Abstract: A net assembly includes a specially shaped double curved, elongated frame, a net on the frame, and an adjustable length handle attached to the rear end of the frame that is effective in inserting through a hole in the ice for retrieving a fish hooked on the end of a line.

Abstract: A flexible fish landing net for use from a substantially elevated position relative to the water line(10) is provided which includes a netting material(15), flexible rim(20) having reinstating force and a connecting rope assembly(30) for raising and lowering the net. During use the flexible rim material deflects inwardly under application of weight in the net thereby reducing the exposure of the net aperture.

Abstract: A fishing net device for providing an easier way for the user to carry and transport the fishing net. The fishing net device includes a housing having a side wall and an open front end; and also includes net support members being removably disposed inside the housing and through the open front end; and further includes a net member being attached to the net support members and being removably disposed within the housing; and also includes A release assembly for releasing and urging the net support members from inside the housing.

Abstract: A net assembly includes a specially shaped double curved, elongated frame, a net on the frame, and an adjustable length handle attached to the rear end of the frame that is effective in inserting through a hole in the ice for retrieving a fish hooked on the end of a line.

Abstract: A coupling system suitable for use with a transmission cable is described. The system includes a rotary electrical coupling operably connected to a cable reel assembly having a main body and a reel rotatably mounted to the main body for winding the transmission cable. The rotary electrical coupling provides for the transmission of electrical signals and power between the cable on the reel and a vessel. The rotary electrical coupling includes a rolling electrical contact bearing.

Abstract: A fly fishing net is disclosed including an integrally formed handle and frame. The frame includes an interior flange in which holes are formed for receiving a mesh netting. As there are no holes drilled through the frame, the frame is not weakened by a loss of material, and no water enters into the frame. Thus, the life of the net is prolonged relative to conventional nets. The frame and handle are preferably formed of a carbon fiber material. In addition to facilitating the formation of the flange and holes therein, forming the frame of carbon fiber allows the net to be custom shaped as desired. Additionally, in comparison to convention wooden nets, a carbon fiber net is significantly lighter.

Abstract: A multipurpose fishing net for sport anglers serves as a landing net, a “strip box” for holding line stripped from a reel prior to casting, and also as a shallow container for temporarily holding a freshly caught fish for photography or other momentary capture before release. A rigid frame is formed of lightweight tubular components, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. The structure is buoyant, with additional flotation provided by closed cell foam. A net is secured to two opposite sides or more preferably to all four sides of the frame, around the floatation foam portions. The net has some slack therein so that it extends loosely between opposite sides, to allow a captured fish to reside mostly within the water when the present net is floating therein. A tether extends from the frame of the device, for temporary attachment to clothing or other article.

Abstract: A pool skimmer for quickly skimming a pool to remove debris. The pool skimmer includes an elongate pole handle and at least one skimming net assembly. The pole handle has opposite proximal and distal ends. Each skimming net assembly comprises an open frame and a net screen. The open frame defines a central opening which the net screen extends across. One end portion of the open frame is pivotally coupled to the distal end of the pole handle. The other end portion of the open frame of the skimming net assembly is adapted for detachable attachment to an end portion of an open frame of another skimming net assembly.

Abstract: A combination telescopic boat hook/bilge pump which includes a novel locking device is described. The inner tube is provided with a washer at the proximal end which acts with the outer tube as a piston. The ball tip distal end of the boat hook is provided with an axial bore so that water can be sucked into the outer tube for subsequent discharge. For use as a boat hook the inner tube is extended until a pair of spring loaded pins mounted in the inner tube at the proximal end thereof releasably engage any two of three circumferential slots provided adjacent the proximal end of the outer tube so as to provide an extended rigid shaft.

Abstract: A landing net is described and comprises a hoop shaped net body member (17), which is secured to one end of a handle (13). A hinge (15) is located between the two ends of the handle (13) and which permits a section of the handle (13) to be folded from a first fully extended configuration to a second folded configuration in which the other end of the handle (13) is adjacent to the hoop shaped net body member (17). When the folding section of the handle (13) is in the second configuration, it is selectively attachable to the net body member (17).

Abstract: A fish netting device including a frame member with a handle. Included is a first net member that defines a pocket configuration, when interconnected to the frame member. A rider bracket is positioned within the frame and capable of sliding back and forth within the frame. A second net member has a first portion that is interconnected with the frame and a second portion interconnected with the rider bracket. Lastly, the handle has a guide slot and a channel. The channel has a means for moving the rider bracket back and forth. The means has a lever positioned within the guide slot for controlling the movement of the rider bracket.

Abstract: The automated closing of the opening of a hand-held net. The hand-held net is operatable underwater, and specifically in saltwater. A mechanism, contained in an elongated handle, causes retraction of a predetermined section of a draw line to within the handle. The handle has pivotally attached a hoop, the hoop having attached a net. The draw line engages circumferentially the net at a location parallel to, and spaced from, the hoop. Once retraction of the draw line is activated the locations of connection of the draw line are gathered into close proximity together. This location being generally to the center of the hoop. Once retracted to this position, the net is effectively closed, preventing exit of anything contained therein through the hoop. The closed netting device is returned to an expanded position in a controlled manner by the operator by enabling a desired length of the draw line to be removed from the handle in user defined increments.

Abstract: This invention relates to fishing gear in the form of a minnow caddy. The minnow caddy has a main caddy body which is opaque (black) and forms a hiding place for a minnow or like bait fish into which the bait fish will swim when the minnow caddy is placed in a bait receptacle. The main caddy body having an entrance end and an exit end is carried by a control handle which permits the positioning of the main caddy body within the bait receptacle. At the exit end of the main caddy body there is an exit opening in which there is positioned a hooking aperture body having a monoleaf spring gate with opposed monoleaf springs.

Abstract: A securable fish net apparatus comprising a fishing net further comprising a racket having a generally annular head and a handle extended therefrom; and a mesh material coupled about the head of the racket to define a pocket for holding fish therein; a strap having a securement mechanism on one end and securable mechanism on the other end with the securable mechanism adapted to be coupled with the securement mechanism in a closed loop configuration about the wrist of a fisherman; a first coupling mechanism having one orientation for coupling the racket to the strap and another orientation for decoupling the racket from the strap; and a second coupling mechanism coupled to the racket and adapted to secure the handle to an arm of a fisherman; whereby when the strap is secured about the wrist of a fisherman, and when the racket is coupled to the strap with the first coupling mechanism, and when the second coupling mechanism is secured about his arm, his adjoining hand is free to control a hooked and netted fish.

Abstract: A net apparatus for catching aquatic animals includes in a preferred embodiment a substantially transparent monofilament netting attached to a substantially transparent, hollow, tubular rim, which is attached to a substantially transparent, hollow, tubular handle. One or more openings allows water to flow into the hollow interior of both the rim and the handle when immersed underwater. The handle includes two openings for receiving the two ends of the rim. An elliptical cross-section of both the rim and the openings in the handle afford assembly of the dip net apparatus by inserting the ends of the rim into the corresponding handle openings and friction locking the rim to the handle by twisting the rim relative to the handle.

Abstract: An enlarged pool skimmer with a buoyancy component including a frame. The frame is formed of an upper horizontal tube in an inverted U-shaped configuration with downwardly extending ends and a lower angled tube in a U-shaped configuration with upwardly extending ends and with vertically extending brackets coupling the ends of the tubes at an outboard side and an inboard side. The brackets are formed with longitudinal slots extending vertically over the majority of the central extent of the brackets. A cylindrical pipe is positionable in a horizontal orientation with supports at the opposite ends thereof for adjustably coupling the ends of the pipe to the slots of the brackets. Also included are bolts and associated nuts which extend through the brackets at the ends of the pipe to allow for vertical adjustment of the pipe with respect to the frame. A fine mesh screen is formed of a plastic material covering the space between the upper tube, the lower tube and the side brackets.

Abstract: A fish landing device comprising a generally conical landing device having a rigid frame with a flexible covering supported by the frame with an opening at each end of the covering to facilitate drawing the fish into the covering while the line is still attached and having a slot extending the entire length of the frame to allow drawing the line completely through the landing device, together with straps for securing the covering about the fish to immobilize the fish for safe removal of the hook.

Abstract: A strainer basket is integrally connected to a rectangular frame that is integrally connected to an elongated handle. At the end of the handle opposite from the frame, the handle broadens into a grip and then narrows and terminates in a small hook; the small hook is designed for removing the covers of skimmer wells in swimming pools. An elongated flange projects from the rectangular frame on the frame side opposite to the handle, and forms an elongated hook that is useful for grasping skimmer basket handles; thus, the tool permits removal and cleaning of skimmer baskets from pool skimmer wells without the user having to bend over and risk contact of their hands with pool scum, dead leaves, and the occasional live snake or other undesirable live or deceased animals encountered during the cleaning of pool skimmers.

Abstract: A dip net apparatus for catching fish includes in a preferred embodiment a transparent monofilament netting attached to a substantially-transparent, hollow, tubular rim, which is attached to a substantially-transparent, hollow, tubular handle. An opening within the handle allows water to flow into the hollow interior of both the rim and the handle when immersed underwater, and which renders the rim and handle visually undetectable to nearby fish. The handle includes two openings for receiving the two ends of the rim. An elliptical cross-section of both the rim and the openings in the handle afford assembly of the dip net apparatus by inserting the ends of the rim into the corresponding handle openings and friction locking the rim by twisting the rim relative to the handle.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a fish landing net having a handle and elongate first and second frame members, the outer ends of which are joined by a hinge-like mechanism. In the improvement, the outer ends extend along an axis and the mechanism is mounted for pivoting movement about the axis. The mechanism pivots between a first position preventing folding the frame members and a second position permitting folding such members. The mechanism is urged toward the first position by a coiled spring, the twisting force of which is manually overcome to fold the net. The net also has a similar novel hinge-like mechanism joining the inward ends of the frame members. The spring-biased hinge mechanism per se is also disclosed for joining tube-like pieces.

Abstract: A fish handling net comprises a body portion having a triangular opening. The body portion can be formed from a net material or from waterproof plastic sheet material such as PVC which has been perforated to provide drainage holes.The body portion is provided with attachment means comprising weighing rings, and VELCRO.RTM. strips along each side of the body portion. The weighing ring is attachable to a projection of a sleeve which is clamped to a pole.

Abstract: A net trap incorporating a net attached to both a frame and a bar, which is slidably attached to the frame. A handle is attached to the frame. A release means in the handle allows the bar to slide relative to the frame as urged by an elastic means, thereby closing the net and imprisoning its contents.

Abstract: The invention concerns a castable rig and a method for catching crustaceans using a standard rod and reel. The disclosed rig includes an annular ring attached to a harness by means of a plurality of elongate suspension members. The periphery of a generally conical net is attached to the annular ring. A weight is attached to the net and a bait sack is positioned within the conical structure of the net. The bait sack may be integrally formed with the net.

Abstract: The present invention features a sportsman's fishing net apparatus having a shaft for thrusting the net into the moving current for the purpose of snaring a hooked fish. The net is framed upon a tubular ring-like member disposed on a distal end of the shaft. A flotation device keeps the upper part of the tubular member afloat in the water. The flotation device allows the net to maintain the same position with respect to the surface of the water, despite the induced wave motions. The shaft of the net apparatus is slidable within a collar. The collar is mountable upon trunnions attached to a bracket affixed to the side of the boat. The trunnions allow the shaft to rotate about the bracket affixed to the side of the boat, thus allowing movement with the wave motions. In one embodiment of the apparatus, the shaft is articulated in a mid-portion thereof, for the purpose of drawing the net out of the water without slidably withdrawing the net or detaching the shaft collar from its swivel mounting.

Abstract: A brailing system for commercial fishing boats that speeds the process of taking the fish from the pursing net that has been gathered next to the ship and transferring the fish into the storage chambers of the ship. Novel structure for reciprocally, pivotally and rotatably supporting the rear end of the brailing pole reduces the number of men required to dip the brailing pole into the pursing net.

Abstract: A combination net holster and fishing creel comprising a water impervious back and a net front portion secured together about the sides and bottom to form an upwardly opening net receiving pocket sized to receive a fishing net therein. A belt loop is formed in the back portion for receiving a belt about the fisherman's chest and a cord may be employed to secure the lower portion of the apparatus to the user's leg. Fish may be kept within the pocket, while water freely circulates through the net front portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a scoop net for catching fish, which includes a net coupled with a water-tight plastic fabric and connected to the scoop net frame. The plastic fabric is having one circular end adhered to the middle part of the net to define a scoop-like water chamber, and having the other elongated end fixedly connected to the curved side portion of the scoop net frame to define a water channel.

Abstract: A mechanically driven brailer for fish from the bunt of a net includes a handle, a brailer hoop, and brail net attached to the hoop. The brailer hoop is hinged to the handle such that it maintains a coplanar relationship with the handle as both are driven downward into the fish. Release of a latch means allows the hoop to change positions relative to the handle so that the volume of the bunt swept by the hoop is maximized.

Abstract: A landing net capable of temporarily disabling a fish or other animal is provided, having a frame for supporting a collecting net, a handle for controlling the frame and net, and a controllable power source for supplying an electrical current to a contacting member located in the collecting net. When the animal touches the contacting member, it is shocked and temporarily disabled.

Abstract: A portable basketball net assembly which may be easily installed upon and removed from a basketball goal hoop includes a flexible collar which embraces the goal hoop circumference. The extended edges of the collar are selectively joinable as are the opposed ends of the collar to retain the collar in place on the hoop. A net depends from the collar and fully surrounds the hoop when the collar is installed. The edges and ends of the collar are preferably joinable by mating sections of hook-and-eye fabric tape material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lift improvement device comprising a hollow main elongated member, having a forearm support at one end and a handle grip from about 7 to about 18 inches along the elongated member from the forearm support. The hollow elongated member is configured to receive a pole or handle therethrough and the device has particular utility for slidably mounting on poles or handles to allow single handed manipulation of end working devices which, in turn, are mounted on the poles or handles.

Abstract: A fish landing net having a cord attached to the apex of the net webbing for preventing drifting of the webbing during landing of a fish. One end of the cord is attached to the apex of the webbing and the other is attached to a weight slidably received within the hollow portion of the landing net handle.

Abstract: An illuminated fish net is comprised of a central, substantial body structure which receives and provides operative inter-engagement between a loop for receiving a net and a handle as well as interiorally disposed illuminating means including a light, batteries and a switch that is actuatable from the end of the handle.

Abstract: A fishing net having a handle supporting a frame defining an opening and a net mounted to the perimeter of the frame. A guide member is pivotally mounted in a gap in the frame and connected to the net. The guide member is adapted to receive a fishing line on which a fish is caught. The fishing line is pulled upwards through the guide member and pulls the fish into engagement with the net. The fishing net is then inverted with the fish captured in the net. Preferably, the guide member includes a latch member for securing the fishing line within the guide member.

Abstract: A purse type seine readily operable by one person. Includes a woven purse seine, a rectangular support frame connected to the perimeter of the intake opening, and an elongated operating handle connected to the upper side of the frame at a selected angle permitting the person to manually operate the seine when walking behind the seine where the frame and purse opening remains ahead of the person with the bottom edge of the said frame extending slightly further ahead than the top edge of said frame. A flotation device is attached to the seine near the full depth of the purse and disposed to be on the top of the seine when the person is pushing the frame through water.

Abstract: A combination fish landing net, weight scale, and length scale for use by fishermen to obtain accurate fresh weight and length measurements of a captured fish immediately after netting. A flexible mesh net is secured upon a generally circular, tubular hoop. A rigid plug secured in the interior of the hoop by a pair of screws may be removed to permit removal and replacement of a damaged net. The compressed hoop ends are secured by a rigid rivet to one end of an expansible, steel spring and fitted in coaxial relation into the interior of a rigid, phosphorescent, plastic tube. The spring is secured within the tube by a rigid pin. A pair of parallel rectangular clearance slots are cut in opposite sides of the tube. The tube is coaxially, telescopingly fitted within a rigid, elongated, tubular handle of a highly contrasting color. A rigid steel fastener passes through the handle between the clearance slots of the tube to capture the opposite end of the spring.

Abstract: A combination fishing net and snagged-hook retriever has a tubular handle with a telescopically extendable member carried within. The extension member is axially removable from the net handle when retrieval of a snagged hook is necessary. A preferred hook retriever is a split-ring device having a pair of bent arms which substantially encircle the line proximate to the hook, enabling multi-directional forces to be applied to the hook resulting in its disengagement.

Abstract: A fishing device particularly useful for surf fishing and boat fishing adapted to be fastened to the waist of the fisherman. A base plate is provided in a generally arcuate shape to conform to the curvature of the waist area of the wearer. Slots in the base plate allow passage of a belt therethrough for securing the base plate to the waist of the fisherman. A bracket positioned near the center of the base plate has a socket rotatably mounted therein for receiving and supporting a fishing rod. Flexible rings fastened at each end of the base plate serve to receive and retain bait containers. The base plate is also provided with an aperture adjacent at least one lower corner thereof for attaching a fish stringer thereto. A modified dip net has two longitudinal end supports which are received by tubular members fastened on the base plate to position the dip net in a substantially horizontal position.

Abstract: A fish landing net has a tubular handle with a circular coplanar frame at one end. A conical netting has an apex and an open end secured to the frame. A tension spring biased pulley journaled within the handle has a cord wound thereon, at its free end secured to the netting apex holding the netting collapsed against the handle when not in use. The weight of a fish in the net extends the netting and unwinds the cord against spring tension, the netting automatically collapsing on unloading.

Abstract: A net structure includes a handle having a rigid hoop secured thereto. A flexible bag having an openable top portion defining the mouth of the bag has a plurality of connector means secured at spaced intervals thereto. These connector means are also freely slidably attached to the rigid hoop to pendantly secure the bag to the hoop. These connector means are moveable from a relative positional arrangement wherein they are spaced apart about the hoop to define the open mouth position of the bag to a second relative positional arrangement wherein such connector means are grouped together on the hoop to define the closed mouth position of the bag. An elastic member is connected between selected ones of the connector means such that as the latter are made to slide along the hoop between the first and second relative positional arrangements, the distance between said selected ones of the connector means is varied.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a new and novel device for oxygenating water containing apparatus for sustaining life of live bait contained in said water containing apparatus. The device consists of an aspiration bulb connected to a hollow tube which is affixed to a wire framed net. When the bulb is compressed, is forced through and out of the tube and by design, is forced to pass over the wire framed mesh net which disburses the air flow over a larger area and the water containing apparatus.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaning apparatus comprising a quick connect-disconnect handle, an ovate frame, a collecting net structure with an inner and outer section, and a blade-like edge on the forward portion of the frame. The collecting net structure contains an open inner net contained in a closed outer net; the inner net allows easy ingress of debris into the outer net while retarding its escape if the direction of net motion is reversed. The blade-like edge of moderately flexible material attached to the front of the net increases the efficiency of collection of debris close to the bottom walls of the pool. Construction of the apparatus is modular and allows easy replacement of worn parts without discarding serviceable parts; repairs can be made without the use of tools. The ease of assembly and disassembly allows the net to be stored and shipped in a disassembled state and is reflected in reduced handling costs.

Abstract: A fist net or the like having a removable cover comprises a loop frame, a net on the frame, an handle attached to the frame, and an elastic cover moveable from an extended position covering the loop and net to a retracted position and occupying a compacted volume adjacent to the handle. A locking means secures the cover to the apex of the loop frame, and a release mechanism in the handle releases the locking means by movement of a connecting wire joining the locking and releasing means.

Abstract: A novel structure for a fish landing net, or basket, is provided wherein the net is defined by top and bottom C-shaped supports secured in spaced relationship by a plurality of longitudinal ribs. Corresponding ends of the C-shaped supports are secured together by parallel, spaced slider bars which define a slot opening into the interior of the fish landing net. The slider bars are adapted to receive a snap ring which is connectable around the two bars and is slidable thereon, to close the slot and to secure a fishing line within the net. The snap ring is secured to a lowering line by means of which the net may be lowered along the fishing line to encompass a fish hooked on the fishing line. A weight is provided on the snap ring so that when the landing net surrounds the fish, the weight will carry the snap ring downwardly along the slide bars past a shoulder formed in at least one of the bars, which prevents the ring from sliding back up the slide bars.

Abstract: A closeable fish net comprising a frame including a U-shaped portion beneath which a container is suspended and defines with the frame an opening for entry of fish into the container. A cover is slidably supported by the U-shaped portion for movement between a retracted position in which the opening for the fish is open and an extended position in which the opening is closed. An actuator rod is coupled to the cover to move the same between the retracted and extended positions and a finger-engageable portion is provided on the end of the actuator rod.

Abstract: A new and improved aquarium fish net having an open, porous pocket defined by spaced, parallel side walls of relatively course mesh or large pore material joined by a continuous, seamless, front-bottom-rear wall of relatively fine mesh or very small pore material. The porous pocket is suspended from a vinyl covered wire frame, the ends of which are twisted together and supported in an elongated wooden handle.

Abstract: For use in combination with a supporting open frame structure adapted for connection to a handle and formed from a material of generally circular cross-section, there is described a net replacement unit which comprises a resiliently deformable, tubular cover and a depending net formed integral therewith. The cover has an inner surface defining an ovate longitudinal bore communicating through a slot coextensive with the bore along its narrow side for reception of the frame therethrough. Additionally, the cover is provided with a plurality of longitudinal ribs coextensive with the bore and extending thereinto from the cover's inner surface in a particular orientation to bias the frame to retain the frame in the cover, yet permit the cover to be readily snapped on and off the frame using only hand pressure when necesssary to replace the net and/or cover.

Abstract: A dip net assembly for catching fish and the like embodying a loop-like member carried by a handle. The open end of a net member is secured to the loop-like member with the other end of the net member being closed. A U-shaped member extends laterally from the loop-like member and is detachably connected thereto at the free ends of the legs of the U-shaped member with the base of the U-shaped member engaging the closed end of the net member.

Abstract: A fish dip net assembly is constructed of water permeable and non-permeable material and is designed to catch or permit manipulation of fish between containers or bodies of water while providing and maintaining a continuous water environment to prevent injury or trauma to the fish. The permeable portion of the dip net assembly is fabricated from woven mesh material, which permits the net to be used for capturing fish, while the non-permeable portion of the dip net assembly is fabricated from a water retaining material to provide and maintain a continuous water environment for the fish. Various embodiments of the invention for providing specialized functions relating to fish handling are described.

Abstract: An imperforate transparent bag is detachably attached to a substantially rigid frame adapted to hold the bag open. The frame has an elongate handle extending therefrom and is manipulated by means of the handle to introduce the bag into a confined body of water in which live fish are kept for sale. One or more of the fish and a protective quantity of water are entrapped within the bag, whereupon the handle is manipulated to remove the frame and bag from the water. The bag is then detached from the frame and tightly closed as a package for both the live fish and water contained therein.