Fish finder

• US 5,253,220 A
• Filed: 05/26/1992
• Issued: 10/12/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 05/26/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: John E. Wilson Sr
• Original Assignee: John E. Wilson Sr
• Inventors: Wilson, John E. Sr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lobo, Ian J.
• Application Number:
  US07/887,801
• Time in Patent Office: 504 Days
• Field of Search: 367/107, 367/113, 367/910, 43/18.1-21.25, 43/17.1-17.3
• US Class Current: 367/107
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 79/02 by electrocution
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 91/06 Apparatus on lines not otherwise provided for, e.g. automatic hookers
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/96 for locating fish

Abstract

An improved apparatus and method for finding fish both onshore and offshore, and under a diversity of marine conditions is provided. A specially configured rod and reel combination enables the electrical communication between a sensor float disposed at the remote open end of the rod and a display unit releasably attached to the reel portion disposed opposite of the reel. A transducer is disposed vertically within a foam matrix positioned in a sensor float. Electrical signals are generated within a display unit and then transmitted to the transducer. These signals are conventionally converted into corresponding ultrasonic signals which are directed downward into the environing water. The ultrasonic signals travel until deterred by either fish, an unknown obstacle, or the bottom of the body of water. These signals are then echoed back to the transducer and converted into corresponding electrical signals, for transmission through the conductor cable to the display unit. The sensor float contains a diode on its top for easy viewing under marine conditions. Replaceable wiper means comprising a flexible member of conical cross section which axially receives said conductor cable is also provided.

Claims

1. A hand-held fish finder comprising:

a rod portion;

a handle portion;

a reel portion medially interconnected with said rod portion and said handle portion;

said reel portion adapted to receive display means and reel means having replaceable wiper means adapted to be releasably received by said reel portion;

said display means electrically connected with a power source and cable means;

said cable means windably received at one end thereof by said reel means after being purged of debris and excessive water by said wiper means;

said cable means when unwound from said reel means disposed longitudinally of said rod portion and another end of said cable means, opposite said one end thereof, insertably received by a remote free end of said rod portion by guide means fixedly attached to said rod portion;

sensor float means electrically connected to said other end of said cable means at said remote free end of said rod portion for transmitting a signal along said cable means to said display means;

said wiper means comprising a flexible member configured to abuttably and insertably receive said cable means through an axial hole in said wiper means; and

said flexible member of said wiper means comprising;

a substantially conical cross section for enabling uninhibited axial movement of said cable means through said wiper means and toward said sensor float means and also for enabling inhibited axial movement of said cable means through said wiper means and toward said reel means, and

slit means for enabling replacement of said flexible member with said cable means being disposed through said wiper means.

2. The apparatus claimed in claim 1, wherein said reel means comprises open-ended spool means.

3. The apparatus claimed in claim 2, wherein said spool means is adapted to receive said cable means by said cable means being rotated therearound while said spool means remains stationary.

4. The apparatus claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensor float means includes transducer means.

5. A hand-held fish finder comprising:

a rod portion;

a handle portion;

a reel portion medially interconnected with said rod portion and said handle portion;

said reel portion adapted to receive display means and open-ended spool means having replaceable wiper means adapted to be releasably received by said reel portion;

said display means electrically connected with a power source and cable means;

said cable means windably received at one end thereof by said reel means after being purged of debris and excessive water by said wiper means;

said cable means when unwound from said reel means disposed longitudinally of said rod portion and another end of said cable means, opposite said one end thereof, insertably received by a remote free end of said rod portion by guide means fixedly attached to said rod portion;

sensor float means electrically connected to said other end of said cable means at said remote free end of said rod portion for transmitting a signal along said cable means to said display means;

said wiper means comprising a flexible member configured to abuttably and insertably receive said cable means through an axial hole in said wiper means; and

said flexible member of said wiper means comprising;

a substantially conical cross section for enabling uninhibited axial movement of said cable means through said wiper means and toward said sensor float means and also for enabling inhibited axial movement of said cable means through said wiper means and toward said reel means, and

slit means for enabling replacement of said flexible member with said cable means being disposed through said wiper means.

6. The apparatus claimed in claim 5, wherein said spool means is adapted to receive said cable means by said cable means being rotated therearound while said spool means remains stationary.

7. The apparatus claimed in claim 5, wherein said sensor float means includes transducer means.

8. A hand-held fish finder comprising:

a rod portion;

a handle portion;

a reel portion medially interconnected with said rod portion and said handle portion;

said reel portion adapted to receive display means and open-ended spool means having replaceable wiper means adapted to be releasably received by said reel portion;

said spool means adapted to receive said cable means by said cable means being rotated therearound while said spool means remains stationary;

said display means electrically connected with a power source and cable means;

said cable means windably received at one end thereof by said reel means after being purged of debris and excessive water by said wiper means;

said cable means when unwound from said reel means disposed longitudinally of said rod portion and another end of said cable means, opposite said one end thereof, insertably received by a remote free end of said rod portion by guide means fixedly attached to said rod portion;

sensor float means electrically connected to said other end of said cable means at said remote free end of said rod portion for transmitting a signal along said cable means to said display means;

said wiper means comprising a flexible member configured to abuttably and insertably receive said cable means through an axial hole in said wiper means; and

said flexible member of said wiper means comprising;

a substantially conical cross section for enabling uninhibited axial movement of said cable means through said wiper means and toward said sensor float means and also for enabling inhibited axial movement of said cable means through said wiper means and toward said reel means, and

slit means for enabling replacement of said flexible member with said cable means being disposed through said wiper means.

9. The apparatus claimed in claim 8, wherein said sensor float means includes transducer means.