US20070227058A1 - Fishing Float - Google Patents

Abstract

A combination slip/spring float with the ability to be used as a lighted float and more particularly a lighted center slide float.

Description

• This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/143,714 filed Jul. 14, 1999.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention
• The present invention relates generally to a fishing float, more particularly to a combination spring/slip float and still more particularly to a lighted center slide fishing float which can be used either as a slip float or a spring float.
• 2. The Prior Art
• A variety of fishing floats are currently available for use in fishing. Some are so called slip floats in which the float is mounted to the fishing line in a manner which enables the line to slide or move relative to the float. A common slip float is a float having a fishing line opening extending from one end (the top) to the other (the bottom) to receive a fishing line along the axial center of the float. Others are so called spring floats in which the float is connected with the fishing line in a relatively fixed position. A common spring float includes a spring support portion with a line receiving slot near the lower end of the float. A coil spring surrounds the support portion to prevent the float from sliding relative to the fishing line.
• Further, fishing floats exist which include luminescent members or other lighted means for night fishing. One such lighted float includes a two piece float having selectively connectable upper and lower portions. The upper portion includes a lighted tip carrying a lightable bulb. The upper portion also includes a battery receptacle in which an elongated lithium battery is mounted, in either a lighted operative position or an unlighted storage or inoperative position. In both cases, the lithium battery is mounted along the axial center line of the upper float portion. To change this float from a non-lighted to a lighted mode, the upper float portion is removed from the lower float portion and the battery is manually removed and reinserted in a reverse position into the cylindrical battery receptacle opening along the axial center of the upper float portion. This causes the contacts of the battery to light the bulb in the tip. When it is desired for the light to be turned off, the battery again is manually removed and reversed. Although such float functions as a lighted float for night fishing, it cannot be made to function as a center slide slip/spring float because of the existence of the bulb and the battery positioned along the axial center of the float.
• Although a variety of such fishing floats currently exist, there is need for a combination slip/spring float and an improved lighted fishing float for nighttime fishing. The need also exists for a lighted fishing float which can be used both as a slip float and a spring float, and particularly a center slide float.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to a fishing float which can be selectively used as a lighted fishing float. The fishing float in accordance with the present invention can also be utilized both as a slip float and as a spring float as well as a center slide lighted float.
• More specifically, the float of the present invention includes a two-part float structure comprising upper and lower float portions which are retained relative to one another in a relatively sealed condition via a press fit or other connecting means. Preferably the retaining means utilizes one or more O-rings. Extending from one end of the float is a hollow, tubular center stem or spring mounting section. This section may be integrally formed with the bottom end of the lower float portion, but preferably comprises the lower end portion of a main center stem which extends upwardly from the bottom of the lower float portion so that its upper end mates or nests with a portion of the upper end of the float. A mounting member is positioned within the lower float portion for mounting and/or stabilizing the central stem or tube and for mounting a light means. The spring mounting section extending outwardly from the float is provided with a compressible spring member which, in combination with a slit or opening in such section, enables the float to function as a spring float.
• Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved, lighted fishing float. A further object of the present invention is to provide a fishing float which can be used either as a slip float or as a spring float.
• A further object of the present invention is to provide a combination center slide slip/spring float.
• A still further object of the present invention is to provide a multiple use fishing float which can be selectively used as a lighted float for night fishing and as a slip or spring float.
• Another object of the present invention is to provide a lighted, center slide float as well as a center slide slip/spring float.
• These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the drawings and the description of the preferred embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is an elevational front view of a fishing float in accordance with the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a view, partially in section, of the fishing float of the present invention as viewed along thesection line2,2 ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view, partially exploded, showing the connection detail between the upper and lower portions of the fishing float.
• FIG. 4 is an elevational plan view of the light member holding member in the float of the present invention.
• FIG. 5 is an elevational front view of the distal end of the central stem, without the spring.
• FIG. 6 is an elevational side view of the central stem without the spring.
• FIG. 7 is an alternate embodiment for a spring mounting section.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
• The present invention relates to a fishing float, and more particularly a fishing float which can be used as a lightedfishing float10 for night fishing or can be used either as a slip float or as a spring float. Still further, the invention relates to a center slide slip/spring fishing float. The structure of the float of the present invention is illustrated best with reference toFIGS. 1, 2 and3.
• In general, thefishing float10 includes anupper float portion11, alower float portion12, a central hollow tube orstem14, aspring mounting section17, aspring15 mounted near the distal end of themounting section17 and one or more rubber O-rings16 and20 forming a seal between theupper portion11 and thelower portion12. As shown more specifically inFIGS. 2 and 3, theupper float portion11 includes atop end21 and abottom end22. The outer surface of theportion11 near theend22 includes a seat orshoulder portion18 against which the O-ring16 is disposed. Such outer surface also includes a second O-ring groove orseat19 for supporting the O-ring20. Both theshoulder18 as well as thegroove19 are circumferential elements which extend entirely around the generally circular cross-sectional configuration of theportion11.
• Theupper end21 of the float portion includes a fishing line opening25 through which a fishing line13 (FIG. 1) can be threaded when the float is desired to be used as a slip float.Such opening25 is positioned along theaxial center line23 of theupper portion11. Aninner surface24 diverges outwardly as it extends downwardly from theopening25 to define a center stem receiving portion. As shown, the diameter of thissurface24 approximates the outer dimension of thestem14 so that the upper end of thestem14 extends into the area defined by thesurface24 in a friction fit. In the preferred embodiment, theupper edge26 of thecentral stem14 is beveled to provide a lead-in to thesurface24. Similar to theopening25, thearea24 is symmetrical along theaxial center line23 of the float and theupper portion11.
• As shown, the upper11 and lower12 portions are selectively connectable to one another. When connected, they define a substantially hollow central float potion. Thelower portion12 of the float includes anupper end29 and a lower end30 (FIG. 2). As shown best inFIGS. 2 and 3, the internal surface of thelower portion12 near thetop end29 is provided with an O-ring retaining seat orgroove31. Thisgroove31 extends circumferentially around the entirety of the inner surface of theportion12 and is designed to mate with and receive an outer portion of the O-ring20 when the float is assembled. Thetop end29 of theportion12 is a generally flat surface which is designed for sealing engagement with a portion of the O-ring16 when the float is assembled. The upper andlower float portions11 and12 are preferably made of buoyant plastic, with at least theupper portion11 being of translucent plastic to allow the light from thelight element39 hereafter described to shine through.
• A circumferential shoulder or mountingmember32 is integrally formed with the inner surface of theportion12 and extends circumferentially around the entirety of theportion12. Theshoulder32 includes anupper surface34 for supporting a centrally positionedmember35 which functions to stabilize thestem14 and mount alight element39. As shown best inFIGS. 3 and 4, themember35 includes acentral opening38 for mounting and stabilizing thecentral stem14 and a plurality of battery or light mountingopenings36 positioned radially outwardly and circumferentially around thecentral opening38. In the preferred embodiment, themember35 is shown as a generally circular disc-shaped element; however, members of various other shapes could be used as well provided that they perform the functions of stabilizing thecentral stem14 and mounting the light orbattery element39.
• When assembled, the outer peripheral lower edge of themember35 is supported on thesupport surface34 of theshoulder32. If desired, themember35 can be secured relative to theportion12 by an adhesive or by a press fit, although such securement is not considered necessary.
• As shown best inFIG. 2, thestem14 is comprised of an elongated hollow tubular member having anupper end28 which is designed for a friction fit within thesurface24 of theportion11 when assembled and a lowerdistal end40. When the float is assembled, a portion of thecentral stem14 preferably extends from thelower end30 of the float, through theopening38 in themember35 and then to the frictionfit surface24. In the preferred embodiment, thecentral stem14 is fixed to the lower end of thelower float portion12 along theaxial center line23. Thus, thehollow stem14 functions as a fishing line opening at the bottom of theportion12. If desired, thestem14 could be fixed to theupper portion11 along itsaxial center23. In either case, thestem14 preferably extends through the center of thedisc35 or other battery or light mounting member.
• The spring mounting orsupport section17 of thecentral stem14 extends downwardly from thelower end30 to thedistal end40. Acompression spring member15 is positioned around the lower end of this spring mounting section orsupport portion17 as shown. In the preferred embodiment, the upper strand or two of thespring15 may be secured to the outer surface of theportion17 at thepoint42 by an adhesive. This retains thespring15 relative to theportion17 and enables the lower end of thespring15 to be compressed upwardly when desired. Alternatively, thespring support portion17 extending downwardly from thelower end30 can be integrally formed or molded with theportion12 as shown inFIG. 7. Further, thespring15 can be secured to thisportion17 at either end. Alternatively, thedistal end40 of the stem orspring support portion17 could be provided with an enlarged portion27 (FIG. 7) or other means for capturing and retaining thespring15. With this structure, the adhesive for thespring15 can be eliminated.
• Thesection17 is hollow and thus includes an elongatedfishing line opening33 extending through the entire length and along theaxial center23. Preferably thesection17 is an extension of thecenter stem14, which extends through a substantial portion (from bottom to top or vice versa) of the float, and theopening33 is an extension of the center opening of thestem14 and theopening25 at the top of the float. Preferably thestem14 extends through at least one-third of the float (from top to bottom or vice versa) and more preferably greater than one-half.
• Intermediate between thedistal end40 and thelower end30, the spring support portion17 (or lower end of the stem14) is provided with a fishing line slot oropening44. As shown best inFIGS. 5 and 6, thisslot44 is preferably curved or angled to provide a means, in combination with thespring15, for retaining the fishing line in a relatively fixed position relative to the float when the float is being used as a spring float. Thespring15, which is moveable between an extended position and a compressed position, is positioned to cover theslot44 in an extended position and to uncover theslot44 when in a compressed position. As shown inFIG. 2, theslot44 communicates with theopening33, however, this is not a requirement.
• The float is also preferably provided with thelight member39 for night fishing. In the preferred embodiment, thelight member39 is comprised of an elongated tubular member having a battery/bulb combination in a single element. Specifically, themember39 includes an upper light orbulb portion46 and aportion45 which is moveable inwardly and outwardly relative to the main portion of the lightedmember39 between an on and an off position. When in an on position, thebulb46 is lit, while in an off position, thebulb46 is not lit. The lightedmember39 is retained in a friction fit position within one of thelight mounting openings36. Preferably, thelight element39 is a combination battery/bulb (with a lithium battery) which is manually activated.
• The lighted float of the present invention includes upper and lower float portions designed to be selectively connected and disconnected from one another. A retaining disc or other structure is mounted in the lower float portion for mounting one or more battery orlight elements39. The preferred embodiment discloses this structure in the form of adisc35 with one or more battery/light mounting elements. In the preferred embodiment, these battery/light mounting elements comprise a plurality ofholes36 to mount the battery/light elements39 off center. The battery/light mounting structure also preferably includes acenter opening38 for receiving thecenter stem14. The center stem14 functions primarily to guide the fishing line from theopening25 at the top of the float, through the center portion of the float and out through the opening at thebottom end30 of the float. Thus, when assembled, the center stem must at least be positioned in the central portion of the float to guide the fishing line past the structure for retaining the battery/light units39. Preferably, the center stem is aligned with theopening25 at the top of the float and extends along thecenter line23 of the float.
• It is understood that thedisc35 or other battery/light mounting structure could be mounted in theupper float portion11 rather than thebottom portion12. Further, the preferred embodiment shows thecenter stem14 mounted in thelower portion12 and extending into the upper end of thefloat portion11 when assembled; however, this could be reversed. Preferably, thestem14 should extend or pass through thedisc35 or other supporting structure when the float is in its assembled form. Still further, the battery/light mounting elements, such as holes or recesses, could be molded directly into the upper11 orlower portion12, if desired.
• Having described the structure of the preferred embodiment, the method of assembly and use of the preferred embodiment can be described as follows. First, the O-rings16 and20 are mounted to theupper float portion11 against theshoulder18 and in theseat19, respectively. Next, the spring41 is applied to the lower end of thecentral stem14 and secured thereto by an adhesive. The opposite or upper end of thestem14 is then inserted into thelower end30 of thefloat portion12 and inserted to a preselected extent in which theupper end28 will seat in a friction fit within thesurface24 when thefloat portion11 is applied to thefloat portion12. When in this position, thestem14 is preferably secured in that position relative to thelower float portion12 if desired. This can be done by applying adhesive between thestem14 and thelower end30.
• Next, themember35 is assembled by inserting the free end of thecentral stem14 through theopening38 and moving themember35 so that it seats against thesurface34 of theshoulder32. If desired, themember35 can be secured by an adhesive or the like to thelower float member12 and/or thecentral stem14, if desired. Finally, thelight member39 is inserted into one of theopenings36 and retained therein via a friction fit. Theupper float portion11 is then applied to thelower float portion12 by inserting thelower end22 into the open end of thelower portion12 and manually pressing the two portions together until the O-ring20 seats in thegroove31. The float is then ready for use as a slip float or a spring float.
• To be used as a slip float, thefishing line13 is threaded through thehollow stem14 via theopening25 as shown inFIG. 1. Theline13 is inserted until it exits the bottom end of the float. The float is then free to slip or move along theline13. To be used as a spring float, thespring15 is compressed to expose theslot44. The fishing line is then inserted into theslip44 and thespring15 is released. When released, thespring15 extends over theslot44 and fishing line and retains the float in a fixed position relative to the fishing line.
• If it is desired to also use the float as a lighted float for night fishing, theupper portion11 is removed and the battery/light element39 is activated to an on position by pulling up theportion45. The upper portion II is then reinserted into thelower portion12. In the preferred embodiment, the upper andlower portions11 and12 are connected via a friction fit. Thus, theupper portion11 and thelower portion12 are separated by manually bending the upper portion back and forth relative to thelower portion12. However, other connection means such as threads may be provided as well.
• Although the description of the preferred embodiment has been quite specific, it is contemplated that various modifications could be made without deviating from the spirit of the present invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention is dictated by the appended claims rather than by the description of the preferred embodiment.

Claims (21)

1. A fishing float comprising:

upper and lower float portions, said upper and lower float portions being selectively connectable to one another to define a float with upper and lower ends and

a fishing line opening at each of said upper and lower ends.

2. The fishing float ofclaim 1 including a hollow spring support extending downwardly from the lower end of said lower float portion, said fishing line opening at said lower end being in communication with said hollow spring support.

3. The fishing float ofclaim 2 including a compressible spring mounted on said spring support and being compressible from an extended position to a compressed position.

4. The fishing float ofclaim 3 including a fishing line retaining opening in said spring support, said retaining opening positioned so that said spring covers said retaining opening when said spring is in its extended position.

5. The fishing float ofclaim 1 including a substantially hollow central float portion when said upper and lower float portions are connected with one another.

6. The fishing float ofclaim 5 including a hollow tubular stem extending through a portion of said central float portion when said upper and lower float portions are connected with one another.

7. The fishing float ofclaim 6 including a hollow spring support extending downwardly from the lower end of said lower float portion, said fishing line opening in said lower float portion being in communication with said hollow spring support.

8. The fishing float ofclaim 7 including a float interior where said first and second float portions are connected and a selectively actuatable light member mounted within said float interior.

9. The fishing float ofclaim 8 including a light mounting member connected with one of said upper and lower float portions wherein said light member is mountable to said light mounting member.

10. The fishing float ofclaim 9 wherein said light mounting member includes a mounting disc having a central opening and one or more light receiving openings spaced from said central opening.

11. The fishing float ofclaim 1 including a float interior when said first and second float portions are connected and a selectively actuatable light member mounted within said float interior.

12. The fishing float ofclaim 11 including a light mounting member connected with one of said upper and lower float portions wherein said light member is mountable to said light mounting member.

13. The fishing float ofclaim 12 wherein said light mounting member includes a mounting disc having a central opening and one or more light receiving openings spaced from said central opening.

14. The fishing float ofclaim 13 including a hollow tubular stem extending through said central opening when said upper and lower float portions are connected.

15. The fishing float ofclaim 14 wherein said hollow tubular stem includes an upper end aligned with said fishing line opening in said upper float portion.

16. The fishing float ofclaim 1 being a center slide float having a fishing line passage extending from said fishing line opening at said upper end to said fishing opening at said lower end along the axial center line of the float.

17. A combination slip/spring fishing float comprising:

a float body having an upper end and a lower end and an axial center extending between said upper end and said lower end;

a fishing line opening extending from said upper end to said lower end along said axial center,

a hollow, spring mount section at said lower end;

a fishing line slot in a side of said spring mount section and

a compressible spring on said spring mount section.

18. The fishing float ofclaim 17 wherein said float body includes first and second float sections selectively connectable to and disconnectable from one another.

19. The fishing float ofclaim 18 including one or more selectively adjustable light members mounted to one of said first and second float sections.

20. The fishing float ofclaim 19 including a hollow center stem defining said fishing line opening and extending through a substantial portion of said float.

21. The fishing float ofclaim 21 wherein said center stem extends through at least one-half of said float.

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