WO2013153367A1

WO2013153367A1 - Bait dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2013153367A1
Application number: PCT/GB2013/050904
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bryan Gary Houghton
Original assignee: Bryan Gary Houghton
Priority date: 2012-04-10
Filing date: 2013-04-09
Publication date: 2013-10-17
Also published as: GB2519665A; GB201417768D0; EP2836067A1; GB201206304D0

Abstract

An angler's bait dispenser (10, 11) incorporating a holder (31) for a light (30) which, when fitted, will both illuminate the interior of the dispenser and, via a window (32), shine rearwards therefrom whereby at night the angler can see to load the dispenser and, upon casting the loaded dispenser, track its motion.

Description

BAIT DISPENSER

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to bait dispensers. It is particularly concerned with a bait dispenser of the type which an angler can attach to his fishing line and cast some distance, for example 50 metres, from himself, where upon hitting the water or very shortly thereafter the dispenser opens and releases therefrom ground bait, also known as loose feed.

Typically the angler then reels the bait dispenser in and, while the dispensed loose feed attracts fish thereto, the angler follows up with casting the definitive line carrying a baited hook. Background to the Invention

Patent Applications WO2009/098507 and WO201 1/0771 11 disclose bait dispensers adapted to be attached to a fishing line and cast by an angler, to burst open upon impact with the water, then spilling out their loose feed bait. Typically the dispenser is then reeled in, and is followed by casting the definitive line carrying hook and bait. Sometimes anglers fish during the night...

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention a bait dispenser incorporates a holder for a light.

According to a feature of the invention a bait dispenser carries a light, preferably disposed therewithin, the dispenser also preferably having a window therein, the arrangement being such that when illuminated the light will shine to the rear of the dispenser.

The light, when fitted, can perform two functions and a possible third. Firstly it can illuminate the interior of the dispenser when the latter is being loaded with bait in a darkness context. Secondly, provided a window is incorporated appropriately in the dispenser, the light can enable the angler to track the course of the dispenser being cast and to see the water impact site. Thirdly, in embodiments where the dispenser carries a baited hook and is to remain open on site, the light may act to attract the fish.

The holder is preferably such that the torch may be securely attached therein but readily removed, for example for daytime use of the dispenser.

Typically a dispenser body measures 11cm to 17cm in length and 4cm to 7cm in breadth so that the preferred dimensions of a light are of the order of 4cm to 6cm in length and 5 to 10mm in mean diameter. A suitable light is one which is waterproof and incorporates at least one light emitting diode (LED). Lights which may be appropriate include the following, with dimensions (length x diameter):

Rod-N-Bobbs Disc Golf Beacon™ 35mm x 6mm

Firefli™ 38mm x 7mm

KD™ 42mm x 10mm

LaPetit™ 23.23mm x 14.25mm

Eddie™ 50mm x 10mm

Drake™ 33mm x 13mm

Nano™ 37mm x 13mm

Wee™ 34mm x 15mm

Draco™ 47mm x 13mm

As an alternative to using a waterproof torch the holder may be arranged to encase at least that part of a torch which may leak. A yet simpler solution may be to wrap the torch in cling film. Preferred embodiments of the invention are based upon the dispensers described in Patent Application WO2011/0771 11 and UK Patent Application 1200969.2.

Thus the bait dispenser may comprise a container into which bait can be loaded, the container attachable to a line and comprising two container parts hinged together at a rear end thereof, and catch means arranged to open the container upon impact with the water, one of said parts having in the interior thereof a holder for a light, and a spring arranged for urging the dispenser open. The two container parts are preferably similar, that is, are substantially two similar shells. The catch means may have an associated spring-loaded plunger mounted on one body half sited in a mouth at a bow end thereof so as normally to constitute a continuum therewith. In a preferred embodiment invention the dispenser has an aerodynamic, teardrop, airship or barrage balloon shape with the container constituting a body of revolution.

The detent/catch construction is preferably such that only a very light force is required for opening such, in other words, that the dispenser remains closed during the casting operation but bursts open upon impact with the water even if the plunger itself scarcely makes contact with the water, if at all. In other words, it may be possible to do without a plunger and rely on hair spring operation to open the dispenser merely from the shock force generated by impact with the water. Differentiation between pre- and during casting situations and the water impact situation can be assisted by the two parts of the body being arranged to be separated slightly, for example by 0.1 to 0.5mm in the closed configuration when at rest and during casting, so that upon impact with the water the two parts will also impact upon each other. In a particularly suitable construction one container half carries a bulkhead upon which is mounted a plunger holder carrying a spring-loaded plunger, the plunger carrying a catch arranged to engage on a detent formed on the other container half, and the two container shells being formed with a mouth to which the plunger forms a continuum at the leading or bow end of the dispenser. Advantageously the bulkhead, which may be reinforced by brackets, also serves to assist in retaining the shape of the container half upon which it is formed and, being formed to be substantially contiguous with the interior of the other container half throughout the inner circumference thereof, serves to some extent to retain the shape of the other container half whilst, of course, restraining the ground bait from clogging operation of the plunger. For the purposes of even weight distribution it is preferred that the light holder is incorporated in the other container half.

Advantageously there are fins at the rear or tail end of the dispenser, appropriate ones of which are hinged together for the opening of the dispenser.

Typically, the springs which urge the dispenser open are anchored through holes in the body shells some 4 to 5cm from the rear end of the body. If the body shells each have a fin normal to the fins which may provide the basis for the hinges then the said holes might be adjacent where the fin leading edge meets the body. The spring ends are then advantageously bent through said holes to anchor them to the body shells and to act as limiters to the opening of the dispenser. These limiters can be arranged to limit the opening of the container to something between 35° to 55°, preferably 45°, normally. Thus while such opening should ensure that the bait is fully dispensed it also facilitates reeling the dispenser in again in a controlled manner, avoiding line knotting and entanglement and minimising water retention by the dispenser. Thus is enabled a relatively smooth, rather than turbulent, reeling in operation, with the dispenser aquaplaning over the surface of the water. This is assisted by the fact that by virtue of the invention the dispenser container parts are held open somewhat rigidly at the predetermined angle by the spring urging them outwards and the stop member preventing further opening. This enablement of smooth reeling in also means that the reeling in operation can be effected rapidly, thus minimising the time between dispensing ground bait and casting the definitive line, which can be particularly important when fishing in moving water. Nevertheless, in the dynamic situation which occurs upon impact with the water, the container may be urged to open considerably further than 45°. In order not to overstress the spring there may be stop members formed on the trailing edge of the fins adjacent the spring ends, these functioning to provide an absolute limit to opening, of the order of 90°.

A spring anchor hole may be arranged to provide the window wherethrough the light glows. For this purpose the hole may be somewhat enlarged. The window may however be a hole elsewhere in the body, perhaps 2cm forward of the fin leading edge. It may be useful for the light to protrude somewhat through the window.

In addition to the incorporation of the stop members it has been discovered that incorporating a relatively rigid arm extending from the rear of the container to an attachment member for attachment to the angler's line can assist in the smooth reeling in of the dispenser. This attachment member may be of the order of 40-60mm long. By being attached to the hinge may advantageously have a greater freedom of angular movement about the hinge than in the plane occupied by the hinge. Typically the angular freedom about the hinge may be 40°, but no more than 10° in the plane occupied by the hinge. It will be appreciated at this juncture that the preferred mode of use of a dispenser in accordance with the invention is in an angling operation comprising the following steps:

1. Cast a marker float at the point upon the water where one has determined to fish;

2. Cast one or more rods carrying the definitive baited hooks in the region of the marker float;

3. Cast the loaded dispenser in the region of the marker float, to burst open upon impact with the water and spill out the bait in that region, then reel in the open dispenser;

4. Wait for the fish to bite! During hours of darkness the light can illuminate the interior of the dispenser whilst the angler is loading it with bait. Then, upon casting the dispenser, the angler can watch its progress and note its point of impact.

However, in situations where the definitive bait is liable to detach from the hook prior to arrival at the designated fishing location, the baited hook may be arranged for containment within the bait dispenser, so that dispersal of ground bait and deployment of the baited hook can occur simultaneously. For such situations the bait dispenser may be arranged, perhaps by means of a flotation chamber, built in or detachably fitted, to act as a float for indicating that there has been a bite. In that case the attachment arm may be constructed and coloured as a float, perhaps with a or the light incorporated therein. The light incorporated therein and glowing may act to attract fish to the hook. The light can be arranged to glow both outwards of the arm and into the dispenser. This arrangement may indeed be used rather than incorporating the lamp in a body shell, having the advantage of ensuring that the centre of gravity remains along the axis of the dispenser. This can simplify the aerodynamic considerations.

The means for enabling the container to open upon impact, for example the plunger and detent means, may be adjustable to cater for different impact situations or wear and spring relaxation. The plunger may be rotatable between two or more detent locations of differing heights, even a variable detent. To this end the plunger may incorporate a feature such as a slot or a ridge facilitating its being turned. In fact the means may be adjustable to and from a configuration in which the dispenser is locked against opening, for example during transportation. The container is advantageously arranged so that when closed there is a small gap, of the order of 0.2 to 1.0mm between the shells. This has been found to assist the opening operation.

Where a spring-loaded plunger is employed the spring may be arranged to react against a top-hat member which is detachable from the dispenser to enable demounting of the spring and plunger for cleaning, replacement or adjustment purposes.

The container members may be manufactured of a plastics material in a mould. Typically the container body parts, or shells, may be made of polypropylene and the spring of spring steel. The plunger may be formed from acetal which, whilst being stiff, has also an enhanced resistance to degradation in water.

Preferably, from the point of view of strength and durability the hinge comprises tunnels formed at fin trailing edges and a shaft through the tunnels. The shaft may then support the line attachment member and the container opening spring, though it may facilitate assembly if the line attachment member is linked to the container opening spring, and each fin hinge is discrete.

Colour of the dispenser can be important. In warmer climes it may not be appropriate for the dispenser to be black when it may distort or be too hot to touch, though black or other dark colour, for example green, blue or red may be suitable elsewhere. In warm environments white or a pale colour may be preferred. Brief Description of the Drawings

Dispensers in accordance with the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures, of which:

Figures 1 to 13 depict variants of a first embodiment of the invention and figures 13 to 26 depict variants of a second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a first embodiment of a bait dispenser in a closed configuration;

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the first embodiment in an open configuration; Figure 3 depicts the spring for driving the first embodiment dispenser open; Figure 4 depicts the line attachment bar;

Figure 5 is a sectional view of the bow end of the dispenser; Figure 6 is an exploded view of the bow end of the dispenser; Figure 7 is a view of a dispenser incorporating a float;

Figure 8 is a view of a plunger holder and fulcrum facility within one of the body members; Figure 9 is a view of the detent facility within the other body member;

Figure 10a is a side view of a plunger holder;

Figure 10b is a plan view of a plunger holder;

Figures 1 1 a and 11 b depict a dispenser locking facility;

Figure 12 is a view on section X-X in figure 1 ; Figure 13 is an external face elevation of the body half carrying a holder and a torchlight;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of a bait dispenser in accordance with the invention;

Figure 15 is a side view of the dispenser of figure 14, open; Figure 16 is a side view of a spring; Figures 17a and 17b are side views of a dispenser rear arm; Figures 18 and 19 are views from different angles of the assembled plunger base plate and container bulkhead elements of the bait dispenser of figure 15;

Figure 20 is a sectioned side view of a dispenser bow end;

Figure 21 is a detail view of the bow end of the container part opposite that shown in figures 18 to 20;

Figure 22 shows a float embodiment of the invention in use;

Figure 23 is an exploded side view of a rear arm adapted for use of the dispenser as a float; Figure 24 is an isometric view of the bow end of a combined dispenser and float; Figure 25 is a view on section XX - XX in figure 15; Figure 26 is a face elevation of a body half shown in figure 14; and

Figures 27 and 28 depict differently compartmented and aspect ratio variants.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

As shown in figures 1 to 13 the dispenser comprises a teardrop-shaped container comprising two similar container shells 10, 11 attached one to the other at a proximal or rear end by a hinge 12 formed on stabiliser fin shells 13 and mating to define a bait containing hollow. Each container half 10, 11 carries further stabiliser fins 14, transverse to the fins 13.

A spring 15 is fitted at the rear end of the container, formed to urge open the container shells 10, 11. As shown in figure 3 the spring 15 comprises two arms 15a hooked at their outer ends 15b to engage the container shells 10, 11 , and coiled at the inner end to form an attachment ring 15c. The line attachment bar 16 illustrated in figure 4 has a spring engagement hook 16a at its forward end and a line engagement hook 16b at its rear end.

Rubber sheath members 17, 18 sheath the spring attachment ring 15c and the bar 16, the sheath member 17 being deformable to expose the hook 16b for attachment to a line and upon release to cover the attachment to the line thus retaining the attachment. The trailing edge of the fins 14 each carry a stop member 19 formed to abut the sheath 18 upon the container opening and thus impede opening beyond about 90°.

As shown in figure 1 , at rest in the closed configuration the two shells 10 and 11 are separated by about 0.2mm. This assists in maintaining the dispenser closed by virtue of increases contact surface area and pressure between the detent and the plunger. The opening of this dispenser is effected by the impact of a plunger with the water after casting. Thus as shown in figure 5 at the distal, or bow end of the container, the body half 11 carries a bulkhead 20 reinforced by brackets 21 and upon which is centrally mounted a plunger holder 22. The plunger holder 22 carries a plunger 23 arranged to be urged forward by a spring 24. The plunger 23 has a flange 25 which is arranged to pivot on a shoulder 26 on the container half 11 and a latch 27 arranged for engagement with a detent 28 formed on the container half 10. As shown the distal, bow or lead end of the two container shells 10, 11 are formed with a mouth to which the plunger 23 forms a continuum.

The dispenser carries a small waterproof light emitting diode (LED) torch 30. In figure 1 the torch 30 is removably held in a clip 31 formed on the interior of the container half 11 and is arranged to protrude partially through a window 32 formed in the body half 1 1. The construction of the window 32 and clip 31 is such that the torch 30, when alight, illuminates both the interior of the dispenser and shines rearward from the exterior thereof. The preferred torch 30 is one which has a light diffuser 30a and pressing the diffuser lengthwise switches the torch "on" or "off". In figure 2, the extension arm sheath 17 conceals the light and the base 18 is transparent and incorporates the LED which is thereby arranged both to shine outwards and through into the dispenser interior. In use of this embodiment of the invention the body half 1 1 of the open bait dispenser is heaped with bait and the two body shells 10, 11 are then snapped shut. That is to say, the hinge 12 is closed against the force of the spring 15 and the latch 27 engaged on the detent 28 to hold the dispenser closed. If not already attached the dispenser is attached to a fishing line via the line link 16b, the sheath 17 having been pushed forward at the rear end thereof.

When the line is then cast, upon striking the water the two body shells 10, 11 move together whilst, simultaneously, the plunger 23 is pushed into the body shells 10, 11 against the spring 24, releasing the latch 27 from the detent 28. The spring 15 then urges the container shells 10, 11 apart to allow the bait to fall from the dispenser. The container is impeded from opening beyond about 90° by the stops 19 having abutted the sheath 18, but it then settles to the approximately 40° opening set by the spring 15. That having happened the angler may then reel the open dispenser in. The 40° open configuration of the dispenser, and the length of the line attachment arm co-operate to ensure a low drag, relatively non-turbulent reeling in process thus minimising line entanglement. Detail of the plunger holder 22 is shown in figures 10a, 10b. The plunger holder 22 comprises a flange 22a which abuts the bulkhead 20, a hollow plunger shaft receiving boss 22b and finger grips 22c. The flange 22a has two opposing flat edges 22d and two rounded opposing edges 22e. One of the rounded edges 22e carries two stops 22f constructed to impede unwanted rotation of the plunger holder 22. Figure 8 shows the arrangement by which the plunger holder 22 is detachably held to the bulkhead 20. The brackets 21 carry flanges 21 a under which the rounded edges 22e of the plunger holder 22 can be captured, but not the flat edges 22d. Thus, turning the plunger holder 22 alternately captures and releases the plunger holder 22. The release of the plunger holder 22 frees both the spring 24 and the plunger 23 from the body half 10. It will be noted that, as shown in figure 6, the arms of the plunger 23 differ one with respect to the other. The flange 25 comprises two teeth with a valley 25a between whilst the latch 27 comprises a single tooth. Figure 8 shows a protuberence 26a from the shoulder 26 for receiving the valley 25a and guides 20a depending from the bulkhead 20 for receiving the appropriate arm of the plunger 23 The forward face of the plunger 23 has a cruciform indentation 23a by which the plunger may be rotated by the user. It will be appreciated that the angles of the face of the latch 27 and the detent 28, and the areas and textures thereof will have been determined, in consort with the spring stiffness etc., such that the required sensitivity of the release mechanism can be obtained. However, notwithstanding these particular arrangements, the plunger 23 is formed so that if it is rotated through 180°, opening of the dispenser will be a little more difficult. Figure 9 shows the location of the detent 28 in the body half 11. It also shows a bracket 11a (also shown in figure 1), which serves to maintain the shape of the dispenser half 11 and also to impede access by bait to the working parts of the dispenser. Figures 11a, 1 1b illustrate an alternative construction in the embodiment described with reference to figures 1 to 6 and 8 - 10, namely two different detents 28 and 28a, each set at a slightly different angle around the dispenser axis. The detent 28 is for opening the dispenser upon impact during use. The detent 28a, which may be alternatively engaged by the plunger latch 27 following turning the plunger 23 through a few degrees, serves to maintain the dispenser closed during transportation.

Figure 7 illustrates an alternative dispenser, constructed to act as a float and to remain associated with a definitive baited fishing line 40. Parts similar to those illustrated in the other figures have similar reference numbers. The two shells 10, 11 have flotation chambers 41 at the top end thereof and the relatively rigid link arm 42 between the shells 10, 11 incorporates a light which, when illuminated, shines both outwards and through into the container 42. The line 40 carries two stops, one (40a) of which is downstream of the eye 16b and the other (40b) is upstream thereof. The stop 40a abuts the eye 16b during casting and the stop 40b abuts the eye 16b after hook deployment. The eye 16b may in this embodiment, if it is not desired for it to be hooked and associated with a retractable rubber sheath, be formed as a spring. This embodiment is particularly useful when employing a bait which might easily detach from the line during deployment. In that circumstance the hooked part of the line may be stowed in the dispenser during casting.

The float 40 may for this embodiment be constructed, for example moulded in one piece, of a buoyant plastics material. In an alternative version of this embodiment the line attachment eye 16b may not be at the outer tip of the float 40 but intermediate its length or even at the base thereof.

Typically the bait dispenser of the embodiments described above is 17cm long and 6.5cm maximum breadth, with the line attachment arm approximately 6.5cm long. This bait dispenser is moulded in polypropylene, the plunger is formed of acetal and the spring 15 and the arm 17 are formed of spring steel. Another embodiment is about 1 1cm long and 4cm broad.

The typical use procedure is as follows:

1. Cast a marker float at the point upon the water where one has determined to fish; 2. Cast one or more rods carrying the definitive baited hooks in the region of the marker float;

4. Wait for the fish to bite!

For night use of the embodiments in which a light is fitted in one of the shells, the angler fits a torch 30 into the clip 31 so that the LED end protrudes through the window 32. Thus when the angler pushes the diffuser 30a the LED illuminates both the interior of the dispenser and shines rearwardly therefrom. This illumination assists him to load the dispenser with bait. When casting the dispenser the angler is able to watch its flight and track it to the point of impact with the water, which can be in excess of 50 metres away.

It will be typical when employing the 17cm dispenser in this way to use a rod having a test curve (t-c) of 4-5lb (2-2.5kg). For a dispenser 10 - 11 cm long a rod of t-c 3lb (1.5Kg) might be used.

In an alternative embodiment the dispenser does not have a plunger and the catch member and its associated spring and detent are arranged to open upon sensing the shock wave generated by impact of the dispenser upon the water. In other words it may then not be necessary for the dispenser to land nose first on the water for a so-called vibration trip to open it.

It has been observed that with a spring 24 of force of 1.0 to 1.5 Newtons, a latch 27 depth of 1.5mm, will generally require the use of a plunger 23. A latch 27 depth of 1 mm coupled with a spring 24 of force 1.0 Newton will permit the dispenser to open on a vibration trip basis. A dispenser employing vibration trip to open may well be constructed with the catch/detent at the rear thereof and have no plunger etc at the bow end. Such a construction may have improved evacuation of the bait from the dispenser. Any of the embodiments above described may incorporate a filler hatch wherethrough bait may be loaded with the container parts closed. The hatch may be closed by a sliding or hinged door.

The dispenser illustrated in figures 14 to 28 comprises a first container part 50 and a second container part 51 identical in exterior shape and size. The combined shape of the two parts is that of a body of revolution about a longitudinal central axis, of aerodynamic, teardrop or airship shape having a bow (distal) end and a proximal (stern) end.

At the bow end the parts 50 and 51 between them define a hole for a circular plunger button 52. At the stern end is a first pair of fins 53, each equally split between the container parts 50 - 51 and the trailing edge of which are arranged to provide a hinge 54 joining the container parts 50 - 51. A second pair of fins 55, transverse to the first pair, each have at the trailing edge thereof a stop 56 for limiting the opening of the dispenser.

A spring 57, particularly illustrated in figure 16, comprises an arm 57a and 57b, one for each container part 50, 51 , and a coil 57c at the confluence of the arms 57a, 57b. The spring is fitted to the dispenser with the coil 57c surrounding the hinge 54 and the ends of the arms 57a, 57b emerging from the interior of the container and hooked around the wall thereof a the base of the leading edge of the fins 55.

Toward the bow of the container a bulkhead 58 is formed in the container part 50 and projects into and follows the interior contour of the container part 51 , thus dividing a bait compartment in the container from a plunger compartment. The bulkhead 58 defines a slot 58a open at the outer extremity thereof and carries on its rear face a pair of slide retaining runners 58b and, on either side of the slot 58a, a pinhole 58c.

A plunger assembly 60 cooperates with the bulkhead 58 and with the bow end of the container and comprises, in addition to the plunger 52, a base member 61 and a coil spring 62. The plunger 52 comprises a button 63, a pair of arms 64, 65 and a shaft 66. At the extremity of each arm is formed a hook 64a, 65a the hook 64a being longer than the hook 65a, thus providing a means to vary the catch strength.

The base member 61 comprises a slider plate 61 a, a hub 61 b, a pair of pins 61c and a forward facing lip 61 d. The slider plate 61a is formed so that the base member slides in and is retained by the runners 58b. When the slider plate 61a is fully home on the bulkhead 58 the hub 61b is contiguous with the base of the slot 58a, the pins 61c become retained in the pinholes 58c and the lip 61 d is just inside the slot 58a. The plunger shaft 66 slides freely in the hub 61 b and the coil spring 62, mounted on the plunger shaft, operates between the plunger button 63 and the base member hub 61 b to urge the plunger button 63 forward.

The container part 51 has formed therein a grooved ledge 51 a adapted to receive either of the plunger arm hooks 64a, 65a while the container part 50 has a pair of guides 50a formed therein to retain either arm 64, 65 against rotation around the dispenser longitudinal axis and a ledge 60b, at the base of the guides 60a, upon which will bear either of the hooks 64a, 65a.

The construction of the plunger assembly with respect to the container parts 50, 51 is therefore such that upon assembly, the base member 61 locks to the bulkhead 58 and the plunger, carrying the spring 62 and sliding in the base member hub 61 b, will have been offered to the container part 50 with the button 63 inside the hole defined by the bow of the container parts 50, 51 and an arm 64 or 65 entered between the guides 60a so that a hook 64a or 65a rests upon the ledge 50b. There the plunger assembly will be retained for opening and closing of the dispenser with the button 63 protruding slightly forward from the container parts 50, 51.

Formed on the interior of the container half 51 is a clip 70 for a torch 71. A window 72 is formed in the container half 51. In this window lies an anchor end 55b of the spring 55 but it is also formed so that the torch 71 protrudes somewhat therefrom. The torch is like that 30 described in the first embodiment above, and has a diffuser 71a pressing which turns the torch "on" and "off".

At the stern of the dispenser is a rearward extending arm 80. This comprises a substantially rigid elongated cylinder 81 , a retaining sleeve 82 and a swivel 83. The distal end of the cylinder carries a pair of cooperating hooks 81a, 81 b facing one another and mounted on flexible members 81 c, and a sleeve retaining shoulder 81 d. The construction of the arm 80 is such that the hooks can be engaged over the spring coil 57c and the sleeve 82 pushed along the cylinder 81 to urge the hooks 81 a, 81 b to lock onto the coil 57c and encapsulate them, the sleeve 82 then itself being locked to the cylinder 81 by the shoulder 81 d. The arrangement at that location is also such as to resist to some extent pivotal movement of the arm about the coil 57c.

The swivel 83, at the proximal end of the cylinder 81 comprises a wire 83a moulded into the rear end of the cylinder 81 , an eye 83b with a tail 83c, and a barrel 83d. The wire 83a and the tail 83c are arranged to be retained in the barrel 73d with a degree of freedom (of the order of 20° to 30°) to rotate from the dispenser longitudinal axis. In operation of this embodiment of the invention, with the swivel eye 83b attached to a fishing line, the dispenser can be opened by depressing the button 63. Bait can then be loaded into container part 50, behind the bulkhead 58 and the parts 50 and 51 snapped closed. The line carrying the dispenser is then cast and the dispenser flies through the air, bow first. Upon impact with the water the container parts burst open to spill the bait onto the water. The open dispenser can then be reeled in.

Should the user decide to changer the opening power of the plunger assembly, a blade or a finger nail can be inserted between the base member 61 and the bulkhead 58 to urge the outer extremity thereof apart and free the pins 61 c from the pinholes 58c. Then the base member 61 can be levered out using the lip 61d, bringing with it the whole plunger assembly. The plunger may then be rotated to change the force required to open the dispenser, or replaced, and the assembly reloaded into the container part 50.

It will be noted that as shown in figure 20 even when closed the container parts 50 and 51 are slightly apart. This construction assists in the bursting open process. The gap may be of the order of between 0.2 and 0.6 mm.

The container parts of the embodiments described herein are typically moulded from polypropylene and have a wall thickness of the order of 1 mm. The torch holder is moulded in situ. The plunger assembly on the other hand is preferably formed from acetal. The dispenser formed thus, with a body length of 12cm and breadth 4.3mm and a tail length of 4cm is readily buoyant, floating on its side when open, with about one sixth of its mass above water.

The embodiment illustrated in figures 22 to 24 is a bait dispenser and float combination. The tail 80 of the embodiment illustrated in figures 14 to 28 is modified so that a hook end 91 thereof is sealably screwable into a hollow cylinder 92 portion thereof to form a hollow chamber 93. A silicone sealant may be used to perfect the seal. Alternatively no screw thread is used and the hook end 91 is coated with a sealant where it enters the cylinder 92.

To weight the container body pockets 94 are included in both parts 50 and 51. In part 50, as shown in figure 24 the pockets 94 are formed on the bulkhead 58 with a lengthwise slot 94a for the free flowing of water. A flap 95 is arranged to partially close the pockets 94. Then the angler, who usually carries mouldable weights in his kit, can place some of these in each pocket 94 and close the flaps 95 to retain them therein. Alternatively the container parts may be moulded from a heavy material. The container part 50 has formed therein a second bulkhead 100 which, like the bulkhead 58 extends into the container part 51 and divides the dispenser into a forward compartment 101 and a rearward compartment 102. The rearward compartment 102 is adapted to contain a baited hook and weight line 103 while the forward compartment 101 is adapted to hold bait for dispensing. Devices called helicopters, which are known in the art, can be used to minimise entanglement of the fishing line.

Figures 27 and 28 illustrate differently compartmented embodiments of the invention, the one having one extra bulkhead 110, forming two payload compartments and the other having two extra bulkheads 1 12, 113, forming three payload compartments. In both cases the rearmost compartment is adapted to hold line with baited hook and weights. Figure 28 shows an embodiment which is, for a portion of the length thereof, right cylindrical. By this means the aspect ratio can be increased without increasing the breadth. This can also increase payload, reduce drag in flight and improve float stability in the water.

In all the above described embodiments the preferred torch is the Rod-N-Bobbs Disc Golf Beacon™ which measures 35mm x 6mm, employs an LED and is waterproof.

Claims

1. A bait dispenser incorporating a holder for a light.

2. A bait dispenser as claimed in claim 1 and carrying a light.

3. A bait dispenser as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 and wherein the light is disposed within the dispenser.

4. A bait dispenser as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and wherein the dispenser has a window therein, the arrangement being such that when illuminated the light will shine to the rear of the dispenser.

5. A bait dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 and wherein the light is detachable from the dispenser.

6. A bait dispenser as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and arranged for the light to protrude somewhat through the window.

7. A bait dispenser as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and wherein the light is disposed both for lighting the interior of the container and shining out of the exterior thereof.

8. A bait dispenser as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and wherein the light is a light emitting diode torch.

9. A bait dispenser as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and wherein the light has the dimensions 2cm to 7cm long by 5mm to 10mm mean diameter.

10. A bait dispenser as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and wherein the light is a Rod-N-Bobbs Disc Golf Beacon™ torch measuring 35mm x 6mm.

1 1 . A bait dispenser as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and wherein the light is disposed within the body of the dispenser.

12. A bait dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 and wherein the light is disposed within an extension arm at the rear of the dispenser.

13. A bait dispenser as claimed in claim 12 and wherein the bait dispenser incorporates flotation means whereby after deployment the extension arm projects upwards from the water.

14. A bait dispenser as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and comprising a container into which bait can be loaded, the container attachable to a line and comprising two container shells hinged together at a rear end thereof, and catch means arranged to open the container upon impact with the water, one of said parts having in the interior thereof the holder for a light, and a spring arranged for urging the dispenser open.

15. A bait dispenser as claimed in claim 14 and having a fin array at the tail end thereof.

16. A bait dispenser as claimed in claim 15 and wherein the container shells are hinged together at a trailing edge of the fin array.

17. A bait dispenser as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16 and wherein the fin array incorporates stops at a trailing edge thereof arranged to limit the maximum opening of the container.

18. A bait dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17 and wherein the two container shells are similar.

19 A bait dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 18 and wherein the catch means has an associated spring-loaded plunger mounted on one container part sited in a mouth at a bow end thereof.

20. A bait dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 19 and wherein the two container shells are arranged with a gap of 0.2 - 0.6mm therebetween when closed.

21 . A bait dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 20 and comprising a body of revolution having an aerodynamic, teardrop, airship or barrage balloon shape.

22. A bait dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 21 and wherein the spring is anchored through holes in the said container parts so that in addition to urging the container open upon release of the catch the spring limits the opening of the dispenser.

23. A bait dispenser as claimed in claim 22 and wherein the spring limits the container opening to a total of between about 30° to 50°.

24. A bait dispenser as claimed in claim 22 or claim 23 and wherein the window for the light is one of said holes.

25. A bait dispenser as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and moulded from a plastics material.

26. A bait dispenser as claimed in claim 25 and wherein the plastics material is polypropylene.

27. A bait dispenser as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and measuring about 1 1 cm to 17cm in length and 4cm to 7cm in breadth.

28. A method of angling comprising the steps, not necessarily in the order set out herein, of switching on the light of a bait dispenser as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the bait dispenser being attached a line; loading the bait dispenser with loose bait and closing same; casting the bait dispenser to a spot on water whereupon the dispenser bursts open and disgorges its bait; reeling in the open bait dispenser; casting to the vicinity of the spot one or more hooked and bait bearing lines.

29. A method of angling comprising the steps of switching on a light mounted in the extension arm of a bait dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 26, the bait dispenser having flotation means and being attached to a line; loading at least one baited hook into the dispenser and closing same; casting the bait dispenser whereby upon impact with the water it bursts open, allowing the at least one baited hook to fall free and assuming a configuration in which the extension arm projects up from the surfaced of the water.

30. A bait dispenser substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

31 . A method of angling substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.