Bait system and method

Abstract

A system and method for accurately delivering bait to a predetermined depth or customizable depth on an ad hoc basis. The system comprises a hollow tube for retaining live bait or chum with a cap that is removed to deliver the live bait or chum into a body of water to attract fish or sharks or targeted fauna.

Description

[0001] TITLE OF INVENTION

[0002] Bait System and Method

[0003] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0004] This application is a PCT of U.S. application Ser. No. 63 / 489,987, filed Mar. 13, 2023 which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0005] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0006] The present invention relates to bait and system methods to accurately deliver bait at a targeted depth simply, accurately, and repeatedly.

[0007] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0008] I have invented a device that will be used to solve the problem of how to deploy chum and bait to a desired depth while fishing. Chumming is a technique used in fishing where a fisherman drops bait into the water and the bait drifts back in the current and slowly sinks, depending on current and type of chum being used. Chumming directly underneath the boat is often unachievable due to the velocity of the current. There are some techniques used to get the chum down to depth, below the vessel. Some of these techniques are weighted chum bags, buckets and cages. These devices are typically relegated to chumming only, where chum slowly emerges from the device over time and draws fish to the area. These devices are only used with dead bait and are typically used for the types of fish that are attracted to dead bait smell and reward.

[0009] Deploying a bait with a hook in it is typically done by adding weight to the fishing line slightly above the baited hook. This technique is widely used but has drawbacks. Live baits on a hook that is dropped to depth by using a weight attached to the line do not swim naturally because they are fighting the weight. Many species of fish are not easily convinced to take the bait if it is not swimming naturally. An old Hawaiian technique uses banana leaves and rocks. In this technique a baited hook is set inside a banana leaf along with a couple of rocks. The leaf is folded around the baited hook and rock then dropped into the water and let to sink to a desired depth. Once the bait reaches the desired depth the angler stops the line from going out and with a few tugs the banana leaf opens up and the bait falls freely away from the leaf and rock. This technique does solve the problem of how to deploy a bait to depth without having a weight attached to the line, although the rate of descent is slow and the process of rigging the bait is slow and tedious. This technique only works for the use of dead bait.

[0010] The present invention will solve the problem of how to chum at a desired depth as well as how to present a live or dead bait rapidly to that depth on a hook. This invention will keep bait alive throughout the day or night of fishing, ready to be deployed in an instant and quickly repeatable. I call this device "BAIT BOMBER."

[0011] The present invention is a specially designed tube that can keep bait alive and water well oxygenated with the use of an onboard water supply (typically a washdown hose or bait pump). The tube can be made of Polycarbonate for see through purposes or PVC which is not transparent but may be much less expensive than Polycarbonate. The Polycarbonate tube will have an added benefit of letting the fish see the bait inside the tube as it approaches the target depth. The front end of the tube is weighted by its design and material being used. The back end of the tube is capped loosely with a specially designed cap which falls free of the tube when the tube is inverted. Within the tube there is a specially designed plunger that slides freely within the tube but is confined within the tube. This plunger is weighted to fall to the back of the tube when the tube is inverted. The tube becomes inverted at the desired depth by a line attached to the front end of the tube which is the only attachment point for a line on the device. The angler simply drops the tube, loaded with chum and bait, into the water and lets the attached line out freely as well as the line attached to the bait while the device drops to depth. When the device reaches the desired depth the angler stops the line and the front end of the device becomes supported from the surface. When the attached line becomes tight the tube flips over. When the tube is inverted the weighted plunger falls to the bottom of the tube forcing all of its contents to flush out. Once the bait has flushed out of the tube the tube can be retrieved and pulled away from the baited hook and chum it deployed.

[0012] One good example of a scenario would be when a baited hook is put into the tube along with several chum baits. The tube is attached to a water supply such as a tuna tube or washdown hose. Fish are located under the boat on the vertical echo sounder and the captain says drop the present invention to 120ft. The angler drops the tube into the water and lets it out freely until 120ft of line has gone out. At this point the angler stops the line from going out any further which causes the device to turn over and deploy its contents. The live baits all swim freely from the tube, one with a hook in it, and get the attention of the fish school at that depth.

[0013] RELEVANT ART REFERENCES

[0014] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] An object of the present invention is to provide a bait delivery system to accurately deliver bait at a specific depth or time or location.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to provide a method of deploying bait at a predetermined depth.

[0017] Yet another object for this invention is to provide a bait delivery system capable of deploying live or dead bait.

[0018] Yet another object for this invention is to provide a robust reusable bait delivery system. The present invention achieves its objects by providing a system capable of actuating manually, preprogrammed, with remote monitor signaling, or upon sensor detection of changed conditions.

[0019] The manner in which the invention achieves its objects and other objects which are inherent in the invention will become more readily apparent when reference is made to the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers indicate corresponding parts throughout.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention with an empty main body clear polycarbonate tube with a weighted friction fit cap in an uninstalled position.

[0022] Figure 2 shows the preferred embodiment loaded with bait in the main body clear polycarbonate tube with a friction fit cap still in an uninstalled position.

[0023] Figure 3 shows the preferred embodiment with bait and the weighted friction fit cap is installed to effectively seal the deployment opening.

[0024] Figure 4 shows the preferred embodiment deployed into a body of water with a main line attached to a snap swivel at the distal end of the clear main body clear polycarbonate tube.

[0025] Figure 5 shows the preferred embodiment reaching a predetermined depth in the body of water and as tension is applied through the main line to the snap swivel the clear polycarbonate tube rotates about an axis at the snap swivel.

[0026] Figure 6 shows the preferred embodiment where the friction fit cap has unsealed from the deployment opening and a weighted plunger begins to descend inside the clear polycarbonate tube.

[0027] Figure 7 shows the preferred embodiment where the weighted plunger is about halfway down the clear polycarbonate tube and with half of the bait deployed.

[0028] Figure 8 shows the preferred embodiment where the weighted plunger is adjacent the deployment opening of the clear polycarbonate tube and the bait is fully deployed.

[0029] Figure 9 shows a close-up view of a preferred friction fit cap wherein a cap leash can be attached with knots. Figure 10 shows an alternative preferred embodiment of a of a flap and latch system in the closed position to seal the deployment opening of the clear polycarbonate tube.

[0030] Figure 11 shows the alternative preferred embodiment of a of a flap and latch system in the open position to unseal the deployment opening of the clear polycarbonate tube.

[0031] Figure 12 shows a tuna tube system wherein a preferred embodiment of the bait bomber is enclosed in a circulating water bath to support live bait by providing oxygenated water circulation to the clear polycarbonate tube and bait.

[0032] Figure 13 shows a close-up view of a cage that is used for support, orientation, and attachment of a water hose to attach circulating water to the polycarbonate tube and bait.

[0033] Figure 14 shows an alternative preferred friction fit cap embodiment without a coupler and screws used as a block to maintain a weighted plunger from falling out of a deployment opening in a clear polycarbonate tube.

[0034] Figure 15 shows an alternative preferred friction flap cap and hinge system embodiment without a coupler and screws used as a block to maintain a weighted plunger from falling out of a deployment opening in a clear poly carbonate tube.

[0035] Figure 16 shows an exploded view of an alternative hinge embodiment.

[0036] Figure 17 shows an alternative preferred embodiment wherein a coupler or screws can be arranged around a circumference of a polycarbonate tube wherein the coupler or crews are adapted with a groove to accept a complementary shaped attachable fin.

[0037] Figure 18 shows an exploded view of a preferred embodiment wherein the coupler is detached from the polycarbonate tube.

[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0039] Figure 1 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the Bait Bomber where an accurate bait delivery system is empty and capable of being loaded with solids, liquids, or a mixture thereof. The Bait Bomber is primarily constructed of a clear polycarbonate tube 1 with a weighted head 2 covering a distal end of the polycarbonate tube 1. The weighted head 2 is attached to the polycarbonate tube 1 with screws 8 distributed about the circumference of the polycarbonate tube 1. The proximal end of the polycarbonate tube 1 forms a deployment opening 9 when a weighted friction cap fitting cap 4 is not friction fit attached to the polycarbonate tube 1. The weighted friction fitting cap 4 is unattached to the proximal end of the polycarbonate tube 1 in order to fill the Bait Bomber with bait 10. Once the Bait Bomber clear polycarbonate tube 1 is sufficiently filled with bait a user can fit the weighted friction fitting cap 4 into the proximal end of the polycarbonate tube 1 and thus blocking the deployment opening 9. The proximal end of the polycarbonate tube 1 can optionally have a coupler 5 to narrow the diameter of the deployment opening 9 relative to the diameter of the polycarbonate tube 1. The coupler can serve multiple functions described in detail further below. The coupler 5 can be attached to the polycarbonate tube 1 with screws 8 spaced around the circumference of the polycarbonate tube. The weighted friction fitting cap 4 is fixedly attached to the polycarbonate tube 1 with a leash 7 and a screw 8 near the proximal end of the polycarbonate tube 1 or optionally on an outside surface of the coupler 5. The leash 7 is affixed to the weighted friction fit cap 4 with a mechanical attachment such as a screw, knot, or weld for example. The Bait Bomber further comprises a weighted plunger 3 configured in a generally cylindrical shape to fit within the polycarbonate tube 1 with a diameter slightly smaller than an inner diameter of the polycarbonate tube 1 so that the weighted plunger 3 can slide freely within the polycarbonate tube 1. In a preferred embodiment the weighted head 2 has a hole 102 to allow the free flow of water into the polycarbonate tube 1. The weighted head 2 also comprises an attachment loop 6 that is integrated and is capable of receiving a main line 13 with or without a snap swivel 12. See Figs. 4-6. The main line 13 is used by an operator at the surface of a body of water to determine the depth of deployment of the Bait Bomber. Generally, a main line 13 of 50-foot length could easily deploy the Bait Bomber to a depth of 40-45 feet because the operator would be able to stand on a dock or vessel to deploy the Bait Bomber. A user could choose a main line 13 up to hundreds of feet in length and only need a few feet of length to comfortably deploy the Bait Bomber and determine the depth of deployment very accurately. The weighted plunger 3 can also optionally have a weighted plunger hole 103 to allow water to flow into the polycarbonate tube 1. The typical dimensions for the polycarbonate tube 1 range in length from 12 inches to 36 inches with a more preferred length of 16 inches to 24 inches and in a most preferred embodiment a length of 18 inches to 20 inches. The inner diameter of the polycarbonate tube range is 1 inch to 12 inches with a more preferred range of 2 inches to 3 inches. The thickness of the polycarbonate tube 1 will vary with the length to maintain proper rigidity properties, with a thickness of 0.05 inches to 0.75 inches with a preferable thickness of 0.0625 inches to 0.25 inches and 0.125 inches in a preferred embodiment. These dimensions describe commercially available thickness and diameter available in long lengths that can easily be cut down to preferred lengths.

[0040] Figure 2 shows the Bait Bomber with bait 10 loaded into the polycarbonate tube 1. The figures generally show an upward pointed arrow 55 indicating the direction to the surface of the water column and a downward arrow 56 pointing to the bottom of the water column.

[0041] Figure 3 shows the Bait Bomber in a condition ready to be deployed from the surface of a body of water. Specifically, the weighted friction cap 4 is inserted into the proximal end of the polycarbonate tube 1 to block the deployment opening 9. The weighted friction cap 4 has two attachment points, leash attachment point 11 and friction cap attachment point 14. The leash 7 is typically made of lightweight strong line made of synthetic polymers such as nylon, polyethylene or polyvinylidene fluoride. The leash 7 can be monofilament or braided and is resistant to salt and ultraviolet light degradation. The leash 7 is typically of length less than 12 inches and preferably about 6 inches in length to allow the weighted friction cap 4 to hang from the polycarbonate tube 1 at a leash attachment point 11 and not contact the ground surface or boat surface. A natural point of fixing the leash to the polycarbonate tube 1 is within a few inches of the deployment opening 9 with a screw 8. This eliminates additional machining steps to create separate fixation points for the leash 7. Hole 102 and weighted plunger hole 103 allow the free flow of oxygenated water to the polycarbonate tube 1, in order help keep live bait 10 alive. Figures 4-5 show the Bait Bomber descending in the water column. Fig. 4 shows the main line 13 attached to a snap swivel 12 that is further attached to the attachment loop 6 on the weighted head 2. The weighted head 2 has a mass of approximately 100 grams to 2000 grams with a preferred embodiment mass of 500 grams. The weighted plunger 3 has a mass of approximately 100 grams to 2000 grams with a preferred embodiment mass of 500 grams. The weighted friction cap 4 has a mass of approximately 100 grams to 2000 grams with a preferred embodiment mass of 500 grams. When an operator places the Bait Bomber into the water column with the weighted head 2 in first the Bait Bomber will continue to descend in the water column with the weighted head 2 deeper than the weighted friction cap 4 until the operator decides to stop the Bait Bomber at a specific depth in the water column. The operator determines the depth to release the bait 10 in the polycarbonate tube 1 by pulling on the main line 13. Once the main line 13 is pulled or fixed by the operator at the surface the momentum of the weighted friction cap 4 continues in a downward direction and the momentum rotates the polycarbonate tube 1 about a pivot point created between the main line 13 and attachment loop 6, the pivot point most focused at the snap swivel 12. The polycarbonate tube 1 will continue to rotate until the weighted friction cap 4 is in a downward position. When the polycarbonate tube 1 rotates more than ninety degrees from vertical the weighted plunger 3 will begin to apply pressure downward on the bait 10 as the weighted plunger 3 attempts to slide down the polycarbonate tube 1. Once the polycarbonate tube 1 rotates 180 degrees from the initial insertion orientation into the water column, the mass from the weighted plunger 3 is sufficient when combined with the momentum and mass of bait 10 to force the weighted friction fit cap 4 free from the polycarbonate tube 1 deployment opening 9. The forces will push the bait 10 out of the polycarbonate tube 1.

[0042] Figure 5 additionally illustrates a preferred embodiment with a fishing line 15 that is attached to live bait 10 in the polycarbonate tube 1. The live bait 10 is released from the polycarbonate tube 1 when the weighted friction cap 4 releases from the polycarbonate tube 1. Since the weighted friction cap 4 would sink to the bottom of the water column if it were not attached to the Bait Bomber via a leash 7, the Bait Bomber would be non-reusable. The leash 7 is inexpensive and effective and robust to be reused hundreds of times before requiring replacement.

[0043] Figures 6-8 illustrate the Bait Bomber reaching an operator determined depth, the Bait Bomber pivoting around a pivot point near the attachment loop 6 and the weighted plunger 3 has begun to descend in the polycarbonate tube 1, Fig. 6. The weighted plunger 3 descends and pushes the bait 10 out of the polycarbonate tube 1 through deployment opening 9, Fig. 7. The weighted plunger 3 would continue to descend and slide out of the polycarbonate tube 1; however, the coupler 5 or screws 8 act as a barrier to stop the weighted plunger 3 from descending out the deployment opening 9. The coupler 5 and screws 8 are designed to distribute the force delivered from the weighted plunger 3 around the circumference of the polycarbonate tube 1 so that the polycarbonate tube 1 is not cracked or damaged. The bait 10 can be live bait, chum, squid, or a mixture of live and dead bait. The snap swivel 12 is typically made of corrosive resistant metal such as aluminum, plastic or coated steel. The snap swivel 12 may have anchors or attachment points that can freely rotate so that the main line 13 does not get tangled during descent and deployment.

[0044] Live bait on a fishing line 15 would have to be as long as the main line 13 plus a few feet so that the bait 10 could clear the deployment opening 9 and swim freely at depth.

[0045] Figure 9 illustrates a close up of the weighted friction cap 4. Leash 7 is attached to the weighted friction cap 4 via two knots that make attachment point 14 formed with the leash 7 and integrated into the weighted friction cap 4. Additionally, the weighted friction cap 4 can has a lead egg style sinker 107 that can be adjusted in mass for different bait 10. A lighter lead egg style sinker 107 would require additional force from the weighted plunger 3 to unseat the weighted friction cap 4 from the proximal end of the polycarbonate tube 1. Conversely, a heavier lead egg style sinker 107 would require less force from the weighted plunger 3 to unseat the weighted friction cap 4 from the proximal end of the polycarbonate tube 1. The weighted frictional cap 4 can optionally have friction ridge(s) 114 and friction valley(s) 115 that increase the amount of force required to unseat the weighted friction cap 4 from the polycarbonate tube 1.

[0046] Figure 10 illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment of the Bait Bomber with a hinged flap system 200 in lieu of a weighted friction cap 4 to seal up the proximal end of the polycarbonate tube 1. In this embodiment the proximal end of the polycarbonate tube 1 has an aluminum band 225 that acts as an anchor between a flap 204 with a hinge 214. The aluminum band 225 can be attached with screws 8 around the circumference of the polycarbonate tube 1. The hinge 214 can be spring loaded to adjust the amount of force required to open the flap 204 to expose the deployment opening 9. The aluminum band 225 could be attached on the outside surface or inside surface circumferentially about the polycarbonate tube 1.

[0047] Figure 11 shows the flap 204 in the open position exposing the deployment opening 9 in the polycarbonate tube 1. Ideally, the hinge 214 would operate to open automatically when the polycarbonate tube 1 pivots to point the proximal end downwards to the bottom of the water column. The flap 204 could be manually opened in order to load bait 10. The flap 204 could be actuated with a spring or manually with a line similar to the main line 13 or fishing line 15 to open at the operator determined depth. Alternatively, the flap 204 could be weighted 2-25 ounces in order to open upon inversion without a spring or manually attached line.

[0048] Figure 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment wherein the Bait Bomber is stored in a vertical position with in a TunaTube 300, a popular do-it-yourself and commercially available oxygenated water circulation system to keep live bait alive. Specifically, the Bait Bomber could be preloaded with live bait and loaded into the TunaTube 300 where the water could be circulated into and out of the Bait Bomber. Generally, fresh sea water would be drawn up through an intake tube 302 via a pump 303 and pushed through a water hose 304 to a sealed adapter 301 that interfaces with the weighted head hole 102 and weighted plunger hole 103 to deliver fresh sea water to the bait 10 in the poly carbonate tube 1. The fresh sea water would be pumped from the bottom of the polycarbonate tube 1 thus pushing excess water out of the top of the polycarbonate tube 1 deployment opening 9. The excess sea water would fill up the remainder of the TunaTube 300 and once the TunaTube 300 reached maximum capacity the excess water would spill out from a water exhaust port 305. Bait 10 could survive indefinitely and be ready to be deployed nearly instantaneously if an operator identified a target school of fish.

[0049] Figure 13 shows a close up of the sealed adapter 301 that further comprises a stainless steel ring 311 to attach the water hose 304 from the water pump 303. The sealed adapter 301 further is supported by stainless steel wire 313 to facilitate attachment to the distal end of the polycarbonate tube 1 with a stainless steel band 312 to circumferentially attach to the polycarbonate tube 1. The stainless steel band 312 would have screw holes 314 to accept screws 8.

[0050] Figure 14 shows the Bait Bomber in a preferred embodiment with a weighted friction cap 4 wherein the coupler 5 is removed and the weighted plunger 3 is stopped from exiting the polycarbonate tube 1 via screws 8 that penetrate through the thickness of the polycarbonate tube wall and extend into the interior of the polycarbonate tube 1 by at least 1 millimeter. This would be an economic manner of building the Bait Bomber from a reduced manufacturing time, steps, and potential point of weakness.

[0051] Figure 15 shows the Bait Bomber in a preferred embodiment with a flap 204 wherein the coupler 5 is removed and the weighted plunger 3 is stopped from exiting the polycarbonate tube 1 via screws 8 that penetrate through the thickness of the polycarbonate tube wall and extend into the interior of the polycarbonate tube 1 by at least 1 millimeter. This would be an economic manner of building the Bait Bomber from a reduced manufacturing time, steps, and potential point of weakness. Figure 16 shows an exploded view of an alternative hinge embodiment wherein the hinge is comprised of an aluminum band portion 214a on aluminum band 225 and a hinge flap portion 214b on hinge flap 204 that are mated together with pin 215 that would fit through a complementary set of holes in the aluminum band portion 214a and hinge flap portion 214b.

[0052] Figure 17 shows another preferred embodiment of the Bait Bomber wherein the polycarbonate tube 1 has grooved screws 88 where the screws 88 have a vertical groove 81 that is capable of receiving a removable fin 50. The removable fin 50 further has a vertical notch 51 that is capable of complementary sliding attachment with the vertical groove 81 of the grooved screw 88. This embodiment would utilize an aluminum band 85 to reinforce the polycarbonate tube 1 and facilitate alignment of the removeable fins 50 in a vertical orientation. This vertical orientation of the removeable fins 50 allows the Bait Bomber to descend in a stabilized manner to lessen any potential jostling or disruption to live bait 10 inside the polycarbonate tube 1. The polycarbonate tube 1 and aluminum band 85 would need a notch 86 to allow the free flow of a fishing line 15 to the bait 10. The notch 86 would be at the proximal end of the polycarbonate tube 1 and on a proximal edge of aluminum band 85. For sake of context, the aluminum band 85 would function similar to the aluminum band 225 in Figure 11. The aluminum band 85 could be affixed on a coupler 5 or without a coupler 5 on the polycarbonate tube 1. The notch 86 would only need to be Imm-lOmm in dimension to allow the fishing line 15 to attach to bait 10 and not interfere with the closing of the deployment hole 9 whether by flap 204 or weighted friction fitting cap 4.

[0053] Figure 18 show an exploded view of a coupler 5 wherein polycarbonate tube 1 is separated and screws 8 are separated to expose coupler screw hole 508 and coupler adapter 505. The coupler adapter 505 can be glued or integrally designed into the coupler 5 depending on manufacturing considerations. In a preferred embodiment the coupler adapter 505 is relatively thin and strong material similar to the polycarbonate tube 1 and coupler adapter 505 has an outside diameter matching the inner diameter of the polycarbonate tube 1. The screws 8 would pass through the polycarbonate tube 1 and then through the coupler hole 508. In various embodiments the thickness of the coupler adapter 505 can be varied such that a relatively thick material would protrude into the axial area of the polycarbonate tube 1 and restrict movement of the weighted plunger 3 from exiting through the deployment hole 9.

[0054] It should be noted that where aluminum is called out as a preferred material, stainless steel could also be used with little to no modification in the dimensions. There are some embodiments that are weighted where stainless steel may be preferred.

[0055] METHOD OF USING BAIT BOMBER

[0056] In a first preferred embodiment, the following steps describe the method of using a Bait Bomber / bait delivery system.

[0057] A user performs the following:

[0058] 1. Remove a weighted friction fitting cap 4 to expose a deployment opening 9

[0059] 2. Load bait 10 into a clear polycarbonate tube 1

[0060] 3. Reattach the weighted friction fitting cap 4 to seal the deployment opening 9

[0061] 4. Set Bait Bomber into a body of water and release to sink

[0062] 5. The Bait Bomber depth is controlled by feeding a main line 13

[0063] 6. When the main line 13 depth is achieved the main line deployment is stopped and tied off so that the Bait Bomber can be retrieved

[0064] 7. Once the main line 13 is stopped, the polycarbonate tube 1 will pivot around a snap swivel 12 on the bottom of the polycarbonate tube so that the weighted friction fit cap 4 will be pointed in a downward direction

[0065] 8. The weighted friction fit cap 4 will automatically release from the clear polycarbonate tube 1 and expose the bait 10 to the body of water via deployment opening 9

[0066] 9. The weighted plunger 3 will begin to slide down the clear polycarbonate tube 1 and push bait 10 into the body of water

[0067] 10. The weighted friction fit cap 4 will be retained by a leash 7 attached to the clear polycarbonate tube 1 11. Once the bait 10 is deployed the Bait Bomber may be retrieved by the main line 13

[0068] DESCRIPTION OF ALETERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0069] Parts of the device:

[0070] Clear polycarbonate tube 1 is clear polycarbonate so that a user can easily see how much bait or room for additional bait can be loaded. Dimensions of preferred clear polycarbonate tube have been provided above, similar dimensions would work for polyvinylchloride (PVC) or other common plastics or polymers commercially available and on the market. The typical depths or range of service for the bait bomber is down to 200 feet, although the materials disclosed herein could easily withstand depths of 1000 feet or more.

[0071] Weighted head 2 is commonly made of similar plastic, polymer, polycarbonate, or PVC similar to the clear polycarbonate tube 1. Weighted head 2 is robust and can be machined or drilled with conventional steel bits and tooling. In alternative embodiments weighted head 2 can be made of steel, aluminum, or commonly available metals or even cast resins. The purpose of the material choice is to create a low center of mass to aid in maintaining the orientation of the bait bomber during descent in a body of water. The mass of the weighted head 2 is preferably 2-5 lbs for a 2-3 inch diameter polycarbonate tube inner diameter. The optional weighted head hole 102 is preferably 0.5-0.75 inch to accept common sized hoses for circulating oxygenated water, although smaller or larger diameter holes could reasonably be used. Any smaller than 0.25 inch would reduce the overall amount of water exchange possible which would be detrimental to live bait, while holes larger than 1.0 inch could allow diffusion of small bait in an unintended manner.

[0072] The material and design considerations for weighted plunger 3 are similar to weighted cap 2. The weighted plunger 3 must have substantial mass or weight approximately 1-5 lbs for a polycarbonate tube 1 with 2-3 inch inner diameter. In order for the weighted plunger 3 to move freely within the polycarbonate tube 1, the outer circumference dimension must be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the polycarbonate tube l. The thickness dimension measured from the top to bottom orientation of the Bait Bomber is preferably 1-2 inches although a thicker weighted plunger 3 would be able to accommodate a larger mass and theoretically be able to push bait 10 out of the polycarbonate tube deployment opening 9 more quickly than a lighter weighted plunger 3. In a preferred embodiment to accommodate water circulation, the weighted plunger 3 would have a hole 103 with similar dimensions and design considerations for water circulation as weighted head hole 102. Generally, weighted head hole 102 and weighted plunger hole 103 would be axially centered and have similar diameters to increase water circulation efficiency and reduce drag associated with non-aligned holes.

[0073] Weighted friction cap 4 is generally made of the same material as weighted head 2. The weighted friction fit cap 4 dimensions preferably include a friction portion in contact with the inner diameter of the polycarbonate tube with very close to slightly over sized ridge(s) 114. In an alternative embodiment rubber bands or O-rings can be used to increase friction fit between the weighted friction cap 4 and clear polycarbonate tube 1.

[0074] Coupler 5 is used for purposes of ease of manufacture, reinforcement of the polycarbonate tube 1 strength, and as a stop to restrict movement of the weighted plunger 4 so that the weighted plunger 4 cannot accidentally be liberated to the body of water through the deployment opening 9. The coupler 5 can be made of similar materials as disclosed for weighted head 2 or polycarbonate tube 1. The coupler 5 can be attached on the inside or outside diameter of the polycarbonate tube 1. The coupler 5 could be attached though any conventional manner such as glue or adhesive or through mechanical attachment with stainless steel screws or treated screws to resist corrosion. In an alternative preferred embodiment the coupler 5 can be omitted and screws 8 can serve the function of stopping the weighted plunger 4 from exiting the polycarbonate tube 1 during deployment. While metal screws 8 are preferred, it is conceivable that plastic or polymer coated screws could be a preferred embodiment that provides additional corrosion resistance in saltwater conditions.

[0075] In an alternative embodiment the polycarbonate tube has a small battery pack attached to an LED light that can be turned on before deployment to allow a user to visualize the deployment and depth at night or in low visibility conditions. Additionally, the LED light could be programmed to blink or emit light at various visible wavelengths to attract fish or sharks or other particular sea creatures. In another alternative embodiment, a pressure and temperature sensor could be affixed to the inside or outside of the polycarbonate tube adjacent the friction fit cap so that when certain temperature or pressure conditions are met the friction fit cap or alternative embodiment lid could be actuated without additional input of a user. In another alternative embodiment, a small camera could be included inside the polycarbonate tube on the weighted plunger or affixed to an outside surface of the polycarbonate tube. The camera would be able to record or transmit a view from the bait delivery system to alert the user of changes in conditions or sighting of target schools of fish. In an alternative embodiment it is possible to affix a small balloon capable of being filled with a CO2 cartridge in the event of detachment form a line to the operator or vessel, in such a case, when polycarbonate tube falls below a depth of 200 feet (or as set by the operator) the CO2 cartridge would be triggered to release CO2 into the balloon and raise the bait delivery system back to the surface for recovery. In another alternative embodiment, it is possible to include a small speaker capable of emitting audio into the water to mimic bait, injured prey, or other sounds that can be attractive to target schools of fish or other predatory targets.

[0076] Any of the individual parts identified could be doped with weighted material such as lead or metal to increase the weight.

[0077] The head and plunger may be colored to attract the attention of fish while it is falling to the desired depth. The head and plunger may have different colors to make it easier for an operator to grab the Bait Bomber in a hurry and orient the deployment hole 9 in an upward direction to facilitate quick loading of bait 10. Some of the devices will use glow in the dark powder to attract fish at depths where the light is low or nonexistent.

[0078] Materials being used for head and plunger are Aluminum or Resin. The materials can be adapted with additional metal or material to increase mass.

[0079] Polycarbonate tube 1 is preferred to be clear, allowing the contents to be seen from the outside of the tube which may be more expensive but offers a better presentation for fish and fisherman. An alternative embodiment of the polycarbonate tube 1 is such that it is not clear which does not allow the contents of the tube to be seen but is cheaper and more break resistant material. Generally, the polycarbonate tube 1 is such that it is wide enough to allow for bait 10 to stay alive inside it. Different fishing environments and bait species will dictate which inner diameter size is preferable. Current exemplary inventions utilize are 2" inner diameter and 3" inner diameter. Additionally, the polycarbonate tube 1 is such that it can hold multiple baits at once.

[0080] Weighted Head 2 Features

[0081] Weighted Head 2 is such that it is weighted causing it to fall through the water Weighted Head 2 first. Weighted Head 2 is such that it may alternatively have a hole 102 through the center of it allowing sufficient water flow to keep bait 10 well oxygenated and healthy. Weighted Head 2 is such that it is attached firmly to the polycarbonate tube's distal end and optionally can be removable with screws. Weighted Head 2 is such that it is rounded to cause it to self-center when placed in a TunaTube 300 or similar shaped tube with conical bottom where the water feed is introduced through the center bottom of the polycarbonate tube 1. This self-alignment centers the weighted head hole 102 and weighted plunger hole 103 and allows for the water to flow directly through the polycarbonate tube 1 keeping the bait 10 within alive. Optionally, the polycarbonate tube 1 could have a small hole near the proximal end to allow excess water to exit the polycarbonate tube 1 without allowing the bait 10 to escape.

[0082] Weighted Plunger 3 Features

[0083] Weighted Plunger 3 is such that it is weighted to cause the Bait Bomber to fall through the water rapidly. Weighted Plunger 3 is such that its diameter is less than the Inside Diameter of the polycarbonate tube 1 it is contained within. Weighted Plunger 3 is such that it slides freely within the polycarbonate tube 1 but does not fall out of either end. Weighted Plunger 3 is such that it is close enough in diameter that it can be contained within the polycarbonate tube 1 by a slight reduction in size relative to the polycarbonate tubel and have low friction when moving inside the polycarbonate tube 1.

[0084] Weighted Plunger 3 is such that it optionally has a weighted plunger hole 103 in the center of sufficient size to allow for water to flow through it and provide oxygenated water to the bait 10 within the polycarbonate tube 1, keeping bait alive. Weighted Plunger 3 is such that it has a conical shape to the back end which will cause a bait within the polycarbonate tube 1 to center its nose in front of the weighted plunger hole 103 in the center of the Weighted Plunger 3. Weighted Plunger 3 is such that it is colored or Glow in the dark to attract fish while it is falling and deploying.

[0085] Weighted Friction Fit Cap 4 Features

[0086] Weighted Friction Fit Cap 4 is such that it is weighted less than the front end. Weighted Friction Fit Cap 4 is such that it can fit loosely within the back end of the polycarbonate tube 1. The amount of friction can be adjusted by size and number of ridges 114. Weighted Friction Fit Cap 4 is such that it can fall freely from the polycarbonate tube 1 once the polycarbonate tube 1 is inverted. In alternative embodiments Weighted Friction Fit Cap 4 can be substituted with a flap 204 design. Weighted Friction Fit Cap 4 is such that it has a leash 7 attached to the outside of the polycarbonate tube 1 for retrieval after deployment. Weighted Friction Fit Cap 4 is such that it prevents bait 10 from coming out of the back end of the tube while it is free falling.

[0087] It will be understood that various modifications can be made to the various embodiments of the present invention herein disclosed without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, various devices are contemplated as well as various types of construction materials. Also, various modifications may be made in the configuration of the parts and their interaction. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting the invention, but merely as an exemplification of preferred embodiments thereof. Those of skill in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A bait delivery system comprising a long polycarbonate tube with a friction fit cap that is attached to a proximal portion of the long polycarbonate tube with a leash that is attached to both the long polycarbonate tube and friction fit cap or via a hinge and capable of sealing the proximal portion of the long polycarbonate tube; a bottom lid capable of sealing a distal portion of the long polycarbonate tube and wherein the proximal portion can be open and closed with a mechanically attached line affixed to the friction fit cap and a free end that can be affixed to a boat or other anchor point prior to and during deployment of the bait delivery system; and wherein the proximal portion has the friction fit cap unblocking the proximal portion of the long polycarbonate tube a user can load bait and place the friction fit cap on the proximal portion of the long polycarbonate tune to hold the bait securely.

2. Claim 1, wherein the bait is loaded from proximal or distal end of the polycarbonate tube.

3. Claim 1, wherein the friction fit cap can open and closed manually, or to open at a predetermined depth, or remotely via electronic or audio communication or via sensor activation upon certain depth or salinity conditions.

4. Claim 1, wherein battery and lights are included in the polycarbonate tube.

5. Claim 1, wherein there is temperature and pressure sensors.

6. Claim 1, wherein a weighted plunger is disposed within the polycarbonate tube and when the polycarbonate tube is inverted the weighted plunger pushes the bait out of the polycarbonate tube.

7. Claim 1, wherein a camera is mounted.

8. Claim 1 wherein an emergency recovery balloon is actuated after 30 minutes.

9. Claim 1, wherein a speaker is deployed as an attractant.

10. A method deploying a bait delivery system comprising the steps: Remove a weighted friction fitting cap to expose a deployment opening; Load bait 10 into a clear polycarbonate tube;Reattach the weighted friction fitting cap to seal the deployment opening;Set bait delivery system into a body of water and release to sink;The bait delivery system depth is controlled by feeding a main line;When the main line depth is achieved the main line deployment is stopped and tied off so that the bait delivery system can be retrieved;Once the main line is stopped, the polycarbonate tube will pivot around a snap swivel on the bottom of the polycarbonate tube so that the weighted friction fit cap will be pointed in a downward direction;The weighted friction fit cap will automatically release from the clear polycarbonate tube and expose the bait to the body of water via deployment opening;The weighted plunger will begin to slide down the clear polycarbonate tube and push bait into the body of water;The weighted friction fit cap will be retained by a leash attached to the clear polycarbonate tube; and,Once the bait is deployed the bait delivery system may be retrieved by the main line.

Images