Signaling Patents (Class 43/16)
  • Patent number: 6446380
    Abstract: A signaling device for alerting fishermen to the presence of fish at the fish hook and includes a signal light and sound switching system fitted to a fishing rod so that a fish pulling on the hook and line activates the light and or the sound. A compact system which can be installed within the body of the fishing rod without cumbersome attachments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventors: Dragan Radosavljevic, Alton L. Welch
  • Patent number: 6336287
    Abstract: A fishing hook setting apparatus for preventing a fish from getting away before the angler can set the hook. The fishing hook setting apparatus includes a base having an upright elongate member, a ground-penetrating member attached to the elongate member, and a brace attached to the elongate member, and further includes a support member, a spring-loaded sleeve pivotally mounted upon the support member, a trigger means including a trigger, and a spring-loaded detent, and also includes an alarm means which includes a speaker, a power source, and an on/off switch to audibly notify the user concerning the setting of the hook in a fish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventor: Herman Lobato
  • Patent number: 6125571
    Abstract: A fishing rod holder includes an elongate support that is driven into the sand or earth near a body of water. A short tube receives the butt of a fishing rod so the rod end extends upwardly generally parallel to the elongate support. An alarm is fixed to the upper end of the elongate support and provides a tether releasably connected to the rod with a spring biased clip. When the rod is straight, and no fish is on the line, the tether describes a catenary and is essentially untensioned. When a fish is on the line, the rod bends, straightening out the tether and pulling the clip from the rod. When the rod moves out of the clip, the spring biased ends of the clip close thereby completing an electric circuit energizing the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Darren H. Sigwald
  • Patent number: 6098332
    Abstract: An electronic floating mark for fishing having a light indication includes an indication lamp capable of displaying two distinct indications, a control circuit board coupled to the indication lamp for controlling transition of the indication lamp between the two indications, a pair of batteries, a magnetic reed switch capable of being in a conductive state and a non-conductive state, a system of magnetic rings moving with respect to the magnetic reed switch responsive to activity of a fish. The indication lamp is initially in a first indication state (green). When the floating mark has been immersed into water and the magnetic reed switch has been switched into a conducting state, the indication lamp is put into a second indication state (red). In another embodiment, the first indication state requires the floating mark to be immersed in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Chia-Yi Wang
  • Patent number: 6094852
    Abstract: A fishing pole tip-up system for signaling to a fisherman that a fish bite has occurred using a conventional fishing rod. The inventive device includes a shaft having a pointed lower end, a stability member attached to the shaft near the lower end, a rod support pivotally attached to the upper end of the shaft, an indicator structure attached to the upper end of the shaft, and a catch member pivotally attached to the shaft. The lower end of the shaft is designed to penetrate all types of ground surfaces such as sand, gravel or dirt. The rod support comprises a first claw and a second claw for releasably retaining a conventional fishing rod in a relatively horizontal position. The indicator structure comprises a flex spring attached to the upper end of the shaft, and a pole with a flag attached to the flex spring opposite of the shaft. The catch member includes a slot, wherein the slot releasably captures the pole of the indicator structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: William J. Roach
  • Patent number: 6012247
    Abstract: The invention comprises an automatic fishhook setting device wherein a lever may be engaged by the tug of a fish strike on a fishing line to release the tension of a spring. The spring will then snap the line to set the fishhook in the fish. It is possible to adjust both the spring tension and the amount of pull needed to engage the device. The device may also be mounted from a variety of fishing positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: Andrew H. Kinsey
  • Patent number: 5890312
    Abstract: Fishing apparatus for setting a fish hook into a fish striking the hook and concurrently signaling the strike. The fishing apparatus includes mechanism for swingably mounting a fishing pole having a fishing reel thereon around which is wound a fishing line having a terminal end mounting a fish hook. A signaling flag is mounted on a flexible staff for movement between a stowed position and a signaling position. Mechanism is provided for moving the rod in the direction away from the base in response to tension force being applied to the fishing line to set the hook. The fish strike signaling flag is released in response to tension force being applied to the fishing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Timothy T. Ball
  • Patent number: 5819465
    Abstract: A hook setting fishing buoy is disclosed having a container with an inner compartment, a spring secured within the compartment and movable between a tensioned position and an untensioned position, a line operatively connected to the spring so that the spring may provide a hook setting force to the line when the spring moves from the tensioned position to the untensioned position and a catch connected to the buoy to releasably retain the spring in a tensioned position until a force is applied to the line. A signal, such as a light, may be operatively connected to the spring to indicate when the spring has moved to the untensioned position, and the spring and signal may be secured to a card that is removably disposed within the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Johnnie Bryant
  • Patent number: 5813161
    Abstract: An automatic fish hook setting assembly includes a hook setting member that is interengaged with a fishing line following deployment of the fishing line. The hook setting member is held in a set position by a latching mechanism, against a biasing force tending to release the hook setting member. A weight transfer assembly is also engaged by the fishing line in a manner which causes the assembly to be shifted from a loaded position to an unloaded position when a force, exceeding a threshold amount, is exerted thereon through the fishing line by a fish tugging on the line. When unloaded, the weight transfer assembly abuts the latching mechanism which causes the hook setting member to be automatically released, thereby jerking the fishing line to snare the fish. The automatic fish hook setting assembly can be readily adjusted for use with various fishing styles and species of fish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Hyunsoo Yai
  • Patent number: 5809684
    Abstract: A hook setting apparatus comprised of a post and a telescoping stake for mounting the apparatus on the shore of a lake, river or ocean. The hook setting apparatus is comprised of a trigger release mechanism having a bracket mounted on the post. A trigger release mechanism comprised of a pin and a trigger release lever are secured to a fishing line with the natural flexibility of a fishing pole holding a trigger pin in the trigger release lever. Slack in the fishing line is passed through the trigger release lever and extends beneath the body of water being fished. The trigger release mechanism relies on the natural flexibility of a fishing pole to apply to the force to set a hook. The trigger release lever releases the end of the pin allowing the fishing pole to snap sharply backward, applying considerable force to a fishing line to set a hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventors: Tommy Lee Carter, Patricia Ann Carter
  • Patent number: 5802758
    Abstract: A fish hook setting apparatus having a rod holder pivotally mounted on a base. The rod holder moves between a cocked, spring loaded position and an upright resting position. A trigger member is movably coupled to the base and releasibly engages the rod holder while the rod holder is in the cocked position. A plurality of slots for receiving a fishing line are included on the trigger member to allow adjustment and control of trigger sensitivity. A locking mechanism allows the rod holder to be locked in the cocked position while changes in trigger sensitivity or adjustments to a fishing line are made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Wayne Frehling
  • Patent number: 5613318
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fishing rod holder including a spring loaded fishing rod mount that is attached to a retractable frame by means of a rotating cross member. The release mechanism, which also serves as part of the triggering device, which shall be known hereafter as the trigger release mechanism, consists of a pivotally mounted pre-formed metallic rod that retains a fishing pole in a spring loaded horizontal position. A trigger line is attached to the bottom portion of the trigger release mechanism and to a trigger float. The trigger float is comprised of low density foam with a retaining clip and trigger line attachment point. The trigger float is slidably attached to a fishing rod line. When the trigger float is moved sufficiently downward, tension on the trigger line rotates the trigger release mechanism from the top of the fishing rod urging the fishing rod by spring-force to move in a vertical direction from a horizontal cocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Dennis M. Hislop
  • Patent number: 5570534
    Abstract: A fishing jig is disclosed for holding a fishing rod and moving the rod in an up and down motion in an oscillating manner. The rod is oscillated by an electric motor that drives a jigging wheel and lever arrangement via a gear assembly which is connected to the jigging wheel. Both the rate of oscillation and oscillation stroke may be varied. Upon a strike by a fish, the jig has a mechanism for quickly raising the rod in an upward direction with sufficient force to set the hook. The distance that the rod travels to set the hook also may be adjusted. In addition, the sensitivity of the jig can be adjusted with regard to both the amount of force that must be exerted upon the fishing rod holder as a result of a fish strike and the degree of travel which the rod holder must undergo, as a result of a fish strike to activate the hook set mechanism. The jig may also be coupled to an alarm that indicates activation of the hook set mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignees: Michael R. Bowen, David N. Bowen
    Inventor: Wayne M. Ford
  • Patent number: 5499469
    Abstract: A fish hook setting device is disclosed comprising a housing having side walls, end walls and a bottom wall. A solenoid is secured within the housing and is activated by a solenoid actuator. The actuator is operatively associated with a fishing line and responds to line weight. The actuation of the solenoid causes the fishing line to be pulled up a predetermined distance. The device also comprises means for deactivating the solenoid. Upon deactivation, the elements of the device return to their starting position and the device can be activated once more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventor: Jean-Guy Guillemette
  • Patent number: 5495688
    Abstract: The fish strike alarm system has a flexible line for connecting between a pull actuated switch on an alarm indicator and the end of a fishing pole that is set in a flexed position by its attachment with a down rigger arrangement. The connection to the fishing pole is adjusted to be released by the fishing pole as it straightens due to a fish disturbing the bait and causing the fishing line to release from the down rigger arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Inventors: Sean W. Sondej, William R. Sondej
  • Patent number: 5483768
    Abstract: A device for automatically setting a hook in a fish uses a simple post to which the major components are assembled, which post has a pointed bottom for insertion into ice or snow, for ice fishing in the winter, or to which a appropriate clamp may be attached so that the post can be connected to other supports such as a pier or the gunwale of a boat for fishing during the other seasons. The device incorporates a signal flag and it also incorporates a spring mechanism for avoiding activation if a fish only makes a passing attempt at taking the bait, rather than a full strike. This mechanism takes the form of a lever and a first spring-loaded rod attached to a recoil mechanism. If the rod is caused to move with sufficient force it will actuate the recoil mechanism which, in turn, moves the lever and releases a second spring-loaded rod, effectively setting the hook in the fish's mouth. The recoil mechanism is adjustable so that its sensitivity can be set in accordance with the species of fish being sought.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Inventor: Yvan Tessier
  • Patent number: 5359802
    Abstract: A fishing rod holder is described for supporting a fishing rod and automatically lifting the rod in response to pulling motion on the fishing line carried by the fishing rod. The apparatus includes a hinged tubular receiver for receiving the handle of a fishing rod, an upright stand, a spring connected between the tubular receiver and the stand, an arm which extends forwardly of the stand, a latch attached to the tubular receiver, and a trigger carried on the arm and engaging the latch on the tubular receiver. The sensitivity of the trigger can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Inventor: Manuel Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 5249387
    Abstract: A base plate mounts a lift rod that has its forward end slidably directing a fishing line and a second end biased to a vertical orientation relative to the base plate, with a fishing reel laterally oriented relative to the lift rod directing fishing line along the lift rod through the lift rod first end along a release mechanism, whereupon a fish strike rotates the release mechanism to effect lifting of the lift rod for the indication and simultaneous securement and fixing of a hook relative to a fish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Inventors: Edward W. Slocum, Daniel L. Slocum
  • Patent number: 5245778
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fishing rod holder including a spring-loaded fishing rod mount that is pivotally attached to the top of a release mechanism housing, and a ground stake that extends downwardly from the housing. The release mechanism includes a trip rod that is slidably mounted in the housing and that is urged by spring force to move longitudinally from a cocked position in which a tip of the trip rod projects through an opening in the front wall of the housing, to a retraced position in which the trip rod tip is retracted within the opening. A lever arm extends laterally from the trip rod through a slot in a side wall of the housing and can be engaged in a vertical part of the slot to hold the trip rod in its cocked position. A flexible latch member extends from the rod mount and has a slip ring on its lower end for engaging the extended tip of the trip rod to retain the fishing rod mount, against spring force, in a generally horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Inventors: Robert W. Gallegos, Dan J. Gallegos
  • Patent number: 5168651
    Abstract: A fish mesh basket is fixedly and coaxially mounted to a torroidal flotation ring, wherein the ring includes at least one support loop to permit tethering of a plurality of the basket structures together. A signal illumination bulb is arranged to be switched off upon a fish strike in cooperation with a retraction reel spring-biased to retract a fish upon a fish strike. A modification of the invention includes swaying apparatus to effect a pitching and swaying of the organization upon water to enhance movement of the bait upon a fish hook structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Inventor: Kenneth G. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5125181
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fish strike detector assembly for attachment to a fishing rod. The assembly includes an electrical circuit to detect and indicate a fish strike. The circuit includes a tilt switch having a frame with two contacts on the frame and having a bridging element moving by gravity and carried by the frame toward and away from electrical contact with the contacts as the frame is tilted in each of two directions. A delay circuit may be electrically coupled to the tilt switch to eliminate false alarms due to waves or boat rocking. An indicator is electrically coupled to the delay switch. A power supply is electrically coupled to the tilt switch in the circuit providing electrical power to the circuit. A rod clamp directly mounts the assembly securely to the fishing rod. The rod clamp has a first part and a second part fastened together near a first end of each. Each part has near a second end a raised portion on an inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Inventor: David N. Brinton
  • Patent number: 5109624
    Abstract: An automatic fishing device for suspension from tree limbs, stumps and other supports or objects and automatically hooking fish. In a preferred embodiment the automatic fishing device is characterized by a frame having an inverted T-shape and an arcuate length of tubing mounted in the frame, with both ends of the tubing terminating in spaced relationship in the base support member of the frame. An operating line is slidably disposed in the tubing and a hook is secured to one end of the operating line and a weight to the other end. A slotted trigger is mounted on the tubing support adjacent to the end of the tubing which receives the hook segment of the operating line. When the hook is baited and disposed beneath the surface of the water, the weight is raised above the surface of the water or in the water in spaced relationship with respect to the hook segment of the operating line and the hook segment is inserted in the trigger slot to set the automatic fishing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Inventor: Byron D. Bryan
  • Patent number: 5076001
    Abstract: A spring loading fishing pole holder apparatus (10) for causing a spring biased force to be applied to the butt (101) of a fishing pole (100) in response to a strike force being applied to the fishing line (102); wherein, the apparatus (10) is provided with an adjustable latching unit (14) for varying the spring biased force applied to the fishing pole (100) and, an adjustable trigger unit (15) for varying the strike force required to release the latching unit (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Inventors: Ronny D. Coon, Larry G. Sapp
  • Patent number: 5074072
    Abstract: Fish bite signaling apparatus having a base shaped to cover an ice hole and including a hinged vertical handle which supports a fish line containing reel. A spring biased signaling flap projects from the base, magnetically interconnects with a number of magnets mounted to the reel and cooperates with separate visual and audio annunciation means. Line tensioning means and accessory support means are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Inventors: Richard R. Serocki, William D. Appel
  • Patent number: 5050333
    Abstract: A portable knockdown fishing rig which includes a base, a fishing rod support, a flag and staff having its lower end mounted to the base and its upper end adapted, in a flexed condition, to be loosely engaged to a line responsive triggering mechanism also mounted to the support. A pulling force exerted on the fishing line causes the triggering mechanism to release the flag staff thus indicating the catch of a fish. In one embodiment, the upper part of the support is so shaped as to oppose tilting of the entire fishing rig when an important pulling force is exerted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Inventor: Joe Debreczeni
  • Patent number: 5050332
    Abstract: A fish hooking device where a rod holder is hingedly mounted on a top side of a base support member. The rod holder is spring loaded with a coil spring connected between the rod holder and the base. The rod holder being movable from a normal, generally vertical, position to a cocked, generally horizontal, position. A trigger mechanism is provided to release the cocked rod holder so that the rod holder may swing upwardly to the normal, generally vertical, position to hook the fish. An adjustable connecting means is provided for connecting the coil spring to the base. The coil spring may be adjusted to control the force acting to rotate the fishing rod upwardly, and to control the force required to release the trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Inventor: Darrel G. Cross
  • Patent number: 5033222
    Abstract: An instant bait pull device includes a body in the shape of a strip. There is a floating ball on the end to be connected to the fishing rod with a line, and the tail end includes two symmetrical hooks to be extended from a separating shelf. There is an elastic belt control inside the body able to actuate the device to cause the hook to pull instantly and make the body of the fish be hooked in on the moment the hook is bitten by the fish. In the meantime the floating ball will be released from the former end and will go up along the line and float on the surface of the water in order that the user will take notice of the hooking in of the fish. It is a practical instant bait pull device to be used in fishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Inventor: Jang-Huey Chang
  • Patent number: 4996789
    Abstract: A fishing arrangement and technique are disclosed and include a relatively short fishing pole having a handgrip portion near one end thereof and a bifurcated tip near the other end. The bifurcated tip includes first and second cantilevered portions which diverge from one another and have corresponding first and second tip line guide eyelets near their respective free ends. A trigger actuable spring biased fishing reel fastened to the pole adjacent the handgrip portion provides pretorqued mechanical assistance in setting a hook in the mouth of a fish. A fishing line extends from the reel, through a series of line guide eyelets, through the first tip line guide eyelet and then through the second tip line guide eyelet, and ultimately terminates at a baited fishhook. The first cantilevered portion is significantly more flexible than the second cantilevered portion so as to function as an indicator by being deflected toward the second cantilevered portion in response to an increase in line tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Inventor: Harold C. Hoover
  • Patent number: 4934090
    Abstract: An ice fishing assembly signals a fisherman when a fish has struck and is running with the line, and also keeps a hole defined in the ice open. The various parts of the assembly can be customized according to the size and shape of the hole defined through the ice, and can be replaced as necessary. The circuit elements necessary for the signalling function are mounted in a flexible layer of insulation so that they are protected and need not be replaced to fit a new ice hole. The flexible layer will fit a variety of different holes and is fixed to a central tube while other layers are slidably mounted on that central tube to be replaceable. The flexible layer supports the other layers in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Inventors: Ned Storey, Rosemary Storey
  • Patent number: 4924617
    Abstract: A hook setting device for securing a hook in a fish, which device includes a bifurcated frame having a lever pivotally secured in the frame bifurcation or slot, with one end of the lever secured to the bottom end of the frame by means of an elastic band and the opposite end of the lever receiving one end of a trigger line or cord. A trigger mechanism includes a ball attached to the trigger cord and adapted to seat in a ball seat located in the bottom end of the frame against the bias of the elastic band when the device is in cocked configuration. The top end of the frame is secured to a tree or other fixed support above a water body, in order to facilitate attaching a fishhook to the extending end of the trigger cord, baiting the fishhook, placing the fishhook in the water and setting the fishhook responsive to a fish taking the bait and tensioning the trigger cord to unseat the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Inventor: Donald L. Parent
  • Patent number: 4908973
    Abstract: A fishing rod holder adapted to generate a signal in response to a pull on the line of a fishing rod. Including a structure for supporting the fishing rod; an arm which is substantially Z-shaped, one end of the arm is attached to a pivot located at one end of the support and the other arm end is hookably engageable with the line of the fishing rod whereby an outward pull from the line will initiate a pivotable displacable from to an off position and on position. Further including, signal device for generating a signal when the arm is in the on position; a switch associated with the arm and signal for activating said signal to generate a signal when said arm is in the on position in response to a pull on the line of the fishing rod, and for deactivating same signal when the arm is in the off position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Inventor: James Perks
  • Patent number: 4907363
    Abstract: A signal apparatus is used in combination with a fishing rig. The rig includes a substantially upright mast and a normally straight resilient strip. The resilient strip has one end fixed near the top of the mast and another end releasably secured on the mast at a position to bow the mast. The signal apparatus includes a case having a lower cavity sized to receive the top of the mast to support the case. The case has a lateral cavity sized to receive a storage source of electrical energy. A pair of battery terminals is mounted at opposite ends of the lateral cavity. An electrical light is mounted atop the case. A switch is mounted laterally upon the case opposite the lateral cavity. The switch is serially connected with the electrical light and the pair of battery terminals. The switch has a laterally projecting, reciprocatable, electrically isolated actuator for operating the switch to close and open the circuit with the light and the battery terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Inventor: Thomas P. Dury
  • Patent number: 4890409
    Abstract: An apparatus for operating a jig from a fishing boat is provided in which the jig is raised to and lowered from the fishing boat by a cable on a motor operated reel. A tub on the jig by a fish will reverse the motor and activated an indicator light to show that the fish is caught.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Inventors: Lloyd A. Morgan, George Spector
  • Patent number: 4823494
    Abstract: The combination of a tip-up and cover for a hole drilled through the ice for ice fishing which substantially insulates the hole to prevent ice accumulation and which, upon a fish striking the bait, provides a connective, releasable attachment to an alerting device such as a flag or other indicator. The unit consists of a hole cover of an insulating material of a size and configuration to be placed over a hole drilled through the ice with a signal or alerting device arranged on the upper surface thereof. The alerting device is removably attached to the cover and includes an actuating rod extending below the surface of the water to a line reel or spool which, upon rotation of the reel, due to a fish striking the bait, causes rotation of the rod and subsequent release of the alerting element. This signaling or alerting device includes a spring loaded flag which is captured and set when the bait is placed into the water and upon rotation of the reel releases the flag to signal that a fish is on the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Inventor: Phillip S. Waterman
  • Patent number: 4807386
    Abstract: Apparatus for automatically actuating a downrigger motor to reel in a downrigger line upon release of a fishing line or release of tension on the downrigger line includes a normally closed switch mounted on a fishing rod holder and engaged by the rod holder when the holder is in a set position. Upon movement of the rod holder from the set position to a strike position, the switch closes a circuit between a power source and downrigger motor. The motor is actuated to reel in the downrigger line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Big Jon, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Emory, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4794718
    Abstract: An ice fishing assembly includes a conical ring member adapted for the insertion of a fishing pole having a spring-type signaling device. Two displaceably connected sections of transparent plastic resilient material normally enclose the top opening of the ring member and permit the extraction of fish during which the sections are automatically displaced. The plastic sections are interchangeable with styrofoam sections of the same size to further retard and prevent the passage of heat and air energy from the water to the atmosphere. A plurality of assemblies may be nested together and carried in a common receptacle with the fishing apparatus poles in the central cavity of the innermost ring member to be conveniently transported as a kit to allow the fishing of a plurality of ice holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Inventor: Duane E. Tillman
  • Patent number: 4730408
    Abstract: A device which holds a fishing rod and automatically sets a fishhook in a fish. A stake driven into the ground supports a pivot arm on which the rod is held. A trip lever holds the arm in position for fishing and is released by a trigger wire when the fishing line is subjected to a pulling force caused by a strike on the bait. A spring then pivots the arm upwardly in an abrupt and forceful manner to set the fishhook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Inventor: Earl V. Miller
  • Patent number: 4685240
    Abstract: An ice fishing tip-up having a fishing reel horizontally mounted on a base plate, an alert pole, and a retainer to hold the alert pole in a horizontal position adjacent the fishing reel. When a fish strikes the line, the reel rotates, and a trip member on the reel engages the alert pole, pushing it out from under the retainer. A spring then snaps the alert pole into a vertical position. The alert pole is detachable from the base plate for convenient storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Inventor: Ilo Fralick
  • Patent number: 4679345
    Abstract: An improved fishing line strike indicator device includes a pair of biased clamping members to clamp the strike indicator device to the diameter of a fishing pole, a pivotable spring-biased signalling arm is set against restraint in a horizontal position, and is partially looped by a slightly restrained fishing line in a manner effective to release the arm from its restraint with forward movement of the fishing line. The released signalling arm springs to a vertical position indicative of forward line movement associated with the striking action of a feeding fish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Inventor: Dwayne A. Hall
  • Patent number: 4677784
    Abstract: A fishing rod holder includes a tubular member adapted to be pushed into the ground adjacent to a fishing area. The tubular member carries an adjustable ring which can support a fishing rod at selected levels and it also carries an alarm for detecting when a fish moves the fishing rod. This alarm includes a half-ring which is held in a slot in the wall of the tubular member and is spring biased away from an alarm but when a fish moves the rod, the half-ring is pushed into position in which it trips the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Inventor: Joseph S. Butkus
  • Patent number: 4678608
    Abstract: Compositions intended to be reacted with hydrogen peroxide to produce chemiluminescent light are disclosed wherein the compositions contain an oxalate, a fluorescer and a soluble perylene dye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Assignee: American Cyanamid Company
    Inventor: Charles H. Dugliss
  • Patent number: 4676018
    Abstract: A holder device for fishing rods including a mount, a support secured to said mount, and a rod or pole handle holder pivotally secured to said support, the holder being spring biased relative to said support. A pivot mechanism includes an eccentrically mounted release pin which releasably retains the holder relative to the support. A line-responsive lever is engaged with the pivot mechanism for rotationally displacing the pivot mechanism, thus causing an upward snap of the support, in response to a tug on the fish line. The device is thus suitable for leaving a fishing pole unattended and yet condition the same to set a hook upon a fish strike occurring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Inventor: Bud Kimball
  • Patent number: 4651459
    Abstract: A fishing apparatus particularly adapted for ice fishing. Fishing line having a first stop member thereon is wound around a rotatable spool member. A winding mechanism is connected to the spool member for automatically rotating the spool and winding the fishing line therearound. A mounting assembly is connected to the winding mechanism and passes through the spool member for supporting both the winding mechanism and the spool member. The mounting assembly is connected to a platform when the apparatus is used for ice fishing. The platform has an opening therethrough and is designed to fit over a hole in the ice. An adjustable trip mechanism is positioned between the spool member and the platform and is engagable with the first stop member on the fishing line in order to restrain the stop member from moving toward the spool member and to halt the rotating motion imparted to the spool by the winding mechanism while the stop member is restrained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Inventor: Ruben M. Wurtz
  • Patent number: 4640038
    Abstract: An electrical signalling device for a fishing rod holder having an open topped rod support channel spaced forwardly of a rod handle receiving rim portion, includes a switch housing adapted for support on the rod holder, an electrical circuit in the housing including an electrically actuated signal means, a power source and an electrical connection therebetween including a normally open switch, a switch lever adapted for engagement by the handle of a rod supported in the fishing rod holder and bias means urging the lever downwardly whereby the switch is closed in response to upward movement of the switch lever against the urging of the bias means when a fish strikes on the line of the fishing rod. The switch lever may include a depending flange having a pair of downwardly and outwardly flaring inclined contact surfaces so that even lateral forces will result in upward movement of the switch lever to actuate the signalling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Inventor: James T. Jershin
  • Patent number: 4627186
    Abstract: An automatic fishing machine includes a casing, an electromagnet switch having a micro switch wound by a fishing wire during fishing, a rod clamp resiliently clamping the grip of a fishing rod, and tensioned by a tension spring formed under the clamp, an alarm and a fulcrum rod formed on the front portion of the casing for supporting the fishing rod and serving as rod fulcrum whereby upon the biting of a fish, the micro switch will be triggered to actuate the electromagnet switch to lower the rod clamp to automatically raise the fishing rod for hooking up the biting fish and to sound the alarm for warning the fisherman to hold the fishing rod to pick up the hooked fish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1986
    Inventor: Jeng-Maw Wang
  • Patent number: 4541196
    Abstract: An electrical signalling device for a fishing rod holder having an open topped rod support channel spaced forwardly of a rod handle receiving rim portion, includes a switch housing adapted for support on the rod holder, an electrical circuit in the housing including an electrically actuated signal means, a power source and an electrical connection therebetween including a normally open switch, a switch lever adapted for engagement by the handle of a rod supported in the fishing rod holder and bias means urging the lever downwardly whereby the switch is closed in response to upward movement of the switch lever against the urging of the bias means when a fish strikes on the line of the fishing rod. The switch lever may include a depending flange having a pair of downwardly and outwardly flaring inclined contact surfaces so that even lateral forces will result in upward movement of the switch lever to actuate the signalling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1985
    Inventor: James T. Jershin
  • Patent number: 4528554
    Abstract: A signalling device that can be attached to a fishing rod and an ice fishing tip up, to alert the angler to the strike or biting of a fish, by means of an oscilating luminous signal. A cylindrical housing having a removable circuit breaking plug or insert said plug incorporating an attached slotted ring to comfortably retain fishing line and to loop around the flag stem hanger of a tip up. The pressure of a hooked fish removes the plug which completes the circuit thus illuminating the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1985
    Inventor: Robert J. Klefbeck
  • Patent number: 4522572
    Abstract: A combined strike indicator and hook setter adaptable to a fishing line and independent from a fishing pole having of a base, a removable spring arm with a releasable line holding means attached at one end, and a sear mechanism for actuating the removable spring arm from a set to a releasable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Inventor: Paul L. Hahn
  • Patent number: 4476645
    Abstract: A fishing rod holder having an improved latch release mechanism is the subject of the present invention. A stake is insertable into the ground and mounts a rigid bracket which in turn mounts two pivotal arms. A socket which receives the end of a fishing rod is mounted on the pivotal arms and is held in place by a latch which is likewise pivotal. A camming mechanism is mounted on the socket so that any downward movement of the socket will result in an upward camming movement of the camming means which releases the latching mechanism. A first spring means biases the latch into engagement with a latch plate and is adjustable for rods of different weight and different fish. A second yieldable means is provided for biasing the socket upwardly after the latch disengages the latch plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1984
    Inventor: James Paarmann
  • Patent number: 4391059
    Abstract: A fishing pole holder for use during fishing having a spring biased tube for the pole handle, and a latch for holding the tube in cocked position with a release trigger activated by a fish line, when a fish takes the bait at the end of line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1983
    Assignee: Robert J. Spitz
    Inventors: Samuel Cordova, Robert J. Spitz