WO2003017758A1 - Tension measured fishing line bite detector alarm - Google Patents

Abstract

A battery powered bit detector alarm (20) utilised with a fishing rod (33), and the fishing line (38) of its reel (35), that produces a luminated and or audible alarm signal when the fishing line (38) is adequately tensioned, by having a slotted stem section (98) of an actuator arm (96) that holds the fishing line (38) integrally connecting to a switch lever (78) of a modified leaf on-off switch (66) for completing the electrical circuit activating the alarm signals. Line (38), needing to be installed only once during the course of the day's or night's fishing activity, is threaded through slot (100A) to slit (110) and is cast and set leaving enough slack in line (38) between the rear of alarm (20) and the front of reel (35) to allow for proper forward actuator arm (96) movement. Line (38) is then further inserted into slit (110), until the desired resistance of forward and backward line movement within is achieved also allowing forward actuator arm (96) movement when the fishing line (38) is tensioned. Then, when a fish has been hooked, the tensioned fishing line (38) is pulled through the variable sized slit (110) and into a line hole (100B) by the fighting fish, allowing the actuator arm (96) to automatically return to its self adjusting unactuated position, thus ceasing the alarm signals. The fish is then reeled in and taken off the hook, the line recast and the whole procedure is repeated.

Description

TITLE: TENSION MEASURED FISHING LINE BITE DETECTOR ALARM:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:

Not applicable. This application is a continuation in part and its specification and claims, claim priority of non- provisional patent application Ser. Nr.50/056,697 Filed 08/25/2001. BACKGROUND- FIELD OF INVENTION:

This invention relates mainly to fish bite detectors and indicators, that are used with fishing rods and the fishing line of their reels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

Many anglers are discouraged by the prospect of having to constantly have their hands on their fishing rods, relying on physically touching the fishing line, or having to constantly watch the rod and the fishing line, in order to be able to anticipate that a fish is going to strike or has struck. Moreover, having the desire of being able to effectively monitor when using many fishing rods in order to catch many fish in a short amount of time, or to be able to set down the fishing rod to do things, or to improve the odds of catching fish at night. This invention comprises a battery powered means removably mountable on any fishing rod, producing a luminated and or audible alarm signal for alerting anglers that a fish is either nibbling on the bait or has been hooked, that they might take the proper action necessary in order not to loose the fish. Over the years there have been many fish bite indicators developed to be used in combination with a fishing rod and the line of it's reel in an attempt to solve the problems and fulfill the desires described above. However, they suffer from imperfections such as being bulky, heavy, or f agile, and are made from numerous parts making attaching to and removing from the fishing rod a discouraging task, some have been designed so that the fishing line at all times must pass through some component while retrieving the fish without any tension relief to that component, or designed so that the fishing line falls out of a component every time a fish strikes and has to be reinserted, or designed so that the components have to be turned off or back on, or readjusted every time a fish is caught. Others are electrically designed requiring expensive wiring, with certain electronic designs requiring expensive components, all cases mentioned above either being so elaborate that they are too costly for the average angler, or just ineffective.

THE PRIOR ART:

Applicants are aware of the below listed bite detector alarms used in combination of a fishing rod and the line of it's reel.

Kuczynski, U.S. Pat No. 2,574,333, Patented Nov. 1951.

Weber, U.S. Pat. No. 2,741,055, Patented April. 1956.

Collins, U.S. Pat No. 2,755,590, Patented July. 1956.

Kravitch, U.S. Pat. No. 2,925,682, Patented February. 1960. 8

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT:

FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 9, and 10 show a bite detector alarm 20 of the current invention,

FIGS.2, 3, 3A, 9, and 10 show an actuator arm 96 being a solid cylindrical injection molded piece including, a slotted stem section 98 having a top slot 100 molded horizontally across its center approximately 90 degrees in relation to a bottom slot 100A, a variable sized slit 110, and a line hole 100B all molded within a slotted bottom section 106. Section 98 extending downward into approximate top center of a spherical pivot ball section 102, with a mid arm section 104 extending downward approximate bottom center therefrom, transitioning to section 106. Slot 100A having rounded sides upwardly tapering until touching together transitioning to slit 110, upwardly tapering transitioning to hole 100B. In the preferred embodiment, a lathe turned actuator arm made of pomalux (acetyl copolymer), provided by Tropical Plastics of Clearwater FI, was used to illustrate a working injection molded arm 96. However, the actuator arm can be injection molded using pomalux (acetyl copolymer), polyethylene, polypropylene, vinyl, nylon, rubber, or any other material that can be injection molded.

FIGS.2, 4, and 8 show a PC board mountable lamp socket 56 receiving a filimented incandescent screw based lamp 57, and a PC board mountable electro magnetic buzzer 60. In the preferred embodiment, the lamp socket (part ES 544) with the E-5 based lamp (9.6v 0.5A 04.7x15mm) and the electro magnetic buzzer (part FTMB-12, Spl: 85db/10cm, rated voltage 12 vdc, rated current: 40mA), were provided by Shogyo International Corp of Plainview NY. The opaque injection molded cylindrical plastic housing.... 9th means consisting of: 22 housing lid.

25 vertical side.

26 & 26A horizontal lips.

27 9v battery holder. 27A parallel side 27B 90 degree lip.

28 finger grip protrusion. 30 hinge.

36 housing body.

40 cylindrical housing bottom.

53 stationary board pins.

42 open ended interior section.

42A snap action socket exterior section.

32 pole clip....10th means.

34 molded gap.

20 tensioned measured fishing line bite detector alarm.

33 fishing rod.

35 reel.

37 reel bail.

38 fishing line.

42B open ended exterior section....11th means, (additional embodiment.)

54 PC board mountable battery holder.l2th means.(additional embodiment)

55 a plurality of rubber grommets....l3th means.

65 molded switch hole....14th means, (additional embodiment.) lamp socket....2nd means continued. filamented incnadescent screw based lamp....2nd means. electro magnetic buzzer....2nd means. molded lamp hole. molded buzzer hole. leaf on-off switch....3rd means. switch housing. switch support pins. upper common contact terninal pin. common leaf contact arm terminal pin. switch lever. Tee Section. L section. tension spring clip. common leaf contact arm. upper common contact point. top with integral contouring left and right sides. switch lever stop pin. 9v battery....4th means. 9v battery connector....5th means. round printed ciruit board....6th means. centered hole. stationary board pin holes....7th means. three position switch....8th means (additional embodiment). Fig 5 is a cross sectional view of preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Fig 6 is an orthographic bottom view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig 6 A is an orthographic top view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig 7 is an orthographic back view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig 8 is an orthographic view of preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Fig 9 is an isometric view of the present invention.

Fig 10 is a cross sectional view of preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Fig 11 is an orthographic assembly view of preferred and additional embodiments of the present invention.

Fig 12 is an isolated orthographic view of an additional embodiment of the present invention.

Fig 13 is a schematic diagram of the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Fig 14 is a schematic diagram of the preferred and additional embodiments of the present invention.

Fig 15 is a cross sectional view of preferred and additional embodiments of the present invention.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS:

96 actuator arm 1st means. 102 pivot ball section.

98 slotted stem section. 104 mid arm section.

100 top slot. 106 slotted bottom section.

100A bottom slot 100B line hole. resistance against false alarm signals due to water conditions such as waves, currents, the movement of a live bait fish on the line, or when the fishing line is being cast from the reel, and making it necessary to install the fishing line to the bite detector alarm only once during the course of the day or night fishing activity. The structure and mechanism design of our bite detector alarm, utilizes simple and effective technology improving on the imperfections mentioned above, experienced by these type of devices in the past.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES:

Various advantages and features of novelty which characterize our invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and objects obtained by its use, reference should be had to the drawings which forms a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there are illustrated and described certain preferred embodiments of the invention.

DRAWING FIGURES:

Fig 1 is a pictorial view of the present invention in operation on a fishing rod;

Fig 2 is an isometric view of the present invention.

Fig 3 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig 3 A is an isolated orthographic view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig 4 is an orthographic assembly view of preferred embodiments of the present invention. Morrison, U.S. Pat. No 3,037,317, Patented June. 1962. Finefield, U.S. Pat No. 3,188,767, Patented June. 1965. Kricksfield, U.S. Pat. No. 3,228,135, Patented January. 1966. Riley, U.S. Pat. No 3,599,368, Patented August. 1971. Watts, U.S. Pat. No. 3,702,513, Patented November. 1972. Grosthwait, U.S. Pat. No. 3,798,630, Patented March. 1974. Periman, U.S. Pat. No. 3,835,462, Patented September. 1974. Trosper, U.S. Pat. No. 3,878,635, Patented April. 1975. Fillmen, U.S. Pat. No. 3,913,255, Patented October. 1975. Montgomery, U.S. Pat. No. 3,959,910, Patented June. 1976. Hope, U.S. Pat. No. 4,020,578, Patented May. 1986. Smith, U.S. Pat. No. 4,399,631, Patented August. 1983. Westwood III U.S. Pat. No. 4,586,284, Patented May. 1986.

Peck, U.S. Pat. No. 5,010,678, Patented April. 1991.

Brinton, U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,181, Patented June. 1992.

Meissner, U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,228, Patented July. 1993.

Foster, U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,180, Patented November. 1993.

Zepeda, Sr, U.S. Pat. No. 5,396,726, Patented March. 1995.

Vickery et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,771,624, Patented June. 1998.

Zepeda, Sr, U.S. Pat. No. 5,894,691, Patented. April. 1999.

SUMMARY:

Our invention comprises an innovated, compact, and light weight battery powered bite detector alarm, that quickly and efficiently connects to and disconnects from a rod and the line from its reel, and moreover effectively capable of providing FIGS. 4, 6, 6A, 7, and 10, show a PC board mountable (modified) leaf on-off switch 66, containing an upper common contact terminal pin 74, a common leaf contact arm terminal pin 76, both molded in a switch housing 68, on its bottom side in the approximate center downwardly protruding and running parallel, terminal pins 74 and 76 soldering to socket 56, buzzer 60 and a 9v battery connector 31, on bottom side of a round printed circuit board 50. The approximate left and right sides of housing 68 being, a plurality of molded circular switch support pins 72, extending down and connecting on the bottom side of board 50 at their proper locations. A switch lever 78 having an L section 80 molded horizontally outward, then vertically downward lateral lever 78' s side, and a tee section 79 horizontally molded lateral its top end, lever 78 being molded to and extending from the front side of housing 68. Lever 78 integrally connecting into slot 100 in arm 96. Also molded in housing 68 in its approximate front center, is an upper common contact point 88, and a common leaf contact arm 86, both running parallel with lever 78. A tension spring clip 84 attaching to L section 80 and contact arm 86. Molded as part of housing 68 is a top with integral contouring left and right sides 92 including, a switch lever stop pin 94. In the preferred embodiment, the leaf on-off switch (part # 16P58, rating 30 vdc 1A, mechanical life 300,000 cycles) provided by mouser electronics of Mansfield TX, was used as a required component in the alarm 20 prototype, after it was modified by removing the lower common contact point, shortening lever 78 and adding tee section 79 to its top, downwardly extending stop pin 94 level with the bottom edge of L section 80, rerouting terminal pins 74 and 76 from the back to the bottom of, and adding switch support pins 72. FIG. 4 and 5 show a 9v battery 29 secured within a 9v battery holder 27, and connector 31 connected to battery 29.

FIG. 4, 1 , and 10A show round printed circuit board 50 with switch 66, socket 56, buzzer 60, and connector 31 soldered thereto. Board 50 having a centered hole 52. Switch 66 soldered so that lever 78 is positioned centrally over hole 52, placing tee section 79 on approximate edge of hole 52, at approximate 90 degree position. The face of socket 56, the sound hole of buzzer 60 and connector 31 positioned on approximate edge of board 50 at approximate 180, 360, and 315 degree positions. Board 50 also having a plurality of stationary board pins holes 51 positioned approximately ^lΛ inch in from its edge at approximate 90, 225, and 315 degree positions. In the preferred embodiment, a circuit board prototype approximately 2 ^lΛ inch in diameter made from perforated board cut with a hole saw, the centered hole being made with a drill bit, was hand wired to illustrate a working printed circuit board. Another prototype was made to illustrate production requirements for manufacturing printed circuit boards for our tension measured fishing line bite detector alarms by also cutting with a hole saw, a printed circuit board made from copper approximately 2 ^lA in diameter, the centered hole also being made with a drill bit. The board was then cleaned, the circuit design layout transferred to the board then traced with resist ink. The board was then etched and the holes for all components drilled, the components then soldered at their proper locations.

FIG. 8 shows a plurality of rubber grommets 55 installing around the circumference of a molded lamp hole 58 and a molded buzzer hole 62. FIG. 13 shows a schematic diagram of the electronic circuit for the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 9, and 10 show an opaque injection molded cylindrical plastic housing, consisting of an operatable housing lid 22, with a vertical side 25 having a molded horizontal lip 26 lateral its interior. A finger grip protrusion 28 molded on exterior top edge of lid 22, (at approximate 180 degree position which references rear side of alarm 20), and battery holder 27 molded on its inside center, consisting of 2 parallel vertical sides 27A, each having a 90 degree lip 27B inwardly molded each side's bottom edge, for "their" entire length, creating open ends at lid 22 's approximate 90 and 270 degree positions, thus placing battery 29' s positive and negative terminals, at lid 22's approximate 90 degree position when installed. A housing body 36 being a cylindrical vertical side, having a horizontal lip 26A, molded lateral its exterior circumference approximately ^lA inch down from its top edge, with lamp hole 58 approximate rear center, and buzzer hole 62 approximate front center thereinto. Body 36 molded to a cylindrical housing bottom 40, having a plurality of stationary board pins 53, their bases being approximately 1/8 inch in height, molded on its interior side, approximately VΛ inch inward from its edge at approximate 90, 225, and 315 degree positions.

FIG. 10 shows an open ended interior section 42 being cylindrical, having an approximate outside diameter of _ inch, and being approximately 1/8 inch in height, molded in approximate center on interior side of bottom 40. A snap action socket exterior section 42A also cylindrical, its interior being a spherical open ended socket contouring to section 102, section 42A molded in approximate center on exterior side of bottom 40. A hinge 30 molded to exterior top edge of lid 22, at approximate 360 degree position (referencing front side of alarm 20) and to lip 26A. A pole clip 32 being a tubular piece, molded on top exterior in approximate center of lid 22, having a molded gap 34 in top center for its entire length, with open ends positioned at lid 22's approximate front 360 and rear 180 degree positions. In the preferred embodiment, a housing - (part # 251300) provided by LA CONS of Yorba Linda Ca. was used. Holder 27, sections 42 and 42 A, clip 32 and pins 53 were functionally designed and integrally attached to the housing, to illustrate a working injection molded alarm 20 prototype. Hole 58, and hole 62 were drilled into the prototype. All injection molded elements of alarm 20, with the exception of the actuator arm consist of polypropylene. However, these elements can consist of any other material that can be injected molded, such as polyethylene, vinyl, nylon, rubber, or any other plastic materials.

OPERATIONS: FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 3A, 4, 5, 6, 6A, 7, 8, 9, and 10

Being 1st, actuator arm 96 is a means for essentially initiating completion of an electrical circuit, also for holding a fishing line 38, by slot 100 integrally connecting to lever 78 of switch 66 as shown in FIGS. 4, 6A, and 10, and arm 96 forwardly actuating when line 38 within is being tensioned as shown in FIG, 2, thus arm 96 operating as the primary element of switch 66. Section 102 for supplying forward and back rotational movement allowing smooth actuation, by snapping into section 42 A contouring to section 102. A small portion of section 104 protruding from center bottom of section 102 functions within section 42A, the remaining portion adds length to arm 96. Section 106 containing slot 100A, slit 110, and hole 100B also adds length to arm 96. Added length for providing more efficient actuation movement in relation to the laws of leverage (longer length, least resistance for actuating), and gives the angler more to hold and see when installing line 38 into arm 96. Slot 100A for installing line 38 within, slit 110 enabling necessary resistance of forward and backward line movement within allowing actuation, by receiving line 38 until restriction of its movement within occurs allowing forward actuation. Both slot 100 A and slit 110 for preventing line 38 from falling out from within, by allowing it to rest in the largest opening in slit 110, and on the top of slot lOOA's touching sides, thus also functioning to facilitate alarm 20's use, by making it necessary to install line 38 only once, during the course of day or night fishing activity. Hole 100B for supplying tension relief within, by allowing line 38 to be pulled through slit 110 and into hole 100B, as increased tensioning to it occurs thus relieving the tensioned arm 96. Both the largest opening in slit 110 and hole 100B for allowing line 38 freedom of forward movement to any desired location when cast, by supplying zero resistance of forward and backward line movement within.

Being 2nd, socket 56 receiving lamp 57, and buzzer 60 are a means for luminating and sounding the alarm signals, by displaying a visible light and producing an audible sound, alerting the angler to the presence of a fish that is either nibbling on the bait or that has been hooked.

Switch 66 containing housing 68 for integrally holding terminal pins 74 and 76, support pins 72, switch lever 78, contact point 88, contact arm 86, and top 92 containing stop pin 94. Pins 74 and 76 for soldering to lamp 57, buzzer 60, and connector 31 allowing switch 66 to function as a whole, for closing and opening 16

position. Hole 52 also for allowing integral installation of actuator arm 96 to switch 66, by supplying slotted stem section 98 access for integrally connecting to switch lever 78.

Being 7th, board pin holes 51 are a means for receiving board pins 53 for securing board 50 within the cylindrical plastic housing by slipping over board pins 53.

Being 9th, The opaque injection molded cylindrical plastic housing is an opening and closing means, for enclosing the required components of alarm 20, and keeping them safe (with reason) from all weather elements, while preventing other outside sources from interfering with their functions within, by lid 22 closing onto body 36 and lips 26 and 26A creating a water tight seal. Battery holder 27 for securing battery 29 within, by allowing it to be snapped securely into place eliminating (within reason) the possibility of moving around within. Lamp hole 58 and buzzer hole 62, for allowing lamp 57 and buzzer 60 to be installed and seen, and heard externally, by enabling lamp 57 to be installed into socket 56 from outside of body 36, and by aligning the sound hole in buzzer 60 with buzzer hole 62. Board pins 53 for securing printed circuit board 50 within, by aligning with, and being received by board pin holes 51 within board 50. Board pins 53, and interior section 42 for fortifying and evenly balancing the edge and the center of board 50, while allowing clearance space for the soldered points between bottom side of board 50 and interior side of housing bottom 40, by the bases of board pins 53 being the same height as section 42, and positioned approximately, ^lA inch in from edge of interior side of bottom 40 at 94 for creating a primary stopping point for actuator arm 96, by section 80 making contact with stop pin 92, thus stopping lever 78 from moving too far forward when arm 96 is fully actuated, and preventing damage to the elements of switch 66 caused by over tensioning of line 38, or should someone attempt to pull arm 96 excessively backward from the unactuated position. Top 92 for preventing outside sources from interfering with the functioning of the elements within by covering them. Such interference occurring with the frequent opening of the cylindrical plastic housing.

Being 4th, 9v battery 29 is a source for supplying electrical energy to switch 66, lamp socket 56, and buzzer 60.

Being 5th, battery connector 31 is a means for connecting to battery 29 allowing it to supply electrical energy to switch 66, lamp socket 56, and buzzer 60.

Being 6th, round printed circuit board 50 is a means for holding and connecting thereto switch 66, lamp socket 56, buzzer 60, and battery connector 31. Hole 52 for supplying necessary actuating space for actuator arm 96, by allowing stem section 98 adequate forward and back movement within. Hole 52 also for creating a secondary stopping point for actuator arm

96, by causing stem section 98 to stop when making contact with its circumference should switch 66 primary stopping point fail, thus further preventing damage to the elements within switch 66 caused by over tensioning of line 38, or should someone attempt to pull arm 96 excessively backward from the unactuated 14

the electrical circuit of alarm 20. Support pins 72 for connecting on bottom side of board 50, giving housing 68 more stability, than just soldered terminal pins 74 and 76 would by themselves.

Being 3rd, switch 66 is a means for completing the electrical circuit, delivering electrical energy for activating lamp 57 and buzzer 60, by lever 78 integrally connecting to top slot 100 in arm 96, as shown in FIGS. 4, 6A, and 10, allowing contact arm 86 to make contact with contact point 88 when arm 96 is completely actuated resulting from line 38 within being fully tensioned. Tension spring clip 84 for eliminating false alarm signals from lamp 57 and buzzer 60, by supplying resistance against actuation of arm 96 when line 38 is semi-tensioned due to water conditions such as waves, currents, movement of a live bait fish on the hook, or when line 38 is being cast from a reel 35. Switch lever 78 and tension spring clip 84 for enabling, the self-adjusting unactuated alarm ceasing position for arm 96 by allowing it to automatically return to its unactuated alarm ceasing position, when line 38 is untensioned or pulled into hole 100B, also causing contact arm 86 to automatically break contact with contact point 88, as shown in FIG. 6, thus ceasing the alarm signals. Tee section 79 and L section 80 for preventing side to side movement of actuator arm 96, by tightly fitting on each side of stem section 98. Switch 66 for supplying necessary clearance space for allowing proper actuation movement for actuator arm 96, by supplying necessary clearance space between bottom of tension spring clip 84, and the top side of board 50 as shown in FIG. 10 including clearance space around top 92 and its integral left and right side, allowing proper actuation movement of lever 78 integrally connected to arm 96. L section 80 and stop pin various locations, and by section 42 being molded in approximate center on interior side of bottom 40, thus allowing the edge and the center of board 50 to be fortified and evenly balanced when installed onto the bases of board pins 53 and onto section 42. Exterior section 42 A for allowing adequate freedom of rotational movement with uniform frictional drag within for pivot ball section 102 on actuator arm 96, by its interior being the spherical open ended socket contouring to section 102.

Being 10th, pole clip 32 is a means for securing the cylindrical plastic housing to a fishing rod 33, by snapping a section of rod 33 into clip 32 through gap 34 with the interior of clip 32 securely contouring to rod 33.

Being 13th, The plurality of rubber grommets 55 are means for making lamp hole 58 water tight after lamp 57 is installed into lamp socket 56, and for eliminating within reason, the loss of audible sound heard externally from buzzer 60. by installing around the circumference of lamp hole 58 creating a water tight seal after lamp 57 is installed into lamp socket 56, and by installing around the circumference of buzzer hole 62 and tightly butting against the face of buzzer 60 creating a tight fit around its sound hole when board 50 is installed within the cylindrical plastic housing, allowing the audible sound to be directly projected externally rather than dissipating within the cylindrical plastic housing.

Alarm 20 is assembled by opening lid 22, installing grommets 55 into holes 58 and 62, then lowering the assembled board 50 into the cylindrical plastic housing while aligning socket 56 with hole 58, the sound hole of buzzer 60 with hole 62, board hole 52 with the hole in interior section 42 that aligns with the spherical open ended socket interior of exterior section 42A, also aligning and slipping over pins 53, then pushing board 50 onto the bases of pins 53 and interior section 42. Pins 53 are then melted onto board 50 with a soldering gun, integrally connecting board 50 to the interior of bottom 40. Arm 96 is then installed by first inserting stem section 98 upwardly inward, from the bottom of exterior section 42A, while aligning top slot 100 to integrally receive lever 78, continuing to upwardly install arm 96, until section 102 snaps securely into section 42A, and slot 100 integrally connects to lever 78. Battery 29 is installed into holder 27, and battery connector 31 is attached . Lid 22 is then closed onto body 36, and lamp 57 is screw into socket 56 through hole 58. Alarm 20 is connected in front of reel 35 to rod 33 with clip 32. Line 38 is threaded through slot 100A to slit 110, a reel bail 37 on reel 35 is opened, line 38 is cast and bail 37 is closed, leaving enough slack in line 38 between the rear of alarm 20 and the front of reel 35 to allow for proper forward arm 96 actuation movement as shown in FIG. 1. Line 38 is then inserted into slit 110 until the desired resistance of forward and backward line movement within section 106 is achieved, thus placing arm 96 in the unactuated alarm ceasing position. As tension to line 38 is applied by a fish that is nibbling on the bait or has been hooked, section 102 fowardly pivots in section 42A, forcing integrally connected lever 78 and section 98 to actuate arm 96, allowing contact arm 86 to make contact with contact point 88, thus completing the electrical circuit activating lamp 57 and buzzer 60. When a fish is hooked, increased tensioning of line 38 occurs and it is pulled through slit 110 and into hole 100B, releasing the tension on arm 96, causing contact arm 86 to automatically break contact with contact point 88, thus ceasing the alarm signals, and forcing arm 96 back to the self adjusting unactuated position. The fish is then reeled in and taken off the hook, and the whole procedure is repeated.

ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS:

FIG. 11 shows a three position switch 64 soldered onto approximate edge of board 50 at approximate 225 degree position, and a PC mountable battery holder 54 having self-contained battery connectors and soldered onto board 50, positioning the center of holder 54 's right side at approximate 90 degree position.

FIG. 12 shows switch 64 aligning with a molded switch hole 65 into housing body 36, when board 50 is installed in the interior side of bottom 40.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic diagram of the electronic circuit for switch 64.

FIG. 15 shows section 102 contained in an open ended section 42B "its" interior being cylindrical.

OPERATIONS OF ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS FIG. 11:

Being 8th, three position switch 64 is a means for diverting electrical energy between lamp 57 and buzzer 60, by directing the electrical energy to either one or the other, or both.

Being 11th, open ended section 42B is a means for containing pivot ball section 102, that is free floating and not dependent on the spherical open ended socket interior of section 42 A, allowing adequate freedom of rotational movement with uniform frictional drag within, but rather the integral connection of section 98 to lever 78 allowing actuation of arm 96.

Being 12th, holder 54 is a means for securing battery 29 onto board 50 within the cylindrical plastic housing, by allowing it to be snapped securely into place eliminating within reason the possibility of moving around within the cylindrical plastic housing.

Being 14th, switch hole 65 is a means for allowing access to a switch lever on switch 64 by allowing it to protrude externally from housing body 36.

ADVANTAGES:

From the description above, a number of advantages of out tension measured fishing line bite detector alarm become evident:

(A) Our bite detector alarm's appearance is pleasing to the eye, and makes "it" desirable to use.

(B) The compactness of our assembled bite detector alarm makes storage very easy, eliminating the need to install and uninstall "its" actuator arm each time the unit is used.

(C) "Its" integral design secures and fortifies all components, thus eliminating the need to worry about losing parts or pieces, that could occur as a result of the need to constantly tighten, readjust, and reassemble as some fish bite indicators require, as well as keeping the required components safe within reason, from all weather elements, and any other outside interference to their required functions.

(D) The design relationship between the snap action socket exterior section, and the pivot ball section, provide smooth and even actuation of the actuator arm when the fishing line within is tensioned.

(E) The integral design relationship between the upper common contact point, the common leaf contact arm, the tension spring clip, the switch lever, and the slotted stem section (making the actuator arm an extension of the switch), further assures the successful completion of the electrical circuit, as these five elements integrally work together as a whole, to complete the electrical circuit, as opposed to a number of independent elements, all working at the same time and in sequence to each other, towards the completion of the electrical circuit.

(F) The design relationship between the tension spring clip, the switch lever, and the slotted stem section, allows the actuator arm to automatically return to the unactuated alarm ceasing position, and thus automatically ceasing the alarms, without the assistance from any independently working elements. The design relationship also automatically gives protection against false alarm signal readings when the fishing line is semi-tensioned from waves, currents, the movement of a live bait fish on the hook, or when the fishing line is being cast from the reel, by providing resistance against the actuation of the actuator arm.

(G) The design of the actuator arm's bottom slot and line hole enables the fishing line to be installed, held, and cast with complete freedom of forward movement to the desired location without falling out of the actuator arm, thus eliminating the need of having to reinsert the fishing line every time after a fish is caught. The variable sized slit design gives the fishing line the necessary amount of forward and backward resistance within it, for proper arm actuation movement to complete the electrical circuit activating the alarm signals, when the fishing line is tensioned.

(H) Because the lamp has a screw base, it can be changed when it burns out, thus prolonging the life of our bite detector alarm.

(I) Our bite detector alarm can be installed on the top, bottom, left or right side of the rod, used by left or right handers, used during the day or at night, and used by the visually and hearing impaired.

(J) The simplicity of the required components along with the injection molding method for the housing assembly, allows the manufacturing and assembly of our bite detector alarm to be truly cost effective, therefore reasonable to buy.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE:

Thus the reader will see that the bite detector alarm of the invention provides an esthetically pleasing, simple, compact, and integral device that is lightweight and highly reliable as well as economical, that can be used by persons of almost any age that have an interest in fishing.

While our above description contains many specificities, these should not be 25

The electro magnetic buzzer could be substituted with a piezo buzzer, transducer, siren, bells, or sound chip technology.

The filamented incandescent lamp could be substituted with a light emitting diode or a neon type lamp. The 9v battery could be substituted with a variety of different sized batteries and a variety of voltage ranges, or with solar panel technology.

Heavier tension spring clips within the modified leaf on off switch could be manufactured to provide greater resistance against actuation of the actuator arm when manufacturing bite detector alarms that need to function more effectively in stronger weather elements and when catching larger fish.

Resistance against actuation of the actuator arm could also be achieved by attaching one end of a tension spring to the inside of the housing body lid and sliding the other end over the top of the slotted stem section of the installed actuator arm and anchoring to the switch lever of the modified leaf on-off switch or, by installing over a section of the actuator arm and over the snap action socket exterior section, a contouring grommet or, a fastening system could be moldcasted or attached partly to the actuator arm, and partly to the cylindrical plastic housing with the ends of rubber bands, springs, or any other tensioned materials attaching to each part.

The modified leaf on-off switch could be substituted with a reed switch, micro switch, snap action switch, or any spring loaded switch.

Any sounding or luminating means, any source that provides electrical energy • In addition to being injection molded, the pole clip, hinge, finger grip protrusion, stationary board pins, the open ended interior and the snap action socket exterior sections could also be constructed separately, and fastened onto the housing lid and housing body using the same fastening methods as previously described.

• The interior of the pole clip could be made larger or smaller, or different sized sleeves could be made to be inserted into its interior, to accommodate larger or smaller rods, and "its" esthetic appearance could be altered to reflect any alternative shape chosen. Adjustable clamps, strong magnets, tie downs, or Velcro could also be used as pole clips, or using any other connecting means that would accommodate any alternative shape chosen.

• The stationary board pin bases and pin portions can be made larger or smaller, taller or shorter, and in any shape necessary to accommodated the printed circuit board used for any alternative shape chosen, or any other connecting means could be made and used that would secure the printed circuit board to the interior of the housing body, while fortifying and balancing "its" edge. More stationary board pins could be added for additional board support.

• The exterior of the snap action socket exterior section could be esthetically altered to reflect any alternative shape chosen.

• All previously mentioned elements of the cylindrical plastic housing can be molded from any injection moldable or poured materials, or constructed as separate parts using plastic, hard pressed cardboard, wood, metal, or glass.

• The printed circuit board could be manufactured to fit any molded or constructed shapes chosen. 23

construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example,

• The hinge that integrally connects the housing lid to the housing body could be eliminated, and replaced with a threaded lid screwed onto a threaded body. The current snap lid system could be replaced with a lid latching system similar to the child resistant lid systems used on aspirin or medicine containers currently manufactured.

• The lamp hole could be made larger or smaller to accommodate a larger or smaller lamp.

• The housing lid, housing body, and housing body bottom, could be integrally injected molded in the shape of a mammal, fish, bird, insect, amphibian, reptile, triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, or any other outward injection molded shape that would accommodate or contour to any one or all of the required components, while allowing them to properly function.

• The lid, body, and bottom previously referenced, could also be constructed as separate parts that would accommodate or contour to any one or all of the required components, and could be fastened together by welding, brazing, riveting, gluing, nailing, jointing, or with string, wire, clips, clamps, screws, nuts bolts & washers, hinges, or any other fastening means that would accommodate the construction of the alternative shape chosen. that can fulfill the true essence of our invention within 'its' scope, spirit, and discovery can be used.

• The slot in the slotted stem section of the actuator arm could be made larger or smaller to accommodate a larger or smaller switch lever or, the mid arm section and the slotted bottom section could be larger in diameter or, additional fish line holes could be added or, the slotted bottom section cold be molded 90 degrees from the mid arm section forming an L with the last portion that holds the slit, the fishing line hole, and the bottom slot downwardly molded.

• If the additional embodiment eliminating the interior spherical open ended socket of the snap action socket exterior section and utilizing an open ended exterior section its interior being cylindrical were used, the shape of the pivot ball section could be changed or eliminated all together, and a pivot pin could be inserted through the actuator arm and the walls of the open ended exterior section allowing the actuator arm to swing forward and back pivoting on the pivot pin.

• The snap action socket exterior section, the pivot ball section of the actuator arm, and the modified leaf on-off switch could be eliminated with the actuator arm being moldcasted as part of the housing body and the moldcasted material having memory allowing the actuator arm to go back to the unactuated position when untensioned, and the modified leaf on-off switch replaced with a mercury switch mounted to or moldcasted within the actuator arm or, a motion sensor switch mounted to the actuator arm using sensors with varying sensitivity for degrees of resistance against actuation of the actuator arm, thus completing the electrical circuit when actuation of the actuator arm is detected.

• The actuator arm could be dipped in a material, or grommets inserted into the variable sized slit, placing them around each of its interior sides and around each exterior side of the slotted bottom section for the total length of the variable sized slit, achieving more resistance of forward and backward line movement within the actuator arm.

• The actuator arm and the interior of the open ended interior and snap action socket exterior sections could be processed using an electro vaporization vacuum plating technique, turning the actuator arm into a contact arm that is integrally connected to a self centering spring soldered onto the PC board, that makes contact with a contact point also soldered onto the PC board, when the arm is forwardly actuated thus completing the electrical circuit activating the alarm signals.

• The alarm signals could also be activated by, the interruption of the flow of light from a light emitting diode to a photo cell or a photo transistor, thus inducing an electronic sequence that arrives back at the same end and activates them, also through the use of inductive device type switches or electrical devices using inductance through IC or transistor switch usage, in conjunction with any resistive device used in or in place of a switch, together with a transistor, IC chip, or the combination of the two.

• The printed circuit board could be constructed utilizing foil type circuitry, or hand wired. • Additionally, the bite detector alarm's mechanism or any modifications to it previously described, could be miniaturized to be incorporated into a rod handle, or as an integral part of a fishing reel.

• The bite detector alarm may be employed as a counter.

• An open or closed door indicator.

• A position indicator.

• Used for children's toys.

• As a mechanism used in military armament and other sports related firearms.

• The actuator arm by itself could be used as a fish bite indicator by molding it with a highly visible translucent glow in the dark material, inserting a portion of fishing line in front of the reel, into the variable sized slit in the slotted bottom section with the actuator arm hanging downward underneath the inserted fishing line, the weight of the arm would sag the fishing line and any fish bites would be indicated and visually seen by the upward movement of the actuator arm as the fish line is tensioned.

Therefore, without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention, one of ordinary skill in the art can make the foregoing modifications, and many other changes and modifications to the bite detector alarm of the present invention, to adapt it to specific usages and conditions. As such, these changes and modifications are properly, equitably, and intended to be, within the full range of equivalents of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. In combination comprising;

(A) being 1st, a means for essentially initiating completion of an electrical circuit, also for holding a fishing line, for supplying forward and back rotational movement allowing smooth actuation, for installing said line within, for enabling necessary resistance of forward and backward line movement within allowing actuation, for preventing said line from falling out from within, for supplying tension relief within, for allowing said line freedom of forward movement to any desired location when cast and;

(B) being 2nd, a means for luminating and sounding the alarm signals and;

(C) being 3rd, a means for completing said electrical circuit delivering electrical energy for activating said 2nd means, for eliminating false alarm signals from said 2nd means for enabling the self adjusting unactuated alarm ceasing position and preventing side to side movement and supplying necessary clearance space allowing proper actuation movement and creating a primary stopping point for said 1st means, for preventing outside sources from interfering with the functioning of the elements within, said first means integrally connecting to said

3rd means and;

(D) being 4th, a source for supplying electrical energy to said 3rd and 2nd means and;

(E) being 5th, a means for connecting to said 4th means allowing it to supply electrical energy to said 3rd and 2nd means and;

(F) being 6th, a means for holding and connecting thereto said 3rd 2nd and 5th means, for supplying necessary actuating space within and for creating a secondary stopping point for said 1st means, and for allowing integral installation of said 1st means to said 3rd means and; (G) being 9th, an opening and closing means, for enclosing the required components and keeping them safe within reason from all weather elements while preventing other outside sources from interfering with their functions within, for securing said 4th means within, for allowing the luminating and sounding alarm signals of said 2nd means to be installed and seen, and heard externally, for securing said 6th means within, for evenly balancing and fortifying the edge and center of said 6th means while providing proper clearance space for the soldered points between bottom side of said 6th means and interior side of bottom of said 9th means, also for allowing adequate freedom of rotational movement with uniform frictional drag within for said 1st means, said 1st 4th and 6th means connecting within said 9th means and;

(J) being 10th, a means for connecting said 9th means to a fishing rod, said 10th means connecting on top exterior in approximate center of said 9th means.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said 1st means is an actuator arm being a solid cylindrical injection molded piece including, a slotted stem section having a top slot molded horizontally across its center approximately 90 degrees in relation to a bottom slot, a variable sized slit, and a line hole all molded within a slotted bottom section, said stem section extending downward into approximate top center of a spherical pivot ball section with a mid arm section extending downward approximate bottom center therefrom transitioning to said bottom section, said bottom slot having rounded sides upwardly tapering until touching together transitioning to said slit upwardly tapering transitioning to said line hole, said actuator arm for essentially initiating completion of said electrical circuit by said top slot integrally connecting to said 3rd means, and said actuator arm forwardly actuating when said line within is being tensioned, said pivot ball section for supplying forward and back rotational movement allowing smooth actuation by snapping into a section of said 9th means contouring to said pivot ball section, said bottom slot for installing said line within, said slit for enabling necessary resistance of forward and backward line movement within allowing actuation by receiving said line until restriction of its movement within occurs allowing forward actuation, both said bottom slot and said slit for preventing said line from falling out from within by allowing it to rest in the largest opening in said slit and on top of said bottom slot's touching sides, said line hole for supplying tension relief within by allowing said line to be pulled through said slit and into said line hole as increased tensioning to it occurs thus relieving the tensioned actuator arm, both the largest opening in said slit and said line hole for allowing said line freedom of forward movement to any desired location when cast by supplying zero resistance of forward and backward line movement within.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein said 2nd means is a PC board mountable lamp socket receiving a filimented incandescent screw based lamp and a PC board mountable electro magnetic buzzer, said lamp and said buzzer for luminating and sounding the alarm signals by displaying a visible light and producing an audible sound alerting the angler to the presence of a fish that is either nibbling on the bait or that has been hooked.

4. The combination of claim 1 wherein said 3rd means is a PC board mountable leaf on-off switch containing an upper common contact terminal pin, a common leaf contact arm terminal pin both molded in a switch housing, the approximate left and right sides of said switch housing being a plurality of molded circular switch support pins extending down, a switch lever having an L section molded horizontally outward then vertically downward lateral said switch lever's side and a tee section horizontally molded lateral its top end, said switch lever being molded to and extending from the front side of said switch housing, also molded in said switch housing is an upper common contact point and a common leaf contact arm both running parallel with said switch lever, a tension spring clip attaching to said L section and said common leaf contact arm, molded as part of said switch housing is a top with integral contouring left and right sides including a switch lever stop pin, said switch for completing said electrical circuit delivering electrical energy for activating said lamp and said buzzer by said switch lever integrally connecting to said top slot in said actuator arm allowing said common leaf contact arm to make contact with said upper common contact point when said actuator arm is completely actuated resulting from said line within being fully tensioned, said spring clip for eliminating false alarm signals from said lamp and buzzer by supplying resistance against actuation of said actuator arm when said line is semi tensioned due to water conditions such as waves, currents, movement of a live bait fish on the hook, or when said line is being cast from the reel, said switch lever and said spring clip for enabling the self adjusting unactuated alarm ceasing position for said actuator arm by allowing it to automatically return to the unactuated alarm ceasing position when said line is untensioned or pulled into said line hole also causing said contact arm to automatically break contact with said contact point thus ceasing the alarm signals, said tee and said L section for preventing side to side movement of said actuator arm by tightly fitting on each side of said slotted stem section, said switch for supplying necessary clearance space for allowing proper actuation movement for said actuator arm by supplying necessary clearance space between bottom of said spring clip and top side of said 6th means including clearance space around said top and its integral left and right sides allowing proper actuation movement of said switch lever integrally connected to said actuator arm, said L section and said stop pin for creating said primary stopping point for said actuator arm by said L section making contact with said stop pin thus stopping said switch lever from moving too far forward when said actuator arm is fully actuated and preventing damage to the elements of said switch caused by over tensioning of said line or should someone attempt to pull said actuator arm excessively backward from the unactuated position, said top for preventing outside sources from interfering with the functioning of the elements within by covering them, such interference occurring with the frequent opening of said 9th means.

5. The combination of claim 1 wherein said 4th means is a 9v battery said battery for supplying electrical energy to said switch, said lamp socket, and said buzzer.

6. The combination of claim 1 wherein said 5th means is a 9v battery connector said battery connector for connecting to said battery allowing it to supply electrical energy to said switch, said lamp socket, and said buzzer.

7. The combination of claim 1 wherein said 6th means is a round printed circuit board with said switch, said lamp socket, said buzzer and said battery connector soldered thereto, said circuit board having a centered hole said switch soldered so that said switch lever is positioned centrally over said centered hole placing said tee section on approximate edge of said centered hole, the face of said lamp socket, the sound hole of said buzzer, and said battery connector positioned on approximate edge of said circuit board, said centered hole for supplying necessary actuating space for said actuator arm by allowing said stem section adequate forward and back movement within, said centered hole also for creating said secondary stopping point for said actuator arm by causing said stem section to stop when making contact with its circumference should said switch primary stopping point fail thus further preventing damage to the elements within said switch caused by over tensioning of said line or should someone attempt to pull said actuator arm excessively backward from the unactuated position, said centered hole also for allowing integral installation of said actuator arm to said switch by supplying said stem section access for integrally connecting to said switch lever.

8. The combination of claim 7 further including and being 7th, a means for receiving the means for securing said printed circuit board within said 9th means.

9. The combination of claim 7 wherein said 7th means is a plurality of stationary board pin holes positioned approximately in from said circuit board's edge, said board pin holes for receiving said means for securing said circuit board within said 9th means by slipping over said means for securing.

10. The combination of claim 1 further including and being 8th, a means for diverting electrical energy between said lamp socket and said buzzer.

11. The combination of claim 10 wherein said 8th means is a three positioned switch soldered onto said circuit board, said three position switch for diverting electrical energy between said lamp socket and said buzzer by directing electrical energy to either one or the other or both.

12. The combination of claim 1 wherein said 9th means is an opaque injection molded cylindrical plastic housing consisting of an operatable housing lid with a vertical side having a molded horizontal lip lateral its interior, a finger grip protrusion molded on exterior top edge of said housing lid and a battery holder molded on its inside center, a housing body being a cylindrical vertical side having a horizontal lip molded lateral its exterior circumference, and a molded lamp and a molded buzzer hole therinto, said housing body molded to a cylindrical housing bottom having a plurality of stationary board pins molded on its interior side, an open ended interior section being cylindrical molded in approximate center on interior side of said housing bottom, a snap action socket exterior section also cylindrical its interior being a spherical open ended socket contouring to said pivot ball section, said socket exterior section molded in approximate center on exterior side of said housing bottom, a hinge molded to exterior top edge of said housing lid and to said horizontal lip on said housing body, said housing for enclosing the required components and keeping them safe within reason from all weather elements while preventing other outside sources from interfering with their functions within by said operatable housing lid closing onto said housing body and said horizontal lips creating a water tight seal, said battery holder for securing said battery within by allowing it to be snapped securely into place eliminating with reason the possibility of moving around within, said molded lamp and buzzer holes for allowing said lamp and said buzzer to be installed and seen, and heard externally, by enabling said lamp to be installed into said lamp socket from the outside of said housing body and by aligning the sound hole in said buzzer with said molded buzzer hole, said board pins for securing said circuit board within by aligning with and being received by said board pin holes within said circuit board, said board pins and said interior section for fortifying and evenly balancing the edge and the center of said circuit board while allowing clearance space for the soldered points between bottom side of said circuit board and the interior side of said housing bottom, by the bases of said board pins being the same height as said interior section and positioned approximately in from the edge of the interior side of said housing bottom at various locations, and by said interior section being molded in approximate center on interior side of said housing bottom thus allowing the edge and the center of said circuit board to be fortified and evenly balanced when installed onto the bases of said board pins and said interior section, said socket exterior section for allowing adequate freedom of rotational movement with uniform frictional drag within for said pivot ball section on said actuator arm by its interior being said spherical open ended socket contouring to said pivot ball section.

13. The combination of claim 1 wherein said 10th means is a pole clip being a tubular piece molded on top exterior in approximate center of said housing lid having a molded gap in top center for its entire length, said pole clip for connecting said housing to said rod by snapping a section of said rod into said pole clip through said molded gap with the interior of said pole clip securely contouring to said rod.

14. The combination of claim 12 further including and being 11th, a means for containing a pivot ball section that is free floating.

15. The combination of claim 14 wherein said 11th means is an open ended exterior section its interior being cylindrical also molded in approximate center on exterior side of said housing bottom, said exterior section for containing said pivot ball section that is free floating and not dependent on the spherical open ended socket interior of said snap action socket exterior section allowing adequate freedom of rotational movement with uniform frictional drag within, but rather the integral connection of said stem section to said switch lever allowing actuation of said actuator arm.

16. The combination of claim 12 further including and being 12th, a means for securing said battery onto said printed circuit board within said housing.

17. The combination of claim 16 wherein said 12th means is a PC mountable battery holder having self contained battery connectors and soldered onto said printed circuit board said battery holder for securing said battery onto said circuit board within said housing by allowing it to be snapped securely into place eliminating within reason the possibility of moving around within said housing.

18. The combination of claim 12 further including and being 13th, a means for making said lamp hole water tight after said lamp is installed into said lamp socket and for eliminating within reason the loss of said audible sound heard externally from said buzzer.

19. The combination of claim 18 wherein said 13th means is a plurality of rubber grommets, said grommets for making said lamp hole water tight by installing around the circumference of said lamp hole creating a water tight seal after said lamp is installed into said lamp socket, and for eliminating within reason the loss of said audible sound heard externally from said buzzer by installing around the circumference of said buzzer hole and tightly butting against the face of said buzzer creating a tight fit around its sound hole when said circuit board is installed within said housing, allowing said audible sound to be directly projected externally rather than dissipating within said housing.

The combination of claim 12 further including and being 14th, a means for allowing access to a switch lever on said three position switch,

21. The combination of claim 20 wherein said 14th means is a molded switch hole into said housing body, said switch hole for allowing access to said switch lever on said three position switch by allowing it to protrude externally from said housing body.