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ARTIFICIAL STRUCTURE_FOR ATTR~CTING FIS~I
Field of the_In_entlon This inven-tion relates to artificial plants adapted for submersion in fresh water bodies, which structures are simu-lative of naturally occurring flora, but which have an e~tended service life, and are preferrably constructed of a synthetic resin plastic material. The artificial structure is configured to be attractive to fish, and thus to create an artificial habitat around which fish can usually be found.
Brief Descr~ on of th _Prior Art Various types of artificial plants have bee.n devised :Eor a variety of purposes, including interior decoration by simulation of interior house plants, artificial Christmas trees and various other .structures which simulate, for : 15 varying reasons, many types of naturally occurring plants.
With the evolution and development of new types of synthetic resins having widely differing properties, and being suscep-tible to the incorporation therein of pigmenta-tion affording a wide range of color development and selection, the extent to which a wide variety of plants can be closely simulated has been greatly increased.
One type of artificial structure which has been hereto-fore proposed is a low density polyethylene structure which resembles a water plant, and which can be quickly assembled and placed in an aquarium to create a desirable anvironment for fish. This structure is d~scribed in Willinger United States Patent 3,682,753.
Examples of patents which have been granted on synthetic resin structures intended to resemble trees and shrubs include Brown united States Pa-tent 1,478,728, Doran United ~1--~3~
States Patent 2,214,046, Warren United States Patents 2~826,845 and 2,826,846, Keidd United States Patent 3,011,280, Barrs et al United States Patents 3,459,624 and 3,463,696, Hermanson United States Patent 3,829,349, Baus ; 5 United States Patents 3,573,143 and 3,616,102, Kent United States Patent 3,499,818 and ~oward United States patent 1,933.495.
Brlef Description of the Present Inventlon I'he present invention provides an artificial structure ~hich resemhles a small tree or shrub having a vertically extending trunk with a plurality of limbs or leaves radiat.ing outwardly from the axis of the trunk at longitudi-nally spaced intervals therealong. The artificial structure is particularly designed and constructed so that it is 15 attractive to fish, both because of the colors employed, and because of the arrangement of the artificial leaE fronds . (forming a part of the structure) in their relationship to each other, and in their spacing along the trunk. .~n anchoring and ballast assembly is provided which is pivo-tally attached to one end of the elongated trunk, so that the trunk can be quickly detached if it is desired to move : the entire structure from one location to the other, or to store it. In being pivotally connected to the anchoring and ballast assembly, the trunk and the leaves carried thereon can swivel or pivot as a result of water motionl or to accommodate the anchoring assembly to an uneven bot-tom without altering the verticality of the trunk which extends upwardly from the bottom.
plurality of elongated leaE fronds are each connected or engaged with the trunk. The fronds are disposed at longi-tudi-nally spaced intervals along the trunk; and also ~3~
at circumferentially spaced intervals with respect to each other, so as to provide the optimum arrangement~ when con~
sidered in collective array, for causiny fish -to congregate adjacent the structure. Each of the leaf fronds is both longitudinally and transvers~ly bo~ed, so as to impart to the fronds maximum structural strength, while retaining substantial natural simulation. Each frond includes a plurality of ribs or veins which extend generally trans-versely outwardly from a longitudinal centerline extending down the center of the frond and radiating from the trunk outwardly.
An important object of the invention is to provide an artificial structure which, by reason o its buoyancy in water, will maintain itself in a certain attitude when it is placed in a submerged position in the water, and retained there b~ a ballasting or anchoring assembly forming a part of the structure.
~nother object of the invention is to provide an artifi-cial structure for attracting fish which is geometrically configured so as to provide a protective or sheltering environment for the fish without being so compact and dense that the fish cannot easily enter between artificial leaf fronds forming a part of the structure.
~n additional object of the invention is to provide an ~- 25 artificial structure for attracting fish, which structure is constructed so that it obviates fowling or impalement thereupon of hooks utilized by fisherman for the purpos~ o fishing for piscatorial species which may be located in close proximity to the structure.
~ further object of the invention is to provide an arti-ficial structure for attracting fish, which structure can be ~3~
operably fixed a-t a desired location on even a steeply slcping bottom within a fresh water body.
.~ further object of the invention is to provide an arti-ficial structure for attracting f.ish which has leaf fronds forming a part thereof, and so configured that the fronds have good mecha-nical strength, and also closely simulate the natural fronds found on several na-turally occurring plants.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the Eollowing detailed description o~ -the invention is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing~ which illustrate a preEerred emobdiment of the ; invention.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF TEIE DR~WINGS
__ Figure 1 is a view in elevation of an artificial struc-ture for attracting fish, which structure i3 constructed in accordance wi-th the present invention, and illustrating one form of such structure.
Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of a portion of the elongated trunk which is a part of the ; artificial structure of the invention. A portion of the trunk is broken away in order to illustrate structural detail.
Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 3.
Figure 6 i~ a view partially in side elevation and par-t.ially in sectiorl depicting the manner in which a ballclst ~3~
assembly, shown in section~ is pivotally connected to the lower end of one trunk sect.ion of an an elongated trunk assembly forming a part of the artificial structure of the invention.
Figure 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Figure 1, and provid.ing a top plan view o:E the ballast con-tainer forming a part of the ballast assembly.
Figure 8 is a sectional view taken along line 3-8 of Figure 7.
Figure 9 is a top plan view of appro~imately one-half of one of the leaf fronds forming a part of the artif:icial structure of the invention.
~ Figure 10 is a sectional view taken along line 10-10 of ; Figure 9.
Figure 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 of Figure 9.
Figure 12 is a sectional view taken along line 12-12 of Figure 9.
Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment of the Invention Referring initially to Figure 1 of the drawings, the ~ artificial fish attracting structure of the in~ention is .~ comprised of three major assemblies. These include a .~ ballast assembly, designated generally by reference numeral 10, a trunk assembly designated generally by reference : 25 numeral 12 and a plurality of leaf frond assemblies, each ; designated by reference numeral 14. The ballast assembly 10 is used for anchoring and supporting the artificial struc-ture at a desired location on the bottom of a body of fresh water for purposes of attracting fish. The ballast assembly 10 is pivotally connected in a manner hereinafter described to a lowermost section oE the elongated trullk assembly 12.
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l'he trunk assembly 12 is constructed of a buoyant, synthetic resin material which causes the trunk subassembly to extend generally vertically in the water from the ballast assembly 10. A preferred material of construction of the S trunk assembly is polypropylene. The trunk assembly 12 functions to support, at selected locations therealong, a plurality of the leaf frond assemblies 14. The leaf frond assemblies 14 are detachably engaged with the trunk assembly 12 at predetermined locations, and in predetermined angular positions to impart to the artificial structure, geometric characteristics which enhance its fish attractiny capabi-lity. Lilce the trunk assembly 12 the leaf assemblies 1~ are constructed of a buoyant synthetic resin material. The leaf assemblies 12 are preferrably constructed oE high density polyethylene.
Referring initially in detail to the construction of the ballast assembly 10, such details of construction are best illustrated in Figures 1, 6, 7 and 8 of the drawings. The ballast assembly 10 includes an anchoring base container, designated generally by reference numeral 16, and an elongated flexible securing strap 18.
The anchoring base container 16 includes a generally spherically-shaped wall portion which can be formed, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, as an upper wall por-tion 20 and a lower portion 22. The upper and lower wall portions 20 and 22 are joined to each other around an equatorial line of joinder 23 by solvent welding, glueing or other suitable means, so that the two wall portions together form a generally spherically-shaped container having a hollow interior. The hollow base container 16 thus formed also has a base wall 24 which extends across the bottom of ~L3~
the container. The base wall 24 is molded of a synthetic plastic so as to define a pair of substantially semi-circular supporting feet 26 and 28 at opposite sides thereof, and a transverse strap-receiving channel 30. The channel 30 extends across the center of the base 24 and functions to receive a central bight portion of the securing strap 18, as best shown in Figures 7 and 8. The wall por-tions 20 and 22 are also molded so as to define an indented channel 32 which extends along opposite sides of the con-tainer for accommodating the strap 18. The channel 32 is formed to permit the opposite legs of the securing strap 18 to be passed through slots formed radially inwardly of the equatorial line oE joinder of the upper wall portion 20 to the lower wall portion 22, as best shown in Figure 6.
A plurality of small circular openings 36 are formed through the bottom wall 24 of the container 16 in a circular array around the outer portion of the bottom ~all at the location where the legs 26 and 28 are positioned. The aper-tures or openings 36 permit water to be drained through the bottom wall, rather than retained within the container.
At its upperside, the container 16 has a central opening which opens downwardly thereinto, and this opening is defined by a surrounding downwardly and inwardly turned flange 38. The flange 38 is provided with a plurality of circular apertures 39 arranged in a generally circular array. The annular flange 38 functions both to direct ballast material into the interior of the container, during loading, and also functions as a means by which the con-tainer can be picked up and moved from one location to the other for purposes hereinafter described.
At the free upper ends thereof, the two legs of the ~3~0 !3 securing strap 18 carry a pair of apertures which facilitate the pivotal connection of the ballast assembly 10 to the trunk assembly 12 as hereinafter explained.
As the aritificial fish attracting structure of the invention is normally utilized, ballast material ~0 is placed in the bottom of the container formed by the joined ; wall portions 20 and 22. The ballast material 40 may be stones, lead shot or other suitable material. Lead is not favored, however, since it tends to release deleterious free lead and lead compounds into the water in which the device is used. Small rocks or any other relatively dense material, which can function for anchoring or retaining the container against the bottom of the body of water in which the structure is to be located, will be satisfactory.
Figure 6 of the drawings shows that there can also be located within the container 16 forming a part of the ;~~ ballast assembly 10, a plurality of dough balls 42 or other bait material which, upon being softened by the water, will be released to float upwardly out of the opening in the top of the container, or will be activated for releasing a scent into the ~ater after the device has been placed in its selected location~ and the bait material 42 has been con-tacted by the water.
As pointed out above, the ballast assembly 10 is con-nected to the trunk assembly 12 by the pivotal engagement of the upper end portions of the securing strap 18 with the lower end of the trunk assembly. The trunk assembly 12 includes a pre-selected number of elongated tubular trunk sections 44 which are telescopingly engaged in the manner best illustrated in Figures 1, 3, 5 and 6. Each of these sections 44 has a hollow interior r as best shown in Figures ~3~
3 and 5, and each is generally octagonally configured in cross-sectîon, as depicted in Figure 4 in the drawings. At longitudinally spaced intervals along each of the sections 44, each section defines an indentation or groove 46 which projects radially inwardly into t'ne section ~rom the outer periphery ~hereof, and lies in a plane which extends normal to the longitudinal axis of the respective trun~ section.
To facilitate the joinder of the trunk sections 44, each section carries a male protuberant portion 48 of reduced transverse thickness at one end of the respective section f as illustrated in Figures 1, 5 and ~. The protuberant por-tion 43 has a pair of apertures 50 formed on opposite sides thereof as shown in Figure 5, and where the protuberant por-tion 48 is that which is carried on the lowermost one of the sections 44, such as is illustrated in Figures 1 and 6, the apertures 50 may be employed, in cooperation and co-action with suitably configured pins 52, to facilitate the pivotal securement of the ends of the strap 18 to the downwardly projecting protuberant portion~
In addition to functioning as a locus at which the trunk assembly 12 can be connected to the ballast assembly 10 by means of the strap 18, the protuberant portion 48 can al~o be used for telescoping engagement with an open upper end of each of the tubular sections 44 of the trunk assembly 12.
This telescoping engagement is depicted in Figures 3 and 5.
Each two sections 44 which are telescopingly engaged have a mating outer peripheral surface when in engagement, and they are locked in telescoping engagement by means of screws 56, or other suitable fastening means, extended through openings or apertures (not visible) in the outer tubular section 44, which openings are in alignment with the apertures 50 formed ~3~6~
in the protuberant portion 48 as shown in Figure 5.
It will be apparent; of course, that by rea~on of the octagonal cross-sec-tional configuration of the tubular S2C -tions 44, these sections cannot turn or rotate relative to each, but are interlocked in a fixed relationship. It will also be apparent that as many of the tubular trunk sections 44 as may be desired can be telescopingly engaged with each other to extend the trunk assembly 12 over any vertical distance desired.
It will be noted in referring to Figure 5 that the ter-minal portion of each protuberant end portion 48 is closed by a transversely extending closure plate 52. It will thus be perceived that it is possible to place into each of the hollow tubular trunk sections 44 of the trunk assembly, a light, a substance which will develop a fish attracting ; odox, additional ballast material (though this is rarely desirable), or other things or materials aiding the overall function of the fishing attracting structure of the inven-tion.
The leaf frond assemblies 14 forming a part of the arti-ficial structure of the invention are best illustrated in Figure 2 and Figures 9-12~ Each leaf frond assembly 14 includes a centraI trunk engaging section 60 which is generally rectangular in configuration, and defines an arcuate notch 62 at each of its corners. Each notch 62 is formed on a relatively large radius. Projecting from oppo-site sides of the central section 58, and in opposed align-ment with each other, are a pair of elongated leaf elements~
each referred to generally by reference numeral 64. As shown in Figure 12, the central trunk engaging section 60 of the leaf ~rond assembly 14 is arcuate in conEiguratlon so ` ~3~6~091 that the conve~ side of this section faces upwardly, and the concave side faces do~v~nwardly.
Located at the center of the central trunk engaging sec-tion 60 is a depressed or offset, generally circular area 66 where the synthetic resin has been stamped or molded in a configuration in which this area is located downwardly from, and offset out of the plane of, the remainder of the central section 60. There is thus developed, an annular angulation or shoulder 68 surrounding this area which imparts substan-tial mechanical strength to this portion of the leaf frond assembly 14, and enables it to more tenaciously and Eirmly engage the trunk assembly in a manner hereinaEter described.
The circular area 66 defines, at the center thereof, an octagonally-shaped opening 70. The octagonally-shaped opening 70 is of slightly lesser areal size than the cross-sectional area of the trunk sections 44. The opening 70 is bounded by eight contiguous side portions which define ; an~les at the intersection of each adjacent pair of side portions. From these corners where two adjacent side por-tions intersect, the circular area 66 is split or slotted, and therefore is divided into a plurality of segments disposed between the radiating outwardly extending slots 72.
Each of the slots 72 terminates at its radially outer end ln a small circular opening or aperture 74 through the synthe-tic resin. This functions to prevent the slot 72 from tearing or ripping out further in a radial direction.
Each of the elongated leaf elements 64 disposed on oppo-site sides of the central trunk engaging section ~0 is formed as a substantial portion of an elipse. Each of the leaf elements 6~ thus has a pair of con~le~ outer edges 76 ~3~
and 78 which converge at the outer end of the leaf in a rounded end or terminus 80. The end 80 is located at the end of a centrally e~tend.ing line of di.vision or axis 82 which extends to the central engaging section 60. The line 82 bisects the respective leaf element 64. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, each of the leaf elements 64 is symetri-cally curved in a transverse direction across the axis line 82 so that the leaf element has a convex upper side 84 and a concave lower side 86 as shown in Figure 11. Extending laterally and outwardly along each leaf element are a plura-l.ity of depressed ribs or vein elements 88 which simulate ; the veins or ribs of a natural leaf. As will be perceived by references to Figures 9, 10 and 11, each of these ribs or veins 88 is of increasing transverse width from the line 82 outwardly to the peripheral edge 76 of the respective leaf element 64.
The arched cross-sectional configuration of each leaf element 64 imparts mechanical strength and rigidity to the leaf element, and assists the leaf element in extending out-~ 20 wardl.y from the central trunk engaging section 60 without ; drooping or falling downwardly in the water. This outwardly extending orientation is further aided by the construction of each of the leaf elements from a high density closed cell polyethylene construction which is used in the construction of each of the leaf frond assemblies 14 and imparts substan~
tial buoyancy thereto. The specific gravity of the synthe-tic resin construction of the leaf frond assemblies 14 is preferrably between about 9.0 and 9.8 ~ith the mos-t pre~
: ferred specific gravity being between 9.2 and 9.6.
It is Eurther pointed out that the upper and lower sur-faces oF each of the leaf elements 64, as well as the upper ~3~
and lower surface of each central trunk en~aging section 60 is roughened or textured. Texturing the surfaces of the leaf elements in this fashion enables the affixation to, or growth upon, these surfaces of periphyton (plant and animal micro-organisms), and such growth has been particularly con-ducive to the congregation of fish in the vicinity of the structure.
In the construction of the leaves, they are preferrably thermoformed in the configuration described, and are pigmented at certain locations thereupon to provide certain colors which are particularly visible and attractive to fish at selected locations on the leaves.
Operation In the utilization and operation of the artificial structure of the invention, the location where the structure is to be submerged in a body o fresh water is initially determined. The fresh water body will, of course, be a lakel ~tream or impoundment in which fish live, and the pur-pose of locating the artificial structure therein may be for attracting fish in order to enhance the fishing success in a particular area, or it may be to attract fish to a par-ticular locale for the purpose of enhanced nutrition or for piscatoral study, such as in a fish raising facility, and in an aquatic biological study station.
In any event, when the location where it is desired to place the artificial structure has been determined, the structure is variously assembled according to factors such as other surrounding submerged trees, brush and the like, the steepness of -the bank and the depth and clari-ty of the water. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, an artificial structure which will extend from the bottom :
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upwardly to a height of 7 or 8 feet is illustrated In assembling the structure to afford the most effective fish attracting device in the particular area selec-ted, it ; is perhaps easiest to initially place a plurality of the leaf frond asse~blies 14 on each of the tubular trunk sec-tions 44 which will be used in assembling the structure.
(As an alternative procedure, the trunk sections may first be telescopingly engaged in end-to-end relation before the leaf frond assemblies are secured thereto.) Where two of .~ 10 such tubular ~runk sections 44 are to be utilized, as illustrated in the drawings for illustrative purposes~ the trunk sect.ions are engaged by a plurality of the leaf frond assemblies which are selectively oriented relative to each other, and in longitudinally spaced relationship along the trunk sections, as shown in Figure 1 of the drawings.
To locate one of the leaf frond assemblies 14 on a trunk section 44, the leaf frond assembly is pushed down over one end of the trunk section so that the trunk section passes through the octagonally-shaped opening 70 disposed in the center of the area 66. The stiffness of the synthetic resin material is such that relatively tenacious frictional en-gagement is established between the flaps formed between the slots 72 in the area 66 and the external periphery oE the . trunk section 44. In fact, these flaps must flex upwardly sufficiently to allow the trunk section 44 to pass by until . a point is reached where these flaps between the slots 72 , can pivot inwardly sufficiently to have the inner ends of :~, the flaps extending into engagement with the peripheral slot or recess 46.
~fter one of the frond assemblies 14 has been engaged with a recess or indentation 46 in the manner described, a ~3~G:~Log!
second frond assembly 14 is pressed over the free end of the respective tubular trunk section 44, and is forced axially along the trunk section un-til the flaps defined between the slots 72 adjacent the hexagonal opening 70 through the frond assembly can also enter the indentation 46. The second frond assembly 14 is thus also locked in position against axial movement, and has its center section 60 overlying the center section 60 of the first frond assembly 14 which is already in place on the -trunk section 44 and engaged with the indentation 46. The two fronds assemblies 14 as thus arranged and in engagement with the indentation 46 can then be pivoted or swiveled about the longitudinal axis oE the tubular trunk section 44 until a desired orientation of the two frond assemblies in relation to each other has been obtained.
A preferred form of such orien-tation, in which the two frond assemblies 14 extended at right angles to each other, is illustrated in Figure 2 of the drawings. It will be noted in referring to Figure 2 of the drawings that the arcuate notches 62 which are formed at each corner of the rectangular ce~tral sections 60 compliment each other so that the leaf elements 64 converge at the center section 60, and that radiusing or rounding occurs at this location of intersection such that sharp corner angulation i3 avoided, and impalement or hanging up of hooks and fishing tackle is substantially reduced. This is to say that by reason of the large radiusing developed between the leaf elements 14 where these elements overlap and intersect adjacent the trunk assembly 12, fowling of fishing tackle used to fish adjacent the artificial structure is obviated, or at least is substantially reduced. It is also important to note that 3~6~
the indented corners of the central section areas ~ are spaced a substantial distance from the tubular trun]~ section 44 upon which -the leaf frond assemblies 14 are mounted, so that hooks an~ the tackle are kept away from the trunk sec-tion 12, as such tackle is lowered through the artificial : structure during fishing.
In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, each of the tubular trunk sections 4~ has three of the grooves or indentations 46 spaced therealong at about fourteen inches from each other. Thus, in addition to assembling the two or more leaf frond assemblies 1~ in engagement with one of the indentations 46 in the manner described, the process of sliding additional leaf frond assemblies 14 axially along : the tubular trunk sections 44 until engagement is 15 established with another of the indentations 46 .is repeated, so that two or more of the leaf frond assemblies engage the next indentation. After these leaf frond assemblies 14 are in engagement with the indentation 46, the frond assemblies are rotated until they are staggered or offset with respect to the two leaf frond assemblies carried in the first of the indentations 46, and spaced therebelow. Preferrably the orientation of the leaf frond assemblies with respect to those in the next adjacent indentation is such that the leaf elements are sta~gered or offset by 45 in relation to the leaf elements making uping the leaE frond assemblies 1~
spaced therefrom along the axis of the tubular trunk sec-tion. To one viewing the asssmbly at this point from above, it would appear that there are a total of eight leaves arranged in circumEerentailly spaced relationship to each other around the axis of the tubular trunk element 44, with each of these eight leaE elemen-ts being spaced from t:he next I, ~3~
adjacent leaf element by 45Q.
The process of attaching the leaf frond assemblies 14 to the tubular trunk assembly 12 is then repeated one more time for the first of the two tubular trunk sections 44, 50 that the last of the three indentations 46 which i3 adjacent the free upper end thereof is occupied by further l~af frond assemblies 14 which are secured thereto, and in frictional engagement with the respective indentation. In this instance, the leaf elements 64 o~ the pair oE leaf frond assemblies 14 secured to this indentation 46 are oriented so that they are in alignment with the leaf elements 64 making up the first two lea~ frond assemblies 14 which were attached to the tubular trunk element 44, that is, the two leaf frond assemblies disposed at the lower end of the tubu-lar trunk section 44.
After the leaf frond assemblies 14 have been placed on the first trunk section 44 in the manner described~ the second or uppermost of the two trunk sections 44 is fitted out with sets of leaf frond assemblies 14 in a fashion simi-lar to that which has been described. The described proce-dure is repeated un-til one or more of the indentations 46 which are formed around/ and extend into, the upper of the two tubular trunk sections 44 have been fitted with a pair of leaf frond assemblies. It should be pointed out that ; 25 additional leaf frond assemblies can be added at any of the indentations 46, so that more assemblies than only the two a semblies arrayed in a cruciform configuration are uti-lized. Thus, it may be desirable in some instances, for example, to utilize three of the leaf frond assemblies 14, with the ]eaf elements 64 arranged at angles of 60 with respect to each other, rather than in the cruciEorm con-~L3~
figuration in which each of the leaf frond assemblies 14 engaged ~ith each of the indentations 46 is extended normal to the other leaf Erond assembly in that pair of such assemblies.
After the tubular trunk sections 44 have been adorned with leaf fxond assemblies in the manner describedf the several trunk sections are telescopingly engaged so that they are axially aligned in a rigid trunk configuration, as depicted in Figure 1. In telescopingly engaging the tubular trunk sections 44, the protuberant end portion 48 of one oE
the trunk sections is frictionally pressed into the open end of an adjacent, axially aligned trunk section. The way this socketing telescoping engagement appears is shown in Figure 5. When the several trunk sections 44 are interengaged in this fashion, they can be interlocked by means of screws 56, or other fastening devices, passed through aligned apertures in the trunk sections in the manner hereinbefore described.
As previously pointed out, the bottom wall or closure - plate 52 which extends across and closes the end of the pro-tuberant male portion 48 of each tubular trunk section 44 enables some type of device or substance to be placed in each or all of khe interengaged tubular trunk sections to provide additional functions to the artificial structure of the invention. Thus, where the trunk sections are made o a clear, light transmissive or translucent plastic material, a small light producing device, such as a pen light or a flash light, may be rested upon the closure plate 52 after the light has been turned on, and, when the artificial fish attracting structure is assembled, this light will shine through the translucent plastic and act as a source of attraction Eor Eish during night fishing. ~lternatively, 18~
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some type of water soluble ~ood material which will attract fish because of ~ither its color or its aroma can be placed in the closed protuberant portion 48. In this case, it may be desirable to place additional holes or apertures 50 through the protuberant section 48 and thl_ su~rounding tubu-lar trunk section 44 so that water can pass into the trun~
section and thoroughly saturate the material which is placed in the closed protuberant portion. The odor or color derived from -this material can then be wa~ted out through ; 10 the apertures formed through the telescopingly engaged por-tions of the tubular sections.
It will be apparent that as many of the tubular trunk SectiQnS 44 as may be desirable can be interen~aged in a telescoped, axially aligned s-tatus. In most instances, the number of sections used will depend upon the depth of the water in which the structure is located, but the selected overall length of the several tubular sections which are inter-engaged can also be determined in part by the naturally occurring structure, such as natural trees, limbs, rocks or the like which may be disposed in close proximity to the location where the artificial structure is to be placed.
In order to adequately anchor or secure the artificial structure at the desired location, the ballast assembly 10 is provided. The ballast assembly 10 is initially filled with a w~ighting material of some type such as stones or rocks 41 as illustrated in the drawings. These function to give sufficient mass to the ballast assembly 10 to cause it to sink in the water and to cause the container formed by the joined upper wall portion 20 and lower wall portion 22 to be firmly held against the bottom of the lake or o-ther ~3~
body of fresh water. As has been previously pointed out, in preparing to locake the artificial structure in the water where it is to be used to :Eunction in attracting fish~ it may also be desirable to place dough balls 42 or some other type of food substance or fish attractive material within the hemispherical container 16.
: ~fter the container has received the rocks or other ballast 41 and food material ~2, the free ends of the strap 18 are secured to the protuberant lower end portion 4~ of 10 the tubular trunk section ~4, using the pins 52 hereinbefore described. The pins 52 function to pivotally or swivelly secure the container 16 to the lower end of the trunk oE the artificial structure, and this in turns plays an important :~ role in allowing the structure of the invention to be securely located even on a sloping bottom. Thus, even though the container 16 may be canted or slanted or tilted slightly by the reason of resting upon an uneven bottom, the trunk assembly 12, constructed as i-t is of buoyant ma~erial, and the leaE frond assemblies 14, also constructed of a buoyant mat~rial, can float free so as to project in a generally vertical direction from the ballast assembly 1~.
The arrangement of the several substructures of the artiEi-cial structure of the invention is such that a device offering a very substantial attraction to game fish is pro-vided in an easily portable form. The artificial structure can be set up at any desired location in the water, and will remain stable at that location over an indefinite period of time. The synthetic resins of whi.ch the entire structure is preferrably constructed are durable and characterized in havin~ a lon~ service life ~- in fact, the artificial structure of the invention wil.l function effec-tively over a ~3~
much longer period of time than the period of time that natural shrubbery, na-tural trees or the l:ike will last after being submerged in the water.
Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been herein described in order to provide an example oE the principles used in constructing khe structure of the inven-tion, it will be understood that various changes and innova-tions can be made without departure from these basic principles. All such changes and innovations are therefore deemed to be circumscribed by the spirit and scope of the invention, except as the same may be necessarily l.imited by the appended claims or reasonable equivalents thereof.
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