Fishing float
Apr. 8, 1975 United States Patent [191 Futch, Jr.  
 [57] ABSTRACT A fishing float, adapted to receive a fishing line for FISHING FLOAT [76] Inventor: Charles D. Futch, Jr., 710 Hill St.,  
 Opa-Locka, Fla. 30050 Nov. 9, I973 Appl. No.: 414,311  
 passage therethrough and including means whereby [22] Filed:  
 therethrough for passage of the line, a slide tower fixed to and extending upwardly from the body porheld of tion. and a lock means slidably engaged with the tower and slidable between a position which crimps and pre- I0 90 43 9 k 4] am 4 I 3 4 3 St Um NH 55 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 43/4438 43/44. X ill/44.88  
 2,153,869 Joncs 3,6fi7,l49 6/l972 Daiglemum 3,760,527 9/]973 Hamrcn 17 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures Primary- Examiner-Louis G. Mancene Assistant Emminer-Daniel J. Leach FISHING FLOAT STATE OF THE PRIOR ART Various patents have been issued which disclose floats which are manually adjustable along a fishing line whereby the fisherman may preset a float to provide a predetermined length of line extending from the float to a baited hook. In this manner the bait is disposed at a desired water depth. However, if the fisherman desires to change to a different water depth, he must retrieve the entire length of fishing line and manually reset the float to a different position on the line to accomplish the change.  
  Patent disclosures of this type of float fall in two general catagories, l floats which are manually adjustable along fishing lines which provide predetermined lengths of free line between the floats and baits and, 2) floats which are manually adjustable along fishing lines, providing predetermined lengths of line between the floats and baits which are wound around various types of reels or spools until the floats settle in the water whereupon said lengths of line are supposed to unwind. In both types of floats, however, it is necessary to retrieve the entire lengths of fishing line and to manually readjust the floats to achieve different fishing depths.  
 BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION The present invention pertains to a fishing float which includes means to permit a fisherman to readjust his fishing depth at will by proper manipulations of the fishing line by means of the fishing rod.  
  A weighted downward extension from float means counterbalances a normally upstanding slide tower which extends a fairly substantial distance above the g water surface. The fishing line is guided generally downwardly along the slide tower and extends through a central bore in the weighted downward extension, emerging from the bottom thereof and extending to a point of attachment to a baited hook when in use.  
  The length of line between the baited hook and the float can be varied at will by the fisherman. For this purpose, a slide lock is slidably engaged along the normally upstanding slide tower. In its normal position the slide lock is positioned at the bottom of the tower and locks the fishing line relative to the top portion of the downward extension. A sharp jerk, imparted to the fishing line by a proper manipulation of the fishing rod, causes the float device to momentarily lie substantially flat along the surface of the water. Simultaneously, the sharp jerk causes the slide lock to slide upwardly to, or adjacent to the top of the tower, freeing the line and permitting it, upon relaxation of pressure thereon, to slide through the lower extension under the influence of the weight of the baited hook to increase the length of line between the float and bait resulting in a greater fishing depth. Means is provided on the tower to arrest the downward movement of the slide lock until the float device reassumes a generally vertical disposition in the water.  
  When it is desirable to lessen the fishing depth, the fishing rod is manipulated to cause the float device to lie substantially flat along the surface of the water to free the slide lock from engagement with the fishing line. However, instead of instantaneously releasing the pressure on the fishing line, the fishing rod would be manipulated to maintain the pressure on the line to withdraw it through the lower extension to shorten the length of line between the float and the baited hook.  
 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the fishing float of the present invention engaged with a fishing line;  
  FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional view through the fishing float;  
  FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the fishing float of the instant invention in a generally vertical, floating disposition on the surface of the water;  
  FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, illustrating the disposition of the fishing float after a sharp jerk has been imparted to the fishing line;  
  FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrating the first phase of the movement of the fishing float after relaxation of pressure on the fishing line;  
  FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a modified form of the present invention, parts being broken away to illustrate the details thereof;  
  FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the modified form of the invention with parts broken away; and  
  FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view, taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 6.  
 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS With reference to the drawings in which like reference characters designate like or corresponding elements throughout the various views and with particular reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the fishing float of the present invention is designated generally at 10.  
  The fishing float I0 is comprised generally of a float means 12, connecting means l4 to the float means l2, a downward extension 16 including a weight 18 fixed at 20 to the lower end thereof, a slide tower 22 extending upwardly from the float means 12 and a slide lock 24, engaged along the slide tower 22.  
  With further reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the slide tower 22 is comprised of a pair of upstanding, parallel slide rods 26-28 fixed in a boss 30 which may be formed integral with the top portion of the connecting means 14. The top ends of the slide rods 26-28 are interconnected by a disc 32 and an outwardly extending guide ring 34 for the fishing line F is connected to the disc 32 by a neck 36.  
  The fishing line F extends from a reel on a fishing rod (not shown) through the guide ring 34, downwardly through a coaxial bore 37 through the boss 30, connecting means 14, downward extension 16 and weight 18 to a point of attachment to a fishing hook H which, in use, is provided with a bait B.  
  The slide lock 24, as best illustrated in FIG. 2, is preferably comprised of an annular drum shaped member 40, provided with a pair of parallel, through bores 42-44 for free sliding engagement with the slide rods 26-28. In practice, the annular member 40 is preferably formed of an outer metal ring 46 with an internal filler 48 which, along with the slide rods 26-28, is preferably formed of a self lubricating synthetic material such as nylon, for example.  
  As illustrated in FIG. 2, a relatively short nipple 50 extends upwardly from the boss 30 and includes a coaxial bore extension 52 from the bore 37. An enlarged bore 54 is provided upwardly through the bottom of the slide lock 24. Said bore 54 stops short of passing through the slide lock 24 and is sized to nest over the nipple 50 with sufficient clearance to permit passage of the fishing line F between the internal wall thereof and the external wall of the nipple 50.  
  When the slide lock 24 is in the locked position, illustrated in FIG. 2, the fishing line F extends downwardly and outwardly of the slide lock 24 as at 56, around the bottom thereof as at 58, upwardly between the inner wall of bore 54 and the outer wall of nipple 50, radially across the top of nipple 50 at 60 and then downwardly through the coaxial bores 52 and 37 as at 62 to the point of attachment to the hook H.  
  A slide lock arresting means is provided on one of the slide rods, either 26 or 28, in the form of a pendulum arm 64, pivotally attached thereto as at 66. The slide rod 26 or 28 is cut out as at 68 to accommodate the arm 64 which is cross sectionally configurated to conform with the radius of the rod 28 as seen in FIG. 2 for passage through the bore 44. A long lower portion 70 and a short upper portion 72 are provided by the pendulum arm 64 for a purpose to be hereinafter described relative to the description of the operation thereof.  
  With reference to FIG. 3, the general, normal disposition of the fishing float in the water W is illustrated. After the fisherman has made a cast and permitted the fishing line to assume a normal relaxed condition, the fishing float will assume the generally vertical disposition of FIG. 3 with the slide lock 24 locked relative to the fishing line F as in FIG. 2.  
  When the fisherman imparts a sharp jerk on the fishing line F by means of the fishing rod, the float device I0 will be snapped over to the position, illustrated in FIG. 4. To provide additional drag or resistance on the fishing line, an upwardly facing, saucer shaped member 76 may be slidably disposed on the fishing line F. With the float device I0 disposed in the generally horizontal position of FIG. 4. the pendulum arm 64 will be swung about the pivot 66 to maintain a generally vertical attitude because of the weight of the long lower portion 70. However, the snap or quick jerk imparted to the fishing line will initially cause the slide lock 24 to be impelled to a position at or adjacent to the top of the slide tower 22 because of the normal disposition of the fishing line as described relative to FIG. 2.  
  As seen in FIG. 2, the lower end 70 of the pendulum arm 64 extends into and is captivated in the bore 44 when the float device 10 is in a vertical disposition. Consequently, the pendulum arm 64 cannot assume the vertical position as seen in FIG. 4 until the slide lock 24 has passed thereabove.  
  When the fishing line F is relaxed, the slide lock 24 will immediately begin its descent of the slide tower 22. However, the short upper portion 72 of the pendulum arm 64 will interrupt the descent of the slide block 24 and hold it until the float device reassumes a generally vertical disposition whereupon said slide block 24 will return to its position in FIGS. 2 and 3, and lock the fishing line F relative to the float device. During this period of delayed descent, because of the relaxed line. the weight of the bait B on the hook H will cause said bait to descend to a greater water depth.  
  When it is desirable to increase the fishing depth, the rod is snapped and instantly manipulated to relax the line; however, to reduce the fishing depth, the fishing line is jerked to release the slide lock 24 and further pull on the fishing line will withdraw same to reduce the fishing depth.  
  It can therefore be seen that a fisherman can selectively increase or decrease the depth of his bait at will, without retrieving his line or any portion thereof.  
  With reference to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, a modified form of the invention is illustrated which includes a second tower comprised of a pair of generally upright members 102 and 104 connecting between the float means l2&#39;-l2&#39; and the guide ring 34&#39;. With this structure, no forces are imposed on the slide tower 22&#39; when the fishing line F is jerked by means of the fishing rod in the manner previously described.  
  The slide tower 22&#39; and slide lock 24&#39; cooperate with the nipple 50&#39; to provide the same line releasing and locking functions, described relative to FIGS. I through 5. However, the boss 30&#39; includes a bifurcated lower end 106 providing opposed downwardly extend ing legs 108-110. The single fixed weight 18 of FIGS. I through 5 is replaced by a pair of pendulum weights I12 and 114, provided with upstanding extensions I16 and 118, pivoted intermediate their lengths as at I20 and 122 to the respective legs I08I 10.  
  As best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the upper ends of said extensions 116 and I18 include horizontal, angular portions 124 and I26 providing transverse, parallel terminal arms I28 and disposed on opposite sides of the fishing line F&#39; relative to the respective weights 112 and 114 depending therefrom. Therefore, when the float device is disposed in a generally vertical disposition as best illustrated in FIG. 7, the pendulum weights 112 and 114 depend by gravity forces, causing the transverse, parallel arms I28 and 130 to be urged toward each other to bind or pinch the fishing line F therebetween.  
  A pair of stop lugs I32 and 134 extend outwardly from the respective legs 108-110, normally in contact with the respective, opposed outer faces of the upstanding extensions. Therefore, when the float 10&#39; is tilted in the direction indicated by the arrow 136, FIG. 7, the weight 112, and extension II6 will, by gravity forces, remain in a general vertical position. The opposed lug I34 in combination with the pivot 122 will retain the weight I14 and extension 116 in alignment with the angular disposition of the float 10&#39;. The transverse arm I28 from the extension I16 will remain virtu ally stationary while the transverse arm 130 moves away from the line F, freeing same from the pinching action of the parallel, transverse arms I28 and I30.  
  The stop lug 132 moves in the direction of tilt as indicated by the arrow 138, disengaging the weight extension 116, permitting same to retain its vertical disposition. At the same time. the opposed stop lug I34 remains engaged against the weight extension I18, indicated by the arrow 140, causing it, the weight I14 and the transverse arm 130 to assume the inclined attitude of the float 10&#39;. This same action occurs in reverse if the float 10&#39; is inclined in the opposite direction. In both cases, the line F&#34; is freed, permitting the weight of the bait to either sink further into the water or to be raised to a lesser depth depending upon the proper manipulation of the fishing rod as previously described.  
  The additional binding forces applied to the line F by the action of the weights I12 and II4 provide an initial restraining force on the line F when said line is jerked. This restraining force causes the initial jerking movement, applied to the line, to lay the float 10&#39; over in the water as seen in FIG. 4 and to simultaneously impel the slide lock 24&#39; to the top of the tower 22&#39;. In this manner, the necessary drag is applied to the line F&#39; and the saucer shaped member 76 is not needed.  
 What is claimed is: a  
  l. A fishing device for engagement with a fishing line comprising:  
 A. a main body portion including float means and comprising:  
 1. an upper end portion and a lower end portion.  
 2. connecting means to said float means,  
 3. said lower portion including weight means,  
 4. an axial bore extending through said body to accommodate passage therethrough of the fishing line from a fishing rod;  
 B. a slide tower fixed to and extending upwardly from said body;  
 C. fishing line guide means fixed relative to the upper end of said slide tower to guide the fishing line from a fishing rod downwardly through said axial bore to a point of attachment to a fishing bait beyond said weight;  
 D. lock means (24 and 24&#39;) slidablyengaged on said tower and slidable between a normal gravity induced position and a second elevated position,  
 said lock means in said normal position blocking access of said fishing line from said guide to said axial bore and crimping said line between said guide means and said axial bore from a straight line path into a. a length from said guide means toward said bore which diverges from a straight line between the guide and bore and b. an axial length extending through said bore and c. an intermediate length connecting said straight line length and said axial length, and  
 d. said lock means normally clamping said intermediate length between the body and lock means when said float device is in a vertical attitude,  
 e. and said lock means being slidable toward said second elevated position and out of blocking and crimping relation of said bore and fishing line when the float device is jerked over at an acute angle approaching a generally horizontal attitude relative to the surface of the water, so that the line may be extended beneath the float device under the influence of gravity acting upon the line until the float device resumes a generally vertical attitude and said lock means is slidably moved by gravity forces to said normal position.  
  2. The fishing float device as defined in claim 1 wherein said slide tower is comprised of a pair of parallel, spaced apart slide rods.  
  3. The fishing float device as defined in claim 2 including a cross member, interconnecting the top ends of said slide rods.  
  4. The fishing float device as defined in claim 3 wherein said line guide comprises an outwardly extending guide ring, fixed to said cross member.  
  5. The fishing float device as defined in claim 2 wherein said lock means comprises an annular drum shaped member provided with a pair of parallel, through bores for sliding engagement with the respective slide rods.  
  6. The fishing float device as defined in claim 5 including a relatively short, reduced diameter nipple extending upwardly from said upper end portion and including a through bore, and an enlarged central bore extending upwardly through the bottom of said sliding lock means, said central bore being positioned and sized to receive said nipple with the fishing line passing upwardly between the inner surface of said central bore and the outer surface of said nipple until said fishing line reaches the top of said nipple, then radially across and down through the bore of said nipple, thereby locking the fishing line relative to the float device when said lock means is held in a first, lower position by gravity forces when the float device is in a generally upright position, the fishing line serving to impel said lock means upwardly along said slide rods to a second. upper, unlocked position, relative to the fishing line when a jerking movement is applied to the line, said lock means returning to said first position by gravity when the fishing line is relaxed.  
  7. The fishing float device as defined in claim 6 including a slide lock arresting means fixed relative to said slide tower to momentarily arrest the downward sliding movement of said lock means from said second position to said first position.  
  8. The fishing float device as defined in claim 7 wherein said arresting means comprises a pendulum arm, inset in one of said slide rods, and pivotally attached thereto in a manner so as to provide an clongated lower portion, below said pivot, having a lower tip and engaged in said slide lock in said first, lower po sition and a short upper portion above said pivot.  
  9. The fishing float device as defined in claim 1 wherein said connecting means comprises a pair of opposed studs extending radially outwardly from opposite sides of said upper end portion.  
  10. The fishing float device as defined in claim 9 wherein said float means comprises a pair of floats formed from a buoyant material such as a foam plastic, fixed respectively to said pair of studs.  
  11. The fishing float device as defined in claim I including a saucer shaped member, slidably disposed on the fishing line between the float and the bait.  
  [2. The fishing float device as defined in claim 1 wherein said coaxial bore extends through said weight means.  
  13. The fishing float device as defined in claim 1 including a second tower extending upwardly from said float means, said fishing line guide means being fixed to the upper end thereof a predetermined distance forwardly of said slide tower.  
  14. The fishing float device as defined in claim 1 wherein said weight means comprises a pair of spaced apart weights pivotally connected to respective downwardly extending legs provided by a bifurcation at the lower end of said downwardly extending portion, said fishing line extending between said weights.  
  15. The fishing float device as defined in claim 14 including means carried by said weights to pinch said fishing line therebetween when the fishing float is in a generally upright disposition and to release said line when the float is tilted by a jerking movement applied to the line.  
  16. The fishing float device as defined in claim 15 including a pair of stop lugs fixed relative to said legs above said pivots, said lugs being normally in contact spective top ends of said weight extensions. each of said arms being disposed on the opposite side of the fishing line relative to the weight from which it extends.