UV reactive bite indicator

Abstract

A bite indicator for use in fishing is described having an ultraviolet light source 6 that emits UV radiation to an absorbing UV reactive element 4 that sits in the housing 2 over the UV light source

Description

The present invention relates to a bite indicator, in particular a bite indicator comprising a UV light source and at least one UV reactive element. Bite indicators are widely used by anglers for the detection offish bites. A bite indicator may be a bobbin bite indicator, a swinger bite indicator, a hanger bite indicator, or a spring bite indicator. Such bite indicators are attachable to a fishing line and move in response to a pull on the fishing line and / or a slackening in the fishing line, this movement providing a visual indication of a fish bite on the fishing line. Various types of bobbin, swinger, hanger and spring bite indicators are available on the market. These bite indicators may be formed of a single part or comprise multiple parts. In general, these bite indicators comprise: a head portion having a clamping means or line clip for receiving and pinching a fishing line, i.e., for attachment to a fishing line; and a body portion comprising a means for attachment to a chain, string or rod. Commonly, bite indicators comprise an integrated LED as an illumination means. Bite indicators comprising integrated illumination means are particularly useful for night fishing or fishing in conditions of poor visibility, because they help the angler to see and detect movement of the bite indicator in these conditions. The LED of a bite indicator can be programmed in a number of ways. In certain bite indicators, the LED is programmed to light up and remain lit upon detection of a fish bite on the fishing line to which the bite indicator is attached. The LED may be a single colour LED or a multi-colour LED such as an RGB LED. When the bite indicator comprises a multi-colour LED, the user may have the option to set the colour of the LED. For example, the user may be able to select which colour the LED will light up upon detection of a fish bite. Bite indicators, which comprise alternative illumination means to an LED are also available on the market. For example, some bite indicators comprise so-called Slots: slit-shape recesses for receiving beta lights. The beta lights utilise tritium radioluminescence to generate visible light. However, due to the radioactivity of tritium, bite indicators comprising Slots are more strictly regulated than those comprising LEDs and are not available on the market in all countries. An alternative to bite indicators comprising Slots are so-called glow-in-the-dark bite indicators. These bite indicators comprise a phosphorescent substance that absorbs UV radiation and reemits this radiation as visible light. A disadvantage of glow-in-the-dark bite indicators is that they only remain lit for a limited period of time before further UV exposure is required to recharge them. In particular, these products cannot remain lit for a whole night, which limits their use in night fishing. A further illumination means used in bite indicators is glow sticks. Glow sticks are filled with chemicals, which, when the glow stick is bent, react to release energy. This energy excites dye molecules also present in the glow stick, which then proceed to release energy in the form of visible light. Different colours are possible dependent on the dye molecules present in the glow stick. Glow sticks may remain lit for hours, so bite indicators comprising glow sticks are more suitable for night fishing than glow-in-the-dark bite indicators. However, a glow stick may, in general, only be used once. Therefore, bite indicators comprising glow sticks are often unsustainable, single-use products. An aim of the present invention is to provide a bite indicator which overcomes many of the disadvantages of the above-described bite indicators presently available on the market. According to the present invention there is provided a bite indicator for use in fishing, wherein the bite indicator comprises: a housing comprising an UV light source; and at least one UV reactive element configured for attachment to the housing to cover the UV light source, and wherein each at least one UV reactive element is configured to absorb UV radiation emitted by the UV light source and re-emit the absorbed UV radiation at a different visible wavelength. Preferably, the bite indicator comprises a plurality of UV reactive elements, wherein the UV reactive elements are attachable to and detachable from the housing such that the UV reactive elements are interchangeable. In other words, the user may switch out which UV reactive element is attached to the housing. Advantageously, the plurality of UV reactive elements comprises: at least one first UV reactive element configured to light up a first colour after absorbing UV radiation emitted by the UV light source; and at least one second UV reactive element configured to light up a second colour after absorbing UV radiation emitted by the UV light source, wherein the first colour is different from the second colour. Preferably, the plurality of UV reactive elements further comprises at least one third UV reactive element configured to light up a third colour after absorbing UV radiation emitted by the UV light source, wherein the third colour is different from both the first and the second colours. More preferably, the plurality of UV reactive elements further comprises at least one fourth UV reactive element configured to light up a fourth colour after absorbing UV radiation emitted by the UV light source, wherein the fourth colour is different from each of the first to the third colours. Advantageously, the bite indicator further comprises at least one actuator manipulable by the user to set: an intensity of the UV radiation emitted by UV light source; and / or a program of the UV light source. In preferred arrangements, the UV light source emits UV radiation in the UV-A wavelength range. Preferably, the bite indicator comprises an integrated rechargeable battery. In preferred arrangements, the bite indicator further comprises a charging port or point for connection to a magnetic charger for charging the rechargeable battery. In preferred arrangements, the bite indicator is a bite alarm. In alternative preferred arrangements, the bite indicator is attachable to a fishing line and configured to move in response to a pull on the fishing line and / or a slackening in the fishing line. The invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a front view of a bite indicator according to the invention, wherein the UV reactive element is shown detached from the housing of the bite indicator. FIGURE 2 is a front view of a bite indicator in the form of a bite alarm according to the invention, wherein the UV reactive element is shown detached from the housing of the bite alarm. Figure 1 depicts a bite indicator according to the present invention. The bite indicator comprises a housing 2 (i.e., a body 2). The bite indicator further comprises a means for attachment 12, e.g., a line clip, wherein the bite indicator is attachable to the fishing line via the attachment means 12. In the depicted arrangement, the bite alarm comprises a head 1, which comprises the attachment means 12. In alternative arrangements, the attachment means 12 may be integral to the housing 2. The attachment means 12 is preferably a line clip. The housing 2 comprises a means for attachment 7 to a chain, string or rod. In preferred arrangements, the means for attachment 7 is an internal thread. The bite indicator may advantageously comprise a chain, string or rod for attachment to the means for attachment 7, wherein the chain, string, or rod is configured for attachment to a bank stick, rod pod, or bite alarm. The housing 2 further comprises a UV light source 6. The UV light source 6 is preferably an integrated UV light source but may also be replaceable. In preferred arrangements, the UV light source 6 is a UV LED. In particularly preferred arrangements, the UV light source 6 is UV-A LED. Advantageously, the UV light source 6 emits UV radiation in the 370-390 nm UV-A wavelength range. The UV light source 6 may also emit a small percentage of blue-violet visible light. It is advantageous for the UV light source 6 to emit wavelengths in the UV-A range, i.e., to emit wavelengths at the larger wavelength end of the UV wavelength range. While the human eye should not be directly exposed to radiation emitted from the UV light source during normal operation of the bite indicator, these UV-A wavelengths are less damaging to the human eye, should any direct exposure occur. The bite indicator further comprises at least one UV reactive element 4 configured for attachment to the housing 2 to cover the UV light source 6. Each UV reactive element 4 may take variety of shapes and forms and need not necessarily be rectangular in cross-section as is depicted in figure 1. In some arrangements, the bite indicator comprises multiple UV reactive elements 4, wherein the multiple UV reactive elements 4 comprise two or more different shapes of UV reactive element 4. Each UV reactive element 4 must be sufficiently sized so as to completely cover the UV light source 6 when attached to the housing 2. The UV reactive element 4 completely covers the UV light source, to prevent direct exposure to UV radiation when the UV light source is on. In some arrangements, the bite indicator may comprise a single UV reactive element 4 permanently attached to the housing 2. In preferred arrangements, each UV reactive element 4 is attachable to and detachable from the housing 2. Where the bite indicator comprises a plurality of UV reactive elements 4, this allows the user to interchange which UV reactive element 4 is attached to the housing 2 at any given time. As depicted, the bite indicator may comprise a marking 5 indicating to the user where to attach the UV reactive element 4 to the housing 2 to cover the UV light source 6. As depicted, the marking 5 may correspond to the whole or a part of the perimeter of a UV reactive element 4. In some arrangements, the marking 5 may take the form of a ridge, facilitating accurate placement of a UV reactive element 4. In some arrangements, the bite indicator may comprise a recess for receiving a UV reactive element. Similar to marking 5, the recess may facilitate accurate placement of a UV reactive element 4 to cover the UV light source 6. Each UV reactive element 4 may comprise a means for attachment to the housing 2. For example, each UV reactive element 4 may comprise an adhesive surface for attachment to the housing 2. Preferably, the adhesive surface allows attachment to and detachment from the housing 2. In alternative arrangements, the housing 2 may comprise a means for attachment to a UV reactive element 4. For example, the housing 2 may comprise a clip for attaching the UV reactive element 4 to the housing. In such arrangements, the at least one UV reactive element 4 is configured for attachment to said means for attachment. In preferred arrangements, each UV reactive element 4 is made of an elastomeric material. In some arrangements, each UV reactive element 4 is made of rubber. It can be appreciated that the use of an elastomeric material allows the UV reactive element 4 to conform to the shape of and attach more securely to the housing 2. For example, the housing 2 may be cylindrical. Where the housing 2 is cylindrical, the elastomeric UV reactive element 4 is able to conform to the curve of the outer surface of the housing 2. During use of the bite indicator, a UV reactive element 4 is attached to the housing 2 so as to cover the UV light source 6. Once turned on, the UV light source 6 emits UV radiation. This UV radiation is absorbed by the UV reactive element 4 attached to the housing 2. The UV reactive element 4 comprises at least one photoluminescent substance, e.g., a fluorophore. Each photoluminescent substance absorbs UV radiation emitted by the UV light source 6 and transitions to an excited state. Upon returning to a lower energy state, the photoluminescent substance emits visible light. The colour of the visible light emitted from a UV reactive element 4 will depend on the nature of the photoluminescent substance or substances it contains. Different UV reactive elements 4 comprising different photoluminescent substances may be used in combination with the bite indicator to achieve different colours. The UV light source 6 is preferably programable by the user. For example, the bite indicator may comprise at least one actuator 3 manipulable by the user to program the UV light source 6. For example, the at least on actuator 3 may be manipulable by the user to turn the UV light source 6 on and off. The user may then: switch the UV light source 6 on for night fishing or fishing in conditions of poor visibility; and switch the UV light source 6 off for fishing in good visibility, to conserver battery, for example. The at least one actuator 3 may be a button or switch. Preferably, the UV light source 6 is programable by the user such that it turns on only upon detection of a fish bite by the bite indicator. The at least one actuator 3 may be manipulable by the user to set a program for UV light source 6, e.g.: off; permanently on; turns on only upon bite detection. In preferred arrangements, an intensity of the radiation emitted by the UV light source 6 during operation of the bite indicator may be programable by the user. The at least one actuator 3 may be manipulable by the user to set an intensity of the radiation emitted by the UV light source 6. Different radiation intensities may be beneficial for use in different visibility conditions. Adjusting the intensity of the UV light source as need may assist in conserving battery power. The bite indicator comprises a battery for powering the UV light source. Advantageously, the battery is a rechargeable battery. In some arrangements, the battery may be a replaceable rechargeable battery. In other arrangements, the battery may be an integrated rechargeable battery. The bite indicator may further comprise a charging port or point for connection to a magnetic charger for charging the rechargeable battery. There are numerous advantages to bite indicator disclosed herein when compared to bite indicators already on the market. For example, bite indicators that comprise a visible light LED give off visible light with a greater radius of scattering. This scattered light tends to be reflected by surfaces in the environment of the bite indicator. The arrangement disclosed herein, wherein visible light is re-emitted from a UV reactive element placed in front of a UV light source, results in a reduction in scattered light. This allows the user to more accurately locate the bite indicator. Furthermore, typical bite indicators comprising a single colour LED or a multi-colour LED limit the number of colour options available to the user. In the present invention, the bite indicator comprises a UV light source 6. UV radiation emitted from the UV light source is absorbed by a UV reactive element 4 and re-emitted as visible light, the wavelength of the visible light, and therefore colour seen by the user, being determined by the nature of the UV reactive element 4, i.e., which photoluminescent substance or substances are present in the UV reactive element 4. A wide range of different colours may be possible using different UV reactive elements. In particular, a wide range of different colours may be possible without a complicated manufacturing process involving integrating multiple different LEDs into the bite indicator. The user may switch out the UV reactive element 4 covering the UV light source 6 depending on which colour the user wishes the bite indicator to light up. Preferably, the bite indicator comprises a plurality of different and interchangeable UV reactive elements 4, wherein the different UV reactive elements differ in at least the colour they light up after absorbing UV radiation emitted by the UV reactive light source 6. For example, the bite indicator may comprise at least one first UV reactive element 4 configured to light up a first colour and at least one second UV reactive element 4 configured to light up a second colour, wherein the second colour is different to the first colour. Preferably, the bite indicator comprises three or more different colours of UV reactive element, wherein “colour” refers to the colour the UV reactive element is configured to light up after absorbing UV radiation emitted by the UV reactive light source 6. Additionally, the bite indicator disclosed herein: does not contain radioactive substances; is able to remain lit all night; and is not a single-use product. In some arrangements, the bite indicator is attachable to a fishing line and configured to move in response to a pull on the fishing line and / or a slackening in the fishing line. For example, the bite indicator may be a bobbin bite indicator, swinger bite indicator, hanger bite indicator or spring bite indicator. While figure 1 depicts a bite indicator attachable to a fishing line and configured to move in response to a pull on the fishing line and / or a slackening in the fishing line, it can be appreciated that the technology described herein (UV light source and UV reactive element) may also be applied to bite indicators in the form of bite alarms. Bite alarms are bite indicators that comprise an electronic sensor for detecting fish bites and which generate an audible and / or visible signal (i.e., light up) to alert the user to a fish bite. The technology described herein (UV light source and UV reactive element(s)) can be utilized in a bite alarm for generating a visible signal of a fish bite. Alternatively or additionally, bite alarms may have a night light function. In particular, a bite alarm may comprise an illumination means to help the user to orientate themselves and locate the bite alarm at night. The technology describe herein (UV light source and UV reactive element(s)) may provide the night light illumination means of such a bite alarm. An exemplary bite alarm 8 in accordance with the present invention is depicted in figure 2. The bite alarm 8 comprises at least one UV reactive element 12. The at least one UV reactive element 10 is as described above in connection with the at least one UV reactive element 4. The at least one UV reactive element 10 is configured for attachment to a housing of the bite alarm 8 to cover a UV light source (not depicted). The UV light source is as described above in connection with the UV light source 6. The bite alarm 8 may comprise a marking 9 indicating to the user where to attach the UV reactive element 10 to the housing to cover the UV light source. The marking 9 is as described above in connection with the marking 5. In some arrangements, the bite alarm 8 may comprise a recess for receiving a UV reactive element 10. Similar to marking 9, the recess may facilitate accurate placement of a UV reactive element 10 to cover the UV light source. When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components. 5 The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination, be utilised for realising 10 the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. A bite indicator for use in fishing, wherein the bite indicator comprises: a housing comprising a UV light source; andat least one UV reactive element configured for attachment to the housing to cover the UV light source,wherein each at least one UV reactive element is configured to absorb UV radiation emitted by the UV light source and re-emit the absorbed UV radiation at one or more visible wavelengths.

2. The bite indicator of claim 1 comprising a plurality of UV reactive elements, wherein the UV reactive elements are attachable to and detachable from the housing such that the UV reactive elements are interchangeable.

3. The bite indicator of claim 2, wherein the plurality of UV reactive elements comprises: at least one first UV reactive element configured to light up a first colour after absorbing UV radiation emitted by the UV light source; and at least one second UV reactive element configured to light up a second colour after absorbing UV radiation emitted by the UV light source, wherein the first colour is different from the second colour.

4. The bite indicator of claim 3, wherein the plurality of UV reactive elements further comprises at least one third UV reactive element configured to light up a third colour after absorbing UV radiation emitted by the UV light source, wherein the third colour is different from both the first and the second colours, preferably wherein the plurality of UV reactive elements further comprises at least one fourth UV reactive element configured to light up a fourth colour after absorbing UV radiation emitted by the UV light source, wherein the fourth colour is different from each of the first to the third colours.

5. The bite indicator of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one actuator manipulable by the user to set: an intensity of the UV radiation emitted by UV light source; and / or a program of the UV light source.5 6. The bite indicator of any preceding claim, wherein the UV light source emitsUV radiation in the UV-A wavelength range.

7. The bite indicator of any preceding claim further comprising: an integrated rechargeable battery; and a charging port or point for connection to a10 magnetic charger for charging the rechargeable battery.

8. The bite indicator of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the bite indicator is a bite alarm.15 9. The bite indicator of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the bite indicator isattachable to a fishing line and configured to move in response to a pull on the fishing line and / or a slackening in the fishing line.

Images