Tip-up fishing device for ice fishing

Abstract

An ice fishing system is provided including a one piece base with two masts arising there from. Also included is a curved fishing pole which is coupled to the base with a U-shaped pin and upon which the pole resides. This U-shaped pin also allows the pole to rock to and fro between the masts and this pole has a fishing line that depends from an end thereof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view view of a preferred embodiment of the ice fishing system constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a right elevation view of the system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top elevation view of an of the prior figures;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the recessed openings in the masts of the base;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the aperture in the guide of the pole;

FIG. 6 is a top sectional view of the guide hole in the tip end of the pole;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the wind sail attachment; and

FIG. 8 is an exploded view view of the system shown in prior figures.

For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout the Figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the invention and the new and improved ice fishing system embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention.

The present invention, the ice fishing system, is comprised of a plurality of components. The ice fishing system of the present invention comprises of a fishing pole 12 which is bent in a curved shape and is of a cylindrical material. The pole 12 has a tip aperture 34 through which the fishing line 30 passes and depends therefrom as it journeys towards the hole in the ice. Mid way between the tip aperture 34 and the pivot pins the guide 14 which protrudes from the pole 12 and it is through this guide 14 that the line passes as it travels from the reel 20 to the tip aperture 34. This guide 14 also is the place where the (optional) wind sail 36 is attached to the pole 12 when a fisherman chooses to employ it. At the midpoint of the pole 12 a pin aperture 18 will be provided. Through this pin aperture 18 the pivot pin 16 will travel and reside. This pivot pin 16 forms the connection between the pole 12 and the base 26 when the system is in the quiescent position. The legs of the pivot pin 16 will reside in the recessed openings 17 when the system is in the quiescent position. Between the pivot pin 16 and the flag 22, two posts will protrude from the pole 12, along the top center line, at opposing angles. These posts will be hence called the reel 20 and be the place where the line will be stored and originate from. Just beyond the reel 20, a flag 22 will protrude from the pole along the top center line. This flag 22 will be thin and brightly colored as to alert a fisherman that a strike is occurring by its eye catching motion. This flag 22 will also be a place where crimp on weights can be placed to help offset the weight of lures or baits and bring the system back into balance. At the very rear of the pole 12, along the top center line, a counterweight post 24 will protrude. On this counterweight post 24 weights can be slid on to offset lure or bait weights and bring the system back into balance. These weights will be held in place by an O-ring 42.

The base 26 will be bent in a U-shape as it lays parallel with the ice and then bend upwardly to form two masts. Each of these masts will have a recessed opening in it. The legs of the pivot pin 16 will slide into these recessed openings 17 and reside there when the system is in the quiescent position. Across the base 26, on the part that lays flush with the ice, a support plate 28 will be attached. This plate will help to keep the masts from flexing apart. This support plate 28 will also be where the reel 20 end of the pole 12 will rest when the system is in the quiescent position.

FIG. 2 is a right elevation of the ice fishing system showing how the pole 12 rocks to and fro as it sits on the base 26.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the ice fishing system as it rests in the quiescent position.

FIG. 4 is a .cross sectional view of the recessed openings 17 in the masts. This view also shows how the legs of the pivot pin 16 sit in the recessed openings 17 when the ice fishing system is in the quiescent position. This view shows how the pivot pin 16 passes through the pole 12. It also shows how the pivot pin 16 resides in the pin aperture 18.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the aperture in guide 32.

FIG. 6 is a top sectional view showing the tip aperture 34.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective of the optional wind sail 36 showing the three parts that comprise it. These parts are the sail 36, the post for the sail 38 and the clamp 40 that attaches the wind sail 36 to the guide 14.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the invention 10.

When fishing with the system of the present invention, while in the quiescent position, the pole 12 resides between the two masts of the base 26 with the flag 22 end of the pole 12 resting on the support plate 28 and the tip end of the pole 12 raised in the air. Upon the strike of a fish, the tip end of the pole 12 is pulled down towards the ice and the flag 22 end is raised into the air alerting the fisherman that a strike is occurring fisherman then snatches the pole 12 from the base 26, sets the hook and hand lines the fish to the surface. If the fish drops the bait before the fisherman can get to the system then the system will return to the quiescent position due to the built in counterweight measures. The object is to have the system slightly over balanced so that the flag 22 end rests on the support plate 28.

An appealing feature of the present invention is its ability to help a fisherman catch more of the light biting species, which he is seeking. This is due to the minimal resistance created by the curved design of the pole 12 much as a rocking chair provides minimal resistance to the person rocking in it.

Another appealing feature is the connection formed by the pivot pin 16 between the pole 12 and the base 26. The legs of the pivot pin 16 reside inside the masts of the base 26 and make it difficult for a fish to pull the pole 12 from the base 26 before a fisherman can reach the system. At the same time these legs of the pivot pin 16 easily slide out of the masts when a fisherman snatches the pole 12 from the base 26 and sets the hook.

Another appealing feature is the counterweight measures designed into the system that allows the fisherman to offset the weight of any lure or bait. This makes it possible to bring the system back into the slightly over balanced, flag 22 end of the pole 12 resting on the support plate 28, quiescent position.

Another appealing feature is that if a fish lets go of the bait before the fisherman can get to the system the pole 12 will return to the quiescent position and the fisherman will not set the hook prematurely, possibly alerting the fish that something is not right. Quiet often when a fish drops the bait the action of the system returning to the quiescent position and pulling the bait away from the fish, will cause the fish to strike again.

Another appealing feature is the ability for a fisherman to heap slush ice or snow on the U-shaped portion of the base 26 further securing it in place.

Another appealing feature is the smooth bends and cylindrical materials employed in the system. These not only make the system easy to handle, with few sharp edges, but also make the system visually appealing.

Another appealing feature is that the system is designed to fit inside the confines of a 5-gallon pail when being transported. The 5-gallon pail is the readily available item that many ice fishermen use for storing and transporting ice fishing equipment.

Another appealing feature is the durable plastic that the system is constructed from.

Another appealing feature is the economical manufacturing costs. This helps to keep the cost down to a price where most anglers can afford the system.

Another appealing feature is how few moving part and parts in general that comprise the system. This allows for almost no way that the system can freeze up in harsh conditions of ice fishing and less chance of parts getting lost.

Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.

Claims

1. A tip-up fishing device for ice fishing for a new and more sensitive ice fishing device, comprising: a fishing pole; means for guiding a fishing line from a reel to a tip aperture disposed in said pole, rigidly connected to said fishing pole;means for supporting the pole in the quiescent position;means for facilitating to and fro motion to the pole and forming the connection between the pole and the base in the quiescent position, insertably connected to said means for providing a place where the leg of the pivot pin to reside; andmeans for receiving said means for facilitating to and fro rocking motion, internally embedded in said means for supporting the pole in the quiescent position.

2. The tip-up fishing device for ice fishing in accordance with claim 1, wherein said fishing pole comprises an arcuate shaped pole.

3. The tip-up fishing device for ice fishing in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for guiding a fishing line from a reel to a tip aperture comprises a guide.

4. The tip-up fishing device for ice fishing in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for supporting the pole comprises a base.

5. The tip-up device for ice fishing in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for facilitating to and fro rocking motion comprises a pivot pin.

6. The tip-up fishing device for ice fishing in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for receiving said pivot pin comprises a recessed opening.

7. A tip-up fishing device for ice fishing for a new and more sensitive ice fishing device, comprising: an arcuate shaped pole for extending a fishing line;a guide, for guiding the fishing line from a reel to said tip aperture rigidly connected to said pole;a base, for providing the place where the pole resides in the quiescent position;a pivot pin, for allowing said pole to rock to and fro and forming the connection between the pole and the base in the quiescent position, insertably connected to a recessed opening; anda recessed opening in said base, for receiving at least one leg of the pivot pin, internally embedded in said base.

8. The tip-up fishing device for ice fishing as recited in claim 7, further comprising: a reel for storing the fishing line, rigidly connected to said pole.

9. The tip-up fishing device for ice fishing as recited in claim 7, further comprising: a flag, for alerting fisherman to a strike and where weights can be crimped on to offset lure weights, rigidly connected to said pole.

10. The tip-up fishing device for ice fishing as recited in claim 7, further comprising: a counter weight post, for placing slide-on weights to offset lure weights, rigidly connected to said pole.

11. The tip-up fishing device for ice fishing as recited in claim 7, further comprising: a support plate, for strengthening the base and providing a place where the rear of the pole resides in the quiescent position, rigidly connected to said base.

12. The tip-up fishing device for ice fishing as recited in claim 7, further comprising: a pin aperture, for providing a place for the pivot pin to pass through the pole, internally embedded in said pole, and insertably connected to said pivot pin

13. The tip-up fishing device for ice fishing as recited in claim 7, further comprising: an aperture formed in said guide, for providing a place for the line to pass through the guide, internally embedded therein.

14. The tip-up fishing device for ice fishing as recited in claim 7, further comprising: a tip aperture, for providing a place for the line to pass through the pole, internally embedded therein.

15. The tip-up fishing device for ice fishing as recited in claim 7, further comprising: a wind sail supported by said guide, for catching the wind to impart action to the device.

16. A tip-up fishing device for ice fishing comprising: a base, for providing a sturdy foundation for a fishing pole to rest upon in the quiescent position, having an area provided where snow or slush can be heaped on to further stabilize and secure said base to the ice, bent to form at least one mast upon which the fishing pole resides when in the quiescent position;a curved shaped fishing pole, for rocking down upon the strike of a fish and rocking back to its quiescent position upon a fish dropping the lure or bait;a pivot pin, having at least one leg for providing a place for said pole to rock to and fro and for providing means for connecting the pole to the base in the quiescent position;an opening in the base for receiving said at least one leg of the pivot pin when the system is in the quiescent position, insertably coupled to said pivot pin; anda guide for guiding the fishing line on its path from the reel to the tip of the pole, rigidly connected to said pole.