US3727341A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Depth control device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-01-18
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Granted: 1973-04-17
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Expires: 1992-01-18
Abstract
Abstract A device which is attached to a fishing line to bring the lure to the desired temperature level. The device has an elongated body with a slanted front end and angled fins at the rear end. The body is mounted to a keel so that the body can rotate about its longitudinal axis. A latch member which is controlled by a bimetallic element holds the body in non-rotating relation with the keel until a sufficient change in water temperature is encountered. At this time the latch shifts to its opposite position permitting 180* rotation of the body so that the slanted forward end thereof will cause the device to move upwardly or downwardly toward the desired temperature zone. A line connects the forward end of the keel to the fishing rod and a second line connects the rear end of the keel to the lure.
Inventors
- 👤 N Nye
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 21:53
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01K; A01K91/00; A01K91/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
163 words
A device adapted to be connected to a fishing line for positioning a lure at a preselected temperature zone in a body of water, comprising: an elongated member one end of which is slanted relative to the longitudinal axis of the member; a keel plate having a center portion extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the member and closely adjacent the outer surface of the member and end portions projecting upwardly from opposite ends of the center portion, the fishing line being connected to the end portion adjacent the slanted end of the cylindrical member and the lure being connected to the other end portion; means connecting the member to the end portions of the keel plate, the means permitting rotation of the member about its longitudinal axis; at least one fin projecting outwardly from and angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the member; and temperature responsive latching means operative to prevent rotation of the member relative to the keel plate.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
163 words
A device adapted to be connected to a fishing line for positioning a lure at a preselected temperature zone in a body of water, comprising: an elongated member one end of which is slanted relative to the longitudinal axis of the member; a keel plate having a center portion extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the member and closely adjacent the outer surface of the member and end portions projecting upwardly from opposite ends of the center portion, the fishing line being connected to the end portion adjacent the slanted end of the cylindrical member and the lure being connected to the other end portion; means connecting the member to the end portions of the keel plate, the means permitting rotation of the member about its longitudinal axis; at least one fin projecting outwardly from and angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the member; and temperature responsive latching means operative to prevent rotation of the member relative to the keel plate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
78 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein the latching means comprises a latching bar projecting from the member and movable between a first position in which the end of the bar clears the keel plate upon rotation of the member and a second position in which the bar contacts the keel plate upon rotation of the member and a bimetallic element connected to the bar for shifting the bar between the first and second positions upon temperature changes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
The device according to claim 2 wherein the latching bar has a second end projecting from the member at a point diametrically opposite the first end, the second end projecting sufficiently to contact the keel plate when the first end clears the keel plate and vice versa.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device according to claim 3 wherein the latching bar is oriented so that the slanted end of the member is inclined upwardly when the bar is in its first position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device according to claim 4 wherein the bimetallic element is a helical coil.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device according to claim 4 wherein the bimetallic element is a substantially flat strip.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device according to claim 4 wherein the member is a hollow cylindrical member, the bimetallic element being located within the member and having its first end connected to the member and its second end connected to the latching bar.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device according to claim 7 further including an adjustment screw threaded through the cylindrical member and contacting the bimetallic element adjacent the first end thereof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device according to claim 7 wherein at least one inlet opening is provided in the slanted end of the cylindrical member and at least one outlet is provided in the opposite end of the member.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
184 words
A device adapted to be connected to a fishing line for positioning a lure at a preselected temperature zone in a body of water, comprising: an elongated member one end of which is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the member, the opposite end having a plurality of fins projecting outwardly and angled to cause rotation of the member as the member is moved through the water; a keel having end portions which project upwardly adjacent opposite ends of the member and a center portion extending the length of the member; means connecting the member to the end portions of the keel, the means permitting the member to rotate about its longitudinal axis; and temperature responsive latching means carried by the member and having a latching bar projecting outwardly from the member, the latching bar being movable in response to temperature changes between a first position clear of the keel and a second position contacting the keel, the bar being so located that the angled end of the member is inclined upwardly or downwardly when the latching bar is in its second position.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
184 words
A device adapted to be connected to a fishing line for positioning a lure at a preselected temperature zone in a body of water, comprising: an elongated member one end of which is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the member, the opposite end having a plurality of fins projecting outwardly and angled to cause rotation of the member as the member is moved through the water; a keel having end portions which project upwardly adjacent opposite ends of the member and a center portion extending the length of the member; means connecting the member to the end portions of the keel, the means permitting the member to rotate about its longitudinal axis; and temperature responsive latching means carried by the member and having a latching bar projecting outwardly from the member, the latching bar being movable in response to temperature changes between a first position clear of the keel and a second position contacting the keel, the bar being so located that the angled end of the member is inclined upwardly or downwardly when the latching bar is in its second position.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device according to claim 10 furtheR including a weight affixed to the center portion of the keel along the lower edge thereof.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
44 words
The device according to claim 10 wherein the latching bar has first and second ends which project from diametrically opposite points of the member, the first end being in the first position when the second end is in the second position and vice versa.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device according to claim 12 wherein the latching means includes a bimetallic element connected at one end to the member and at its opposite end to the latching bar.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device according to claim 10 wherein the elongated number has a flat main portion extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the member and an inclined forward portion forming the angled end of the member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-04-16 | 1976-10-16 | 1977-04-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-04-16 | 1980-10-16 | 1981-04-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-04-16 | 1984-10-16 | 1985-04-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |