Fishing lures

Abstract

The specific requirement of trapping scallops means that, for fishing lures using light as an attractant, it is more efficient for most of the light from the lure to be cast horizontally, with little to no light being wasted vertically (either up or down). Using cheap, mass-produced LED lights would conventionally involve arranging a plurality of such lights in a horizontal ring; however, the use of a large number of such LEDs increases the cost of the device, as well as the power required from a power source, thereby decreasing the operating time of the lure. The present invention provides a fishing lure in which a diverging optical arrangement 44, 45 disperses light from a single LED 43 over a greater range of angles 35. In this way, light from a conventional light source disposed above a point on the seabed may be directed further from the point on the seabed. In addition, flux from the conventional light source is not wasted by directing it to the point on the seabed, where it is not needed to attract scallops.

Description

FISHING LURES

[0001] The present invention relates generally to fishing lures and methods of constructing and activating such fishing lures, and finds particular, although not exclusive, utility in catching scallops.

[0002] Fishing lures using light as an attractant are well-known. For many such lures, efficiency is not a relevant consideration, as they are merely used for a short time and so can be recharged between uses, and / or there is no limit on their size and so can include arbitrarily large power sources. However, other types of lures are disposed below water for long periods, and / or are required to be as small as possible (e.g. so as to be buoyant), and so manufacturers must ensure that no power is wasted. In addition, due to their deployment in hostile environments, damage and / or loss are very real considerations, and so such lures must be cheap to manufacture so that replacement is not too costly.

[0003] It has recently been discovered that scallops are attracted to light, and so an artificial light may be used to attract scallops into traps. However, the specific requirements for a light used for attracting scallops differs from those for attracting other fish, due to the manner in which scallops move and feed.

[0004] Generally, scallops reside on the seabed, but they are able to move swiftly but erratically by squirting a jet of water produced by clapping their shells together. Accordingly, between jets, the scallop drops back toward the seabed. Thus, scallops do not tend to swim particularly far above the seabed.

[0005] Any light used as an attractant can be located above a scallop trap, such that the scallops swim toward it but then, when immediately below it, stop swimming and fall into the trap. Such lights need not cast their lights upwards, as scallops do not tend to rise far off the seabed. Even in cases in which they do rise, they soon descend to the seabed again. Accordingly, to be most efficient, all light from the lure should be case horizontally or downward.

[0006] In addition, as scallops within the trap need not be attracted any more, it is actually more efficient for most of the light from the lure to be cast horizontally, with little to no light being wasted vertically (either up or down).

[0007] Cheap, mass-produced, off-the-shelf LED lights tend to project their light forward, to within 15 degrees (or sometimes within 30 degrees) of an illumination axis. Using such LED lights to achieve the stated aim would conventionally involve arranging a plurality of such lights in a horizontal ring, each with their illumination axis pointing radially outward (and optionally slightly downward). However, the use of a large number of such LEDs increases the cost of the device, as well as the power required from a power source, thereby decreasing the operating time of the lure.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing lure, comprising:

[0009] a light source configured to emit light over a first range of angles symmetrically about an emission axis, wherein the first range of angles extends between a first emission angle that is coaxial with the emission axis and a second emission angle that is at least 10 degrees from the emission axis; and

[0010] a diverging optical arrangement comprising a convex mirror having an axis of symmetry coaxial with the emission axis, the convex mirror arranged such that all light emitted by the light source over the first range of angles is incident upon the convex mirror, the convex mirror configured such that all light emitted by the light source over the first range of angles and incident upon the convex mirror is dispersed by the diverging optical arrangement over a second range of angles greater than or equal to the first range of angles, wherein the second range of angles extends between a first dispersed angle that is at least 1.5 degrees from the emission axis and a second dispersed angle that is at least 90 degrees from the emission axis.

[0011] In this way, light from a conventional light source disposed above a point on the seabed may be directed further from the point on the seabed. In addition, flux from the conventional light source is not wasted by directing it to the point on the seabed, where it is not needed to attract scallops.

[0012] The first range of angles may comprise up to 10 degrees, in particular up to 15 degrees, more particularly up to 30 degrees, for example up to 45 degrees. The first range of angles may comprise at most 45 degrees, in particular at most 30 degrees, more particularly at most 15 degrees, for example at most 10 degrees. A limit on the range of angles may be defined as being where intensity of light emitted at that angle is less than 50% the intensity emitted at an angle where the intensity emitted is a maximum.

[0013] The first emission angle being coaxial with the emission axis may involve the emission and / or the range of angles being symmetrically disposed about the emission axis.

[0014] The second emission angle may be at least 15 degrees from the emission axis, in particular at least 30 degrees, more particularly at least 45 degrees.

[0015] The convex mirror may comprise a reflective coating on a rear face, such that reflection therefrom comprises internal reflection. In fact, internal reflection from a rear face can be achieved without such a reflective coating. However, reflection from a front face of the mirror is an alternative, with or without a reflective coating.

[0016] The convex mirror may have Gaussian curvature of zero. For example, the convex mirror may be shaped as a part of a curved surface of a cone. The convex mirror may have a Gaussian curvature greater than zero. For example, the convex mirror may be shaped as a part of a surface of a sphere.

[0017] The term dispersed may mean spread out, such as when the Gaussian curvature is greater than zero. However, the term dispersed may also be taken to merely mean redirected, such as when the Gaussian curvature is zero. For example, if the first range of angles is 15 degrees from the emission axis, and symmetrically disposed about the emission axis, the second range of angles may be between 75 degrees and 90 degrees, again symmetrically disposed about the emission axis.

[0018] Dispersion may be achieved by the convex mirror and / or any other optical component in the diverging optical arrangement that may be present.

[0019] The diverging optical arrangement may comprise a primary lens comprising:

[0020] a primary incident light surface arranged to collect light emitted from the light source over the first range of angles and transmit the collected light into the primary lens;

[0021] the convex mirror, wherein the convex mirror comprises an internal reflection surface configured to reflect the transmitted light; and / or

[0022] a primary transmitted light surface arranged to emit the reflected light from the primary lens.

[0023] The angle of reflection of the reflected light may be at least 50 degrees to the normal of the internal reflection surface, in particular at least 60 degrees, more particularly at least 70 degrees.

[0024] The primary lens may comprise a diverging lens.

[0025] The primary incident light surface may be arranged to refract the light emitted from the light source over the first range of angles. The primary transmitted light surface may be arranged to refract the reflected light from the convex mirror.

[0026] The primary incident light surface may be substantially planar, for example flat. The primary incident light surface may have a Gaussian curvature of zero. For example, the primary incident light surface may be shaped as a part of a curved surface of a cone. The primary incident light surface may have a Gaussian curvature greater than or less than zero. For example, the primary incident light surface may be shaped as a part of a surface of a torus or elliptic torus.

[0027] The primary transmitted light surface may be substantially concave, for example having a shape in a cross-section containing the emission axis that of a portion of a circle, ellipse and / or parabola. The primary transmitted light surface may be symmetrical about the emission axis. The primary transmitted light surface may have a Gaussian curvature of zero. For example, the primary transmitted light surface may be shaped as a part of a curved surface of a cone. The primary transmitted light surface may have a Gaussian curvature greater than or less than zero. For example, the primary transmitted light surface may be shaped as a part of a surface of a torus or elliptic torus.

[0028] The diverging optical arrangement may comprise a secondary lens comprising:

[0029] a secondary incident light surface arranged to collect light from the convex mirror and transmit the collected light into the secondary lens; and / or

[0030] a secondary refracted light surface arranged to emit the transmitted light from the secondary lens.

[0031] The secondary incident light surface may be arranged to collect light emitted from the primary lens.

[0032] The secondary lens may comprise a diverging lens.

[0033] The secondary incident light surface may be arranged to refract the light from the convex mirror. The secondary transmitted light surface may be arranged to refract the light from the secondary incident light surface.

[0034] The secondary incident light surface may be substantially concave, for example having a shape in a cross-section containing the emission axis that of a portion of a circle, ellipse and / or parabola. The secondary incident light surface may be symmetrical about the emission axis. The secondary incident light surface may have a Gaussian curvature of zero. For example, the secondary incident light surface may be shaped as a part of a curved surface of a cone. The secondary incident light surface may have a Gaussian curvature greater than or less than zero. For example, the secondary incident light surface may be shaped as a part of a surface of a torus or elliptic torus.

[0035] The secondary transmitted light surface may be substantially concave, for example having a shape in a cross-section containing the emission axis that of a portion of a circle, ellipse and / or parabola. The secondary transmitted light surface may be symmetrical about the emission axis. The secondary transmitted light surface may have a Gaussian curvature of zero. For example, the secondary transmitted light surface may be shaped as a part of a curved surface of a cone. The secondary transmitted light surface may have a Gaussian curvature greater than or less than zero. For example, the secondary transmitted light surface may be shaped as a part of a surface of a torus or elliptic torus.

[0036] The light source may comprise an LED, in particular a single LED, for instance a 5mm (e.g. lamp-type) LED.

[0037] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of catching scallops, the method comprising the steps of:

[0038] providing a fishing lure according to the first aspect;

[0039] disposing the fishing lure over a trap, with the emission axis directed vertically downward; and

[0040] activating the light source.

[0041] To save electrical power, and therefore increase the lifetime of a fishing lure before recharge is required, it is desirable for the fishing lure only to activate when in water. It is known to use a conductivity switch, which uses two electrical probes on the outside of the lure that pass a current through the water in which it is submerged. In the absence of water, no current flows, and the lure is not activated.

[0042] However, at more extreme depths, where the pressure is greater, passing an electrical probe through the casing of the lure (from the electrical circuitry inside to the water outside) introduces a significant weakness to the water impermeability of the probe.

[0043] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing lure, comprising:

[0044] a waterproof housing;

[0045] a light source disposed within the waterproof housing;

[0046] a power source disposed within the waterproof housing and connectable to the light source; and

[0047] a capacitive switch disposed within the waterproof housing, the capacitive switch configured to selectively connect the power source to the light source, the capacitive switch configured to determine when the fishing lure is submerged in water.

[0048] In this way, the light source can be activated in response to the fishing lure being submerged in water.

[0049] The capacitive switch may comprise a microcontroller.

[0050] The capacitive switch may comprise a microcontroller and a capacitive sensor connected to the microcontroller, the capacitive sensor comprising a flex PCB arranged to wrap around an interior of the waterproof housing.

[0051] The flex PCB may be arranged to wrap at least 300 degrees around the interior of the waterproof housing, in particular at least 330 degrees, more particularly at least 360 degrees. The flex PCB may be arranged to wrap at most 360 degrees around the interior of the waterproof housing, in particular at most 330 degrees, more particularly at most 300 degrees.

[0052] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of activating a fishing lure, the method comprising the steps of:

[0053] providing the fishing lure of the third aspect; and

[0054] submerging the fishing lure in water so as to activate the capacitive switch to connect the power source to the light source.

[0055] Assembly of such fishing lures can be time consuming and require at least one of (a) robust parts to avoid damage during assembly, and (b) skilled workers to manage the tight tolerances and care needed.

[0056] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fishing lure comprising:

[0057] a light source disposed on a printed circuit board;

[0058] a power source for supplying power to the light source;

[0059] at least one wire for forming an electrical connection with the power source, the at least one wire disposed on the printed circuit board;

[0060] a microcontroller disposed on the printed circuit board, the microcontroller configured to selectively connect the at least one wire to the light source;

[0061] a component case comprising:

[0062] a first component mount comprising a recess for receiving the printed circuit board therein, and at least one channel for receiving the at least one wire therein; and

[0063] a second component mount, securable to the first component mount, the second component mount configured to clamp the printed circuit board in the recess, and configured to clamp the at least one wire in the at least one channel, when secured to the first component mount;

[0064] wherein the component case is configured to removably receive the power source therein, when the second component mount is secured to the first component mount, such that the power source is in electrical connection with the at least one wire; and

[0065] a waterproof housing configured to removably receive the component case therein.

[0066] In this way, delicate wire components can be formed simply and cheaply, and then merely dropped into a respective channel and clamped in place.

[0067] The printed circuit board may comprise a conventional rigid printed circuit board; and or a flex PCB.

[0068] A component being disposed on the printed circuit board means electrically connected to the printed circuit board, such that the component may be in electrical communication with other components disposed on the printed circuit board.

[0069] The power source may comprise a battery, for example an A, AA, AAA, C or D battery.

[0070] The at least one wire may comprise only one wire, exactly two wires or more than two wires. The at least one wire may comprise a bare wire; that is, a wire having no insulation. Selectively connecting the at least one wire to the light source comprises the microcontroller acting as a switch, for example a capacitive switch.

[0071] The component case may be shaped such that an exterior thereof corresponds to an interior of the waterproof housing (or at least a portion thereof) such that the component case sits within the waterproof housing with little relative movement therebetween when the waterproof housing is sealed.

[0072] The waterproof housing may comprise a two-part housing. At least portion of the waterproof housing may be transparent / translucent such that light from the light source is able to be viewed from outside the waterproof housing.

[0073] The recess and / or channel may be configured such that the respective electrical component may merely be dropped into the recess and / or channel respectively.

[0074] The second component mount may be securable to the first component mount via a clip and / or press fit connector, for instance such that the respective mounts may click together.

[0075] Clamping may comprise holding the component between the respective mounts, for instance by merely providing a secure enclosure into which the component is held, or by providing a positive pressure acting to restrain the component in a particular position.

[0076] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling the fishing lure of the fifth aspect, the method comprising the steps of:

[0077] providing a printed circuit board;

[0078] disposing a microcontroller on the printed circuit board;

[0079] disposing a light source on the printed circuit board;

[0080] providing a component case comprising: a first component mount comprising a recess and at least one channel; and a second component mount;

[0081] disposing the printed circuit board in the recess;

[0082] disposing at least one wire in the at least one channel;

[0083] disposing the at least one wire on the printed circuit board;

[0084] securing the second component mount to the first component mount to clamp the printed circuit board in the recess, and to clamp the at least one wire in the at least one channel;

[0085] removably receiving a power source into the component case, after the second component mount is secured to the first component mount, such that the power source is in electrical connection with the at least one wire; and

[0086] removably receiving the component case into a waterproof housing, after the power source is within the component case.

[0087] Disposing the at least one wire on the printed circuit board may be before or after disposing the at least one wire in the at least one channel.

[0088] Disposing components onto the printed circuit board may comprise soldering.

[0089] Split lines are a common result of moulding processes. In particular, moulds generally comprise at least two parts inside which a product is formed. This is because a product must be removable from a concave mould, and it is desirable that the mould is not destroyed to do so. Typically, the moulds must be designed such that the product can be pulled directly out of each part of the mould. In exceptional cases, such as where a screw thread is formed, a product may be unscrewed from one part of the mould; however, this approach is difficult to achieve in practice, and even more difficult to implement in an automated system.

[0090] In any event, joins between such parts are typically not perfect, and when the product is formed from a material, said material often passes partially into the join. This results in a raised 'split line' on the finished product.

[0091] Where tolerances to split lines are low, for example when moulding a surface that is to form a water-tight seal with a corresponding surface, it is clearly desirable to entirely eliminate split lines.

[0092] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a composite mould for part of a waterproof housing of a fishing lure, the composite mould comprising:

[0093] an end mould configured to form a closed end of a part of a waterproof housing, the end mould configured such that the part of the waterproof housing so-formed is removable from an open end of the end mould by linear movement along a first axis in a first direction;

[0094] a collar mould configured to form an abutment surface of the part of the waterproof housing, the collar mould arrangeable adjacent to the open end of the end mould such that in use the abutment surface faces the first direction, the collar mould configured such that the part of the waterproof housing so-formed is removable from the collar mould by linear movement along the first axis in a second direction opposite the first direction; and

[0095] first and second annular recess moulds arrangeable adjacent to the collar mould opposing the open end of the end mould and configured to form at least one annular recess in the part of the waterproof housing, the at least one annular recess arranged symmetrically about the first axis and axially spaced from the abutment surface;

[0096] wherein the first annular recess mould is configured such that the part of the waterproof housing so-formed is removable from the first annular recess mould by linear movement along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis in a third direction, and the second annular recess mould is configured such that the part of the waterproof housing so-formed is removable from the second annular recess mould by linear movement along the second axis in a fourth direction opposite the third direction.

[0097] In this way, an abutment surface may be formed that is fee from split lines, yet an annular recess may also be provided for insertion of an O-ring therein.

[0098] The composite mould is suitable for use with any material, and may be formed of any material, and the word 'composite' refers to it being composed of a plurality of sub-moulds.

[0099] References to part of the waterproof housing may be references to a body and / or a cap, and may comprise a neck portion for insertion into another part of the waterproof housing to seal the waterproof housing against ingress of water.

[0100] The end mould may be cup-shape, and may form a domed end to the part of the waterproof housing. The collar mould may be ring-like, and may surround the open end of the end mould. The abutment surface may form a periphery of the cup-shape and / or domed end of the part of the waterproof housing. The abutment surface may be arranged symmetrically about the first axis.

[0101] The first and second annular recess moulds are configured such that together they form the annular recess; however, individually the form only a portion of the annular recess. The at least one annular recess may comprise only one annular recess or more than one annular recess, such as two or three annular recesses. The or each annular recess may be configured to receive a respective O-ring therein.

[0102] The annular recess being axially spaced from the abutment surface may mean being spaced in the first direction.

[0103] The first and second annular recess moulds may be configured to form a neck upon which the annular recess is formed, the neck being configured to be inserted into another part of the waterproof housing. The abutment surface may be configured to abut the another part of the waterproof housing. An O-ring may be used in addition to the / or each O-ring in the annular recess(es) against the abutment surface.

[0104] The first and second annular recess moulds may be configured to form an external screw thread in the part of the waterproof housing, the screw thread arranged symmetrically about the first axis and axially spaced from the at least one annular recess.

[0105] The external screw thread being axially spaced from the annular recess may mean being spaced in the first and / or second directions. The external screw thread may be formed on the neck.

[0106] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a part of a waterproof housing of a fishing lure, the method comprising the steps of:

[0107] providing the composite mould of the seventh aspect;

[0108] arranging the collar mould adjacent to the open end of the end mould;

[0109] arranging the first and second annular recess moulds adjacent to the collar mould opposing the open end of the end mould;

[0110] forming a part of a waterproof housing within the composite mould;

[0111] removing the part of the waterproof housing so-formed from the open end of the end mould by linear movement of the end mould along the first axis in the second direction;

[0112] removing the part of the waterproof housing so-formed from the first annular recess mould by linear movement of the first annular recess mould along the second axis in the fourth direction;

[0113] removing the part of the waterproof housing so-formed from the second annular recess mould by linear movement of the second annular recess mould along the second axis in the third direction; and

[0114] after removing the part of the waterproof housing from the first and second annular recess moulds, removing the part of the waterproof housing from the collar mould by linear movement of the part of the waterproof housing along the first axis in the second direction.

[0115] In the context of this method, it is to be appreciated that movement in various axial directions is relative; that is, movement of a first part is relative to a second part, and therefore could be equally described as movement of the first part relative to the second part. Similarly, movement of the first part in the first direction, is equivalent to movement of the second part in the second direction, and vice versa.

[0116] The above and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. This description is given for the sake of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings.

[0117] is a polar luminosity intensity graph relating to a typical first conventional LED.

[0118] is a polar luminosity intensity graph relating to a typical second conventional LED.

[0119] is a polar luminosity intensity graph relating to a desired fishing lure for attracting scallops.

[0120] is a cross-section through an optical arrangement for achieving the polar luminosity intensity graph of.

[0121] is a schematic ray diagram of light interacting with a conical mirror.

[0122] is a schematic ray diagram of light interacting with a domed conical mirror.

[0123] is partial cutaway view of the optical arrangement of.

[0124] is an exploded view of a fishing lure.

[0125] is an exploded view of a mould for a part of a waterproof housing forming part of the fishing lure of.

[0126] is a perspective view showing detail of the part of the waterproof housing of.

[0127] The present invention will be described with respect to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. Each drawing may not include all of the features of the invention and therefore should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

[0128] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. Likewise, method steps described or claimed in a particular sequence may be understood to operate in a different sequence.

[0129] Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

[0130] It is to be noticed that the term “comprising”, used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression “a device comprising means A and B” should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.

[0131] Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term “connected”, used in the description, should not be interpreted as being restricted to direct physical and / or electrical connections only. Thus, the scope of the expression “a device A connected to a device B” should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. “Connected” may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other. For instance, wireless connectivity is contemplated.

[0132] Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “an aspect” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment or aspect of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in an aspect” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or aspect, but may refer to different embodiments or aspects. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics of any one embodiment or aspect of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner with any other particular feature, structure or characteristic of another embodiment or aspect of the invention, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments or aspects.

[0133] Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Moreover, the description of any individual drawing or aspect should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in fewer than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[0134] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form yet further embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0135] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practised without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0136] In the discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value.

[0137] The use of the term “at least one” may mean only one in certain circumstances. The use of the term “any” may mean “all” and / or “each” in certain circumstances.

[0138] The principles of the invention will now be described by a detailed description of at least one drawing relating to exemplary features. It is clear that other arrangements can be configured according to the knowledge of persons skilled in the art without departing from the underlying concept or technical teaching, the invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

[0139] is part of a polar luminosity intensity graph relating to a typical first conventional LED.

[0140] The polar grid 1 comprises radial lines 2 from a centre 0 that indicate angular position. That is, each of the 24 lines is spaced from each adjacent line by fifteen degrees. The radial line extending downward from the centre 0 is taken to be the illumination axis 3 of the light in question, and is defined as zero degrees. The polar grid 1 also comprises five concentric circles 5, each representing an intensity from zero (at the centre) out to a maximum angular intensity from the LED; that is, the outer-most circle corresponds to 100% angular intensity, the next in being 80%, then 60%, 40% and finally 20% closest to the centre 0.

[0141] The angular intensity 10 of a typical conventional LED light is shown, normalised to 100%, such that its maximum angular intensity sits on the outermost concentric circle 5 of the polar grid 1. In fact, the maximum angular intensity also corresponds to the illumination axis, such that the angular intensity drops off from 100% to 0% at approximately 45 degrees either side of the illumination axis.

[0142] In reality of course, the true luminosity intensity would be symmetrical about the illumination axis, the illumination profile being three dimensional. However, for ease of understanding only the two-dimensional version is shown here.

[0143] The beam angle 15 is shown as approximately 46 degrees, and corresponds to the full width where the angular intensity is above 50%; that is, corresponding to approximately 23 degrees either side of the illumination axis 3.

[0144] is a polar luminosity intensity graph relating to a typical second conventional LED.

[0145] The angular intensity 20 of another typical conventional LED light is shown, normalised to 100%, such that its maximum angular intensity sits on the outermost concentric circle 5 of the polar grid 1. The maximum angular intensity also corresponds to the illumination axis, such that the angular intensity drops off from 100% to 0% at approximately 90 degrees either side of the illumination axis.

[0146] The beam angle 25 is shown as approximately 100 degrees, and corresponds to the full width where the angular intensity is above 50%; that is, corresponding to approximately 50 degrees either side of the illumination axis 3.

[0147] is a polar luminosity intensity graph relating to a desired fishing lure for attracting scallops.

[0148] The beam angle 35 is split into two portions, but would of course be a single annular beam in the three-dimensional case. Nevertheless, the beam angle inis shown as extending from approximately 5 degrees from the illumination axis 3 to approximately 105 degrees either side of the illumination axis 3. As before, this corresponds to the full width where the angular intensity is above 50%; that is, the angular intensity 30 rises quickly from 0% at the illumination axis up to a maximum at about 35 degrees from the illumination axis, and gradually down to 0% again at approximately 115 degrees from the illumination axis.

[0149] Round numbers of degrees have been chosen for the above-mentioned figures for illustrative purposes only; however, in specific arrangements the beam angle may extend from 3.4 degrees from the illumination axis to 100 degrees from the illumination axis.

[0150] is a cross-section through an optical arrangement for achieving this the beam spread discussed in connection with. The optical arrangement includes a transparent portion of a waterproof housing 40 inside which is provided an LED 43. Two light rays are shown originating from a virtual origin located at the centre 0. A first light ray 41 emanates from the LED along the illumination axis, and a second light ray 42 corresponding to the angular extent of the beam; that is, a beam angle of approximately 46 degrees, corresponding to the full width where the angular intensity is above 50%; that is, corresponding to approximately 23 degrees either side of the illumination axis.

[0151] Each ray 41,42 passes into a primary lens 44 via a flat planar primary incident light surface, is internally reflected from a conical surface and exits the primary lens 44 via a concave primary transmitted light surface configured to disperse the rays 41, 42.

[0152] Each dispersed ray 41, 42 then passes into a secondary lens 45 via a concave secondary incident light surface configured to still further disperse the rays 41, 42, and exits the secondary lens 45 via a conical secondary refracted light surface.

[0153] Finally, each ray then passes through the transparent portion of the waterproof housing 40. In particular, the first light ray 41 exits the transparent portion of the waterproof housing 40 at approximately 10 degrees above the horizontal 46 (100 degrees from the illumination axis), and the second light ray 42 exits the transparent portion of the waterproof housing at approximately 3.4 degrees away from a line parallel to the illumination axis 47. Thus the beam angle 48 corresponds to approximately 200 degrees, with a central gap, corresponding to two lobes with respective sub-beam angles of approximately 96.6 degrees.

[0154] is a schematic ray diagram of light interacting with a conical mirror 50, shown in cross-section.

[0155] Two light rays are shown originating from a virtual origin located at the centre 0 within an LED 43. A first light ray 41 emanates from the LED 43 along the illumination axis 3, and a second light ray 42 corresponding to the angular extent of the beam; that is, a beam angle of approximately 46 degrees, corresponding to the full width where the angular intensity is above 50%; that is, corresponding to approximately 23 degrees either side of the illumination axis.

[0156] Each ray 41,42 is reflected from the conical surface 50 that is tilted at 45 degrees to the illumination axis 3. The angular extent of the beam within the plane ofis unchanged, but is instead merely redirected upward. However, when considering the three-dimensional case, the beam is now directed in a ring, around the illumination axis, instead of being centred on the illumination axis.

[0157] shows a similar view to, but this time using a domed conical mirror 60. The apex angle of the domed conical mirror 60 is 45 degrees, the same as that of the conical mirror 50 of. However, the slope of the surface relative to the illumination axis decreases further away from the LED 43, such that the angle of the domed conical mirror 60 where the second light ray 42 impinges is significantly less than 45 degrees, thereby dispersing light. Specifically, the angular extent of the beam in the two-dimensional plane ofis increased after reflection.

[0158] is partial cutaway view of the optical arrangement of, showing LED 43, primary lens 44 and secondary lens 45. Primary lens 44 comprises the flat planar primary incident light surface 71, conical internal reflection surface 72 and concave primary transmitted light surface 73. Secondary lens 45 comprises concave secondary incident light surface 74, and conical secondary refracted light surface 75.

[0159] is an exploded view of a fishing lure comprising the LED 43, primary lens 44 and secondary lens 45 of, and the transparent portion of a waterproof housing 40 of.

[0160] The transparent portion of the waterproof housing 40 is provided with an external thread 80 on a neck portion thereof, for insertion and operative engagement with an opaque portion of the waterproof housing 81, which is provided with a corresponding internal thread (not shown) inside an aperture thereof (not shown). The opaque portion 81 is provided with an eye 82 for attachment of a line thereto and, together with the transparent portion 40 forms a waterproof housing. In particular, three O-rings 100, 101, 102 are provided around the neck of the transparent portion 40 to aid sealing the waterproof housing.

[0161] When assembled, within the waterproof housing is provided a first component mount 83 comprising a recess 84 and channels 85, and a second component mount 86 securable to the first component mount 83, the second component mount 86 provided with access 87 for removably receiving a battery (not shown) therein. Each of the first and second component mounts 83, 86 are provided with respective slots 88 for receiving respective weights 89 therein.

[0162] Two wires 800 for forming electrical connections with the positive and negative terminals of the battery are configured to be disposed in the channels 85 and clamped in place by second component mount 86. Each wire 800 is connected to a printed circuit board 801 together with the LED 43, a microcontroller (not shown) and a flex PCB 802.

[0163] These components are arranged such that the printed circuit board 801 may be received within the recess 84 and held in place by the second component mount 86, with the LED 43 projecting out of one end of the assembled first and second component mounts 83, 86. In addition, the flex PCB 802 is configured to extend out of, and wrap around, the assembled first and second component mounts 83, 86, such that it conforms to an interior surface of the waterproof housing 81 when assembled, in this instance the transparent portion of the waterproof housing 40.

[0164] Each of the primary lens 44 and secondary lens 45 are provided in two parts, such that they can be clipped around the LED 43.

[0165] is an exploded view of part of a composite mould for the transparent part of a waterproof housing 40. An end mould for forming the domed portion of the transparent part 40 is not shown for clarity.

[0166] A collar mould block 90 is shown for forming an annular collar portion of the transparent part 40. Into the collar mould block 90 are insertable first 91 and second 92 annular recess mould blocks, each comprising a respective neck mould, 93, 94 arrangeable adjacent to a collar mould 95 in the collar mould block 90.

[0167] is a perspective view showing detail of the transparent part of the waterproof housing 40 formable with the composite mould of. The transparent part 40 comprises a neck portion 110, a flange 111 and a domed portion 112. The interior of the transparent part 40 is accessible only via an opening 113 in the end of the neck portion 110.

[0168] Around an exterior of the neck portion is provided an external screw thread 80 for cooperative engagement with an internal screw thread on the opaque portion 81. Away from the opening 113, the neck portion is also provided with two parallel annular recesses 114 sized to accept one of the O-rings 100 or 101 therein, which help seal against the inside of the opaque portion 81.

[0169] In addition, a third larger O-ring 102 may be received on the neck outside the recesses, such that it abuts the flange 111 in the corner 115 formed between the flange 111 and the neck 110. This larger O-ring 102 helps seal against an end of the opaque portion 81 when secured in place.

Claims

A fishing lure, comprising:a light source configured to emit light over a first range of angles symmetrically about an emission axis, wherein the first range of angles extends between a first emission angle that is coaxial with the emission axis and a second emission angle that is at least 10 degrees from the emission axis; anda diverging optical arrangement comprising a convex mirror having an axis of symmetry coaxial with the emission axis, the convex mirror arranged such that all light emitted by the light source over the first range of angles is incident upon the convex mirror, the convex mirror configured such that all light emitted by the light source over the first range of angles and incident upon the convex mirror is dispersed by the diverging optical arrangement over a second range of angles greater than or equal to the first range of angles, wherein the second range of angles extends between a first dispersed angle that is at least 1.5 degrees from the emission axis and a second dispersed angle that is at least 90 degrees from the emission axis.The fishing lure of claim 1, wherein the diverging optical arrangement comprises a primary lens comprising:a primary incident light surface arranged to collect light emitted from the light source over the first range of angles and transmit the collected light into the primary lens;the convex mirror, wherein the convex mirror comprises an internal reflection surface configured to reflect the transmitted light; anda primary transmitted light surface arranged to emit the reflected light from the primary lens.The fishing lure of claim 2, wherein the primary lens comprises a diverging lens.The fishing lure of any preceding claim, wherein the diverging optical arrangement comprises a secondary lens comprising:a secondary incident light surface arranged to collect light from the convex mirror and transmit the collected light into the secondary lens; anda secondary refracted light surface arranged to emit the transmitted light from the secondary lens.The fishing lure of claim 4, wherein the secondary lens comprises a diverging lens.A method of catching scallops, the method comprising the steps of:providing a fishing lure according to any preceding claim;disposing the fishing lure over a trap, with the emission axis directed vertically downward; andactivating the light source.A fishing lure, comprising:a waterproof housing;a light source disposed within the waterproof housing;a power source disposed within the waterproof housing and connectable to the light source; anda capacitive switch disposed within the waterproof housing, the capacitive switch configured to selectively connect the power source to the light source, the capacitive switch configured to determine when the fishing lure is submerged in water.The fishing lure of claim 7, wherein the capacitive switch comprises a microcontroller and a capacitive sensor connected to the microcontroller, the capacitive sensor comprising a flex PCB arranged to wrap around an interior of the waterproof housing.A method of activating a fishing lure, the method comprising the steps of:providing the fishing lure of any one of claim 7 or claim 8; andsubmerging the fishing lure in water so as to activate the capacitive switch to connect the power source to the light source.A fishing lure comprising:a light source disposed on a printed circuit board;a power source for supplying power to the light source;at least one wire for forming an electrical connection with the power source, the at least one wire disposed on the printed circuit board;a microcontroller disposed on the printed circuit board, the microcontroller configured to selectively connect the at least one wire to the light source;a component case comprising:a first component mount comprising a recess for receiving the printed circuit board therein, and at least one channel for receiving the at least one wire therein; anda second component mount, securable to the first component mount, the second component mount configured to clamp the printed circuit board in the recess, and configured to clamp the at least one wire in the at least one channel, when secured to the first component mount;wherein the component case is configured to removably receive the power source therein, when the second component mount is secured to the first component mount, such that the power source is in electrical connection with the at least one wire; anda waterproof housing configured to removably receive the component case therein.A method of assembling the fishing lure of claim 10, the method comprising the steps of:providing a printed circuit board;disposing a microcontroller on the printed circuit board;disposing a light source on the printed circuit board;providing a component case comprising: a first component mount comprising a recess and at least one channel; and a second component mount;disposing the printed circuit board in the recess;disposing at least one wire in the at least one channel;disposing the at least one wire on the printed circuit board;securing the second component mount to the first component mount to clamp the printed circuit board in the recess, and to clamp the at least one wire in the at least one channel;removably receiving a power source into the component case, after the second component mount is secured to the first component mount, such that the power source is in electrical connection with the at least one wire; andremovably receiving the component case into a waterproof housing, after the power source is within the component case.A composite mould for part of a waterproof housing of a fishing lure, the composite mould comprising:an end mould configured to form a closed end of a part of a waterproof housing, the end mould configured such that the part of the waterproof housing so-formed is removable from an open end of the end mould by linear movement along a first axis in a first direction;a collar mould configured to form an abutment surface of the part of the waterproof housing, the collar mould arrangeable adjacent to the open end of the end mould such that in use the abutment surface faces the first direction, the collar mould configured such that the part of the waterproof housing so-formed is removable from the collar mould by linear movement along the first axis in a second direction opposite the first direction; andfirst and second annular recess moulds arrangeable adjacent to the collar mould opposing the open end of the end mould and configured to form at least one annular recess in the part of the waterproof housing, the at least one annular recess arranged symmetrically about the first axis and axially spaced from the abutment surface;wherein the first annular recess mould is configured such that the part of the waterproof housing so-formed is removable from the first annular recess mould by linear movement along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis in a third direction, and the second annular recess mould is configured such that the part of the waterproof housing so-formed is removable from the second annular recess mould by linear movement along the second axis in a fourth direction opposite the third direction.The composite mould for part of a waterproof housing of a fishing lure according to claim 12, wherein the first and second annular recess moulds are configured to form an external screw thread in the part of the waterproof housing, the screw thread arranged symmetrically about the first axis and axially spaced from the at least one annular recess.A method of forming a part of a waterproof housing of a fishing lure, the method comprising the steps of:providing the composite mould of claim 12 or claim 13;arranging the collar mould adjacent to the open end of the end mould;arranging the first and second annular recess moulds adjacent to the collar mould opposing the open end of the end mould;forming a part of a waterproof housing within the composite mould;removing the part of the waterproof housing so-formed from the open end of the end mould by linear movement of the end mould along the first axis in the second direction;removing the part of the waterproof housing so-formed from the first annular recess mould by linear movement of the first annular recess mould along the second axis in the fourth direction;removing the part of the waterproof housing so-formed from the second annular recess mould by linear movement of the second annular recess mould along the second axis in the third direction; andafter removing the part of the waterproof housing from the first and second annular recess moulds, removing the part of the waterproof housing from the collar mould by linear movement of the part of the waterproof housing along the first axis in the second direction.

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