spaced from the base by the depth of the slot. The depth of the slot is chosen to improve the stability of the pot on the pole and make it easier to manage. Thus, rather than having the pot secured on top of the pole, the pole passes therethrough at a point spaced from the base.

The auxiliary connecting means 26 includes a sleeve 32 formed integrally with the cylindrical member 27 that includes two diametrically opposed slots 33, 34 complementary to the projections 5, 6.

Figure 4 shows the feeder pot 20 attached to the pole 2 by the tip bush 1.

In use, the pole 2 is inserted through the first aperture 9 into the larger diameter portion 13 and into the recess 35 until the end of the pole abuts ledge 15. The pole 2 is retained therein through an interference fit. The feeder pot 20 is connected to the tip bush 1 by the auxiliary connecting means by offering the pole 2 up to the opening 31 at a point spaced from the tip bush 1. The pole is received with the cylindrical member 27 and the feeder pot 20 is slid over the tip bush 1 such that body section 7 is received within sleeve 32 and the projections 5, 6 engage with the slots 33, 34. The head portion 8 will fit within and be shrouded by one of the projections 28 or 29 depending on the orientation of the pot 20 on the tip bush 1. As can be seen in Figure 5 the pot includes an annular stop ledge 36 radially inwardly of the projections 28 and 29, which is adapted to abut the head portion 8 of the tip bush when connected together. Thus the feeder pot 20 is secured to the pole 2 without causing any damage to the pole 2, as it is protected by the tip bush 1. Further, as the pot is secured to the tip bush, it is in an optimum position for dispensing bait.

To remove the pot 20 from the pole 2, the pot is slid along the pole away from the tip bush 1 such that the projections 5, 6 slide out of the slots 33, 34. The tip bush 1 can then be removed from its engagement with the pole 2 by means of opening 31.

The tip bush 1 can be used to connect further devices other than the feeder pot described, such as a light, for example. The further device simply needs to have a complementary part 26 of the auxiliary connecting means as described.

Figures 6 and 7 show a second embodiment of the tip bush 1. Many of the parts are similar to that of the first embodiment and therefore like reference numerals have been used for like parts. The tip bush 1 comprises a tubular body 3 having a bore 4 therethrough. The bore 4 includes a first aperture 9 at one end and a second aperture 12 at the other. The aperture 12 is of smaller diameter than aperture 9 due to an inwardly projecting ledge 15.

In the second embodiment of the tip bush 1, the first part of the auxiliary connecting means comprises two diametrically opposed projections 50, 51 having apertures 52, 53 therein.

A feeder pot 20 is shown in Figure 8 having substantially the same construction as the pot shown in Figure 3, except that the other part of the auxiliary connecting means 26 is modified. The auxiliary connecting means 26 in this embodiment comprises a U-shaped clip member 60 having two spaced apart leg portions 61 and 62. The leg portions 61 and 62 have barb portions 63 and 64 at the tips.

In use, the pole 2 is inserted through the first aperture 9 into the bore 4 until it abuts the ledge 15. The pole 2 is retained therein through an interference fit.

The feeder pot 20 is secured to the tip bush by the leg portions 61 and 62 extending through the apertures 52 and 53. The leg portions 61 and 62 are constructed such that they will extend through the apertures 52 and 53 to the extent that the barb portions 63 and 64 engage with the projections 50, 51.

To release the pot 20 from the tip bush 1, the barb portions 63 and 64 can be squeezed together by the user to release them from engagement with the projections 50, 51. The leg portions 63, 64 can then slide from the apertures 52 and 53. Thus, it will be appreciated that the clip member 60 needs to be of a material that is sufficiently resilient to hold the pot 20 securely to the tip bush 1, but flexible enough to allow a user to release the barb portions 63, 64.

Claims

1. A tip bush for securing to a fishing pole comprising a body having pole connecting means for connecting it to the pole and auxiliary connecting means to receive a further device.

2. A tip bush according to claim 1, in which the further device is a feeder pot for holding bait.

3. A tip bush according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the tip bush comprises a tubular body having a bore therethrough to receive the fishing pole, the bore comprising the connecting means to secure the tip bush to the pole by an interference fit.

4. A tip bush according to claim 3, in which the bore includes an inwardly projecting ledge which is arranged to abut the pole when the tip bush is in use.

5. A tip bush according to claim 4, in which the ledge includes an annular flange adapted to be received within the pole.

6. A tip bush according to any preceding claim, in which the auxiliary connecting means comprises a projecting portion and, in particular, a pair of elongate projections.

7. A tip bush according to claim 6, in which the pair of elongate projections are located on opposed sides of the body and extend axially.

8. A tip bush according to any preceding claim, in which the body comprises a larger diameter head section opposite the end that receives the pole.

9. A tip bush according to claim 8, in which the head portion has a rounded mouth portion.

10. A tip bush for connecting to a fishing pole in combination with a further device, the tip bush comprising a body having pole connecting means for connecting it to the pole and a first part of an auxiliary connecting means to receive the further device, wherein the further device includes the other part of the auxiliary connecting means.

11. A tip bush according to claim 10, in which the first part of the auxiliary connecting means comprises a pair of elongate projections and the other part of the auxiliary connecting means comprises a pair of slots complementary to the projections.

12. A tip bush according to claim 10, in which the other part of the auxiliary connecting means comprises a cylindrical member having a longitudinal opening to receive the fishing pole tip bush.

13. A tip bush according to claim 12, in which the cylindrical member includes a sleeve in which a pair of slots is formed.

14. A tip bush according to any of claims 10 to 13, in which the further device includes a shroud to receive and cover part of a head portion.

15. A tip bush according to claim 10, in which the tip bush comprises a tubular body having a bore therethrough to receive the fishing pole, the bore including an inwardly projecting ledge which is arranged to abut the pole when the tip bush is in use and wherein the ledge includes an annular flange that is adapted to be received within the pole.

16. A tip bush for securing a fishing pole substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings.

17. A tip bush for securing a fishing pole substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 6 to 8 of the accompanying drawings.

18. A tip bush for connecting to a fishing pole in combination with a further device, substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings.

19. A tip bush for connecting to a fishing pole in combination with a further device, substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 6 to 8 of the accompanying drawings.