WO1999021417A1

WO1999021417A1 - Battery and lure tester

Info

Publication number: WO1999021417A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/022457
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas J. Barron; Michael Lucas
Original assignee: Soundbite Corporation
Priority date: 1997-10-24
Filing date: 1998-10-23
Publication date: 1999-05-06

Abstract

A carrying case (96) includes a power supply, switches and electronic circuitry arranged in association with either or both a battery test receptacle (108) and a function test receptacle (110). The battery test receptacle (108) may also connect to battery charging circuitry. Fishing lures (104) stored in the case (96) include a battery pack component structured to couple with battery test receptacle (108) and a detachable battery powered fish attracting subassembly structured to couple with the function test receptacle (110).

Description

BATTERY AND LURE TESTER

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 60/062,778, filed October 24, 1997.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to electronic fishing lures. It provides various devices configured to provide testing and demonstration functions.

BACKGROUND ART Electronic fish attracting devices, including lures, often include batteries, which are susceptible to discharge. The batteries may be provided in an exchangeable "battery pack. " The fish attracting devices also sometimes include special purpose modular subassemblies with components which produce unique signal patterns when energized. The subassembly components may include a transducer and/or motor element, for example, capable of producing unique sounds or mechanical movements. There has not heretofore been available a convenient way to test the condition of a battery prior to or during use in the field. Neither has there been a convenient means by which to operate subassembly components (such as a transducer or motor) prior to use in the field. Such operation would assist a fisherman in selecting an appropriate subassembly (notably, a transducer module) for installation into a lure prior to use.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The battery and function tester of this invention is structured and arranged to test individual batteries and/or battery packs intended for specific lures. It is also capable of operating subassemblies, such as transducer modules, to reproduce the functions of various lure components. When a particular battery pack is inserted into a designated test port, a measurement is made of its stored energy level, and an indication of that level is displayed, or otherwise indicated, to the user. According to certain embodiments, the tester also reveals the function of components by providing power and other necessary connections through a docking receptacle. The tester may be incorporated into a carrying case or other arrangement which offers other utility functions, such as battery storage, lure component storage or general fishing tackle storage. The tester may be constructed simultaneously to test more than one battery pack, transducer pack and/ or lure. The device of this invention may also function as a battery charger for the batteries used in connection with lures; in some cases, it may function also as a charger for common consumer batteries. The battery tester may be configured to measure the stored energy level of common consumer batteries and to communicate the data to the user through any convenient means. For example, the tester may contain an analog or digital meter which indicates the precise or relative amount of energy remaining. The tester may also contain a single LED or lamp indicating an acceptable or unacceptable level of storage. Additional LEDs or lamps may be incorporated to increase the level of information to the operator. An audible indication may also convey the storage status of batteries. The audible indication may be in the form of coded sounds such as beeps or may be a voice stating the status of the battery.

A battery tester may be integrated with a storage feature for batteries. For example, the batteries may be pressed or screwed onto or into a battery test receptacle which contains all of the necessary electrical contacts required to access and test the batteries. A switch may be provided to initiate the test process. The batteries may be left in place, on or in the tester, for storage.

A function tester may also be included in the electronic circuitry of the carrying case or comparable structure. This function tester powers the various functions of components, typically fishing lures, to verify functionality of devices mechanically structured to react characteristically to selected patterned signals.

Examples of such devices are lures which are intended to produce vibrations or rattle sounds when activated by submersion in water. The tester may also allow the user to identify embedded data, such as sounds or vibrator and rattle programs, stored on internal integrated circuits. A subassembly may be pushed or screwed onto a function test receptacle constructed and arranged to complete the necessary interconnects to allow testing of its various functions. The function test receptacles may also serve as product storage devices. A switch may be closed to direct power to the test receptacle when required.

A battery charger for rechargeable batteries may be integrated with the battery tester, function tester and storage features, usually in association with the battery test receptacles. The battery charger may be structured to be driven by power derived from household AC power or DC power. DC power may be provided by boats or road vehicles or consumer electronics batteries, such as "D" size batteries.

The battery charger may include a number of generic circuits that perform conventional tasks associated with recharging rechargeable batteries. The tasks may include complete discharge prior to charging, charge voltage and current profiles and timing functions. The charger may be configured to charge different components simultaneously. The charger may also be configured to quick charge batteries as well as slow charge. While the slow charge usually allows a fuller charge, a quick charge is often sufficient under emergency circumstances. Preferably, a sufficient number of charging stations is included to assure an adequate supply of operable batteries for a prolonged period of fishing, typically at least 8 hours of continuous fishing.

The use of rechargeable batteries, rather than conventional alkaline batteries, allows the use of components with relatively high power consumption. There is a need to test the electronics and the power supply of certain recently introduced lure electronics. There is also a need for the fisherman to hear the sounds produced by their lure electronics prior to fishing each transmitter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates a fragment of a test center with test pods adapted to couple with transducer-carrying elements of fishing apparatus;

FIG. 2 illustrates a tackle box tray adapted as a utility center which functions to test lure functionality, to charge batteries and to store various electronic lure components; FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 are end, top and side views, respectively, of a tester of this invention; FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 illustrate the structure of a typical sound-emitting subassembly useful in association with the utility centers illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a typical storage case of the invention, including battery testing capabilities, shown in open condition; FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 of an alternative storage case; and

FIG. 11 is a pictorial view of a storage case of the type illustrated by FIGS. 9 and 10 in closed condition.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The invention may be carried out in a variety of specific embodiments responsive to the specific circumstances of application. Generally, however, an electronic testing device and circuit analyzer of this invention will include a carrying case to protect, organize and display the components of the devices (typically fishing lures) of interest, as well as those elements of the contained circuitry requiring access by the user. The contained circuitry enables the case to function as a battery testing device, among other things.

The case is ideally constructed to contain circuitry constructed and arranged to function as a battery tester for batteries contained within interchangeable power modules. These power modules typically comprise fish-attracting (or repelling) devices, and are most often either integral with or otherwise operably associated with fishing lures. The case further may house circuitry and fixtures adapted to function as a battery tester for loose batteries or wrapped batteries.

Battery voltage may be displayed by a gauge within the housing, or a predetermined "sufficient voltage" may be indicated by a light or sound emitted from the testing device contained by the case.

A typical embodiment is constructed and arrange to function as a temporary power supply for devices with transmitters which incorporate transducers. For example, SoundBite Corporation of Reno, Nevada, USA provides fishing lures under the trademarks "TalkN-Jig"™ and other fish-attracting devices under the trademark "On-Liner. "™ These devices include coupling structures which normally connect to a battery compartment integral to the device. With the battery compartment detached, the coupling can be connected to a complimentary fitting carried by the case. The most common arrangement presently comprises a female threaded coupling structure screwed onto a complimentary threaded male fitting integral with the case. Voltage applied through the threaded fitting will activate the transducer of the transmitter device (e.g., a "TalkN-Jig"™ or "On-Liner"™) so that the fisherman can hear the sound emitted above water. This capability assists the fisherman in lure selection, and assures the fisherman that the transmitter is in working order. Testing of the circuit and the associated transducer occurs simultaneously in most instances.

SoundBite Corporation of Reno, Nevada, USA also provides interchangeable battery compartments with associated driver circuits under the trademark "SoundCaps. "™ The carrying case of this invention may include an internal speaker. Each circuit can be attached to the testing device so that the fisherman can hear each sound produced by individual "SoundCaps"™ devices above water.

The carrying case may also include circuitry constructed to function as a battery charging device for any type of rechargeable battery; most notably nickel cadmium batteries. The circuit may include indicators of the charge status of one or more batteries, visible from either inside or outside the case. The circuits within the case may be powered by internal batteries or an external power supply. The cases may house only the active testing circuits, but more desirably also house a collection of the devices of interest. The case will most often, but need no in all instances, include a lid.

FIG. 1 illustrates a fragment 10 of a test center, generally 12, with test pods 14, 16 adapted to couple with transducer-carrying portions of a jig 18 and an online 20 fish attracting device.

FIG. 2 illustrates a tackle box 24 with a tray 26 adapted as a utility center which functions to test lure functionality, charge batteries and store various electromc lure components at receptacle 28. Switches 30, LED indicators 32 and a meter 34 are mounted on a panel surface 36, and are interconnected to a power supply (not shown) and the receptacles 28 and internal circuitry (not shown) as required to perform the desired tasks. FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 are end, top and side views, respectively, of a tester of this invention, generally 40, adapted to receive a plurality of sound caps 42 and power caps 44 in test ports 46. The tester includes a speaker 48 a power switch 50 and a digital readout 52 indicating battery status. Power packs 44 are interchangeable modules which contain replaceable or rechargeable batteries, and are configured for connection to other components of a fish-attracting device. Sound caps 42 are interchangeable modules which contain transducers, and are configured for connection to other components of a fish-attracting device. Either of these subassemblies 42, 44, may contain additional components.

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 illustrate the structure of a typical SoundCap™ subassembly. Batteries 45 are contained within a housing 46 between an integrated circuit (IC) component 47, mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) substrate 48. The housing 46 is closed at one end by a knurled closure 49. The entire assembly, generally 50, is coupled to a device, such as a fishing lure, by beans of a threaded section 51, an "O"-ring 52 providing a water tight seal. Water switch contacts 53 extend through the housing 46 to engage device contacts 54 carried by a contact PCB structure 55 associated with a device, shown partially and generally 56. Battery contacts 57, 58 are provided as shown. Internal flexure 59 (FIG. 8) is provided to retain the batteries 45 within the housing 46.

FIG. 9 illustrates a carrying case, generally 60, adapted to contain a pair of "crankbait" (casting) lures 62 in individual compartments 64. A "SoundCap" device 66 is shown installed in each lure 62. Each "SoundCap" device is programmed to emit a distinctive "rattle" or similar sound attractive to fish. Additional SoundCap devices 68 are stored in individual compartments 70 associated with corresponding momentary switches 72. Emitted sound is detectable through a speaker 76. Batteries 45 (FIG. 8) may be individually tested by inserting them into a test clip fixture 80, their condition being indicated by test LEDs designated "good" 82 and "replace" 84, respectively. The condition of an internal battery (not shown) can be indicated by an LED 86, the test being initiated by a push button switch 88.

The alternative embodiment illustrated by FIG. 10 is similar to, but includes features in addition to, the arrangement illustrated by FIG. 9. A first compartment 90 provides storage for a plurality of "PowerCap"™ devices provided by SoundBite Corporation of Reno, Nevada USA. These devices are similar to the earlier- described SoundCap devices 92, except that they comprise power supplies without additional circuitry. Openings 94 provide for water drainage in any attitude of the carrying case, generally 96. Internal bosses 98, are arranged as spaced parallel ribs depending from the cover 100 of the case 96 to register with and hold the power cap devices 92. Other internal bosses support lures 104 and in line sound-emitting devices 106 in a fashion which assists water drainage and support for storage and transport. A first receptacle 108 is structured and arranged to interface a test circuit (not visible) with individual PowerCap devices. A second receptacle 110 is structured to interface test circuitry with the portions of individual lures or in line devices with the PowerCap portions removed. A pair of LEDs 112 are provided to indicate the condition of the PowerCap battery condition, the test being initiated by depressing a pushbutton 114. A second pushbutton 116 initiates a test of the condition of an internal battery, as indicated by LED 118.

FIG. 11 shows the case 96 of FIG. 10 in closed condition.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The invention finds application in sport fishing, commercial fishing and related pursuits in which it is important to monitor the condition of power supplies and transducer circuits in real time in the field.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A storage center for electronic components of fishing lures comprising a battery test receptacle interconnected to a power supply, switches and electronic circuitry, all constructed and arranged to provide a battery testing function for batteries operably associated with said battery test receptacle.

2. A storage center according to Claim 1, including a plurality of battery test receptacles similar in structure and function to said first battery test receptacle.

3. A storage center according to Claim 1, wherein said first battery test receptacle is structured and arranged to couple with complimentary structure associated with a battery pack component.

4. A storage center according to Claim 1, constructed as a carrying case configured to contain a fishing lure comprising a battery pack component and a fish attracting subassembly detachable from said battery pack component.

5. A storage center according to Claim 4, wherein said first battery test receptacle is structured and arranged to couple with complimentary structure associated with said battery pack component.

6. A storage center according to Claim 4, wherein said carrying case contains a plurality of said battery packs and a plurality of battery test receptacles similar in structure and function to said first battery test receptacle.

7. A storage center according to Claim 6, wherein said battery test receptacles are structured and arranged to couple with complimentary structure associated with said battery pack components.

8. A storage center according to Claim 4, wherein said carrying case includes a first function test receptacle structured and arranged to couple with complimentary structure associated with said subassembly.

9. A storage center according to Claim 4, wherein said carrying case contains a plurality of said subassemblies and a plurality of function test receptacles similar in structure and function to said first function test receptacle.

10. A storage center according to Claim 9, wherein said function test receptacles are structured and arranged to couple with complimentary structure associated with said subassemblies.

11. A storage center according to Claim 1 , wherein said electronic circuitry includes a battery charging component operatively associated with said battery test receptacle, whereby to provide means for charging said batteries.

12. A storage center according to Claim 11, including a plurality of battery test receptacles similar in structure and function to said first battery test receptacle.

13. A storage center according to Claim 11, wherein said first battery test receptacle is structured and arranged to couple with complimentary structure associated with a battery pack component.

14. A storage center according to Claim 11, constructed as a carrying case configured to contain a fishing lure comprising a battery pack component and a fish attracting subassembly detachable from said battery pack component.

15. A storage center according to Claim 14, wherein said first battery test receptacle is structured and arranged to couple with complimentary structure associated with said battery pack component.

16. A storage center according to Claim 14, wherein said carrying case contains a plurality of said battery packs and a plurality of battery test receptacles similar in structure and function to said first battery test receptacle.

17. A storage center according to Claim 16, wherein said battery test receptacles are structured and arranged to couple with complimentary structure associated with said battery pack components.

18. A storage center according to Claim 14, wherein said carrying case includes a first function test receptacle structured and arranged to couple with complimentary structure associated with said subassembly.

19. A storage center according to Claim 14, wherein said carrying case contains a plurality of said subassemblies and a plurality of function test receptacles similar in structure and function to said first function test receptacle.

20. A storage center according to Claim 19, wherein said function test receptacles are structured and arranged to couple with complimentary structure associated with said subassemblies.