NZ328473A - Device to assist with casting of fishing lines comprises pivoting lever on a base - Google Patents

Description

Patents form No. 5 NEW ZEALAND Pat. 5 328473 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (To be furnished in Duplicate) Where prioity as provided by sub-section,(2) or (3) of section 11 of the Patents Act 1953 is desired in respect of one or more provisional specifications, quote number or numbers and date or dates.

No: 328473 Date: 31 July 1997 FISHING APPARATUS I Denis John Moresby, of 30 South Street., Tekuiti, New Zealand, a New Zealand citizen.

Hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the followll^'"f^^a?£emen-t(:;£ 1 z B KOV 'Mdi ' RECEIVED 328473 TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to fishing apparatus which involve the use of fishing rods, reels, line, with attached hooks or weights. In particular the present invention relates to a distance casting, and fish retrieval aid. It is envisaged the invention will be particularly useful to people fishing surf beaches using surf casting rods. Casting and fish retrieval are both achieved by the invention using leverage to brake or lock a fishing line in such a way that line can be fast released as required. That this action is done in an independent secondary back up way to any existing brake built into the fishing reel used gives this invention a wide range of general usefulness so far as the specific field of the use of sports fishing & casting type rods and reels.

BACKGROUND ART The term casting shall now mean and refer to the action of casting of a fishing line, typically with associated hook(s), sinker(s), bait(s), lure(s) - commonly referred to as fishing terminal tackle.

A number of casting and fishing aids have been disclosed in the prior art. Typically, casting aids have been developed to overcome problems commonly experienced when,using traditional casting methods. For example, a common casting method involves the holding of a section of fishing line against the rod or spool with a finger or thumb, respectively. At a point during the cast the line is released to enable the line to be fed out. 328473 The use of fingers or thumbs when casting can result in cuts in, or blisters on, said fingers or thumbs particularly the index finger which is commonly used when casting. The problem of cut fingers or thumbs is now exacerbated by the introduction and use of new, thinner, stronger types of fishing line, such as thermal filament (or thermafused) line.

Protective materials, such as rubber tubing are often used around the thumb or fingers as a way to minimize the cutting and blistering of fingers and thumbs.

However, also involved in casting is the ability to judge the moment at which the line should be released. If released too soon or too late the cast may not achieve the required distance. Distance casting is particularly important when fishing surf beaches, as it is preferable that the line (and associated terminal tackle) be cast selectively into the type of water preferred by fish - which can in turn be well off shore and beyond the breakers.

For example New Zealand Patent No. 158149 discloses a release button for a fixed spool casting reel. The release button is attached to the stem of the spool reel. In use, fishing line is taken from the spool and wrapped around the button in a manner which wedges the line. During casting, the weight and strain of the cast is taken by the button, thereby relieving the fixed spool mechanism.

New Zealand Patent No. 245600 also discloses an invention for a fishing rod which aids casting. The invention comprises an adjustable device which assists casting by enabling the fishing 3 328473 line to be released at a predetermined inclination of the rod. Similarly, New Zealand Patent No. 131602 discloses an apparatus for attaching to a fishing rod to assist with the release of fishing line during casting.

New Zealand Patent No. 115622 also relates to an automatic line-release device for a fishing rod. However, this invention is typically attached to the reel pillar of a fixed-spool reel. All of the above inventions have been developed to assist casting and/or line release.

However, all of the above inventions rely more on mechanical intervention to operate or activate the devices. Typically, forces applied during line casting triggers or brings into play the benefits of the various devices. The person fishing has less direct and immediate control at the time of casting, other than possibly previously adjusting the device to operate in a required manner. However, there is limited or no opportunity for the person fishing to control the operation of the device during an actual casting operation.

Further, some of the above devices require adjustment depending on the thickness and type of fishing line used.

With regards to prior art inventions directed toward hook setting, (firmly embedding a hook in a fish, preferably in the mouth of the fish). New Zealand Patent No. 118395 relates to a hook setting aid whereby the effect of a fish pulling on the hook end of a fishing line releases a trigger on the rod end of a fishing line, the trigger then releases a spring which activates an automatic pulling motion pulling the hook towards 4 328473 the rod with the hope that the fish will be impaled on the hook. The line is partly "locked" by the trigger of this device. It does not however continue to assist in the catching of the fish beyond the point of one sharp pull on the line which may or may not hook a striking (biting) fish. The device requires resetting when triggered and is designed to be used with a spring. It would be an advantage therefore to have a device which would (a) enable the operator to directly control the cast without associated problems of cut fingers or thumbs, (b) assist in controlling the cast by use of leverage, (c) assist with distance casting of heavy weights and baits, (d) avoid the need to cast using a tight reel drag setting, (e) be used in conjunction with a range of reels (f) could lock the line comming off a fishing reel for a fast release at a time that was determined by the fisherman or woman using the rod and reel not when decided by a fishl Further, it would be an advantage to have a device which when used to pull a fish out of the water, also provided the option of instantly switching to "playing out" any uncooperative fish via a previously set reel drag, reducing any strain on the reel. Further it would be an advantage to have a device that could help set a hook firmly in a fishes mouth either manually or automatically via a tension device such as a spring, rubber band elastic band or similar using a line locking system which would not necessarily need resetting after each strike from a fish, which when activated by a solid strike would make a sound as it 328473 released to further alert the person fishing to the fish.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by example in the ensuing description.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a line locking fast release lever, distance casting and fish retrieval device for use with a fishing rod including a body portion, and a lever capable of pivoting relative to said body portion, wherein said lever includes a boss capable of receiving a portion of fishing line.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a distance casting, fish retrieval device substantially as described above wherein the body portion may include a back plate and at least two side arms.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a distance casting and fish retrieval device substantially as described above wherein the side arms of the body portion may be adapted to receive pivoting means.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a distance casting, hook setting and fish retrieval device substantially as described above wherein the lever is adapted to receive pivoting means.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a distance casting, and fish retrieval 6 828473 device substantially as described above where in the lever may be capable of pivoting between a position substantially perpendicular to the body and another position substantially parallel to said body.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a distance casting fish retrieval device substantially as described above wherein the lever is capable of pivoting between a line retention position and a line release position. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a distance casting fish retrieval device substantially as described above wherein movement of the lever is controlled by a person during a casting operation.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of casting using a distance casting fish retrieval aid substantially as described above including the steps of: a) mounting the distance casting, hook setting and fish retrieval aid on a fishing rod relative to a fishing reel which includes a line to be cast; b) pivoting the lever of the distance casting fish retrieval aid towards a line retaining position; c) feeding the line around the boss of the lever of the distance casting, hook setting and fish retrieval aid; d) positioning a thumb on the lever; e) swinging the fishing rod in a casting motion and detecting tension in the line via the thumb on the lever; f) moving the lever via the thumb toward a line releasing 7 323473 position thereby effecting the cast.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of retrieving hooked fish using a distance casting fish retrieval aid substantially as described above including the steps of: a) hooking a fish on the hook of a cast line; b) reeling in said fish within close proximity to the operator; c) sensing the drag on the line effected by the fish; d) pivoting the lever of the distance casting, hook setting and fish retrieval aid towards a line retaining position; e) feeding the line at least twice around the boss of the lever of the distance casting fish retrieval aid; f) positioning a thumb on the lever g) optionally either pulling the fish from the water, or playing out the fish via the previously set reel drag.

The method characterized in that retrieval of the fish using the distance casting fish retrieval aid effects reduced strain on the fishing reel. The object retrieved or hooked in this manoeuvre need not be a fish it may well be a snag in the form of a rock or log or similar object. In that case engaging the distance casting fish retrieval aid can be used to break off or break free the fishing line thereby as above it takes the strain off and thus protects the fishing reel. For ease of reference the distance casting, fish retrieval aid shall now be referred to as a thumb caster. However, use of the term thumb caster is not to be seen as limiting this specification.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the thumb 8 328473 caster is preferably used in conjunction with surf casting rods, and will be particularly useful to people fishing surf beaches. However, the invention is capable of being fitted to and used on a wide range of rods other than surf casting rods.

The thumb caster preferably is positioned on a fishing rod on the side of the rod facing the operator when fishing.

For a reel which has a spool fixed during casting, the thumb caster is preferably positioned such that the boss of the thumb caster is substantially level with the fishing reels spool. For "free spool" or spinning spool reels, the thumb caster is preferably positioned directly behind the reel. Alternately, when used in conjunction with a centre pin "fly reel", the thumb caster is preferably positioned on the hand grip of the fishing rod and forward of the reel.

However, the thumb caster may be attached in other positions along the rod as required by the person using this invention.

Thfi thumb caster is preferably securely attached to a fishing rod by suitable attachment means. Suitable attachment means, include clamps, clips and so forth. However, in preferred embodiments the thumb caster is attached to the rod with quality plastic electrical tape over laid with masking tape.

In any event, it is preferable to ensure the thumb caster is firmly attached to the fishing rod, to avoid accidents arising through use of potentially dangerous terminal fishing tackle. Preferably the thumb caster is capable of being used with a range of reels, but particularly with reels having spools which are fixed during casting. The types of reels with which the 9 328473 thumb caster can be used for casting include side cast reels, such as the ALVEY "TM" reel, and reels commonly referred to as thread line reels, and/or fixed spool egg-beater type spinning reels. In addition, the invention is suitable for use with many sizes and brands of fishing line, including the advanced modern fishing lines commonly referred to as super braids, polyethylene, thermal filament (thermafused) lines and so forth, as well as standard monofilament lines.

Prior to casting, the line fed from the fishing reel is preferably wound around the boss of the thumb caster at least twice, and is then fed through the guides of the fishing rod. The operator then commences the cast while also placing a thumb on the lever of the thumb caster. The operator is able to sense the drag on the line and manipulate the lever with the thumb to ensure the line is released from the boss at the appropriate time and thereby ensure optimum casting. Accordingly, the present invention can give the operator lever controlled casting comfort and can assist with distance casting of heavy weights. In addition, the line can be cast without using a tight reel drag setting. This in turn can lead to less "bail arm over" accidental line breaks.

Further, the present invention, overcomes the need to retain the fishing line by a thumb or fingers of the hand, thereby enabling casting to be achieved using all modern fishing lines without the risk of fingers or thumbs being damaged by the fishing line. The thumb caster may also be used when pulling a hooked fish out of the water once it has been reeled in close to the shore, or a 328473 boat. However, if the fish resists too much, the lever and hence the line may be released. Accordingly, the thumb caster preferably provides the option of instantly switching to "playing out" any uncooperative fish via a previously set reel drag. Use of the invention therefore, contributes to less , strain on the fishing reel.

The thumb caster may also be used to help set a hook in a fish, preferably in the fishes mouth by way of the thumb caster acting as a line lock which is instantly released once the hook has been securely driven home allowing the fish to be played out via a previously set reel drag. The hook setting can be done either manually or automatically via a tension device attached to the end of the thumb casters lever away from the boss. There is an aperture in that end of the lever for a tension device which in a preferred use would be a light rubber band rolled up the base of the fishing rod and looped through the aperture in the lever. Therefore using a thumb caster will give a person fishing the option of hooking fish firmly while retaining a light drag setting more suited to playing a fish than hooking a fish.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the back'plate of the body is configured to complement the shape of a fishing rod. Accordingly, the back plate of the body is substantially curved. However, in other embodiments the back plate may be otherwise configured, such as being substantially flat.

The side arms of the body preferably extend in a substantially perpendicular plane from the back plate of the body. Preferably 11 328473 the side arms are positioned substantially towards the middle of the back plate. However, in other embodiments of the present invention the side arms may be otherwise positioned.

The side arms of the body preferably include appropriately positioned apertures and grooves capable of receiving a portion of the pivoting means of the invention.

The body is preferably made of thermoplastics material, moulded or cast to the required shape. Thermoplastics material are particularly suitable as the invention is in contact with water, usually salt water. Accordingly the adverse effects of salt water on the body are minimized. However, in other embodiments of the present invention the body may also be made of other materials including fibreglass, epoxy resins, polyester resins, suitable metals such as stainless steel, aluminium and so forth. In preferred embodiments of the present invention the lever is capable of fitting between the side arms of the body, such that one distal end of the lever is substantially coplanar with the top portions of the side arms, when the lever is in a position substantially parallel to the body.

The lever is preferably substantially rectangular and substantially planar, with no sharp edges and a sight indentation for a persons thumb However, in other embodiments the lever may be otherwise configured.

At the top distal end of the lever (closest to the body when the lever is in a position substantially perpendicular to the body), is a boss. 12 328473 The boss may be made of metal which is fitted into a suitably configured aperture in the lever. Alternatively, the boss may be made to the same material as the rest of the lever. In preferred embodiments the bottom of the boss is coplanar with the under side of the lever, whilst the upper portion of the boss extends perpendicular from the top surface of the lever. The boss is capable of receiving a portion of the fishing line. Preferably the fishing line is wound around the boss at least twice. However, in other embodiments the boss may be capable of receiving the fishing line in other ways.

The preferred dimensions of the boss, and its position on the lever have been carefully determined to effect the required lever controlled sensitivity for casting and fish retrieval. On the other distal end of the lever (furthest from the body when the lever is in a position substantially perpendicular to the body) an indentation is included, to enhance the ability of the operator to grip and/or operate the lever.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the lever is also made of thermoplastics material. Again such material being particularly advantageous when the invention is exposed to salt water. However, other suitable materials may be used. In preferred embodiments of the present invention the pivoting means (fulcrum on which the lever turns) is suitably dimensioned stainless steel rod which is capable of passing through the lever (and through the boss where the boss is made of other materials and inserted into the lever), and also passes through each of the side arms of the body where it is bent to lie in a 13 328473 grooves substantially parallel to the side arms thereby retaining the pivoting means in position.

The pivoting means is able to pass through the lever via an appropriately positioned aperture through the side and at the top distal end of the lever.

Whilst the above pivoting means and its attachment to the lever and body of the invention is preferred, other pivoting means may also be used to effect the required operation of the lever. Stainless steel is the preferred material for the pivoting means, as it is strong, able to be bent to the required position, and can withstand the adverse effects of salt water. The pivoting means enables the lever to be pivoted through a substantially vertical plane relative to the body. Accordingly, the lever is capable of being operated between a line releasing position substantially perpendicular to the body and a line retaining position substantially parallel to the body.

Prior to casting, the fishing line is wound at least twice around the boss. The lever of the thumb caster is positioned at an appropriate angle to the back plate. During casting the tension on the line can be sensed by the operator having placed a thumb close or on the thumb casters aperture or depression. When the appropriate tension is detected by the operator, the lever is released and the line is consequently released from the boss and the cast is completed.

Alternatively, when a fish is hooked, and brought close to shore the thumb caster can be used. Again, the fishing line is wound at least twice around the boss. The thumb caster can 14 323473 then be used to either land the fish or, if the fish resists too much, the lever can be released to provide the option of instantly switching to "playing out" any uncooperative fish via a previously set reel drag. Accordingly, use of the thumb caster results in less strain being placed on the reel. While some people are able to cast beyond 200 measured metres using 113 gram sinkers and standard monofilament 0.3 mm diameter line, with a suitable shock leader, many however can not. Although the quality and type of fishing rod plays a significant part in power and distance casting, the skill of the person using the rod is also generally very important.

The thumb caster may however, enable even a very ordinary fisher person to power cast and distance cast.

Its use in conjunction with an appropriate surf casting rod, fishing line, sinkers and "leader" line (a short section of heavier line attached at one end to the terminal tackle being cast, and at the other end to the main line), all contribute to the distance and accuracy of the final cast.

In addition, the overall compact size and shape of the thumb caster contributes to it usability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 a diagrammatic top perspective view of the fishing apparatus, including a thumb grip portion in the lever in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 328473 Figure 2 is a diagrammatic bottom perceptive view of the fishing apparatus with the lever fully raised, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION With reference to the diagrams by way of example only there is provided fishing apparatus generally indicated by arrow 1 (as shown in Figure 1 and figure 2.

The fishing apparatus 1 includes a body portion 2 and a lever 3.

The lever 3 is capable of pivoting relative to the body portion 2 via pivoting means 4.

The body portion 2 includes a back plate 5 which is substantially curved as shown at 6 (and Figures 1 and 2), to complement the shape of a fishing rod 19.

Two side arms 7 and 8 extend from and are substantially perpendicular to the back plate 5. The side arms 7 and 8 are positioned substantially mid-way along the back plate 5. The lever 3 fits between the two side arms 7 and 8 of the body 2 such that the top distal end 9 of the lever 3 is substantially level (coplanar) with the top surface 10 of side arms 7 and 8. The lever 3 is retained in positioned via the pivoting means 4 which passes through the lever 3.

The pivoting means 4 enables the lever to be pivoted through a substantially vertical plane relative to the body 2.

Accordingly, the lever 3 is capable of being operated between a line releasing position substantially perpendicular to the body 2 where it is prevented from exceeding this perpendicular 16 323473 position by a stop, 18 which rises slightly from back plate 5 (as shown in Figure 2) and a line retaining position substantially parallel to to the body 2 as shown in Figure 1. The lever 3 is substantial rectangular and elongate.

Accordingly, when the lever 3 lies in a position substantially parallel to the back plate 5 (as shown in Figure 1) the lower distal end 11 of the lever 3 extends beyond the length of the back plate 5. The length of the lever 3 contributes to the overall operation of the thumb caster.

The lever 3 also includes a boss 12. The boss 12 may be either connected to the lever 3 or be an integral part of lever 3, depending upon the material from which the boss 12 is made. The boss 12 is located towards the top distal end 9 of the lever 3, and is substantially centrally positioned. The boss 12 extends substantially perpendicular from the upper surface 14 of the lever 3.

The pivoting means 4 passes through apertures in the side arms 7 and 8 of the body 5 and also through an appropriately positioned aperture in the side face(s) 13 of the lever 3.

The lower surface 15 of the lever 3 is substantially flat to enable to lever 3 to lie close to the body 5 as per figure 1. An aperture 16 is incorporated into the lever 3 figures 1 and 2. The aperture 16 improves the grip of an operator using the thumb caster and provides a convenient attachment point for any tensioning device for automatic hook setting uses.

Grip may be further enhanced by the incorporation of a depression 17 around the aperture 16 (as shown in Figure 1). 17 328473 The thumb caster 1 is attached to a fishing rod 19 via any suitable attachment means, although preferably by high quality electrical tape 20. The thumb caster 1 is typically fitted on the opposite side from the fishing reel (not shown). Typically, when fitted, the thumb caster is on the top, or upward side of the rod, substantially facing the operator.

Prior to casting, the thumb caster 1 is pivoted to a line retaining position, and the fishing line is wound at least twice around the boss 12. The lever 3 of the thumb caster 1 is then positioned at an appropriate angle to the back plate 5. During casting the tension on the line can be sensed by the operator having placed a thumb in the vicinity of the aperture 16 or depression 17 of the thumb caster 1.

When the appropriate tension is detected by the operator, the lever 3 is released and the line is consequently released from the boss 12 to complete the cast.

Alternatively, when a fish is hooked and has been reeled close to shore the thumb caster 1 can be used to help land the fish. Again, the fishing line is wound at least twice around the boss 12. The thumb caster can then be used to provide the option of instantly switching to "playing out" any uncooperative fish via a previously set reel drag. Accordingly, use of the thumb caster results in less strain being placed on the reel itself. Alternatively the thumb caster 1 can be used to set the hook j.n a fish its preferred use in this example would be on a boat rod while trolling for fish. Again the fishing line is wound at least twice around the boss 12. The thumb caster 1 can then be 18

Claims (10)

328473 used for automatic hook setting via a tensioning device preferably attached through aperture 16 (tensioning device can be a rubber band, example only) or for manual hook setting where the line tension required to set a hook is maintained by exerting direct thumb or finger pressure on lever 3 holding it substantially parallel to the body 2 as shown in figures 1. Once a fish has been hooked from a trolling boat tension on the fishing line required to set the hook in the fish is no longer required. Lever 3 reverts to a substantially vertical position as per figure 2 releasing the line from the boss 12 to a previously lightly set reel drag which yields line to the fish. Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof and that a fishing line locking fast release lever mounted on a rod and reel has a wide range of applications. WHAT I CLAIM IS

1) A fishing apparatus comprising of a fishing line retaining boss embedded in a lever with an aperture in said lever for the attachment of a tensioning device accessory, said lever is capable of 90 degrees of movement pivoting between two sides of a base that is shaped to fit on to a fishing rod, all of these parts of the fishing apparatus fitting together as one unit by way of a fulcrum in the form of a rod which passes through the sides of the base, lever and boss.

2) A Fishing apparatus as in claim 1 above where the lever is long enough to control heavy casting weights with a comfortable 19 328473 human thumb pressure on said lever yet short enough to be sensitive to the action of a fish, object, or casting weight.

3) A fishing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein a boss embedded in a pivoting lever in such a way as to be a part of that lever is short enough to fast release a line wound about that lever and tall enough to accommodate all normal thicknesses of fishing line used on rod reel combinations generally associated with sports fishing.

4) A fishing apparatus as in claims 1, 2, 3, above which is shaped to fit on to a variety of different parts of the base area of a wide number of sports fishing rods in such a way that it can be operated by a person fishing with different parts of either their right or left hands thereby giving the person using a rod to cast weights with a reel that has a spool fixed during casting the option of mounting their fishing reel on a rod in a position suited to casting very big distances in comfort.

5) A fishing apparatus as in claims 1, 2, 3, 4, which when used as an independent line lock or brake lever in conjunction with either fixed spool or free spool reels can relieve strain on those reels commonly associated with dragging fish out of water on to a beach while retaining for the person fishing the option of instantly switching to playing out the fish with a previously determined appropriate reel drag setting.

6) A fishing apparatus as in claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, above with a depression in the upper surface of the pivoting lever suitable for the placing of a human thumb to enhance the grip of an operator using said lever to control the cast of weights. 20 328473

7) A fishing apparatus as in claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, above whereby the use of a lever enables an operator to use the fishing apparatus for casting fishing terminal tackle, retrieving fish, or other wise placing tension on a fishing line without a need to physically touch the line at that point in cast or retrieve when the line is drawn tightest under tension and can under that tension cut into or otherwise damage parts of a human hand used to hold said line at that time.

8) A fishing apparatus as in claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, above that controls the locking or braking of a fishing line with a lever that has an aperture of a suitable size for the attachment of a tensioning device such as a rubber band that can be attached from the lever aperture to the rod to apply sufficient line tension to set a hook in a fish striking terminal fishing tackle and there after stretch in the tensioning device automatically pivoting the lever to a line releasing position allowing a hooked fish to be played out with a previously determined reel drag setting or the same action can be done under manual control with a thumb or finger on the lever.

9) A fishing apparatus as in claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, above wherein the shape of the base of this invention with a stop rising up between two arms and a rod pasting through both arms and the lever before being bent downwards contributes to the performance strength size ratio of this fishing apparatus.

10) A fishing apparatus substantially as described above and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 21 2 6 NOV 1397