Patent Application
20120102813
Not applicable.
Angling, or fishing, is an activity participated in by people around the world. Some individuals fish for sport while others fish for sustenance. The angler attempts to present a lure or bait to a fish. The lure or bait includes a hook, such that when the fish swallows the lure or bait, the fish also swallows the hook, which catches in the soft tissue of the fish's mouth and allows the angler to bring the fish to the surface or to the shore where the angler can retrieve the fish.
A popular method of angling is jigging. In jigging, the angler attempts to move a lure in a pattern that mimics prey of the target fish. Nevertheless, there are a number of difficulties in jigging. In particular, moving the lure too far, or not far enough, can make the motion of the lure unrealistic thus scaring the target fish or failing to catch the interest of the target fish.
Additionally, the angler must get the depth of the lure and the timing of the jig correct in order to convince the fish to take the lure. While experienced anglers can get the correct timing and motion, inexperienced anglers may have difficulty in getting everything correct.
Further, in some instances the angler does not want to do the jigging themselves. In particular, in ice fishing the angler is often outside in the cold or other uncomfortable conditions, such as wind or snow. Because of the conditions the angler may prefer not to do the jigging because to do so they may have to remove gloves or other protective clothing. While the angler may be willing to do so for some activities, he or she may prefer to do so for only short periods of time for specific activities.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a system that can be used to produce a jig with the correct timing. In addition, there is a need in the art for a system that can be used to produce a jig of the correct speed. Further there is a need in the art for a system that can be used to produce a jig of the correct displacement.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
One example embodiment includes a system for automatically jigging a lure. The system includes a fishing pole. The fishing pole includes a tip and fishing line, where the fishing line passes through the tip. The system also includes a motor, where the motor is configured to move the tip of the fishing pole.
Another example embodiment includes a system for automatically jigging a lure. The system includes a housing, where the housing is configured to enclose at least a portion of the system, and a fishing pole. The fishing pole includes a reel and a tip. The fishing pole also includes fishing line, where the fishing line is wound around the reel and passes through the tip, and a lure. The lure is attached to the fishing line and includes a hook. The lure is also configured to attract and catch fish. The system also includes a solenoid, where the solenoid is configured to move the fishing pole from a first position relative to the housing to a second position relative to the housing, and a power source, where the power source is configured to provide power to the solenoid. The system further includes a switch, where the switch is configured to activate the solenoid and a spring, where the spring is configured to return the fishing pole from the second position to the first position.
Another example embodiment includes a method of manufacturing a system for automatically jigging a lure. The method includes providing a fishing pole.
The fishing pole includes a tip and fishing line, where the fishing line passes through the tip. The method also includes providing a motor, where the motor is configured to move the tip of the fishing pole.
These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
To further clarify various aspects of some example embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
Reference will now be made to the figures wherein like structures will be provided with like reference designations. It is understood that the figures are diagrammatic and schematic representations of some embodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the present invention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.
The fishing pole 105 can include any type of fishing pole. For example, the fishing pole 105 can include carbon fiber rods, fly rods, spin and bait casting rods, spinning rods, ultra-light rods, ice rods, sea rods, surf rods, trolling rods, telescopic rods or tenkara rods. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the system 100 can be used with any type of fishing pole 105 as described below. There are several specifications manufacturers use to delineate rod uses including power, action, line weight, lure weight, and number of pieces.
Power is often an indicator of what types of fishing, species of fish, or size of fish a particular fishing pole 105 may be best used for. Also known as “power value” or “rod weight.” Fishing poles 105 may be classified as ultra-light, light, medium-light, medium, medium-heavy, heavy, ultra-heavy, or other similar combinations. Ultra-light fishing poles 105 can be used for catching small bait fish and also panfish, or situations where fishing pole 105 responsiveness is critical. Ultra-heavy fishing poles 105 can be used in deep sea fishing, surf fishing, or for heavy fish by weight. While manufacturers use various designations for a fishing pole's 105 power, there is no fixed standard, hence application of a particular power tag by a manufacturer is somewhat subjective. Any fish can theoretically be caught with any fishing pole 105, but catching panfish on a heavy fishing pole 105 offers no sport whatsoever, and successfully landing a large fish on an ultra-light fishing pole 105 requires supreme fishing pole 105 handling skills at best, and more frequently ends in broken tackle and a lost fish. Fishing poles 105 are best suited to the type of fishing they are intended for.
“Action” refers to the responsiveness of the fishing pole 105 to bending force (bending curve), and the speed with which the fishing pole 105 returns to its neutral position. An action may be slow, medium, fast, or a combination (e.g. medium-fast). Fast action fishing poles 105 flex most in the tip section. Slow fishing poles 105 flex more towards the butt of the fishing pole 105. The construction material and construction method of a fishing pole 105 can affect its action. Action, however, is also often a subjective description of a manufacturer; some manufacturers list the power value of the fishing pole 105 as its action. A “medium” action bamboo fishing pole 105 may have a faster action than a “fast” fiberglass fishing pole 105. Action is also subjectively used by anglers, as an angler might compare a given fishing pole 105 as “faster” or “slower” than a different fishing pole 105.
A fishing pole's 105 action and power may change when line weight is greater or lesser than the fishing pole's 105 specified range. When the line weight used greatly exceeds a fishing pole's 105 specifications a fishing pole 105 may break before the line parts. When the line weight is significantly less than the fishing pole's 105 recommended range the line may part prematurely, as the fishing pole 105 cannot fully flex to accommodate the pull of a given weight fish. In fly rods, exceeding weight ratings may warp the blank or have casting difficulties when fishing poles 105 are improperly loaded.
The action refers to how much a fishing pole 105 bends when a fisherman is casting or have a fish at the end of the line. An extra fast action fishing pole 105 bends just at the tip. A fast action bends in the last quarter of the fishing pole 105. A moderate-fast action fishing pole 105 bends over the last third. A moderate action fishing pole 105 bends over the last half. A slow action fishing pole 105 bends all the way into the handle. Fast action fishing poles 105 put more force into the throw and give the fisherman longer casts. Softer action fishing poles 105 are more forgiving and have less tendency to throw live bait from the hook
Fishing line weight is described in pounds of tensile force before the line parts. A fishing pole 105 is usually also classified by the optimal weight of fishing line or in the case of fly rods, fly line the fishing pole 105 should handle. Line weight for a fishing pole 105 is expressed as a range that the fishing pole 105 is designed to support. Fly rod weights are typically expressed as a number from 1 to 12, written as “N”wt (e.g. 6 wt) and each weight represents a standard weight in grains for the first 30 feet of the fly line established by the American Fishing Tackle Manufacturing Association. For example, the first 30′ of a 6 wt fly line should weigh between 152-168 grains, with the optimal weight being 160 grains. In casting and spinning fishing poles 105, designations such as “8-15 lb. line” are typical. A fishing pole 105 may also be described by the weight of lure or hook that the fishing pole 105 is designed to support. Lure weight is usually expressed in ounces or grams.
Fishing poles 105 that are one piece from butt to tip are considered to have the most natural “feel”, and are preferred by many, though the difficulty in transporting them safely becomes an increasing problem with increasing fishing pole 105 length. Two-piece fishing poles 105, joined by a ferrule, are very common, and if well engineered (especially with tubular glass or carbon fiber fishing poles 105), sacrifice very little in the way of natural feel. Some fishermen do feel a difference in sensitivity with two-piece fishing poles 105, but most do not.
In at least one implementation, fishing line 110 can include any material suitable for catching fish. For example, fishing line 110 can include nylon, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF, and called fluorocarbon), polyethylene, Dacron and Dyneema (UHMWPE). Fishing line 110 can include monofilament or line made of a single strand. There are also braided fishing lines 110, cofilament and thermally fused lines 110, also known as ‘superlines’ for their small diameter, lack of stretch, and great strength relative to standard nylon monofilament lines.
In at least one implementation, the fishing reel 120 can include a drag mechanism. Drag is a mechanical means of applying variable pressure to the turning spool in order to act as a friction brake against it. It can include a flat spring pressing against the edge of the spool, or a complicated arrangement of leather and Teflon discs. Properly set drag allows larger and more powerful fish to be safely brought to boat and landed, as the drag will “slip” below the breaking point of the fishing line 110, but in combination with the angle of the fishing pole 105, it puts relentless pressure on the fish, quickly tiring it. As a rough general rule, drag is nominally set at about one-half of the line's breaking strength. It can be adjusted up or down as needed by the fisherman while playing a fish, though it takes practice to do this without adding too much drag which frequently results in a broken fishing line 110 and a lost fish. With skillful use of the fishing pole 105 and drag mechanism, fish of greater weight than the fishing line's 110 breaking strength can be successfully played and landed.
In at least one implementation, the motor 130 can include a solenoid. Solenoids consist of an electromagnetically inductive coil, wound around a movable steel or iron slug (termed the armature). The coil is shaped such that the armature can be moved in and out of the center, altering the coil's inductance and thereby becoming an electromagnet. Although typically weak over anything but very short distances, solenoids may be controlled directly by a controller circuit, and thus have very low reaction times. The solenoid can include a spring which returns the solenoid to its original position when power is removed.
In at least one implementation, the motor 130 can be attached to the fishing pole 105. The motor can be attached using any mechanism which ensures that movement of the motor 130 is transferred in whole or in part to the fishing pole 105. For example, the motor 130 can be attached to the fishing pole 105 using a hook and loop fastener, tape, string, a strap, a bolt, a clasp, a latch or through any other mechanism.
In at least one implementation, the motor 130 can be used to automatically jig a fishing lure attached to the fishing line 110. In particular, the motor 130 can move the fishing pole 105 which is transmitted through the fishing line 110 to an attached lure. For example, the motor 130 can be configured to move the tip of the fishing pole 105 between ⅛ inch and ⅜ inches. In particular, the motor 130 can be configured to move the tip of the fishing pole approximately ¼ inch. As used in the specification and the claims, the term approximately shall mean that the value is within 10% of the stated value, unless otherwise specified.
In at least one implementation, the motor 130 can move the fishing pole 105 within a housing, as discussed below. Additionally or alternatively, the motor 130 can be mounted on a boat, on a railing, such as on a pier, on an ice sheet, e.g., on the frozen surface of a lake for ice fishing or in any other location where the motor 130 can move the fishing pole 105.
In at least one implementation, the power source 220 can match the needs of the motor 130. For example, if the motor 130 is a six volt solenoid (i.e., a solenoid that requires six volts for operation), the power source 220 can include a six volt battery or a transformer that produces six volts of electric power. Additionally or alternatively, if the motor 130 requires a certain pressure of gas to operate, the power source 220 can include gas compressed to at or above the necessary pressure.
In at least one implementation, the connector 225 can also connect to a switch. The switch can allow a user to operate the motor 130 as desired. In particular, the switch can allow a user to operate the motor 130, which will jig a fishing lure attached to the fishing pole. Additionally or alternatively, the switch can include a timer. The timer can allow the user to set the motor 130 to automatically jig the lure on a regular interval.
Providing a fishing pole 305 can include providing any type of fishing pole. For example, the fishing pole can include carbon fiber rods, fly rods, spin and bait casting rods, spinning rods, ultra-light rods, ice rods, sea rods, surf rods, trolling rods, telescopic rods or tenkara rods. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the method 300 can be used with any type of fishing pole as described below. There are several specifications manufacturers use to delineate fishing pole uses including power, action, line weight, lure weight, and number of pieces.
Power is often an indicator of what types of fishing, species of fish, or size of fish a particular fishing pole may be best used for. Also known as “power value” or “rod weight.” Fishing poles may be classified as ultra-light, light, medium-light, medium, medium-heavy, heavy, ultra-heavy, or other similar combinations. Ultra-light fishing poles can be used for catching small bait fish and also panfish, or situations where fishing pole responsiveness is critical. Ultra-heavy fishing poles are used in deep sea fishing, surf fishing, or for heavy fish by weight. While manufacturers use various designations for a fishing pole's power, there is no fixed standard, hence application of a particular power tag by a manufacturer is somewhat subjective. Any fish can theoretically be caught with any fishing pole, but catching panfish on a heavy fishing pole offers no sport whatsoever, and successfully landing a large fish on an ultra-light fishing pole requires supreme fishing pole handling skills at best, and more frequently ends in broken tackle and a lost fish. Fishing poles are best suited to the type of fishing they are intended for.
“Action” refers to the responsiveness of the fishing pole to bending force (bending curve), and the speed with which the fishing pole returns to its neutral position. An action may be slow, medium, fast, or a combination (e.g. medium-fast). Fast action fishing poles flex most in the tip section. Slow fishing poles flex more towards the butt of the fishing pole. The construction material and construction method of a fishing pole can affect its action. Action, however, is also often a subjective description of a manufacturer; some manufacturers list the power value of the fishing pole as its action. A “medium” action bamboo fishing pole may have a faster action than a “fast” fiberglass fishing pole. Action is also subjectively used by anglers, as an angler might compare a given fishing pole as “faster” or “slower” than a different fishing pole.
A fishing pole's action and power may change when line weight is greater or lesser than the fishing pole's specified range. When the line weight used greatly exceeds a fishing pole's specifications a fishing pole may break before the line parts. When the line weight is significantly less than the fishing pole's recommended range the line may part prematurely, as the fishing pole cannot fully flex to accommodate the pull of a given weight fish. In fly rods, exceeding weight ratings may warp the blank or have casting difficulties when fishing poles are improperly loaded.
The action refers to how much a fishing pole bends when a fisherman is casting or have a fish at the end of the line. An extra fast action fishing pole bends just at the tip. A fast action bends in the last quarter of the fishing pole. A moderate-fast action fishing pole bends over the last third. A moderate action fishing pole bends over the last half. A slow action fishing pole bends all the way into the handle. Fast action fishing poles put more force into the throw and give the fisherman longer casts. Softer action fishing poles are more forgiving and have less tendency to throw live bait from the hook.
Fishing line weight is described in pounds of tensile force before the line parts. A fishing pole is usually also classified by the optimal weight of fishing line or in the case of fly rods, fly line the fishing pole should handle. Line weight for a fishing pole is expressed as a range that the fishing pole is designed to support. Fly rod weights are typically expressed as a number from 1 to 12, written as “N”wt (e.g. 6 wt) and each weight represents a standard weight in grains for the first 30 feet of the fly line established by the American Fishing Tackle Manufacturing Association. For example, the first 30′ of a 6wt fly line should weigh between 152-168 grains, with the optimal weight being 160 grains. In casting and spinning fishing poles, designations such as “8-15 lb. line” are typical. A fishing pole may also be described by the weight of lure or hook that the fishing pole is designed to support. Lure weight is usually expressed in ounces or grams.
Fishing poles that are one piece from butt to tip are considered to have the most natural “feel”, and are preferred by many, though the difficulty in transporting them safely becomes an increasing problem with increasing fishing pole length. Two-piece fishing poles, joined by a ferrule, are very common, and if well engineered (especially with tubular glass or carbon fiber fishing poles), sacrifice very little in the way of natural feel. Some fishermen do feel a difference in sensitivity with two-piece fishing poles, but most do not.
In at least one implementation, the fishing pole can include fishing line. In at least one implementation, fishing line is a cord used or made for angling. Important parameters of a fishing line can include its length, material, and weight (thicker fishing line can be more visible to fish). Factors that may determine what fishing line an angler chooses for a given fishing environment include breaking strength, knot strength, UV resistance, castability, limpness, stretch, abrasion resistance, and visibility.
In at least one implementation, fishing line can include any material suitable for catching fish. For example, fishing line can include nylon, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF, and called fluorocarbon), polyethylene, Dacron and Dyneema (UHMWPE). Fishing line can include monofilament or line made of a single strand. There are also braided fishing lines, cofilament and thermally fused lines, also known as ‘superlines’ for their small diameter, lack of stretch, and great strength relative to standard nylon monofilament lines.
In at least one implementation, the fishing pole can include one or more guides. In at least one implementation, the guides can be used to keep the fishing line in line with the fishing pole. That is, the guides can be used to ensure that the fishing line goes the length of the fishing pole. In particular, the guides can allow the movement of the tip of the fishing pole to control the movement and direction of the fishing line and any attached lures.
In at least one implementation, the fishing pole can also include a fishing reel. In at least one implementation, the fishing reel includes a device used for the deployment and retrieval of a fishing line using a spool mounted on an axle. In particular, the fishing reel can include a spool around which the fishing line is wound. A handle allows a user to rotate the spool, winding or unwinding the fishing line as desired. The fishing reel can include a centrepin reel, a bait casting reel, a spinning (fixed spool) reel, a spin cast reel, an underspin reel or any other type of reel.
In at least one implementation, the fishing reel can include a drag mechanism. Drag is a mechanical means of applying variable pressure to the turning spool in order to act as a friction brake against it. It can include a flat spring pressing against the edge of the spool, or a complicated arrangement of leather and Teflon discs. Properly set drag allows larger and more powerful fish to be safely brought to boat and landed, as the drag will “slip” below the breaking point of the fishing line, but in combination with the angle of the fishing pole, it puts relentless pressure on the fish, quickly tiring it. As a rough general rule, drag is nominally set at about one-half of the line's breaking strength. It can be adjusted up or down as needed by the fisherman while playing a fish, though it takes practice to do this without adding too much drag which frequently results in a broken fishing line and a lost fish. With skillful use of the fishing pole and drag mechanism, fish of greater weight than the line's breaking strength can be successfully played and landed.
In at least one implementation, the motor can include a solenoid. Solenoids consist of an electromagnetically inductive coil, wound around a movable steel or iron slug (termed the armature). The coil is shaped such that the armature can be moved in and out of the center, altering the coil's inductance and thereby becoming an electromagnet. Although typically weak over anything but very short distances, solenoids may be controlled directly by a controller circuit, and thus have very low reaction times. The solenoid can include a spring which returns the solenoid to its original position when power is removed.
In at least one implementation, the motor can be attached to the fishing pole. The motor can be attached using any mechanism which ensures that movement of the motor is transferred in whole or in part to the fishing pole. For example, the motor can be attached to the fishing pole using a hook and loop fastener, tape, string, a strap, a bolt, a clasp, a latch or through any other mechanism.
In at least one implementation, the motor can be used to automatically jig a fishing lure attached to the fishing line. In particular, the motor can move the fishing pole which is transmitted through the fishing line to an attached lure. For example, the motor can be configured to move the tip of the fishing pole between ⅛ inch and ⅜ inches. In particular, the motor can be configured to move the tip of the fishing pole approximately ¼ inch.
In at least one implementation, the motor can move the fishing pole within a housing, as discussed below. Additionally or alternatively, the motor can be mounted on a boat, on a railing, such as on a pier, on an ice sheet, e.g., on the frozen surface of a lake for ice fishing or in any other location where the motor can move the fishing pole.
In at least one implementation, the housing can include a restraint. The restraint can be used to hold a fishing pole. In particular, the restraint can be used to prevent lateral movement of the fishing pole. For example, the restraint can be used to hold the handle of the fishing pole.
In at least one implementation, the housing can include a dowel. The dowel can prevent vertical movement of the fishing pole. That is, the restraint and the dowel can prevent both lateral and vertical movement of the fishing pole relative to the housing once the fishing pole has been inserted into the housing.
In at least one implementation, the power source can match the needs of the motor. For example, if the motor is a six volt solenoid (i.e., a solenoid that requires six volts for operation), the power source can include a six volt battery or a transformer that produces six volts of electric power. Additionally or alternatively, if the motor requires a certain pressure of gas to operate, the power source can include gas compressed to at or above the necessary pressure.
In at least one implementation, the method 300 can also include providing a connector. The connector can connect the power source to the motor. For example, if the power source is an electric power source, the connector can include a wire. Additionally or alternatively, the connector can include a pipe or tube that is configured to transport compressed air or fluid from the power source to the motor.
In at least one implementation, the connector can also connect to a switch. The switch can allow a user to operate the motor as desired. In particular, the switch can allow a user to operate the motor, which will jig a fishing lure attached to the fishing pole or attached to fishing line attached to the fishing pole. Additionally or alternatively, the switch can include a timer. The timer can allow the user to set the motor to automatically jig the lure on a regular interval.
In at least one implementation, the method 300 can also include providing a hole. The hole can be used to attach the housing to an external structure. For example, the hole can be used to attach the housing to a boat, an ice surface, a railing, a dock, a pier or any other structure.
One skilled in the art will appreciate that, for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, the functions performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in differing order. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps and operations without detracting from the essence of the disclosed embodiments.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
