Signal Devices Patents (Class 43/17)
  • Publication number: 20070283612
    Abstract: A fishing rod provides a lighting system that includes a timer circuit and a motion responsive switch. In response to motion, the timer circuit activates lights to illuminate the fishing rod for a pre-determined interval. The circuit extinguishes the lights at the end of the interval. Preferably, the fishing rod is fabricated of a translucent material and the lights are LEDs housed within the core of the fishing rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Terena Shaw, Richard Kris Nahrgang, Ting Dong Gou
  • Publication number: 20070277424
    Abstract: The fish set line 100 is an apparatus or kit that a fisherman may use: to be alerted when a fish has been caught; to provide a convenient means to adjust the proper line length; and to provide a convenient means of storing the fishing combination. The fish set line 100 may include a housing means 110; an attachment means 120 and an attachment line 130 for attaching the fish set line 100 with a fixed structure; a swivel 136 attached with the attachment line 130; a motion activated light means 140 for detecting motion related to fish engagement; a fish hook 150; a hook line 152; a weight 158; a hook line shaft 160; and a locking crank means 162 for reeling in the hook line 152 and locking the hook line 150 in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventors: Lonnie Otis Hale, Jeffrey Benton Hale
  • Publication number: 20070271835
    Abstract: A fish strike indicating apparatus is provided. The fish strike indicating apparatus includes a mounting unit for mounting to a rod holder, the mounting unit including a first portion and a second portion; an indicating unit for indicating movement of a fishing line, the indicating unit including a clip for connecting the indicating unit to a first end of the first portion of the mounting unit; and a detent unit for holding the indicating unit at a second end of the first portion of the mounting unit to a first end of the second portion of the mounting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph M. Wicinski
  • Patent number: 7281348
    Abstract: An ice fishing trap comprising a main body supporting a rotatable spool for supporting a desired length of fishing line. An indicator, having both a set position and a triggered position, is supported by the main body. A release rod cooperates with the rotatable spool and, when the indicator is in its set position, and also cooperates with the indicator. The release rod has a first position in which the release rod captively retains the indicator in its set position and engages with the spool and the release rod has a second position, axially spaced from the first position, in which the release rod releases the indicator to permit the indicator to move to its triggered position, and rotation of the spool moves the release rod from its first position to its second position to actuate the indicator into its triggered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventors: George E. Allen, Jr., Daniel J. Allen
  • Patent number: 7272908
    Abstract: A fishing float includes a housing having first and second portions. The housing first portion may contain a first light source and a first depth sensor. The housing second portion may contain a second light source and a second depth sensor. The housing may include a battery, orientation switch, CPU, and charging coil. An optional remote receiver unit includes a receiver and an interface. After the housing is cast, the orientation switch completes a circuit that automatically energizes the downward-facing light source (whether first or second). The corresponding downward-facing depth sensor (whether first or second) generates water depth data. The CPU may actuate the upward-facing light source to indicate the water depth data and may actuate the charging coil's transmission of this data to the receiver unit. The housing rotates when a hook is struck, flashing the downward-facing light source. Inducing current in the charging coil may recharge the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Charles R. Jones
  • Publication number: 20070169394
    Abstract: A holder for a rod and reel combination as may be used for ice fishing is disclosed. The holder has an elongated arm pivotally supported on a wall, pail or fixture mounting bracket for adjustable movement in a horizontal plane; and a tubular sleeve is pivotally attached to the arm for removably receiving and holding a rod and its reel in such an orientation that the rod points downwardly for selective positioning over an ice fishing hole. An alarm finger movable between a restrained or cocked position and a tripped position for actuating an audible alarm is attached to the arm. A fishing line engagement member is operatively associated with the alarm finger in such a way that when a fish strikes and pulls the line, the alarm finger is released from its cocked position and moves to its tripped position to actuate the alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Inventor: Cyril N. Keller
  • Patent number: 7225580
    Abstract: A bobber includes a housing having a casing extended into a receptacle, a circuit board is disposed in the housing, a processor device and one or more light members are attached onto the circuit board, one or more batteries are electrically coupled to the circuit board. A switch device is coupled to the processor device and includes two conductor blades each having a leg extended into the casing, and a ball is disposed in the casing and engageable with the legs of the conductor blades for electrically coupling the legs of the conductor blades together, the ball is arranged to be disengaged from either or both the legs and to switch off the electrical coupling between the legs of the conductor blades when a fish strikes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Jason Chou
  • Patent number: 7207133
    Abstract: A tip-up fishing device includes a cross frame having a horizontal section that spans a hole cut in the ice and a vertical section that supports a spool of fishing line down in the hole. A trip device operates to release a spring elastic flag pole when a fish strikes the line. The flag pole springs upright and is caused to depress a push-button transmitter switch mounted on the frame. The switch sends a signal to a remote receiver which generates an alarm signal to alert the fisherman.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventors: Linda Schiemann, Richard E. Schiemann
  • Patent number: 7185456
    Abstract: An ice fishing apparatus includes a housing that includes a peripheral wall having an upper edge and a lower edge. A covering is positioned on the upper edge. The covering has an aperture extending therethrough. A fishing reel is attached to the cover adjacent to the aperture. A flexible post is attached to the cover and is positioned for being engaged to the reel such that the post is released from the reel when the reel rotates in a first direction. A plate is attached to an inner surface of the peripheral wall and extends away therefrom such that the plate is horizontally orientated. A heat emitter is removably positionable in the housing. The heat emitter is positioned on the plate. The housing is positioned over the ice opening so that the heat emitter warms an interior of the housing and prevents ice from forming over the ice opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventors: Scott J. Schoenecker, Wayne A. Meyer
  • Patent number: 7183931
    Abstract: A wireless system for notifying a fisherman of a strike on a fishing line includes a non-corrosive housing defining a cavity therein and mountable to a fishing rod. The system includes a wireless signal mechanism including a transmitting section and a transportable receiving section. Such a transmitting section generates and sends a RF signal to the receiving section alerting the fisherman to a strike. The system further includes a bifurcated bracket including an upper section and a lower section. A plurality of fastening members are threadably engageable with the upper and lower sections for maintaining the housing at a substantially stable position above the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Kirt K. Russell
  • Patent number: 7159354
    Abstract: A fishing pole holder adapted to provide both audible and visual indication of a strike by a fish. The fishing pole holder can be adapted to accommodate a plurality of fishing poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Larry White
  • Patent number: 7140144
    Abstract: A fishing rod includes one or more signal devices in a portion thereof and a power system that is connected to and activates the one or more signal devices when the fishing rod is flexed by a fish. The connection between the one or more signal devices and a power source includes a control switch and an activation switch that includes an electrically conductive pin mounted on the fishing rod and an electrically conductive coil spring surrounding the electrically conductive pin. The circuit between the one or more signal devices and the power is completed when the control switch is in the “on” condition and the electrically conductive pin and the electrically conductive coil of the activation switch are in electrical contact with each other. A kit may be used to retrofit an existing fishing rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventors: Joseph H. Morgan, Wesley S. Wikert
  • Patent number: 7131231
    Abstract: A multi-function electronic fishing float having an identification number automatically generates radio frequency (RF) signals, if a fish takes bait or is hooked. The generated RF signal is sent to a receiver, and an angler can clearly identify a sign of a fish's bite or hooking through sound, vibration, or light generated by the receiver, without checking the float with eyes. A transmitter sending RF signals corresponding to the fish's bite or hooking is installed in the electronic fishing float that partially comes up above the water surface by buoyancy, and the transmitted RF signals are received by the receiver outputting sound, vibration, and light as information on the fish's bite or hooking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Wondohitech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Won Do Lee
  • Patent number: 7109870
    Abstract: A fishing accessory that includes a housing and an alerting mechanism for alerting a fisherman when a fishing line connected to the activation switch of the alerting mechanism is being tugged on by a fish. The housing includes a housing having a pair of attachment clamps securable to a fishing rod. The alerting mechanism includes multiple types of alarm outputs that may be selected in various combinations by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventors: Robert R. Reed, Sheldon A. Reed, II
  • Patent number: 7062877
    Abstract: The present invention is an ice fishing device that is completely self-contained, collapsible and its jigging action is completely wind driven. The tip-up is a complete fishing device. It can be assembled and collapsed with relative ease for quick usage or quick storage. The flexible riser is erected at an angle that allows the wind to give the bait a natural up and down jigging motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventor: Stanley G. Koch, III
  • Patent number: 7059079
    Abstract: A light emitting buoyage with a magnetic switch comprises a buoyage magnetic switch body connected to the buoyage; a light emitting diode at an upper end of the magnetic switch body; a battery at a lower end of the light emitting diode; a magnetic element at a lower end of the battery; a connecting wire of the magnetic switch body extending from a lower end of the magnetic element; and a switch unit installed in the magnetic switch body at one side of the magnetic element. The battery and the magnetic element are transversally or longitudinally in the magnetic switch body. The magnetic element has a body. The body is installed with at least one retaining magnetic block and at least one movable magnetic block. The body is screwed to a lower end of the magnetic switch body; and the connecting wire is connected to the movable magnetic block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Chen Dung Lu
  • Patent number: 7047687
    Abstract: An inductive device for fishing. The device includes an inductive circuit board, an inductive coil, an inductive shaft and a spring. The device includes of a lighting circuit board, a plurality of LEDs and a pedestal. In the process of sea fishing, since the float base is designed with a flat bottom, it is maintained at a fixed place to indicate where the fish hook is without being driven back to the shore by waves. The inductive shaft while being pulled down by a caught fish, will leave the induced range of inductive coil, at this moment, and the central LEDs will emit red light and the out-border blue LEDs will continue to light. If there is no catch of fish on the fish hook, the central LEDs will not emit red light, but the out-border LEDs will continue to emit blue light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Huan-Chung Liu
  • Patent number: 7043867
    Abstract: A fish-bite indicator having a rotary part which is engaged by a fishing line when the indicator is in use. The vibration sensor is coupled to the rotary part to detect vibration thereof. As a result, vibration of the rotary part caused by a fish-bite can be detected by the vibration sensor whilst at the same time the part of the indicator which is engaged by such a line, being a rotary part, accommodates any longitudinal movement of the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Fox Design International Limited
    Inventor: Clifford Royston Fox
  • Patent number: 7040052
    Abstract: A fishing pole bite alarm system, including a pager and a fishing pole having a handle, a mast, a plurality of fixed eyelets on the mast including a distal fixed eyelet, and a movable eyelet assembly hinged to the distal fixed eyelet. A fishing line extends through the fixed eyelets and through the movable eyelet assembly. A tension switch is located within the pole and is attached to the movable eyelet assembly by a control wire. When the fishing line is tensioned, the movable eyelet is pivoted, pulling the control wire in order to activate the tension switch. The tension switch activates a pole light that illuminates the mast and signals the pager to generate and audible alert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Ricky Paulk
  • Patent number: 7032343
    Abstract: A portable indicator device for use with ice fishing tip-ups, attachable to the tip-up's articulating arm via a pinch-type clip, for enhancing the signaling capability of the tip-up. The device contains a motion-activated pendulum switch to complete the circuit between a battery and dual light and buzzer electronic alarms, enclosed within a colored, translucent housing, when the tip-up arm swings into a vertical position upon a fish strike. The pendulum switch may be easily re-set by lowering the tip-up arm to its formerly horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Brian Matthew Foss
  • Patent number: 7003912
    Abstract: A fishing rod includes one or more signal devices in a portion thereof and a power system that is connected to and activates the one or more signal devices when the fishing rod is flexed by a fish. The connection between the one or more signal devices and a power source includes a control switch and an activation switch that includes an electrically conductive pin mounted on the fishing rod and an electrically conductive coil spring surrounding the electrically conductive pin. The circuit between the one or more signal devices and the power is completed when the control switch is in the “on” condition and the electrically conductive pin and the electrically conductive coil of the activation switch are in electrical contact with each other. A kit may be used to retrofit an existing fishing rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventors: Joseph H. Morgan, Wesley S. Wikert
  • Patent number: 7003911
    Abstract: A fishing line strike indicator and improved hook setter. This device utilizing a body having a hole there through for allowing a fishing line to be inserted and affixed thereto. A water deflector extends from this body and faces the attached lure. When a fish strikes the lure attached to the fishing line attached to the strike indicator, the strike indicator, as it is pulled through the water by the fish pulling the line attached to the lure or by the current of the water, offers resistance in the water thereby increasing the chances that hook will be automatically set in the fish's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Larry R. Schoenike
  • Patent number: 6966140
    Abstract: An easy to use signaling apparatus which can be used during an entire year for warm and cold weather fishing to signal a fisherman that a fish has nibbled, struck or hooked a bait. The signaling apparatus can be used with a variety of fishing rods of different diameters. The signaling apparatus is mounted in surrounding relationship to a fishing rod and includes an adjustment for triggering an LED and/or a buzzer at higher or lower tensile forces in a fishing line caused by a fish nibbling, striking or hooking a line. The signaling apparatus has a high resistance to corrosion, is sensitive to low levels of a tensile force in a fishing line and does not affect the castability of a rod and reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Rozko, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry Rozkowski
  • Patent number: 6941694
    Abstract: A fishing rod holder with a strike sensor that alerts the operator that a fish has been caught. The fishing rod holder allows for horizontal striking of fish either while trolling or still-fishing. The fishing rod holder consists of a rod holder support arm assembly, a rotating unit, a base unit and an optional mounting adapter. The rod holder may be mounted for horizontal striking on the top surface of a gunnel wall on a boat or other substantially flat horizontal surface. Alternatively, the mounting adapter may be used to mount the rod holder to a boat handle rail. The rod holder support arms are slidably engaged in the support arm assembly and allow for customized vertical orientation of the rod's tip with respect to the reel. In addition, the horizontal orientation of the rod may be customized to accommodate fishing technique and fishing conditions. Finally, there is a strike sensor to alert the operator that a fish has been caught.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Carter Day International, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew J. Ernst
  • Patent number: 6938367
    Abstract: A battery powered fishing line bite detector alarm producing visible and/or audible alarm signals is disclosed. An arm, installed within the alarm, integrally connects to a modified leaf on-off switch. The alarm attaches to a fishing rod in front of a fishing reel mounted on the rod. Fishing line is threaded into the arm and adjusted such that slack is provided between the rear of the alarm and the front of the reel thereby allowing forward arm movement. The fishing line is further inserted until desired resistance of forward and backward line movement within the arm is achieved. Applied tension to the line forces the arm to actuate. A tension spring clip connected to a switch lever, and a common leaf contact arm, pulls contact arm closer to an upper common contact point until contact is made activating the alarm signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventors: Michael James Cameron, Robert E. Rouse
  • Patent number: 6935068
    Abstract: An improved fish bite alarm and fishing line release device that provides immediate release of a fishing line and activation of a fish bite alarm due to the use of spring biasing. The line holding and release device preferably includes two fingers arranged for holding the fishing line, a spring bias means for triggering the release of the line, an alarm circuit, and a spring bias means for activating the alarm circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Shackelford
  • Patent number: 6898892
    Abstract: The present invention uses the Jig Fishing System™ to achieve a more effective and enjoyable way of ice fishing. By practicing the disclosed invention, the skilled practitioner will now enjoy quick set-up, enhanced monitoring, and more effective, safer, warmer, dryer and more social ice fishing. The advantages of using the present invention include: easy set-up, storage and transportability of the ice fishing devices; easier and more effective fish detection monitoring, including fish detection monitoring from a distance; warmer, dryer, safer and more social ice fishing; and the ability to have reliable fish strike monitoring and signaling during the day, night or inclement weather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: John F. Senckowski
  • Patent number: 6857221
    Abstract: This invention relates to an elongated float or bobber placed on a fishing line to indicate when a fish has struck the bait. The novelty resides in features that eliminate the float's resistance normally felt by the fish on the hook. The bobber has a weight of a given size on one end and a tab with a novel slot-hole arrangement on the other end. The line which has a stop thereon is permitted to freely slide along the slot until it reaches the hole, whereupon the stop will be pulled freely through the hole by a fish without exerting any pull on the bobber per se.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Bruce Marvin Johnson
  • Patent number: 6857218
    Abstract: An improved tip-up flag device having a generally disk-shaped housing with a plurality of raised portions on the upper surface thereof which are substantially hollow to create corresponding cavities on the underside. A retaining and releasing assembly, connected to a reel spool assembly, is rotatably mounted in the housing for movement between a retracted position and an in-use position. When retracted, the reel spool assembly fits to be at least flush within one of the cavities. Other of the raised portions form a handle, an integrated tackle compartment and a flag securing post. The height, size and positioning of each of these raised portions is such that multiple devices may be evenly stacked and held against one another for convenient storage and transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: HT Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Grahl, Kenneth L. Grahl, Rick D. Dreikosen
  • Patent number: 6836994
    Abstract: A fish biting indication device includes a ring member having a generally circular shape. The ring member has a substantially smooth outer surface. The ring member has an inner diameter generally between ½ inch and 2 inches. The ring member is positioned over an end of the fishing rod such that the ring member is moved upwardly on the fishing rod when the fishing line is pulled outwardly away from the fishing rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Robert R. Fulper
  • Patent number: 6809658
    Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining an accurate count of multiple species of fish caught by multiple fishermen, the system including an electronic counter, having a face plate comprising a first numerical LCD display; a counter button for increasing the numerical LCD display when the button is struck; a reset button for resetting the numerical LCD display to zero when depressed; a second button for increasing or decreasing the number displayed on the numerical LCD display depending on the part of the second button depressed; at least a second set of numerical LCD display; counter button; and second button for allowing at least two individuals to utilize the counting system during fishing; means for securing the counting system to a fixture on a boat for easy access as fish are caught and being counted; and battery-powered electronics to carry out the functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventor: Daryl P. Lofaso
  • Publication number: 20040187376
    Abstract: A simple device signaling the change in a preset slope of an arbitrary elastic angling rod clamped at the lower end, at a preset location indicating a possible fish biting a bait or a lure by a sound or light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Luis Antonio Henriquez
  • Patent number: 6789348
    Abstract: An illuminated two-piece fiber glass fishing rod having a light emitting diode (LED) or a light bulb proximate its tip encased in an extended transparent tubular plastic portion as part of a hollow tip segment of the rod. The illumination is energized by battery encased in the handle of the hollow butt segment. The hollow tip and the butt segments are connected by a male-female electrical connection in the ferrules and rod segments. The segments are disassembled for portage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventors: Brian C. Kneller, Cheryle Ann Kneller
  • Patent number: 6789350
    Abstract: A trolling planer board made of lightweight translucent material has a continuous light source for night fishing and a day or night easily perceptible strike indicator. The light, indicator, and their power supply are housed in a watertight compartment away from the elements and fishing lines. The strike indicator may comprise a blinking light, a strobe light, a sound, or any other alerting mechanism. Fishing line releases comprise only three moldable pieces, made of weather impervious material and can be used to maintain a hold on the fishing line or to release it, as desired. The planer, made of weather impervious material and having no exposed accessory parts that are sensitive to the elements, can be used in fresh or salt water. The planer's hydrodynamic design eliminates the need for planning board rods and heavy test lines and the weight of the power supply eliminates any need for additional weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Kevin J. Link
  • Patent number: 6763630
    Abstract: A free standing fishing alarm is provided in which the head or tail member(s) may be threadably attached to the body member, creating a water tight environment for the circuitry and associated components, or removed from the body member to allow service and maintenance of the device. The body member internally houses the circuitry, including batteries, and the lighting and audible signaling means. The body member externally houses a clamp means, a toggle switch, a fastening means, and two opposable ends with threads for receiving the head and tail members so as to provide a unified device. A user can simply attach the device to a fishing rod or a stake, cast the fishing line, place the line within the clamp means, flip the toggle switch “on” and wait for the “big one” to strike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Charles E. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 6763629
    Abstract: A free floating fishing apparatus includes a float and a spool that is positioned on the float for holding a supply of line to be dispensed. A hook setting trigger mechanism is mounted on the float and has a line guide that enables fishing line to be spooled from the spool through the line guide and then underwater for fishing. Rigging such as a hook, sinker or the like can be attached to the free end portion of a line. The trigger assembly includes an arm that is pivotally movable between extended and retracted positions. The arm is spring loaded to bias the arm toward the retracted position. A sear plate enables the arm to be retained in an intermediate position that is in between the extended and retracted positions, but closer to the extended position. The sear plate is spring loaded to move the sear out of engagement with the arm when the arm is moved beyond the intermediate position toward the extended position such as when a fish bites the hook and pulls on the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Brian J. Bennett
  • Publication number: 20040118030
    Abstract: A fishing line strike indicator and improved hook setter. This device utilizing a body having a hole there through for allowing a fishing line to be inserted and affixed thereto. A water deflector extends from this body and faces the attached lure. When a fish strikes the lure attached to the fishing line attached to the strike indicator, the strike indicator, as it is pulled through the water by the fish pulling the line attached to the lure or by the current of the water, offers resistance in the water thereby increasing the chances that hook will be automatically set in the fish's mouth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Larry R. Schoenike
  • Publication number: 20040088899
    Abstract: The invention provides a fish strike indicator releasably attached to a fishing line to indicate the direction a fish is swimming after it has taken the bait. The fish strike indicator includes a body and a connector and is releasably attachable to a fishing line for being suspended in air for sensing slack and tension in the line for multidirectional fish movement sensing and indication thereof. A releasable sensory indicator is present on the fish strike indicator to alert a fisherman by visual and/or audible means of a fish strike. Methods for using the fish strike indicator are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Lawrence W. Altrich, Henry G. LaShoto
  • Publication number: 20040079020
    Abstract: A method and a device for detection of physical or approximately physical bottom contact for objects, for instance fishing tackles, which are dragged closely above or on a sea bottom, said method consisting of sensoring an alteration of a force acting on a tension sensor (4) as a consequence of a mass (7) coupled to the tension sensor (4) coming into physical contact with tha bottom, said alteration being used as indication of bottom contact, and that frictional forces (F2) being due to the dragging of the mass (7) along the bottom mainly are taken up by means of a tension release means (8). The device comprise the mass (7) being suspended in a tension sensor (4) in such a manner that the sensor (4) is actuated by bottom contact, and at least one tension release means (8) connected to the mass (7) and adapted to take up forces caused by dragging of the mass above the bottom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Kjell Ramberg, Bj?oslash;rn Faber
  • Patent number: 6708441
    Abstract: The present invention is a device for detecting the presence of a fish on a fishing line, comprising a sensor for measuring tension on the fishing line and generating an electronic signal related thereto. The signal is processed by a filter circuit which removes signal components caused by environmental conditions such as winds, wave and current action, boat drift or snags. The filter circuit produces a signal output only if the tension reading is characteristic of a fish bite on the line. The preferred form of the invention includes two parts: a detecting and transmitting device for attachment to a fishing rod, and a receiving device which also functions as a storage box. A rotatable control is provided for adjusting the sensitivity of the device. The filter output is encoded by the transmitting device, and transmitted as radio waves. The radio waves are received by the receiving device, converted back into an electric signal and decoded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Anthony Richard Dirito
  • Patent number: 6688033
    Abstract: An ice fishing device comprising a column member adapted to be supported in an upright position in an ice hole in an operative position, support means are pivotally mounted to the column member, adapted to span an ice hole and support the column member in an upright position. A reel is rotatably mounted to the column member and positioned thereon to be underwater when the column member is in an operative position. A flexible signal mast is attached to the column member at the upper end thereof, and is bendable essentially one hundred eighty degrees to an armed position and will spring upright when released from the armed position. A first bearing bracket is mounted to the column member at a lower position when said column member is in an operative position and a second bearing bracket is mounted to the column member at an upper position above water when said column member is in an operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Gerole Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald H. Shaff, Richard V. Hansen
  • Patent number: 6685125
    Abstract: A tool for reeling in a tip up apparatus for convenient and easy coiling of fishing line on the reel of a tip up apparatus. The tool for comprising a drive motor housed in a sealed enclosure with self-contained power supply and lighting device. A permanent non-replaceable chuck designed to engage with a tripping rotor as is generally used in tip up and fishing reel devices. The device includes controls for activating the motor and light. The enclosure is designed to comfortably fit the user's pocket or hand and the control device is designed so that a person wearing cold weather hand coverings could easily work the control while gripping the tool. The light is directed through a lens to illuminate the area that the chuck engages the trip rotor to provide the user with a well-illuminated area of work when engaging or disengaging the device from the tip up apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: James S. Tucci
  • Publication number: 20040003532
    Abstract: An ice fishing device comprising a column member adapted to be supported in an upright position in an ice hole in an operative position, support means are pivotally mounted to the column member, adapted to span an ice hole and support the column member in an upright position. A reel is rotatably mounted to the column member and positioned thereon to be underwater when the column member is in an operative position. A flexible signal mast is attached to the column member at the upper end thereof, and is bendable essentially one hundred eighty degrees to an armed position and will spring upright when released from the armed position. A first bearing bracket is mounted to the column member at a lower position when said column member is in an operative position and a second bearing bracket is mounted to the column member at an upper position above water when said column member is in an operative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Gerald H. Shaff, Richard V. Hansen
  • Patent number: 6671994
    Abstract: A fishing bobber includes a strike-indicating signal producing transmitter, e.g. a radio transmitter, for transmitting a radio signal to the fisherman when there is a strike on the line. The bobber includes a bobber body adapted to float on a body of water. A fishing line is connected to it during use. The signal transmitter, which may be a lamp, an audible alarm or radio transmitter is supported by and preferably housed within the bobber. Operatively connected to the transmitter are a pair of probes or electrodes for actuating the transmitter. A sensing means is connected to the probes to detect a current passing between them in response to a fish exerting tension on the fishing line to thereby operate the signal transmitter so as to signal the fisherman, e.g. by broadcasting, a radio signal to alert the fisherman when a fish has struck the bait. One preferred form the bobber includes a pair of electrical probes, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Darrel J. Klein
  • Publication number: 20030208947
    Abstract: A fishing apparatus comprises the combination of a fishing pole to which is engaged a fishing-line terminating with a fishing hook, the fishing line extending from the fishing pole for luring fish to the fishing hook; and a fish-strike indicator comprising an enclosure, an illumination device within the enclosure, a tether-line fixed at a distal end to the enclosure, and a line securement adapted for engaging the fishing line prior to a fish strike and further adapted for disengaging from the fishing line upon a fish strike.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Daniel Paul Cramer
  • Publication number: 20030208946
    Abstract: A fishing rod includes a stable arm and a moveable arm. The stable arm has a first stable arm end and a second stable arm end. The moveable arm has a first moveable arm end and a second moveable arm end. The moveable arm is pivotally coupled to the stable arm and the second moveable arm end is biased to a first position remote from the second stable arm end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Igor Rozenberg
  • Publication number: 20030172577
    Abstract: Apparatus adapted for connection close to the end of a fishing rod remote from the rod handle, comprising an antenna for receiving electromagnetic radiation from the said rod end and converting it to an electrical signal; and an electric light for generating visible light from the electrical signal. This is used with an electric bite alarm for connection to a fishing rod, responsive to the movement of a fishing line extending along the rod to trigger a bite signal, comprising an electromagnetic signal generator triggered by the bite signal to transmit electromagnetic signal into the rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Timothy Allen
  • Publication number: 20030145508
    Abstract: An apparatus for indicating an ice fishing tip-up strike or mark trails in low light conditions by a flashing light source located on extreme end of apparatus includes a tilt switch to determine whether flag arm is in horizontal or vertical position. A reflective enclosure of the tilt switch/flashing light source is used to protect the electrical connections of conductors, tilt switch and flashing light source. Conductors connect the power source via a jack/socket junction to apply and disconnect power from the flashing light source. The apparatus is attached to a flag arm of existing known fishing devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Darren Edward Pieczynski
  • Patent number: 6594941
    Abstract: A folding frame apparatus is provided that contains a removable and pivoting rod clamp employed to hold a ice fishing jig rod in the desired position, and is designed in a manner that it can be used with almost all of the ice fishing jig rods on the market today. The frame of the present invention is constructed in a manner that all joints are pivotal in nature which allows the frame to be opened or closed as desired by the user. The present invention is also equipped with a signal flag assembly which, when a fish takes the bait, causes the flag to move to an upright position and alerts the fisherman to the presence of a fish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Clam Corporation
    Inventor: Arne Ray Anderson
  • Publication number: 20030131520
    Abstract: The invention provides a bite indicator for use with a fishing pole. The bite indicator includes a housing and a flexible, partially translucent tube. The housing is adapted to receive a light source for emitting a focused beam of light. The tube includes means for internal light reflection so that when the tube flexes relative to the focused beam of light, the means for internal light reflection are positioned in a path of light from the light source, thereby showing a change in the position of the tube indicative of a bite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Fred Bagshaw