GB2615822A

GB2615822A - Controller Float

Info

Publication number: GB2615822A
Application number: GB2202391.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Blair Alan
Original assignee: Catchum 88 Ltd
Current assignee: Catchum 88 Ltd
Priority date: 2022-02-22
Filing date: 2022-02-22
Publication date: 2023-08-23
Also published as: GB202202391D0

Abstract

A controller float 10 and its method of use comprising a retaining member 16 and a removable component, the removable component comprising, a buoyant body 18 having a first 12 and an opposite second 14 end, and a weight 36 disposed proximate the second end, the retaining member being disposed proximate the first end of the body for removably retaining the controller float on an angling line 2, wherein the retaining member is releasably securable to the body by a connecting arrangement such that the removable component is detachable from the retaining member. The connecting arrangement may comprise a threaded connection. The buoyant body may be located between the weight and retaining member, and maybe hollow. The buoyant body may comprise a substantially transparent material. The controller float may comprise a plurality of interchangeable removable components. There may be a kit comprising the controller float and interchangeable weights. The controller float may be used for angling.

Description

Controller Float

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to angling devices, systems and methods. In particular, the present invention relates to a controller float, a modular controller float system and a method of changing the casting properties of the controller float.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Anglers may use a floating hookbait in some circumstances, for example to target surface-feeding fish. A problem associated with floating hookbaits is that a weight of a floating hookbait may be too low to allow an angler to cast the bait far enough to reach a desired location. A known solution to this problem is to use a casting aid known as a controller (or controller float) which is secured to an angler's line, spaced apart from the hook bait, to provide additional weight for casting. A controller typically comprises a generally torpedo-shaped or teardrop-shaped buoyant body which is arranged to be attached to (e.g. threaded onto) the line. A density of the body is such that the controller floats in water (and therefore does not submerge the floating hookbait) whilst also providing enough weight to allow casting to a desired location. A problem associated with the use of controllers is that they can be bulky, and therefore may cause disturbance to fish when cast into a body of water.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art, whether referred to herein or otherwise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a controller float 30 for angling comprising a retaining member and a removable component, the removable component comprising: a buoyant body having a first end and an opposite second end, and -2 -a weight disposed proximate the second end of the buoyant body; the retaining member being disposed proximate the first end of the buoyant body for removably retaining the controller float on an angling line; wherein the retaining member is releasably securable to the buoyant body by 5 a connecting arrangement such that the removable component is detachable from the retaining member.

Preferably the removable component/buoyant body is repeatedly attachable and detachable from the retaining member. Preferably the removable component/buoyant body is reversibly attachable and detachable from the retaining member.

Preferably the connecting arrangement comprises a threaded connection.

Preferably the connecting arrangement comprises a first connector attached to the retaining member and a second connector attached to the removable component, wherein the first connector is releasably securable to the second connector. Preferably the connecting arrangement comprises a first connector attached to the retaining member and a second connector attached to the buoyant body, wherein the first connector is releasably securable to the second connector.

Preferably at least one of the first and second connectors comprises a visual indicator.

Preferably the first connector comprises a screw. Preferably the second connector comprises a threaded bore arranged to receive the screw.

Preferably the removable component is balanced in order for the removable component to be buoyant in water. Preferably the buoyant body and the weight are balanced in order for the removable component/buoyant body to be buoyant in water. Preferably the buoyancy of the removable component/buoyant body is just enough to enable the weight to be suspended and/or to float in water. Preferably -3 -the buoyant body locates between the weight and the retaining member.

Preferably a buoyancy force provided by the buoyant body and a downward force provided by the weight are arranged such that a majority of the buoyant body is 5 submerged in use.

Preferably the controller float comprises a visual indicator disposed proximate the second end of the buoyant body.

The retaining member may comprise a closed loop arranged to receive part of the angling line. Preferably the retaining member comprises a swivel.

Preferably the retaining member comprises a closed loop through which the angling line locates in order to secure the controller float to the angling line. Preferably a first stop and a second stop may locate on the angling line on either side of the closed loop to prevent movement of the controller float along the angling line beyond the respective stops.

Preferably the removable component is configured to be detachable and attachable to the retaining member whilst the retaining member remains secured to the angling line. Preferably the removable component is configured to be detachable and attachable to the retaining member whilst the closed loop locates between the stops.

Preferably the buoyant body is hollow. Preferably the weight is disposed inside the hollow body. Preferably the first connector seals an open end of the buoyant body.

Preferably the first connector seals first end of the buoyant body.

Preferably the buoyant body (and/or the removable component) comprise a first portion having a generally frustoconical shape. Preferably the buoyant body (and/or the removable component) comprises a second portion having a generally conical shape. Preferably the first portion is filled with a gas (e.g. air) to provide buoyancy to the controller float. Preferably the second portion contains the weight. Preferably -4 -the weight has a generally conical shape complimentary to at least a part of the shape of the second portion. The weight may comprise a metal. The weight may be permanently secured to (and/or within) the second end of the buoyant body.

Preferably at least part of the buoyant body comprises a substantially transparent or translucent material. Preferably at least the first portion of the buoyant body comprises a substantially transparent material.

The controller float may comprise a plurality of interchangeable removable components. Preferably the weight of each interchangeable removable component is different. Preferably each interchangeable removable component comprises a different balanced weight at the second end. Preferably the buoyancy of each buoyant body is different and the weight of each respective balanced weight is different.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit (modular system) for providing a controller float having interchangeable (different) weights, the kit (modular system) comprising a single retaining member and a plurality of removable components, wherein each removable component comprises: a buoyant body having a first end and an opposite second end, and a weight disposed proximate the second end of the buoyant body; the retaining member being removably attachable to the first end of each of the removable components and being arranged to retain the controller float on an angling line; wherein the retaining member is releasably securable to any of the removable components to aid casting such that the removable components are interchangeable to provide a controller float having different casting properties.

With this arrangement the plurality of removable components comprises a first 30 removable component and a second removable component having a greater weight than the first removable component. -5 -

Preferably the plurality of removable components comprises a third removable component having a greater weight than the first and second removable components.

Preferably the retaining member is releasably securable to any of the removable components by a connecting arrangement comprising a screw.

Preferably the weight of the controller float is changeable whilst the controller float remains secured to the angling line. Preferably the weight of the controller float is changeable whilst the closed loop locates between the stops.

Preferably the removable component is interchangeable whilst the controller float remains secured to the angling line. Preferably the removable component is interchangeable whilst the closed loop locates between the stops.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of adjusting the weight of a controller float, the controller float comprising a retaining member and a removable component, the removable component comprising: a buoyant body having a first end and an opposite second end, and a weight disposed proximate the second end of the buoyant body; the retaining member being disposed proximate the first end of the buoyant body for removably retaining the controller float on an angling line; wherein the retaining member is releasably securable to the buoyant body by 30 a connecting arrangement such that the removable component is detachable from the retaining member, the method comprising: -6 -detaching a first removable component having an undesired weight from the retaining member, selecting a second removable component having a desired weight, and releasably securing the second removable component to the retaining 5 member.

Preferably the method comprises maintaining the retaining member secured to the angling line during the detachment of the first removable component and the subsequent securement of the second removable component to the retaining 10 member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference signs are used for like features, and in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a casting aid according to the invention, retained on a fishing line; and Figure 2 is a side view of the casting aid of Figure 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a casting aid for angling in the form of a controller float and a casting aid system which allows an angler to adjust the size and/or weight of a casting aid/controller float based on a desired casting distance, without the need for disassembly of a rig or terminal tackle. With this arrangement, the angler can use the smallest and/or lightest casting aid possible for the desired casting distance, thereby minimising the risk of disturbance to fish.

Referring to Figure 1, a controller float providing a casting aid according to a -7 -preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a float 10, and specifically a controller float, which is elongate and extends between a first, upper end 12 and a second, lower end 14. In this specification, the terms upper and lower and related terms refer to an orientation of the float in use, when the float is floating in a body of water. Accordingly, in use, the first, upper end 12 is disposed above the water and the second, lower end 14 is submerged.

The float 10 comprises a retaining module 16 (retaining member) and a removable component or main float body. The removable component comprises a main body 18 having a buoyant portion (upper portion 34) together with a weight 36 in a lower portion 32. The retaining module 16 is disposed at the first, upper end 12 of the float 10 and specifically is attached to the upper end of the removable component and more specifically to the upper end of the buoyant body 18. The retaining module 16 is arranged to be retained on a fishing line (angling line) 2. The buoyant body 18/removable component is arranged to be releasably secured to the retaining module 16. The retaining module 16 is arranged to retain the float 10 on the fishing line 2. The retaining module 16 comprises a retaining member 20, and a first connector 22. In this embodiment the retaining member 20 comprises a swivel 20 having an eye 24 through which the fishing line 2 can be freely passed. In use, a position of the float 10 on the line 2 may be fixed, for example by trapping the eye between plastic stops 4 secured on the line 2. The retaining member 20 comprises a closed loop through which the angling line locates in order to secure the controller float to the angling line. The first stop 4 and the second stop 4 locate on the angling line on either side of the closed loop of the retaining member 20 to prevent movement of the controller float along the angling line 2 beyond the respective stops. The present invention enables the weight of the controller float to be changeable whilst the controller float remains secured to the angling line 2. In particular, the weight of the controller float is changeable whilst the closed loop of the retaining member 20 locates between the stops 4. For example, the removable component is interchangeable whilst the retaining member 20/retaining module 16 remains secured to the angling line and whilst the closed loop locates between the stops 4. In some embodiments, the retaining member may comprise a snap swivel, -8 -a bore, or other suitable arrangement for receiving part of the fishing line.

Referring also to Figure 2, in this embodiment the first connector 22 comprises a screw 22 having an enlarged generally cylindrical head 26 and a threaded shank 28. The retaining member 20 is secured to the head 26 and extends away from the head 26 in a direction general opposite the shank 28. In some embodiments the retaining member 20 may be integrally formed with the first member.

In this embodiment, the main body 18 is elongate and extends between the lower end 14 of the float 10 and the retaining module 16. The main body 18 comprises a second connector 30 disposed at an upper end 32 of the main body 18. The second connector 30 is arranged to engage with, and be releasably secured to, the first connector 22. In this way the float 10 is provided with a connecting arrangement comprising the first and second connectors 22, 30. The connecting arrangement is thus disposed between the main body 18 and the retaining member 20. The connecting arrangement is arranged to releasably secure the main body 18 to the retaining member 20, so that the main body 18 can be attached and detached from the fishing line 2.

The removable component or the main body 18 comprises a generally hollow body having a lower portion 32 (weight) and an upper portion 34 (buoyant element). The lower portion 32 is generally conical and tapers to a point at the lower end 14. The upper portion 34 has a generally frustoconical shape and extends upwardly from the lower portion 32, tapering towards the second connector 30.

The lower portion 32 of the main body contains a weight 36. The weight 36 has a generally conical shape which fits in a generally conical interior of the lower portion 32. The upper portion 34 is generally hollow. The hollow interior of the upper portion 34 is sealed at its upper end by part of the second connector 30, and is sealed at its lower end by the lower portion 32. In this way, the upper portion 34 contains a volume of air and thus provides buoyancy to the float 10. With this arrangement, when the float 10 is placed in water, the weight 36 causes the lower portion 32 and -9 -at least part of the upper portion 34 to be submerged, and the buoyancy provided by the upper portion 34 provides a buoyancy force which acts against the downward force of the weight. The weight 36 and upper portion 34 are arranged such that the float 10 has net buoyancy. Preferably, the forces provided by the weight 36 and the buoyancy result in a majority of the upper portion 34 being submerged, with only the second connector 30 protruding above the water. In this way the connecting arrangement and retaining member 20 are disposed above the water.

The second connector 30 comprises a generally cylindrical body which plugs an upper end opening of the upper portion 34. The second connector 30 comprises a threaded bore (not visible in Figures 1 and 2) which extends into the second connector 30 towards the second end 14 of the float 10. The threaded bore is arranged to receive and retain the threaded shank 28 of the first connector 22, to secure the first and second connectors 22, 30 to one another.

Therefore, to connect or secure the main body 18 to the retaining module, the first and second connectors 22, 30 are secured together by inserting the shank 28 into the bore and screwing the first and second connectors 22, 30 together. The connecting arrangement also comprises a washer 38 disposed between the first and second connectors 22, 30 which helps to provide friction between the first and second connectors 22, 30, thereby reducing the risk of the first and second connectors 22, 30 unscrewing. In this way, the connecting arrangement is arranged to secure the retaining module 16 to the main body 18 of the float 10. The first connector 22 and retaining member 20 together provide a first part of the float which is releasably securable to a second part of the float comprising the second connector 30 and the main body 18.

In this embodiment, the connecting arrangement provides a visual indicator or sight bob of the float, to help identify movement of the float from a distance (for example movement due to a bite). In this embodiment, both first and second connectors 22, of the connecting arrangement are brightly coloured.

-10 -With the arrangement described above, the main body 18 can be conveniently detached from the retaining module 16, so that the main body 18 can be detached or disconnected from the line 2 without the need to disassemble other items of tackle (such as a rig) in order to slide the float 10 off the line. In this, way, the main body 18 can be conveniently replaced, for example to alter the size and/or weight of the float 10 to suit a required casting distance. For example, a heavier float may be required to provide extra weight in order to cast a greater distance, for example if fish which are being targeted move further away from the angler.

To this end, the present invention also provides a kit or system comprising a plurality of float main bodies (not shown) which are interchangeable to provide a plurality of casting aids. The system comprises a retaining module substantially identical to the retaining module 16 described above. Each of the main bodies (removable components/buoyant bodies) is similar to the main body 18 described above. In this system however, the main bodies are of different weights. Preferably, the difference in weight between the main bodies is achieved by providing a different weight (i.e. having a different mass and weighing a different amount) in the lower portion of each main body. Preferably an interior volume of the upper portion of each main body is sized to provide a buoyancy force which balances the downward force provided by a respective weight, so that the casting aid (float) provided by each main body remains buoyant but the majority of the upper portion is submerged in use.

With this arrangement, a size and/or weight of the float can be adjusted as required. In use, the retaining module is retained on a fishing line by threading the line through the retaining member. The position of the retaining member on the line may be fixed using stops secured to the line. A first one of the plurality of float main bodies is releasably secured to the retaining module by the connecting arrangement, in the manner described above. A rig comprising a hook, or other terminal tackle, may then be secured to a free end of the line, and a bait secured to the rig. The float, rig and bait is cast by the angler to a desired first location (e.g. a swim) in a body of water. If, for example, the angler wishes to cast to a different, second location which is further from the angler than the first location, the weight of the first main body may not be enough to allow the angler to cast to this location. Accordingly, the angler can detach the first main body from the retaining module and replace or interchange it with a second main body which is heavier than the first main body, in order to achieve the required casting distance.

It will be appreciated that main bodies having heavier weights may also have larger buoyant bodies than main bodies having lighter weights, in order to provide sufficient buoyancy force. Larger and/or heavier main bodies may create more disturbance in the water when cast, which may disturb fish. Accordingly, if, for example, the angler wishes to cast to a different, third location which is closer to the angler than the first location, the angler may select a third main body which is smaller and/or lighter than the first main body, so as to minimise disturbance to the fish. Accordingly, the angler can detach the first main body from the retaining module and replace it with a third main body which is lighter than the first main body, but still heavy enough to achieve the required casting distance.

In other embodiments, the connecting arrangement may comprise a bayonet fitting, a snap-fit arrangement, a clip, or any suitable arrangement for releasably securing the main body to the retaining member. In some embodiments, the weight may be releasably securable to the main body, instead of, or additionally to, the main body being releasably securable to the retaining module. For example, the lower portion of the main body may be releasably securable to the upper portion. In this way, the weight of the float may be adjusted by releasably securing different weights to the main body.

A conventional fishing float includes a buoyant member to support a bait and/or indicate that a fish has taken the bait. The conventional fishing float may not support the bait if the bait is on the bottom so the floats main purpose is to let the angler know when a fish has taken a bait.

A controller float is different in as much as it is a buoyant member fished on a line with a hook to present a buoyant bait on the surface. As the buoyant bait is generally -12 -of minimal weight the key purpose of the controller float is to provide weight to enable the light hook bait to be presented at the necessary distance.

The controller float may act as an indicator to the fish taking the bait however, the experienced angler will be watching the hook bait or if out of clear sight the spot where the hook bait will be roughly located. Should a carp take a food item from that area or the angler sees his actual hook bait taken, the angler may then watch the controller float and, should it move, the angler will then strike. Controller floats come in various sizes. The experienced angler will generally select the smallest controller float to reach the necessary distance where the carp are feeding. The selection of the smallest controller float is to minimise disturbance when the controller float is cast and lands on the surface. However, during a fishing session the carp may become wary to a disturbance of the angler casting to them or when one of their kind is hooked. This may lead the carp to move further out into the body of water out of range of the controller float. To reach the carp at a greater distance the angler will be required to break down their tackle and attach a larger, heavier controller float. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a controller float that can be changed in size and weight without the necessity for the angler to break down their tackle. The controller float is attached at the top end via a swivel moulded into the "sight bob" of the controller float onto the angler's main line.

The preferred method to retain the controller float on the line is via small plastic stops, fixed either side of the swivel. Then a pre-determined length of line is extended past the controller float to which is attached a hook. In the present invention, the controller float "sight bob" can be unscrewed to detach the "sight bob" from the main body so a different size/weight of body can be changed and attached without breaking down the tackle.

The present invention provides a controller float which has a detachable means at the top end i.e. the same end as the "sight bob" that sticks out of the water and the weight is interchangeable to change the casting characteristics. The controller float is in two parts, a detachable sight bob (retaining member) that includes a swivel to -13 -attach onto the fishing line. The second part is the main body of the buoyant element and weighted at the bottom. This component is one piece and it is important that the weight element is balanced and tuned with the buoyant element, so that when the sight bob is attached, only the sight bob protrudes from the surface i.e. it is important to balance weight against buoyancy to ensure the sight bob protrudes sufficiently above the surface for the angler to see it but not too much that the main body would protrude from the surface. As the weight must be accurately produced to balance with the buoyant element a number of removable components are provide with suitably paired weighted portions with buoyant portions.

Claims

-14 -CLAIMS1. A controller float for angling comprising a retaining member and a removable component, the removable component comprising: a buoyant body having a first end and an opposite second end, and a weight disposed proximate the second end of the buoyant body; the retaining member being disposed proximate the first end of the buoyant body for removably retaining the controller float on an angling line; wherein the retaining member is releasably securable to the buoyant body by a connecting arrangement such that the removable component is detachable from the retaining member.
2. A controller float according to Claim 1 in which the removable component is repeatedly attachable and detachable from the retaining member.
3. A controller float according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which the connecting arrangement comprises a threaded connection.
4. A controller float according to any preceding claim in which the connecting arrangement comprises a first connector attached to the retaining member and a second connector attached to the removable component, wherein the first connector is releasably securable to the second connector.
5. A controller float according to Claim 4 in which at least one of the first and second connectors comprises a visual indicator.
6. A controller float according to Claim 4 or Claim 5 in which the first connector comprises a screw and the second connector comprises a threaded bore arranged to receive the screw.
7. A controller float according to any preceding claim in which the buoyant body and the weight are balanced in order for the removable component to be buoyant in -15 -water and in which the buoyancy of the removable component body is just enough to enable the weight to be suspended and/or to float in water.
8. A controller float according to any preceding claim in which the buoyant body locates between the weight and the retaining member.
9. A controller float according to any preceding claim in which a buoyancy force provided by the buoyant body and a downward force provided by the weight are arranged such that a majority of the buoyant body is submerged in use.
10. A controller float according to any preceding claim in which the controller float comprises a visual indicator disposed proximate the second end of the buoyant body.
11. A controller float according to any preceding claim in which the retaining member comprises a closed loop through which the angling line locates, in use, in order to secure the controller float to the angling line.
12. A controller float according to Claim 11 in which a first stop and a second stop locate on the angling line on either side of the closed loop to prevent movement of the controller float along the angling line beyond the respective stops.
13. A controller float according to Claim 11 or Claim 12 in which the removable component is configured to be detachable and attachable to the retaining member whilst the retaining member remains secured to the angling line.
14. A controller float according to Claim 12 or Claim 13 when dependent upon Claim 12 in which the removable component is configured to be detachable and attachable to the retaining member whilst the closed loop locates between the stops.
15. A controller float according to any preceding claim in which the buoyant body is hollow.
16. A controller float according to Claim 15 in which the weight is disposed inside the hollow body.
17. A controller float according to any one of Claim 4 to Claim 6 or any one of Claim 7 to Claim 16 when dependent upon any one of Claim 4 to Claim 6 in which the first connector seals an open end of the buoyant body.
18. A controller float according to any preceding claim in which the removable component comprises a first portion having a generally frustoconical shape and a second portion having a generally conical shape wherein the first portion is filled with a gas to provide buoyancy to the controller float and the second portion contains the weight.
19. A controller float according to any preceding claim in which the weight is permanently secured to the second end of the buoyant body.
20. A controller float according to any preceding claim in which at least part of the buoyant body comprises a substantially transparent or translucent material.
21. A controller float according to any preceding claim in which the controller float comprises a plurality of interchangeable removable components and in which the weight of each interchangeable removable component is different.
22. A kit comprising a controller float and interchangeable weights, the kit comprising a single retaining member and a plurality of removable components, wherein each removable component comprises: a buoyant body having a first end and an opposite second end, and a weight disposed proximate the second end of the buoyant body; the retaining member being removably attachable to the first end of each of the removable components and being arranged to retain the controller float on an angling line; -17 -wherein the retaining member is releasably securable to any of the removable components to aid casting such that the removable components are interchangeable to provide a controller float having different casting properties.
23. A kit according to Claim 22 in which the plurality of removable components comprises a first removable component and a second removable component having a greater weight than the first removable component.
24. A method of adjusting the weight of a controller float, the controller float comprising a retaining member and a removable component, the removable component comprising: a buoyant body having a first end and an opposite second end, and a weight disposed proximate the second end of the buoyant body; the retaining member being disposed proximate the first end of the buoyant body for removably retaining the controller float on an angling line; wherein the retaining member is releasably securable to the buoyant body by a connecting arrangement such that the removable component is detachable from the retaining member, the method comprising: detaching a first removable component having an undesired weight from the retaining member, selecting a second removable component having a desired weight, and releasably securing the second removable component to the retaining member.
25. A method of adjusting the weight of a controller float according to Claim 24 further comprising maintaining the retaining member secured to the angling line during the detachment of the first removable component and the subsequent securement of the second removable component to the retaining member.