Patent Application
20090084020
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The present invention generally relates to a detachable device that is preferably coupled to a butt end of a fishing rod for measuring and weighting a fish. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tape measure that is stored as a coil within the device and extends from an upper end of the measuring device through an opening in an external case. A free end of the tape measure includes a hook for measuring a length of a fish. A second hook extends through the lower end of the case is coupled to a weight measuring means and arranged to hang a fish thereon for weight measurement purposes. A front side of the device includes a display that is arranged thereon to display weight measurements. A power source is arranged within the device for powering the display screen and, if necessary, the weight measuring means.
To prevent over fishing and create sustainable fisheries, many federal and state agencies have passed legislation that requires the release of certain sized fish. Thus, many species of game fish have length and/or weight restrictions that require the fisherman to release smaller or larger sized fish. Still others enjoy the sport of catch-and-release fishing. Absent a camera to record the moment, it is difficult to accurately obtain an accurate length and weight for a fish that has been caught. Previously, fish were measured with tape measures that were used in the construction industry. While the length of the fish could be measured, it was difficult to for the user to achieve such measurements when fishing from a boat in rough seas or fishing in fast moving current during wading. Moreover, scales are also difficult to use during these conditions.
To ensure compliance with the aforementioned regulations, several devices were invented. U.S. Pat. No. 7,237,356 to Reynolds discloses a combination fishing accessory device that includes tools for aiding a fisherman. A tape measure is included in the device and used as shown in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,969,286 to Belanger discloses a fishing rod and measuring device that may be integrally formed onto the surface of the fishing rod. In this instance, the fish are measured by comparing them with the marks formed on the fishing rod. Over time these marks may dull or fade become worn off from exposure to the elements and prohibiting accurate length measurements.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,188 to Ewing discloses a fishing rod and method for weighting fish. A calibrated compression spring is arranged within a bore of the handle for weighting caught fish. Still other devices are known to be used to measure the weight of a fish.
None of the prior art includes a tape measure arranged within a housing having a digital display on one side thereof and being coupled to a handle of a fishing pole. The digital display exhibits the weight of a fish coupled to a lower end thereof.
The present invention is a device for both measuring a length and weight of a fish. The device fastens onto the handle of a fishing pole and includes at least one Velcro® fastening strap that squeezes the exterior material of the handle to fasten a formed loop of solid material extending from a back side of the housing. The device is preferably arranged on a side of the handle opposite the reel. A tape measure is arranged within the housing that protects the internal workings of the device.
The housing preferably includes a front section and a back section. A seal is arranged between the front section and the back section of the housing. An upper opening is arranged on a top edge of one of the sections to allow the tape measure to be extended from the device or retracted back into the device. A seal is arranged around the upper opening through which the tape measure extends as discussed. The seal prevents adverse environmental conditions from entering the casing and causing damage to the inner workings of the device. The tape measure includes a stop for preventing the free end of the tape measure from entering into the housing and piercing the seal. The tape measure is wound onto a spring-biased spool that automatically rewinds the tape measure into the device when not in use.
In one embodiment, the front section includes a clear window through which a digital readout provides the measured weight of a fish. The back region of the housing is solid and includes an opening for accepting a power source such as a battery. The front and back portions of the casing preferably includes a rubber seal arranged there between. A lower opening is arranged in the housing through which a lower hook extends. In an additional embodiment, the device includes a housing that comprises a bulbous end arranged at an upper end. The lower end may include a loop portion formed on a backside of the device for accepting an adjustable coupler that secures the device to the handle of the fishing pole. The terms “upper” and “lower” are relative to the distal end of a fishing pole, during use where the distal end is referenced as the “upper end”.
The lower hook is preferably coupled to an electronic weight measuring device such as a strain gauge. Such strain gauge may include that as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,660,666, which is incorporated by reference hereto. A fish is attached to lower hook while the angler grasps the handle of the pole above the device. The weight measurement takes place by simply hooking the head of the fish onto the lower hook and biasing the butt of the pole handle away from the body of the fish to allow a free measurement to occur. It should be noted that the weight measuring device may incorporate a simplified version that includes a spring having a spring constant equal to a desired amount of weight. An upper end of the spring is secured to the housing. An indicator is coupled to the lower end of the spring and extends through an opening of the front of the housing. The front of the housing includes graduated marks that correspond to a weight applied to the spring.
The device may be produced for use on a lightweight spinning or fly rod with a spring having a spring constant that is equal to eight pounds. Eight pounds is a large size for fish caught on such a spinning or fly rod. Otherwise, the device may be produced in larger sizes and having a stronger spring with a larger spring constant. For example, the device may be produced with a spring constant that equals forty pounds when the spring is fully extended.
It is an object of the invention to provide a fish measuring device that includes a length measuring device and weight measuring device with an electronic display that exhibits the weight of a fish.
It is another object of the invention to provide a fish measuring device that includes a window through which a digital weight of a fish is displayed.
It is another object of the invention to provide a fish measuring device that includes a housing having a backside that includes a coupling means for securing the device to the handle of a fishing pole.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a fish measuring device that will both measure the length and weight of a fish.
The above and further objects, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The embodiments of the invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are more fully explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and examples that are described and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and set forth in the following description. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and the features of one embodiment may be employed with the other embodiments as the skilled artisan recognizes, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and techniques may be omitted to avoid obscuring the invention. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the invention may be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments set forth herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims. Moreover, it is noted that like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
As shown in
The device 1 is shown in cross section in
The lower half of the front case 5A includes a digital display 15 arranged atop a printed circuit board 19. A weight measuring means 17 is also arranged atop the printed circuit board 19 and provides a control signal to the digital display 15 that is representative of the weight of a fish. A hook 25 connects at one end to the weight measuring means 17 and extends through an opening in the casing 5A. A seal 46 may be optionally provided as shown. The front case 5A includes openings 6 for receiving threaded fasteners 35. A seal 77 is provided along a lip 88 to prevent moisture from entering the device 1 along a length of the sides as more clearly shown in
In
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While the invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in limiting sense. From the above disclosure of the general principles of the present invention and the preceding detailed description, those skilled in the art will readily comprehend the various modifications to which the present invention is susceptible. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereof.
