GB2484973A

GB2484973A - Fish feed dispenser

Info

Publication number: GB2484973A
Application number: GB1018266.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Jessop
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-10-29
Filing date: 2010-10-29
Publication date: 2012-05-02
Anticipated expiration: 2030-10-29
Also published as: GB2484973B; GB201018266D0

Abstract

A fish feeder device such as a swim feeder or bait dispenser comprises a body 12 for attachment to a fishing line, the body having a bait chamber 22 with an aperture 24 for receiving bait, and a closure member 26 to open and close the aperture. A part 30 of the fish feeder device is operable to receive water when the fish feeder device is in use, thereby changing the buoyancy of said part and resulting in the closure member opening the bait chamber so that the bait is released. The part may form part of a trigger device or the closure member itself. A method for operating the device is also disclosed.

Description

Fish Feeder Device

Technical Field

The invention relates to a fish feeder device, and a method of operating a fish feeder device.

Background

When fishing it is known to use additional quantities of bait in an area being fished. The additional bait is used as well as bait on a hook to encourage large quantities of fish to the area being fished. Such a way of fishing has the effect of masking the hook, and making the fish less suspicious, which increases the chances of catching fish.

The additional bait may be the same as the bait on the hook, or it may be different, and may comprise any suitable material such as breadcrumbs, hemp, maize, sweetcorn, vanilla sugar, hard pellets, maggots, worms, prawns, soil, loam, or other ingredients.

Depending on the type of additional bait used it may float or sink to provide ground bait. The additional bait may break up quickly and create a cloud in the water, or it may break up slowly to provide a slow release feed.

It is known to deliver the additional bait to the area being fished using a catapult, or by simply throwing it. A line and hook is then cast into the area being fished. Such a way of delivering the additional bait has the problem that it may be inaccurate. Either the additional bait is delivered, or the hook is cast away from the area to be fished which is undesirable. Furthermore, the desired concentration of additional bait may not be achieved due to the inaccuracy. These problems may be made worse when the area to be fished is far away.

It is known to use a swim feeder device to deliver the additional bait with an improved accuracy. The swim feeder device is attached to a fishing line and comprises a body having a bait chamber which can be filled with the additional bait. The body has holes in it to allow the additional bait to leave the bait chamber. Such a device may have the problem that the additional bait may not leave the bait chamber depending on the type of additional bait used and the size of the holes. Furthermore, the additional bait may fall out of the bait chamber during casting. Such a swim feeder device is typically only used with ledger fishing without a float, which may not be a desired fishing technique in a particular location. In addition such a swim feeder device also creates a relatively large splash on the surface of the water which may scare the fish away.

It is broadly an object of the present invention to address one or more of the above mentioned disadvantages of previously known ways of providing additional bait to an area to be fished.

Summary

What is required is a way of readily permitting additional bait to be deployed, which may reduce or minimise at least some of the above-mentioned problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there provided a fish feeder device comprising a body for attachment to a fishing line, the body having a bait chamber with an aperture for receiving bait, and a closure member to open and close the aperture, wherein a part of the fish feeder device is operable to receive water when the fish feeder device is in water to change the buoyancy of the part for operating the closure member to open the bait chamber.

Such a fish feeder device has the advantage that bait can be delivered to an area being fished with improved accuracy, which may be advantageous when fishing at a distance which is close to or far away from the user. The closure member is arranged to open in response to the fish feeder device being in water so that the bait can exit the bait chamber in an improved way. With such an arrangement the fish feeder device may be used with most types of bait with an improved likelihood that it will exit the bait chamber. Such a fish feeder device has a vastly improved effect on delivering the bait to the area being fished which increases the chances of catching fish. In addition the initially buoyant part of the fish feeding device may create a reduced splash on the surface of the water when initially cast, which may reduce the likelihood of scaring the fish away.

In one embodiment the part is a trigger device which is operable to receive water when the fish feeder device is in water to change the buoyancy of the trigger device for initiating operation of the closure member to open the bait chamber. In another embodiment the part comprises the closure member which is operable to receive water when the fish feeder device is in water to change the buoyancy of the closure member to open the bait chamber. Such arrangements may provide useful alternative configurations for certain applications of the fish feeder device.

In a preferred embodiment the closure member or the trigger device has at least one water chamber with at least two orifices, one of the orifices for permitting the ingress of water and one of the orifices for permitting the egress of air when the fish feeder device is in water, the closure member operable to open the bait chamber when the water chamber is at least partially filled with water. Such an arrangement is a convenient way to provide the desired operation of the closure member or the trigger device when the fish feeder device is in water.

Preferably at least a portion of the closure member adjacent to the aperture has a sloping or curved surface for permitting bait to slide from the closure member. Such a surface may avoid the possibility that the bait is caught on the closure member.

In one embodiment the fish feeder device is configured such that the closure member comprises the bait chamber, and the body has a closure part to cooperate with the aperture to open and close it. Preferably the closure part comprises a buoyant head of the body. Such an arrangement may be particularly useful when using bait which floats in water.

The body may have an ejection part for ejection of the bait from the bait chamber when it is opened. Such an arrangement may further assist the bait to leave the bait chamber.

Preferably at least a portion of the closure part adjacent to the aperture has a sloping or curved surface for allowing bait to slide from the closure part. Such a surface may avoid the possibility that the bait is caught on the closure part.

Preferably the bait chamber has at least one hole for allowing water to pass therethrough for assisting release of the bait from the bait chamber. The at least one hole may have the advantage of reducing a suction effect on the bait as it leaves the chamber.

In one embodiment the body comprises a stem and the closure member is movable on the stem to open and close the aperture.

In another embodiment the body includes a cage and the closure member is movable in the cage to open and close the aperture.

The body may comprise a weight so that the fish feeder device is substantially upright when in water. Such a weight may assist with the overall operation of the fish feeder device.

The closure member may be translatable and/or pivotable relative to the body to open and close the aperture. Such an arrangement may allow a larger aperture or alternative configurations of the fish feeder device to be used which may be advantageous.

Preferably a floor of the bait chamber has a sloping surface when the fish feeder device is in its operable orientation for permitting bait to slide from the bait chamber. Such a sloping floor may help the bait to leave the bait chamber.

In one embodiment the fish feeder device is provided as a float feeder device.

In another embodiment the fish feeder device is provided as a swim feeder device.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of operating a fish feeder device comprising a body for attachment to a fishing line, the body having a bait chamber with an aperture for receiving bait, and a closure member to open and close the aperture, the method including: loading bait in the bait chamber; casting the fish feeder device into water; and receiving water in a part of the fish feeder device for changing the buoyancy of the part for operating the closure member to open the bait chamber and release the bait.

Such a method provides the advantage that the bait can be delivered to an area being fished with improved accuracy, which may be advantageous when fishing at a distance which is close to or far away from the user. The closure member is arranged to open in response to the fish feeder device being in water so that the bait can exit the bait chamber in an improved way. With such a method the fish feeder device may be used with most types of bait with an improved likelihood that it will exit the bait chamber.

Such a method has a vastly improved effect on delivering the bait to the area being fished which increases the chances of catching fish. In addition the initially buoyant part of the fish feeding device may create a reduced splash on the surface of the water when initially east, which may reduce the likelihood of scaring the fish away.

In one embodiment the part is a trigger device, the method including receiving water in the trigger device for changing the buoyancy thereof for initiating operation of the closure member to open the bait chamber and release the bait. In another embodiment the part is the closure member, the method further including receiving water in the closure member for changing the buoyancy thereof to open the bait chamber and release the bait. Such arrangements may provide useful alternative configurations for certain uses of the fish feeder device.

In a preferred embodiment the closure member or the trigger device have at least one water chamber with at least two orifices, and said step of changing the buoyancy includes receiving water through one orifice and ejecting air through the other orifice to at least partially fill the water chamber with water. Such a method is a convenient way to provide the desired operation of the closure member when the fish feeder device is in water.

The body may include an ejection part, and the method may include ejecting the bait from the bait chamber using the ejection part when it is opened. Such a method may further assist the bait to leave the bait chamber.

Preferably the bait chamber has at least one hole, the method including permitting water to pass through the at least one hole for assisting release of the bait from the bait chamber. Such a method may have the advantage of reducing a suction effect on the bait as it leaves the chamber.

The method may further include using a weight with the fish feeder device so that it is substantially upright in water. Such a weight may assist with the overall operation of the fish feeder device.

According to an alternative characterisation of the invention there is provided a fish feeder device comprising a body for attachment to a fishing line, the body having a bait chamber with an aperture for receiving bait, and a closure member to open and close the aperture. wherein in use and prior to the immersion of the fish feeder device in water the closure member closes the bait chamber for trapping bait therein, and when immersed in water a part of the fish feeder device at least partially fills with water causing the bait chamber to open.

According to another alternative characterisation of the invention there is provided a fish feeder device comprising a body for attachment to a fishing line, the body having a bait chamber with an aperture for receiving bait, a closure member to open and close the aperture, and a trigger device to initiate operation of the closure member, wherein the trigger device is operable to receive water when the fish feeder device is in water to cause the closure member to open the bait chamber.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments shown by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; Figure 1 shows a cross section of a float feeder device in a first condition according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a cross section of the float feeder device of Figure 1 in a second condition; Figure 3 shows a cross section of a float feeder device in a first condition according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 shows a cross section of the float feeder device of Figure 3 in a second condition; Figure 5 shows a cross section of a float feeder device in a first condition is according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 shows a cross section of the float feeder device of Figure 5 in a second condition; Figure 7 shows a side view of a float feeder device in a first condition according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 shows a side view of the float feeder device of Figure 7 in a second condition; Figure 9 shows a cross section of a swim feeder device in a first condition according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 shows a cross section of the swim feeder device of Figure 9 in a second condition; Figure 11 shows a front view of the swim feeder device shown in Figure 10; Figure 12 shows a cross section of a swim feeder device in a first condition according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 13 shows a cross section of the swim feeder device of Figure 12 in a second condition; Figure 14 shows a cross section of the swim feeder device of Figures 12 and 13 in a third condition; Figure 15 shows a cross section of a float feeder device in a first condition according to another embodiment of the invention; and Figure 16 shows a cross section of the float feeder device of Figure 15 in a second condition.

is Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows a cross section of a float feeder device in a first condition according to an embodiment of the invention, generally designated 10. The float feeder device 10 comprises a stem 12 having a buoyant head 14 at one end and a weight 16 at the other end. The weight 16 has an eye 18 for attachment of the float feeder device 10 to a fishing line and hook (not shown). The buoyant head 14 has a hollow cylinder 20 attached to it which provides a downward projecting skirt for the buoyant head 14 50 that the buoyant head 14 closes one end of the hollow cylinder 20. The stem 12 passes through the hollow cylinder 20. The hollow cylinder 20 defines a bait chamber 22 for receiving bait which is put into the bait chamber 22 through the other end of the hollow cylinder 20 which is open, as shown at 24. The stem 12 is provided with a closure member 26 which is arranged to slide on the stem 12 to open and close the open end 24 of the hollow cylinder 20. The closure member 26 is ball-shaped and the sliding arrangement of the closure member 26 on the stem 12 is provided by a hole 28 which passes through the closure member 26. The closure member 26 has a chamber 30 which has first and second holes 32, 34 which are of a sufficient size to allow the escape of air or water from the chamber 30.

In Figure 1 the float feeder device 10 is shown to be floating so that it is upright in water 36, and in a first condition prior to the opening of the closure member 26 just after it has been cast into the water 36. In the first condition the bait chamber 22 is filled with bait which has been omitted for the purposes of clarity. The buoyant head 14 may be of any suitable material to provide sufficient buoyancy to the float feeder device 10, such as a polystyrene, so that the float feeder device 10 is upright when in the water 36.

The weight 16 is also of a sufficient size so that the float feeder device 10 is upright when in the water 36.

In the first condition the chamber 30 of the closure member 26 has air in it so that it is buoyant in the water 36. The buoyancy of the closure member 26 means that the bait chamber 22 is closed by the closure member 26. Just after the float feeder device 10 has landed in the water the air is forced out of the chamber 30 through the first hole 32 by water entering the chamber 30 through the second hole 34. The buoyancy of the closure member 26 reduces due to the air leaving the chamber 30 and the closure member 26 slides down the stem 12 to open the bait chamber 22 as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2 shows a cross section of the float feeder device of Figure 1 in a second condition, generally designated 40. In Figure 2 like features to the arrangements of Figure 1 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 2 the chamber 30 of the closure member 26 has sufficient water in it so that the closure member 26 moves down the stem 12 as shown by arrow 42 thereby opening the bait chamber 22. The bait is then free to fall out of the bait chamber 22 under the action of gravity as shown by the arrows 44, 46. The closure member 26 has a collar 50 which rests on the weight 16. Additional weight may be fixed to the collar 50 to decrease the buoyancy of the closure member 26 when in water so that the closure member 26 operates in the correct manner. The hollow cylinder 20 has holes 48 in the sidewall thereof to allow water into the bait chamber 22 so that the bait falls from the bait chamber 22 more easily. Since the closure member 26 is ball-shaped, the top surface of it is sloping so that the bait falls off it. The bait from the bait chamber 22 is delivered to the region of the hook which is below the float feeder device 10, 40. After a period of time the user may reel in the float feeder device 10, 40 and re-fill the bait chamber 22 with bait. It will be appreciated that during re-filling with bait the user must allow the water to exit from the chamber 30 via one of the holes 32, 34 so that when the float feeder device 10, 40 is cast into the water 36 it will function as described above and as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

The float feeder device 10, 40 is attached to the fishing line with the eye 18 so that it hangs upside down on the fishing line when out of the water 36. When the float feeder device 10, 40 is upside down the closure member 26 closes the open end 24 of the bait chamber 22 under the action of gravity. During casting of the float feeder device 10, 40 the closure member 26 is held against the hollow cylinder 20, for example by wind resistance, which keeps the bait chamber 22 closed so that bait within the bait chamber 22 does not fall out.

Figure 3 shows a cross section of a float feeder device in a first condition according to another embodiment of the invention, generally designated 60. In Figure 3 like features to the arrangements of Figure 1 and 2 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 3 the hollow cylinder 20 is attached to the closure member 26 instead of the buoyant head 14. In this arrangement the hollow cylinder 20 provides an upward projecting skirt for the closure member 26 so that the open end 24 of the hollow cylinder 20 is adjacent the buoyant head 14. The buoyant head 14 is ball-shaped.

In Figure 3 the float feeder device 60 is shown to be floating so that it is upright in water 36, and in a first condition prior to the opening of the closure member 26 just is after it has been cast into the water 36. In the first condition the bait chamber 22 is filled with bait which has been omitted for the purposes of clarity.

In the first condition the chamber 30 of the closure member 26 has air in it so that it is buoyant in the water 36. The buoyancy of the closure member 26 means that the open end 24 of the bait chamber 22 is closed by the buoyant head 14. Just after the float feeder device 60 has landed in the water the air is forced out of the chamber 30 through the first hole 32 by water entering the chamber 30 through the second hole 34. The buoyancy of the closure member 26 reduces due to the air leaving the chamber 30 and the closure member 26 slides down the stem 12 to open the bait chamber 22 as shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4 shows a cross section of the float feeder device of Figure 3 in a second condition, generally designated 70. In Figure 4 like features to the arrangements of Figure 1, 2 and 3 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 4 the chamber 30 of the closure member 26 has sufficient water in it so that the closure member 26 moves down the stem 12 as shown by arrow 72 thereby opening the bait chamber 22. The bait is then free to float out of the bait chamber 22 as shown by the arrows 74, 76. The holes 48 in the sidewall of the hollow cylinder 20 allow water into the bait chamber 22 so that the bait floats out of the bait chamber 22 more easily. Since the buoyant head 14 is ball-shaped, the bottom surface of it is sloping so that the bait does not get caught on it as it floats to the surface of the water 36. The bait from the bait chamber 22 is delivered to the region of the float feeder device 60, 70 at the surface of the water 36. After a period is of time the user may reel in the float feeder device 60, 70 and re-fill the bait chamber 22 with bait. During the re-filling process the user must allow the water to exit from the chamber 30 via one of the holes 32, 34 so that when the float feeder device 60, 70 is cast into the water 36 it will function as described above and as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

The float feeder device 60, 70 is attached to the fishing line with the eye 18 so that it hangs upside down on the fishing line when out of the water 36. When the float feeder device 10 is upside down the closure member 26 closes the open end 24 of the bait chamber 22 under the action of gravity. During casting of the float feeder device 60, 70 the closure member 26 is held against the buoyant head 14 which keeps the bait chamber 22 closed so that bait within the bait chamber 22 does not fall out.

Figure 5 shows a cross section of a float feeder device in a first condition according to another embodiment of the invention, generally designated 80. In Figure 5 like features to the arrangements of Figure 1 -4 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 5 the closure member 26 comprises the hollow cylinder 20 which has one closed end having the hole 28. The stem 12 passes through the hole 28 to provide the sliding arrangement of the hollow cylinder 20 on the stem 12. The other end of the hollow cylinder 20 is open as shown at 24, which is adjacent to the buoyant head 14. The hollow cylinder 20 has a sidewall and base which comprises the chamber 30 with the first hole 32 at an upper part thereof and the second hole 34 at a lower part thereof The bait chamber 22 comprises the cavity within the hollow cylinder 20.

In Figure 5 the float feeder device 80 is shown to be floating so that it is upright in water 36, and in a first condition prior to the opening of the closure member 26 just after it has been cast into the water 36. In the first condition the bait chamber 22 is filled with bait which has been omitted for the purposes of clarity.

In the first condition the chamber 30 of the hollow cylinder 20 has air in it so that it is buoyant in the water 36. The buoyancy of the hollow cylinder 20 means that the open end 24 of the bait chamber 22 is closed by the buoyant head 14. The buoyant head operates as a closure part. Just after the float feeder device 80 has landed in the water the air is forced out of the chamber 30 through the first hole 32 by water entering the chamber 30 through the second hole 34. The buoyancy of the hollow cylinder 20 reduces due to the air leaving the chamber 30 and the hollow cylinder 20 slides down the stem 12 to open the bait chamber 22 as shown in Figure 6. Also shown in Figure 5 is a plate 82 which is fixed to the stem 12. The plate 82 operates to eject the bait from the chamber 22 as the hollow cylinder 20 slides down the stem 12 as shown in Figure 6.

The plate 82 may alternatively be termed an ejection part.

Figure 6 shows a cross section of the float feeder device of Figure 5 in a second condition, generally designated 90. In Figure 6 like features to the arrangements of Figure 1 -5 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 6 the chamber 30 of the hollow cylinder 20 has sufficient water in it so that it moves down the stem 12 as shown by arrow 92 thereby opening the bait chamber 22. The bait is then free to float out of the bait chamber 22 as shown by the arrows 94, 96. In addition, the plate 82 operates to eject the bait from the chamber 22 as the hollow cylinder 20 moves down the stem 12.

Since the buoyant head 14 is ball-shaped, the bottom surface of it is sloping so that the bait does not get caught on it as it floats to the surface of the water 36. The bait from the bait chamber 22 is delivered to the region of the float feeder device 80, 90 at the surface of the water 36. After a period of time the user may reel in the float feeder device 80, 90 and re-fill the bait chamber 22 with bait. During the re-filling process the user must allow the water to exit from the chamber 30 via one of the holes 32, 34 so that when the float feeder device 80, 90 is cast into the water 36 it will function as described above and as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

The float feeder device 80, 90 is attached to the fishing line with the eye 18 so that it hangs upside down on the fishing line when out of the water 36. When the float feeder device 10 is upside down the open end 24 of the bait chamber 22 is closed by the buoyant head 14 under the action of gravity. During casting of the float feeder device 80, 90 the hollow cylinder 20 is held against the buoyant head 14 SO that the bait does not fall out of the bait chamber 22.

In the arrangements of Figures 1 -6, the use of the stem 12 provides a convenient way to align the buoyant head 14, the weight 16, the hollow cylinder 20, the closure member 26, and the plate 82.

Figure 7 shows a side view of a float feeder device in a first condition according to another embodiment of the invention, generally designated 100. In Figure 7 like features to the arrangements of Figures 1 -6 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 7 the closure member 26 is the shape of a rugby ball which may also be known as a prolate spheroid. The float feeder device 100 of Figure 7 does not have a stem, and instead the buoyant head 14 is attached to one end of the hollow cylinder 20 so that it closes one end of it. The other end of the hollow cylinder 20 is open as shown at 24. A cage 102 is attached to the open end 24 which is cylindrical in shape, and the closure member 26 is arranged to move within the cage 102 to open and close the open end 24 of the hollow cylinder 22. The cage 102 may be of any suitable material such as plastic or metal. The closure member 26 has the chamber 30 with the first hole 32 at an upper part thereof and the second hole 34 at a lower part thereof The bait chamber 22 comprises the cavity within the hollow cylinder 20. The cage 102 is also provided with the eye 18 at the end of two lengths of cord 104. Additional weights may be attached to the eye 18. The cage 102 may have sufficient mass so that it can be used in place of the weight 16 of the arrangements of Figures 1 -6 so that the float feeder device 100 is upright when in the water 36.

In Figure 7 the float feeder device 100 is shown to be floating so that it is upright in water 36, and in a first condition prior to the opening of the closure member 26 just after it has been cast into the water 36. In the first condition the bait chamber 22 is filled with bait which has been omitted for the purposes of clarity. In the first condition the chamber 30 of the closure member 26 has air in it so that it is buoyant in the water 36.

The buoyancy of the closure member 26 closes the open end 24 of the bait chamber 22.

Just after the float feeder device 80 has landed in the water the air is forced out of the chamber 30 through the first hole 32 by water entering the chamber 30 through the second hole 34. The buoyancy of the closure member 26 reduces due to the air leaving is the chamber 30 and the closure member 26 moves downwards inside the cage 102 to open the bait chamber 22 as shown in Figure 8.

Figure 8 shows a side view of the float feeder device of Figure 7 in a second condition, generally designated 110. In Figure 8 like features to the arrangements of Figures 1 -7 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 8 the chamber 30 of the closure member 26 has sufficient water in it so that the closure member 26 moves downwards inside the cage 102 as shown by arrow 112 thereby opening the bait chamber 22. The bait is then free to fall out of the bait chamber 22 and through the side walls of the cage 102 under the action of gravity as shown by the arrows 114, 116. The hollow cylinder has holes 48 in the sidewall thereof to allow water into the bait chamber 22 so that the bait falls from the bait chamber 22 more easily. Since the closure member 26 has the shape of a rugby ball it is retained in the cage 102 so that the first and second holes 32, 34 are at the top and bottom respectively. Furthermore, the top surface of closure member 26 is sloping so that the bait falls off it. The bait from the bait chamber 22 is delivered to the region of the hook which is below the float feeder device 100, 110.

After a period of time the user may reel in the float feeder device 100, 110 and re-fill the bait chamber 22 with bait. It will be appreciated that during re-filling the user must allow the water to exit from the chamber 30 via one of the holes 32, 34 so that when the float feeder device 100, 110 is cast into the water 36 it will function as described above and as shown in Figures 7 and 8.

The float feeder device 100, 110 is attached to the fishing line with the eye 18 so that it hangs upside down on the fishing line when out of the water 36. When the float feeder device 100, 110 is upside down the closure member 26 closes the open end 24 of the bait chamber 22 under the action of gravity. During casting of the float feeder device 100, 110 the closure member 26 is held against the hollow cylinder 20 which keeps the bait chamber 22 closed so that bait within the bait chamber 22 does not fall out.

Figure 9 shows a cross section of a swim feeder device in a first condition according to an embodiment of the invention, generally designated 120. In Figure 9 like features to the arrangements of Figures 1 -8 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 9 the swim feeder 120 comprises a body 122 with the bait chamber 22 and a weighted portion 124 beneath the bait chamber 22. The closure member 26 comprises a door having the chamber 30 with the first hole 32 at an upper part thereof and the second hole 34 at a lower part thereof The door is arranged to slide relative to the body 122 on runners 126 to open and close the bait chamber 22. A base of the body 122 is also provided with the eye 18 for attachment to the fishing line and hook.

In Figure 9 the swim feeder device 120 is shown to be resting on a bottom 128 of a body of water 129 50 that it is upright in the water 129. The swim feeder device 120 is shown in the first condition prior to the opening of the closure member 26 just after it has been cast into the water 129 and has sunk to the bottom 128 of the body of water 129. In the first condition the bait chamber 22 is filled with bait which has been omitted for the purposes of clarity. In the first condition the chamber 30 of the closure member 26 has air in it so that it is buoyant in the water 129. The buoyancy of the closure member 26 closes the bait chamber 22. Shortly after the swim feeder device 120 has landed in the water 129 the air is forced out of the chamber 30 through the first hole 32 by water entering the chamber 30 through the second hole 34. The buoyancy of the closure member 26 reduces due to the air leaving the chamber 30 and it moves downwards on the runners 126 to open the bait chamber 22 as shown in Figure 10. It will be appreciated that that the closure member 26 may open during sinking of the swim feeder device 120, or when it is resting on the bottom 128.

Figure 10 shows a cross section of the swim feeder device of Figure 9 in a second condition, generally designated 130. In Figure 10 like features to the arrangements of Figures 1 -9 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 10 the chamber 30 of the closure member 26 has sufficient water in it so that the closure member 26 moves downwards as shown by arrow 132 thereby opening the bait chamber 22. As such the closure member 26 is translatable relative to the body 122 in the direction 132. The bait is then free to fall out of the bait chamber 22 and through the side wall of the body 122 under the action of gravity as shown by the arrow 134. The bait chamber 22 has a sloping floor 136 which helps to allow the bait to fall out of the bait chamber 22. The hole 48 in the bait chamber 22 allows water into it so that the bait falls from the bait chamber 22 more easily. The bait from the bait chamber 22 is delivered to the region of the hook.

Figure 11 shows a front view of the swim feeder device shown in Figure 10 from the perspective of arrow 138. Tn Figure 11 like features to the arrangements of Figures 1 -are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 11 the closure member 26 is shown to have moved down on the runners 126 SO that the bait chamber 22 is open.

After a period of time the user may reel in the swim feeder device 120, 130 and re-fill is the bait chamber 22 with bait. It will be appreciated that during re-filling the user must allow the water to exit from the chamber 30 via one of the holes 32, 34 so that when the swim feeder device 120, 130 is cast into the water 129 it will function as described above and as shown in Figures 9, 10, and 11.

The swim feeder device 120, 130 is attached to the fishing line with the eye 18 so that it hangs upside down on the fishing line when out of the water 129. When the swim feeder device 120, 130 is upside down the closure member 26 closes the bait chamber 22 under the action of gravity. During casting of the swim feeder device 120, 130 the closure member 26 is held against an upper edge of the bait chamber 22 so that bait within the bait chamber 22 does not fall out.

Figure 12 shows a cross section of a swim feeder device in a first condition according to another embodiment of the invention, generally designated 140. In Figure 12 like features to the arrangements of Figures 1 -11 are shown with like reference numerals.

In Figure 12 the door comprising the closure member 26 is arranged to slide and pivot on the runners 126 to open and close the bait chamber 22. Such an arrangement permits the opening of the bait chamber 22 to be larger. A part 142 of the bait chamber 22 is arranged to engage a part 144 of the closure member 26 so that in the first condition the door closes the bait chamber 22.

In Figure 12 the swim feeder device 140 is shown in a first condition prior to the opening of the closure member 26 just after it has been cast into the water 129 and has is sunk to the bottom of the body of water 129. In the first condition the bait chamber 22 is filled with bait which has been omitted for the purposes of clarity. In the first condition the chamber 30 of the closure member 26 has air in it so that it is buoyant in the water 36. The buoyancy of the closure member 26 closes the bait chamber 22. Shortly after the swim feeder device 140 has landed in the water 129 the air is forced out of the chamber 30 through the first hole 32 by water entering the chamber 30 through the second hole 34. The buoyancy of the closure member 26 reduces due to the air leaving the chamber 30 and it moves downwards on the runners 126 as shown in Figure 13.

Figure 13 shows a cross section of the swim feeder device of Figure 12 in a second condition, generally designated 150. In Figure 13 like features to the arrangements of Figures 1 -12 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 13 the chamber 30 of the closure member 26 has sufficient water in it so that the closure member 26 moves downwards as shown by arrow 152. As such the closure member 26 is translatable relative to the body 122 in the direction 152. The part 144 of the closure member 26 moves past the part 142 of the bait chamber 22 so that the parts 142, 144 are free of each other, and the closure member 26 is free to move to the position shown in Figure 14 thereby opening the bait chamber 22.

Figure 14 shows a cross section of the swim feeder device of Figures 12 and 13 in a third condition, generally designated 160. In Figure 14 like features to the arrangements of Figures 1 -13 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 14 the closure member 26 is shown to be pivoted on the runners 126 at 127, as shown by the arrow is 162, so that the bait chamber 22 is open. The bait is then free to fall out of the bait chamber 22 under the action of gravity. The sloping floor 136 of the bait chamber 22 means that the bait within the bait chamber pushes against the door which may assist with opening it. The hole 48 in the bait chamber 22 allows water into it so that the bait falls from the bait chamber 22 more easily. It will be appreciated that the closure member 26 may open or move to the position shown in Figure 13 during sinking of the swim feeder device 140, 150, 160, or when it is resting on the bottom 128.

After a period of time the user may reel in the swim feeder device 140, 150, 160 and re-fill the bait chamber 22 with bait. It will be appreciated that during re-filling the user must allow the water to exit from the chamber 30 via one of the holes 32, 34 so that when the swim feeder device 140, 150, 160 is cast into the water 129 it will function as described above and as shown in Figures 12, 13 and 14.

The swim feeder device 140, 150, 160 is attached to the fishing line with the eye 18 so that it hangs upside down on the fishing line when out of the water 129. When the swim feeder device 140, 150, 160 is upside down the closure member 26 closes the bait chamber 22 under the action of gravity. During casting of the swim feeder device 140, 150, 160 the parts 142, 144 of the closure member 26 and the bait chamber 22 engage each other so that bait within the bait chamber 22 does not fall out.

In the embodiments of Figures 9 -14 the weighted portion 124 may be located towards the opening 24 of the bait chamber 22 so that the swim feeder device 120, 130, 140, 150, 160 tilts when in the water 129. This may improve the release of the bait from the is bait chamber 22. Furthermore, in the embodiments of Figures 9 -14, the weighted portion 124 may be omitted and/or a buoyant head 14 may be included to turn the swim feeder device 120, 130, 140, 150, 160 into a float feeder device. When using the embodiments of Figures 9 -14 as a swim feeder device the weighted portion 124 should be such that the swim feeder device 120, 130, 140, 150, 160 sinks when the chamber 30 is full of air, such that the closure member 26 is buoyant.

Figure 15 shows a cross section of a float feeder device in a first condition according to another embodiment of the invention, generally designated 170. In Figure 15 like features to the arrangements of Figures 1 -14 are shown with like reference numerals.

In Figure 15 the closure member 26 comprises a door, such as a trap door, which is connected to the hollow cylinder 20 by a hinge 172. The closure member 26 is operable by a trigger device 174. The trigger device 174 comprises the chamber 30 having the first and second holes 32, 34. The trigger device is movable on the runners 126. A part 176 of the closure member 26 is arranged to engage a part 178 of the trigger device 174 so that in the first condition the closure member 26 closes the bait chamber 22. The float feeder device 170 is also provided with the eye 18 on the hollow cylinder 20 for attachment to a fishing line and hook. Additional weights may be attached using the eye 18.

In Figure 15 the float feeder device 170 is shown to be floating so that it is upright in water 36, and in a first condition prior to the opening of the closure member 26 just after it has been cast into the water 36. In the first condition the bait chamber 22 is filled with bait which has been omitted for the purposes of clarity. In the first condition the chamber 30 of the trigger device 174 has air in it so that it is buoyant in the water 36.

The buoyancy of the trigger device 174 means that the parts 176, 178 are engaged so that the bait chamber 22 is closed. Just after the float feeder device 170 has landed in the water the air is forced out of the chamber 30 through the first hole 32 by water entering the chamber 30 through the second hole 34. The buoyancy of the trigger device 174 reduces due to the air leaving the chamber 30 and the trigger device 174 moves downwards on the runners 126 to open the bait chamber 22 as shown in Figure 16.

Figure 16 shows a cross section of the float feeder device of Figure 15 in a second condition, generally designated 180. In Figure 16 like features to the arrangements of Figures 1 -15 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 16 the chamber 30 of the trigger device 174 has sufficient water in it so that it moves downwards so that the parts 176, 178 move past each other. This allows the closure member 26 to pivot about the hinge 172 as shown by arrow 182 thereby opening the bait chamber 22. The bait is then free to fall out of the bait chamber 22 under the action of gravity as shown by the arrow 184. The holes 48 in the sidewall of the hollow cylinder 20 allow water into the bait chamber 22 so that the bait falls from the bait chamber 22 more easily. The bait from the bait chamber 22 is delivered to the region of the hook which is below the float feeder device 170, 180. After a period of time the user may reel in the float feeder device 170, 180 and re-fill the bait chamber 22 with bait. During re-filling the user must allow the water to exit from the chamber 30 via one of the holes 32, 34 so that when the float feeder device 170, 180 is cast into the water 36 it will function as described above and as shown in Figures 15 and 16.

The float feeder device 170, 180 is attached to the fishing line with the eye 18 so that it hangs upside down on the fishing line when out of the water 36. When the float feeder device 170, 180 is upside down the closure member 26 closes the open end 24 of the bait chamber 22 under the action of gravity. During casting of the float feeder device 170, 180 the closure member 26 is held against the hollow cylinder 20 which keeps the bait chamber 22 closed so that bait within the bait chamber 22 does not fall out. The float feeder device 170, 180 of Figures 15 and 16 may also be configured as a swim feeder device.

Whereas the closure member 26 or the trigger device 174 described above has been shown with a chamber 30 with two holes 32, 34, the closure member 26 or the trigger device 174 may be of any suitable material that receives water to displace air so that the overall buoyancy of the closure member 26 or the trigger device 174 changes when in water. When full of water, or at least partially full of water, the closure member 26 or the trigger device 174 has a density which is more than the density of the water 36, 129 which is typically about l000Kg.m3 at 0°C. When full of air, or substantially full of air, the closure member 26 or the trigger device 174 has a density of less than the density of the water 36, 129. One such suitable material may be a porous material, such as a sponge-like material which does not have a chamber 30 as such. The porous material may soak up water, and the air within the porous material may be expelled over a period of time so that the closure member 26 or the trigger device 174 sinks when in water.

After use, the water may be expelled from the porous material by for example squeezing it, or by shaking it, or by allowing the water to drain from it.

In the above embodiments the material from which the closure member 26 or the trigger device 174 is made should be such that the closure member 26 or the trigger device 174 sinks in water when the chamber 30 or the porous material is filled, or at least partially filled with water. In the above embodiments the apertures 32, 34 may also be known as orifices, and the chamber 30 may also be known as a water chamber. The apertures 32, 34 are of a suitable size to allow water into the chamber 30 and air to leave the chamber in a controlled manner so that the closure member 26 or the trigger device 174 operates in a suitable period of time, such as between 0.5 to 8 seconds. Adjusting the number or size of one or both of the apertures 32, 34 may vary the period of time over which the closure member 26 opens so that it is longer or shorter, or decrease the time taken for water to drain from the chamber 30 when re-filling the bait chamber 22. Tn one arrangement the closure member 26 or the trigger device 174 may be provided with at least one of the apertures 32, 34 which is adjustable in size. It will also be appreciated that adjusting the size of the chamber 30, or the mass of the additional weight fixed to the collar 50, may also vary the period of time over which the closure member 26 opens. In one arrangement the second hole 34 is larger than the first hole 32.

Alternatively the second hole 34 may be replaced by more than one hole.

It will be appreciated that the float feeder devices 10, 40, 100, 110, 170, 180 of Figures 1, 2, 7, 8, 15 and 16 may be useful for delivering ground bait or mid-water bait to an area being fished. The float feeder device of Figures 3 -6 may be useful for delivering floating bait to the area being fished. The swim feeder devices 120, 130, 140, 150, 160 of Figures 9 -14 may be useful for delivering ground bait to an area being fished. The is float feeder devices 10, 40, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 170,180 and the swim feeder devices 120, 130, 140, 150, 160 may also known by the collective term fish feeder device. With the float feeder devices 10, 40, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 170, 180 of Figures 1 -8, 15 and 16 the initially buoyant closure member 26 or trigger device 174 with the air trapped in it may provide the advantage of reducing the depth to which the float feeder devices 10, 40, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 170, 180 dives when it is cast into the water 36. This may be advantageous because it may reduce the likelihood of scaring fish away from the area being fished. In addition this may be advantageous because the float feeder device 10, 40, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 170, 180 can be used for detecting a bite more quickly, such as when the bite occurs just after the float feeder device 10, 40, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 170, 180 has landed in the water 36. The bite is detected more quickly because the float feeder device 10, 40, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 170, 180 moves to the floating position more quickly.

The fish feeder devices 10, 40, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, described above may be used with most types of bait such as breadcrumbs, hemp, maize, sweetcom, vanilla sugar, hard pellets, maggots, worms, prawns, ground bait, soil, loam, or other ingredients. In use the bait chamber 22 is opened and inverted so that it can be filled with bait. The bait chamber 22 is then closed. Due to the arrangement of the closure member 26 or the trigger device 174 which opens or operates when it becomes less buoyant in the water 36, 129, a more positive action of the opening of the bait chamber 22 is achieved which helps the bait to leave the bait chamber 22. Over-wetted bait or very liquid bait, also known as slop, may be used with the fish feeder devices 10, 40, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, is 180 which often does not leave the bait chamber of the previously known fish feeder devices.

It will be appreciated that in Figures 1 -8, 15 and 16 the closure member 26, the bait chamber 22 and the buoyant head 14 are aligned on an elongate axis of the fish feeder devices 10, 40, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 170, 180 and the bait is arranged so that it exits the bait chamber 22 at least in part along the axis. In Figures 9 -14 the bait chamber 22 and the weighted portion 124 are aligned on an elongate axis of the fish feeder device 120, 130, 140, 150, 160 and the bait is arranged so that it exits the bait chamber 22 at least in part in a direction perpendicular to the axis.

In the above embodiments the weight 16, and weighted portion 124 help to keep the fish feeder devices 10, 40, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 170, 180 upright in the water. The weight 16, and weighted portion 124 may also assist with stabilising the fish feeder devices 10, 40, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 170, 180 during flight in the air as it is cast.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A fish feeder device comprising a body for attachment to a fishing line, the body having a bait chamber with an aperture for receiving bait, and a closure member to open and close the aperture, wherein a part of the fish feeder device is operable to receive water when the fish feeder device is in water to change the buoyancy of the part for operating the closure member to open the bait chamber.
2. A fish feeder device according to claim 1, wherein the part is a trigger device which is operable to receive water when the fish feeder device is in water to change the buoyancy of the trigger device for initiating operation of the closure member to open the bait chamber.
3. A fish feeder device according to claim 1, wherein the part comprises the closure member which is operable to receive water when the fish feeder device is in water to change the buoyancy of the closure member to open the bait chamber.
4. A fish feeder device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the closure member or the trigger device has at least one water chamber with at least two orifices, one of the orifices for permitting the ingress of water and one of the orifices for permitting the egress of air when the fish feeder device is in water, the closure member operable to open the bait chamber when the water chamber is at least partially filled with water.
5. A fish feeder device according to any preceding claim, configured such that the closure member comprises the bait chamber, and the body has a closure part to cooperate with the aperture to open and close it.
6. A fish feeder device according to claim 5, wherein the closure part comprises a buoyant head of the body.
7. A fish feeder device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the body has an ejection part for ejection of the bait from the bait chamber when it is opened.
8. A fish feeder device according to claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein at least a portion of the closure part adjacent to the aperture has a sloping or curved surface for allowing bait to slide from the closure part.is
9. A fish feeder device according to any of claims 1 -4, wherein at least a portion of the closure member adjacent to the aperture has a sloping or curved surface for permitting bait to slide from the closure member.
10. A fish feeder device according to any preceding claim, wherein the bait chamber has at least one hole for allowing water to pass therethrough for assisting release of the bait from the bait chamber.
11. A fish feeder device according to any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises a stem and the closure member is movable on the stem to open and close the aperture.
12. A fish feeder device according to any of claim 1 -10, wherein the body includes a cage and the closure member is movable in the cage to open and close the aperture.
13. A fish feeder device according to any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises a weight so that the fish feeder device is substantially upright when in water.
14. A fish feeder device according to any preceding claim, wherein the closure member is translatable relative to the body to open and close the aperture.
15. A fish feeder device according to any preceding claim, wherein the closure member is pivotable relative to the body to open and close the aperture.
16. A fish feeder device according to any preceding claim, wherein a floor of the bait chamber has a sloping surface when the fish feeder device is in its operable orientation for permitting bait to slide from the bait chamber.
17. A fish feeder device according to any preceding claim, provided as a float feeder device.
18. A fish feeder device according to any of claims 1 -16, provided as a swim feeder device.
19. A fish feeder device as substantially described herein with reference to Figures 1 -16 of the accompanying drawings.
20. A method of operating a fish feeder device comprising a body for attachment to a fishing line, the body having a bait chamber with an aperture for receiving bait, and a closure member to open and close the aperture, the method including: loading bait in the bait chamber; casting the fish feeder device into water; and receiving water in a part of the fish feeder device for changing the buoyancy of the part for operating the closure member to open the bait chamber and release the bait.is
21. A method according to claim 20, wherein the part is a trigger device, the method including receiving water in the trigger device for changing the buoyancy thereof for initiating operation of the closure member to open the bait chamber and release the bait.
22. A method according to claim 20, wherein the part is the closure member, the method further including receiving water in the closure member for changing the buoyancy thereof to open the bait chamber and release the bait.
23. A method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the closure member or the trigger device have at least one water chamber with at least two orifices, and said step of changing the buoyancy includes receiving water through one orifice and ejecting air through the other orifice to at least partially fill the water chamber with water.
24. A method according to any of claims 20 -23, wherein the body includes an ejection part, the method including ejecting the bait from the bait chamber using the ejection part when it is opened.
25. A method according to any of claims 20 -24, wherein the bait chamber has at least one hole, the method including permitting water to pass through the at least one hole for assisting release of the bait from the bait chamber.
26. A method according to any of claims 20 -25, and further including using a weight with the fish feeder device so that it is substantially upright in water.is
27. A method according to any of claims 20 -26 as substantially described herein with reference to Figures 1 -16 of the accompanying drawings.