Outrigger Appendage

Abstract

An appendage for an outrigger for trolling baits and lures outboard of the hull and forward of or close to the boat's stern wake which is created when the boat moves through the water. The appendage is configured for attachment to the outrigger, and movable from an retracted position to an extended position after attachment to the outrigger. The appendage may comprise a hinge, spring or other mechanism to allow the appendage to swing, fold or otherwise move between retracted and extended positions, and a control line or other means to control the movement of the appendage between retracted and extended positions. The appendage may also comprise one or more halyards and release clips for releasably holding lines attached to baits or lures.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/100,185, filed on Sep. 25, 2008, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fishing apparatus. In particular, the invention is directed to an appendage for an outrigger for trolling baits and lures outboard of the hull and forward of or close to the boat's stern wake created as the boat moves through the water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An outrigger is a spar, boom, or other type of beam projecting out from the side of a ship, boat, or vessel. Fishing boats often use outriggers to troll baits and lures outboard of the sides of the boat. The outriggers are typically fitted with one or more halyards, which are lines used to position one or more release clips at various positions along the length of the outrigger.

Outriggers are deployed in their outboard positions, usually outward from the sides of the vessel and upwards at an angle of approximately 45 degrees from the horizontal. Fishing lines can be releasably attached to release clips hoisted out to various points along the length of the outriggers by the halyards. This system enables the baits and lures to be pulled from a point on each side and outboard of the boat. In order to facilitate berthing and operations in close quarters, the outriggers are typically moved upward against the sides of the boat's cabin, raked slightly aft.

When deployed, outriggers accomplish the purpose of trolling baits and lures outboard of the hull at a point well behind the stern wave and at a desirable angle to the surface of the water. The outriggers serve the function of allowing baits and lures to be presented in an organized fashion at various distances outboard of the boat hull. Because the distance from the tip of a fishing rod to the release clip on the outrigger plus the distance from the release clip to the bait or lure is greater than the distance from the tip of the fishing rod directly to the bait or lure, a certain amount of slack is placed in the line once the release clip opens following a strike. This slack or “drop back” as it is sometimes referred to, is believed to assist in setting the hook.

However, the upward angle of the outrigger causes the release clips to be positioned well above the surface of the water, thereby creating an upward pull on the baits and lures. This upwards pull is not desirable for trolling because it tends to cause the baits and lures to be pulled out of the water and skip in an unrealistic fashion. To overcome the upward angle of pull, baits and lures must be positioned well behind the boat so that they pull through the water in a realistic fashion.

Boat captains and outrigger suppliers are reluctant to mount outriggers at an angle below 45° for fear that the rolling of the boat in rough seas will cause the rigger to dip into the water, thereby potentially tearing it off of the boat. Consequently, conventional outriggers troll baits and lures outboard of the hull at a point well behind the stern wave in order to achieve a desirable angle to the surface of the water. Although this presents baits and lures in a position where some strikes occur, fish pursuing baits and lures in the turbulent water behind the stern wave of the boat may bypass the baits and lures for a variety of reasons and continue swimming toward or even forward of the stern wave.

Using conventional outriggers, it is not possible to properly troll a bait or lure forward of, or even close to, the stern wave. Conventional outriggers are normally too high off the water at any reasonable point outboard of the hull to allow the bait or lure to be positioned close to or forward of the stern wave and pulled at a desirable angle to the surface of the water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention comprising an appendage attached to an outrigger. The outrigger is shown as mounted to a vessel and both the outrigger and the appendage are in their deployed state.

FIG. 2 illustrates a view from the cockpit looking out the right side of a vessel having the outrigger with the appendage in its deployed position;

FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view of the end of the appendage showing a release clip with a fishing line in the clip;

FIG. 4 illustrates a view from the deck on the right side of the vessel foreword of the outrigger looking aft at the outrigger and appendage;

FIG. 5 illustrates a closer view of the outrigger and the appendage; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a close up view of the hinge mechanism connecting the appendage to the outrigger in the deployed position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the above problems associated with conventional outriggers by providing an appendage which is removably or permanently affixed to an outrigger at a desirable point along the length of the outrigger. When the outrigger and appendage are deployed, the appendage may be at any desirable position outboard of the hull and extending generally downward toward the surface of the water on which the boat is afloat. The invention allows a bait or lure to be trolled in a position close to or forward of the stern wave at an angle to the surface of the water that is desirable and facilitates an appropriate drop back. The appendage can be affixed to any kind of outrigger which is located on any kind of boat or vessel capable of trolling baits and lures.

The terms “bait” or “lure”, as used in this specification, are to be interpreted as encompassing any kind of fishing baits, lures, teasers, dredges, hooks, lines, or other items, without limitation, which are used to attract a fish or catch it from the water.

The inventive appendage is configured for attachment to the outrigger, and is movable from a retracted position to an extended position after attachment to the outrigger. In one embodiment, the appendage in the retracted position may be generally parallel to the outrigger, and in the extended position, the appendage can be at any other angle to the outrigger.

In particular embodiments, the appendage can be moved to and secured at any angle between the retracted and extended positions. That is, the appendage can be temporarily fixed or fastened at any position between the fully retracted and fully extended positions. For example, the appendage can be secured in a partly extended position such as halfway between the retracted and extended positions. The particular position and configuration of the appendage will depend upon factors such as the characteristics of the outrigger to which the appendage is affixed, personal preference, and the particular type of bait or lure attached to the outrigger.

In the fully retracted position, the appendage may be flush with and generally parallel to the outrigger so as to be compact for storage. In the extended position, the appendage will generally extend outward and downward from the outrigger at an angle toward the surface of the water on which the boat is afloat. When fully extended, the appendage may make an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the outrigger, although consistent with the present invention, the appendage and the outrigger may make any angle less than or greater than 90 degrees when the appendage is fully extended. For example, the angle may be less than 90 degrees from its retracted position or greater than 90 degrees from its retracted position.

The appendage may have a substantially elongated cylindrical shape which is complementary to the shape of the outrigger. The cylindrical shape may have a circular, triangular, square, pentagonal, elongated, or other kind of cross-section. In other embodiments, the appendage may have a different shape, cross-section, or dimensions. The appendage may also be modular and composed of a number of separate elements which are joined or stacked together.

The length of the appendage will vary depending upon individual circumstances. Certain fishermen will prefer having an appendage which is sufficiently long to almost reach the water surface when the outrigger and appendage are fully deployed, whereas other fishermen will prefer having the end of the appendage at some distance away from the water. In one embodiment, the length of the appendage may be less than the length of the outrigger.

In one embodiment of the invention, the appendage is configured for attachment to the outrigger. The appendage may be removably attached to the outrigger. That is, the appendage may be attached or mounted to the outrigger shortly before fishing, and then removed from the outrigger after the day's fishing is done, or when the boat returns to dock. In other embodiments of the invention, the appendage is permanently attached to the outrigger. The appendage may be connected to the outrigger using any appropriate or convenient means of attachment, which will depend on whether the appendage is removably or permanently attached to the outrigger. Examples of means of attachment include hinges, clamps, screws, bolts, glue, welds, welding, clips, ties, ropes, and combinations thereof.

The appendage may be affixed at any point along an outrigger. In one embodiment, the appendage may be affixed to the distal end of the outrigger, with the proximal end of the outrigger secured to the boat. For example, the appendage may be affixed at about the midpoint, at about the one-third mark, or at about the distal quarter portion of the outrigger.

The appendage may be flexible or rigid, and the properties of the appendage will depend upon its material of construction. The appendage may be manufactured from the same material or a different material than the outrigger. For example, the appendage can be manufactured from wood, rubber, plastic, metal, fiberglass, polymer, a composite, a combination of any of these materials, or any other suitable material(s). Whether or not the appendage is rigid or flexible, the appendage will generally be sufficiently sturdy to resist breakage and severe deformation during use while still having a degree of “give”.

The appendage may comprise means for moving the appendage between the retracted and extended positions. For example, the appendage may be hinged or mounted on a spring or other mechanism to allow the appendage to swing or otherwise move between the retracted and extended positions. The hinging mechanism allows the appendage to be easily deployed during use, and to be retracted and collapsed against the outrigger for compact storage when not in use. The movement of the appendage in relation to the outrigger can be controlled by any means, such as by hand, using a device such as a control line or halyard, or by any device using any combination of mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, or other kind of force. In particular embodiments, the movement of the appendage may be motorized.

The appendage may also comprise a control line for controlling the movement of the appendage, such as its swing, between the retracted and extended positions.

The appendage may comprise various elements for holding fishing lines or lures. For example, the appendage may be fitted with one or more halyards with one or more release clips for releasably holding lines attached to baits or lures.

In the extended position, the appendage can be configured to troll baits and lures forward of, or close to, the stern wave caused by movement of the boat through the water, and at an angle to the surface of the water that is desirable.

The appendage may also be provided as part of an outrigger kit for a fishing boat or vessel. Although such kits will vary in content, a useful combination consists of the following elements: a) the inventive appendage for attachment to an outrigger; b) means for moving the appendage between a retracted position and an extended position after attachment of the appendage to the outrigger; and c) means for controlling the movement of the appendage between the retracted and extended positions.

The kit may further comprise one or more halyards and clips for releasably holding a fishing line to the outrigger or to the appendage. The means for moving the appendage may be a spring, hinge, or other device, and the means for controlling the movement of the appendage may be a manual means or a mechanical means. For example, the means for controlling the movement of the appendage may be a control line, a halyard, or a suitable electrical, hydraulic, or mechanical mechanism. The kit may further comprise an outrigger as an included part of the kit, thereby providing a complete fishing solution to the fisherman.

The kit can be provided as fully or partly disassembled elements. If the outrigger is provided as part of the kit, the proximal end of the outrigger can be attached to the boat, and the appendage may be attached to the outrigger at a desirable point between the proximal and distal ends.

The kit may further comprise one or more clips for releasably holding a fishing line to the outrigger or to the appendage.

The present invention will now be described with reference to the Figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention comprising an appendage (20) attached to an outrigger (10). The outrigger is shown as mounted to a vessel (60) and both the outrigger (10) and the appendage (20) are in their deployed state. Halyards (50) and control lines (70) are used to maneuver the outrigger and the appendage to particular positions, such as for fishing or for storage. The appendage is attached to the outrigger by a hinge mechanism (80) which allows the appendage to move between the retracted and deployed positions.

FIG. 2 illustrates a view of from the cockpit looking out the right side of a vessel (not illustrated in the Figure) having the outrigger (10) with the appendage (20) in its deployed position. A fishing line (30) is attached to the appendage (20) by means of a release clip (40). Halyards (50) and control lines (70) are used to adjust the position of the outrigger and appendage for optimal fishing.

FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view of the end of the appendage (20) showing a release clip (40) with a fishing line (30) in the clip. The release clip (40) may be a conventional clip which provides predetermined tensioning for holding the fishing line (30) such that when the line is hit by a fish, the clip will release the fishing line (30) from the appendage (20). Such release clips are readily available from various manufacturers of fishing supplies.

FIG. 4 illustrates a view of an outrigger (10) and appendage (20) from the deck of a vessel (70). A fishing line (30) is attached to the appendage (20) which has been mounted to the outrigger (10). Halyards (50) and control lines (70) are used to position the outrigger (10) and appendage (20).

FIG. 5 illustrates another view of the outrigger and appendage of FIG. 4. The appendage (20) has been mounted to the outrigger (10), and a fishing line (30) has been affixed to the appendage (20) and is ready for trolling for fish. Halyards (50) and control lines (70) are in place for movement and positioning of the outrigger (10) and appendage (20).

FIG. 6 illustrates a close up view of the hinge mechanism (80) connecting the appendage (20) to the outrigger (10). The appendage (20) is in the deployed position. The hinge (80) and appendage (20) can be installed during manufacture of the outrigger, or the hinge (80) and appendage (20) and associated halyards (50) and control lines (70) can be provided as aftermarket parts. In one embodiment, the hinge (80) may comprise an expandable sleeve clamp which can be fitted over the outrigger (10). After the sleeve clamp has been installed on the outrigger (10), the appendage (20) can be affixed to the sleeve using a screw or other connection means, and any associated halyards, control lines, or other means can be installed for use of the appendage.

Numerous modifications and variations of embodiments of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings, and therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as particularly described.

Claims

1. An appendage for an outrigger of a boat, wherein the appendage is configured for attachment to the outrigger and is movable from a retracted position to an extended position when attached to the outrigger, and wherein the appendage is adapated for trolling.

2. The appendage according to claim 1, wherein in the retracted position, the appendage is flush with and substantially parallel to the outrigger.

3. The appendage according to claim 1, wherein in the extended position, the appendage extends generally downward from the outrigger at an angle.

4. The appendage according to claim 3, wherein the angle is less than 90 degrees from its retracted position or greater than 90 degrees from its retracted position.

5. The appendage according to claim 1, wherein in the extended position, the appendage extends generally downward from the outrigger to the surface of a body of water on which the boat is afloat.

6. The appendage according to claim 1, wherein the appendage is removably attached to the outrigger.

7. The appendage according to claim 1, wherein the appendage is permanently attached to the outrigger.

8. The appendage according to claim 1, wherein the appendage is flexible or rigid.

9. The appendage according to claim 1, wherein the appendage is comprised of the same material or a different material than the outrigger.

10. The appendage according to claim 1, wherein the appendage is configured for attachment to the outrigger using an attachment means selected from the group consisting of clamps, screws, bolts, glue, welds, welding, clips, ties, ropes, and combinations thereof.

11. The appendage according to claim 1, further comprising means for moving the appendage between the retracted and extended positions.

12. The appendage according to claim 11, wherein the means for moving the appendage is a hinge or spring.

13. The appendage according to claim 11, further comprising a control line for controlling the movement of the appendage between the retracted and extended positions.

14. The appendage according to claim 1, further comprising a halyard with one or more release clips for releasably holding lines attached to baits or lures.

15. The appendage according to claim 3, wherein the appendage, in the extended position, is configured to troll baits and lures forward of, or close to, the stern wave caused by movement of the boat through the water and at an angle to the surface of the water.

16. The appendage according to claim 1, wherein the length of the appendage is less than the length of the outrigger.

17. An outrigger appendage kit for a fishing boat, the kit comprising:

a) the appendage according to claim 1 for attachment to an outrigger;

b) means for moving the appendage between a retracted position and an extended position after attachment of the appendage to the outrigger; and

c) means for controlling the movement of the appendage between the retracted and extended positions.

18. The kit according to claim 17, further comprising one or more halyards and clips for releasably holding a fishing line to the outrigger or to the appendage.

19. The kit according to claim 17, wherein the means for moving the appendage is a spring or hinge.

20. The kit according to claim 17, wherein the means for controlling the movement of the appendage is a manual means or a mechanical means.

21. The kit according to claim 17, wherein the means for controlling the movement of the appendage is a control line or a halyard.

22. The kit according to claim 17, further comprising the outrigger as an included part of the kit.

23. An outrigger for a boat, the outrigger comprising an appendage which is moveable from a retracted position to an extended position, wherein the appendage is configured for trolling.