Bait dispenser

Abstract

A bait dispenser for use by an angler is disclosed herein. The bait dispenser comprises a container portion (150) and a flight stabilisation portion. The container portion is arranged for bait to be loaded therein and to open upon impact with water. The container portion comprises two rotatable container parts (152a, 152b) hinged together at a hinge (157). The flight stabilisation portion (101) comprises flight stabilisation fins (103) at the proximal, rear end of the bait dispenser, the flight stabilisation portion coupled to the two container parts of the container portion via the hinge.

Description

[0001] Bait dispenser

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an angling accessory for placing ground bait at a particular location in a stretch of water when angling.

[0004] Background

[0005] Traditionally, in order to congregate fish in a particular area in a stretch of water and to encourage them to feed, an angler has formed a ball of bait of, for example, maggots in dough and has thrown them at the spot. This has inevitably been wasteful because the dough may not itself comprise the feeding medium, the dough has to be brought, or the ingredients thereof have to be brought, to the site, and because the dough may not completely free its occupants.

[0006] Also known is a cage in the form of a finned perforated cylinder attachable to a fishing line at a rear end thereof, which rear end is open while the front end comprises a rounded float. The use of such a cage or any means not employing a matrix holding the bait together risks not all the bait arriving at the intended location.

[0007] Patent Applications WO 2009 / 098507 and WO 2011077111 describe bait dispensers which open upon impact with water.

[0008] The present invention provides means for an angler to place ground bait at a desired location in a stretch of water when about to fish.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] Aspects of the invention are as set out in the independent claims and optional features are set out in the dependent claims. Aspects of the invention may be provided in conjunction with each other and features of one aspect may be applied to other aspects.

[0011] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a bait dispenser for use by an angler. The bait dispenser comprises a container portion into which bait can be loaded, the container portion arranged to open upon impact with water, the container portion comprising two rotatable container parts hinged together at a hinge; and a flight stabilisation portion comprising flight stabilisation fins at the proximal, rear end of the bait dispenser, the flight stabilisation portion coupled to the two container parts of the container portion via the hinge.

[0012] The flight stabilisation portion is at the proximal, rear end of the bait dispenser. The flight stabilisation fins may be at the proximal, rear end of the flight stabilisation portion. The flight stabiliser portion may comprise a swivel at the proximal, rear end. The swivel may be configured to couple to a line, wherein the swivel is rotatable relative to the flight stabilisation portion and / or the container portion.

[0013] It will be appreciated that the preferred mode of use of a bait dispenser in accordance with the invention is in an angling operation comprising the following steps:

[0014] 1. Cast a marker float at the point upon the water where one has determined to fish;

[0015] 2. Cast one or more rods carrying the definitive baited hooks in the region of the marker float;

[0016] 3. Cast the loaded dispenser in the region of the marker float, to burst open upon impact with the water and spill out the bait in that region, then reel in the open dispenser;

[0017] 4. Wait for the fish to bite!

[0018] Such an arrangement of the bait dispenser comprising a flight stabilisation portion having flight stabilisation fins may advantageously cast better than previous bait dispensers due to the provision of the flight stabilisation fins. Moreover, by providing a separate flight stabilisation portion, larger flight stabilisation fins may be provided than, for example, those described in WO 2009 / 098507 and WO 2011077111 , meaning that casting of such a bait dispenser may be improved and casting may be more accurate.

[0019] Moreover, such an arrangement also casts better than prior bait dispensers, such as those described in WO 2009 / 098507 and WO 2011077111 , as it shifts the weight forward as the bait is contained at a distal, forward, end of the bait dispenser.

[0020] The bait dispenser may be attachable to a line at the proximal, rear end of the flight stabilisation portion. The container portion may be configured to open upon the distal, forward end of the bait dispenser impacting with water. The container portion may be configured to open at a distal, forward end of the bait dispenser.

[0021] The bait dispenser may comprise a longitudinal axis, and wherein the hinge may be on the longitudinal axis, and wherein each container part may be configured to rotate relative to the longitudinal axis about the hinge.

[0022] The flight stabilisation fins may be configured to remain static when the container portion opens upon impact.

[0023] Each container part may be hinged about a pivot point distal to the flight stabilisation fins. In other words, each container part may be hinged about a pivot point forward of the flight stabilisation fins. The pivot point may be on the longitudinal axis.

[0024] The flight stabilisation portion may comprise a longitudinal protrusion extending into the container portion, wherein the pivot point is located on the longitudinal protrusion. The longitudinal protrusion may be at a distal end of the flight stabilisation portion. The two container parts may be hinged together at a hinge at a rear end of the two container parts on the longitudinal protrusion of the flight stabilisation portion.

[0025] The bait dispenser may further comprise a biasing means arranged for urging the dispenser open and a stop member arranged for limiting the opening of the two container parts. The biasing means may be configured to urge the two container parts apart. The biasing means may be coupled to the longitudinal protrusion.

[0026] The bait dispenser may further comprise a stop member on each container part, wherein each stop member is configured to abut a surface rearward of the hinge. Each stop member may be configured to abut a surface proximate to the hinge. Each stop member may be configured to abut a portion of the flight stabilisation portion.

[0027] Each stop member may be configured to abut the longitudinal protrusion of the flight stabilisation portion rearward of the pivot point. Each stop member may be arranged for limiting the opening of the container portion to between 35° to 100° opening angle. For example, each stop member may be arranged for limiting the opening of the container portion to approximately 45°. Both container parts may be configured to open to the same degree.

[0028] Each container part may be an equal half of the container portion. Each container part may be an equal half in terms of size and / or weight. It will be understood that equal means substantially equal.

[0029] The fact that both container parts are equal and permitted to open to the same degree (such as for example, something between 35° to 55°, preferably 45°) is that while such opening should ensure that the bait is fully dispensed it also facilitates reeling the dispenser in again in a controlled manner, avoiding line knotting and entanglement and minimising water retention by the dispenser - for example, it has been found that if one container part opens more than the other, when reeling in the bait dispenser the container can be prone to catch and scoop on the water. Thus is enabled a relatively smooth, rather than turbulent, reeling in operation, with the dispenser aquaplaning over the surface of the water. This is assisted by the fact that by virtue of the invention the dispenser container parts are held open somewhat rigidly at the predetermined angle by the spring urging them outwards and the stop member preventing further opening. This enablement of smooth reeling in also means that the reeling in operation can be effected rapidly, thus minimising the time between dispensing ground bait and casting the definitive line, which can be particularly important when fishing in moving water.

[0030] In some examples, the bait dispenser is buoyant. For example, each container part may comprise flotation means or ballast to facilitate aquaplaning of the bait dispenser when reeling in. Furthermore, should the bait dispenser become detached from the line, it is easily retrievable by the angler.

[0031] The container portion may have catch means for holding the container portion closed until impact with water when the container portion is caused to open. The catch means may be arranged to disengage to allow the container portion to open upon impact of the dispenser on water. The catch means may comprise a plunger at a bow or leading edge of the container portion at a distal end of the bait dispenser. The catch means may include means of positive engagement with the container portion. For example, the catch means may have a detent relationship with the container portion. The catch means may be operable between a closed configuration configured to keep the container portion closed and an open configuration configured to allow the container portion to open, and wherein the catch means may be held in the closed configuration by a biasing means, such as a spring. The catch means may be adjustable to adjust the degree of impact on water required to allow the container portion to open upon impact with water.

[0032] As will be described in more detail below, the catch means may be provided on one of the two container parts but configured to interact with both container parts, such that when the container portion opens the catch is coupled to one of the container parts.

[0033] In a particularly suitable construction one container half carries a bulkhead upon which is mounted a plunger holder carrying a spring-loaded plunger, the plunger carrying a catch arranged to engage on a detent formed on the other container half, and the two container parts being formed with a mouth to which the plunger forms a continuum at the leading or bow end of the dispenser. Advantageously the bulkhead, which may be reinforced by brackets, also serves to assist in retaining the shape of the container half upon which it is formed and, being formed to be substantially contiguous with the interior of the other container half throughout the inner circumference thereof, serves to some extent to retain the shape of the other container half whilst, of course, restraining the ground bait from clogging operation of the plunger.

[0034] The means for enabling the container to open upon impact, for example the plunger and detent means, may be adjustable to cater for different impact situations or wear and spring relaxation. The plunger may be rotatable between two or more detent locations of differing heights, even a variable detent. To this end the plunger may incorporate a feature such as a slot or a ridge facilitating its being turned. In fact the means may be adjustable to and from a configuration in which the dispenser is locked against opening, for example during transportation. Drawings

[0035] Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an example bait dispenser from the distal, forward end; Fig. 2 shows a side view of the example bait dispenser of Fig. 1 ;

[0037] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a portion of the example bait dispenser of Figs. 1 and 2 from the proximal, rear end;

[0038] Fig. 4 shows a side view of the example bait dispenser of Figs. 1 to 3 in an open configuration;

[0039] Fig. 5 shows a cross-section of the example bait dispenser of Fig. 4 in the open configuration;

[0040] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of an example catch means for use with the example bait dispenser of Figs. 1 to 5; and

[0041] Fig. 7 shows a side perspective view of a portion of the bait dispenser of Figs. 1 to 5 centred on the hinge connecting the two container parts of the container portion.

[0042] Specific description

[0043] Embodiments of the claims relate to a bait dispenser for use by an angler. The bait dispenser comprises a container portion into which bait can be loaded, the container portion arranged to open upon impact with water, the container portion comprising two rotatable container parts hinged together at a hinge; and a flight stabilisation portion comprising flight stabilisation fins at the proximal, rear end of the bait dispenser, the flight stabilisation portion coupled to the two container parts of the container portion via the hinge.

[0044] It will be appreciated that the preferred mode of use of a bait dispenser in accordance with the invention is in an angling operation comprising the following steps:

[0045] 1. Cast a marker float at the point upon the water where one has determined to fish;

[0046] 2. Cast one or more rods carrying the definitive baited hooks in the region of the marker float;

[0047] 3. Cast the loaded dispenser in the region of the marker float, to burst open upon impact with the water and spill out the bait in that region, then reel in the open dispenser; 4. Wait for the fish to bite!

[0048] An example bait dispenser is shown in Figs. 1 to 5 and 7, as will be described in more detail below.

[0049] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an example bait dispenser 100 from the distal, forward end. The bait dispenser 100 comprises a container portion 150 comprising two rotatable container parts 152a, 152b hinged together at a hinge 157, and a flight stabilisation portion 101 comprising flight stabilisation fins 103 at the proximal, rear end of the bait dispenser 100. The flight stabilisation portion 101 is coupled to the two container parts 152a, 152b of the container portion 150 via the hinge 157.

[0050] The flight stabilisation portion 101 is at the proximal, rear end of the bait dispenser 100. One of the container parts 152a, 152b carries a bulkhead upon which is mounted a catch means 155 at the distal, forward end of the container portion 150. The flight stabilisation fins 103 may be at the proximal, rear end of the flight stabilisation portion 101 , although it will be understood that in other examples the flight stabilisation fins 103 may be located elsewhere on the flight stabilisation portion 101 , for example towards the distal end of the flight stabilisation portion 101 proximate to the container portion 150.

[0051] In the example shown, the flight stabiliser portion 101 comprises a swivel 115 at the proximal, rear end. The swivel 115 comprises a hoop or ring of material to which a fishing line may be attached.

[0052] The bait dispenser comprises a longitudinal axis, extending from the swivel 115 at the proximal, rearward end through the hinge 157 and through to the catch means at the distal, forward end of the bait dispense 100. The hinge 157 is therefore on, but running transverse to, the longitudinal axis.

[0053] The container portion 150 is generally spherical having a bulbous, airship, balloon barrage or teardrop shaped profile towards the distal, forward end. The container portion 150 is generally aerodynamically shaped to facilitate flight through the air when the bait dispenser is cast by an angler. Each container part 152a, 152b is hinged about a pivot point (in this case provided by the hinge 157) distal to the flight stabilisation portion 101. In other words, each container part 152a, 152b is hinged about a pivot point forward of the flight stabilisation fins 103. Each container part 152a, 152b is configured to rotate relative to the longitudinal axis about the hinge 157 to open and close the container portion 150 and thereby switch between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

[0054] The container portion 150 is configured to receive bait. In particular, one or both container parts 152a, 152b may be filled with bait before the bait dispenser 100 is snapped shut and held closed via the catch means 155. The container portion 150 is arranged to open upon impact with water. The container portion 150 is configured to open upon the distal, forward end of the bait dispenser 100 (and in particular, the catch means 155) impacting with water. The container portion 150 may be configured to open at a distal, forward end of the bait dispenser 100. The flight stabilisation fins 103 are configured to remain static when the container portion 150 opens upon impact.

[0055] The swivel 115 is configured to couple to a line. The swivel 115 is rotatable relative to the flight stabilisation portion 101 and / or the container portion 150.

[0056] In use one or both of the container parts 152a, 152b is filled with bait and the two halves locked together by the catch means 155. The swivel 115 is attached to a fishing line. The line is then cast and upon impact with water the catch means 155 releases the two container parts 152a, 152b opening the container portion 150 (from the closed configuration to the open configuration) and releasing the bait contained therein. Once the bait is released the bait dispenser 100 may then be reeled in by the angler. By providing two equal halves of the bait dispenser that are biased apart to the same degree it has advantageously been found that the bait dispense may be reeled in again in a controlled manner, avoiding line knotting and entanglement and minimising water retention by the dispenser - for example, it has been found that if one container part opens more than the other, when reeling in the bait dispenser the container can be prone to catch and scoop on the water. Thus is enabled a relatively smooth, rather than turbulent, reeling in operation, with the dispenser aquaplaning over the surface of the water. Fig. 2 shows a side view of the example bait dispenser of Fig. 1. In Fig. 2 the aerodynamic profile of the container portion 150 can be clearly seen. It can also be seen how the proximal or rearward end of each container part 152a, 152b comprises a stop 159. Each stop 159 is configured to limit the degree of opening of each container part 152a, 152b about the hinge 157.

[0057] Fig. 2 also shows the profile of each flight stabilisation fin 103 of the flight stabilisation portion. Each flight stabilisation fin 103 has a leading-edge portion that extends for approximately half of the flight stabilisation portion 101 , before having a straight-edge portion and then a relatively steep trailing-edge portion.

[0058] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a portion of the example bait dispenser of Figs. 1 and 2 from the proximal, rear end. The arrangement of the flight stabilising fins 103 on the flight stabilisation portion 101 can be more clearly seen. In this example there are four equally spaced flight stabilisation fins 103, spaced 90 degrees relative to each other.

[0059] Fig. 4 shows a side view of the example bait dispenser of Figs. 1 to 3 in an open configuration. Each container part 152a, 152b is an equal half of the container portion 150. Each container part 152a, 152b is an equal half in terms of size and / or weight. It will be understood that equal means substantially equal.

[0060] Fig. 5 shows a cross-section of the example bait dispenser of Fig. 4 in the open configuration. As can be seen in Fig. 5, the flight stabilisation portion 101 comprises a longitudinal protrusion 151 extending into the container portion 150, wherein the pivot point or hinge 157 is located on the longitudinal protrusion 151. The longitudinal protrusion 151 is at a distal end of the flight stabilisation portion 101 . The two container parts 152a, 152b are hinged together at a hinge 157 that provides a pivot point at a rear end of the two container parts 152a, 152b on the longitudinal protrusion 151 of the flight stabilisation portion 101.

[0061] The bait dispenser 100 further comprises a biasing means 165 arranged for urging the dispenser open and a stop member 159 arranged for limiting the opening of the two container parts 152a, 152b. The biasing means 165 is configured to urge the two container parts 152a, 152b apart. The biasing means 165 is coupled to the longitudinal protrusion 151. In the present example, the biasing means 165 is a spring, and in this example a torsion spring. Preferably, from the point of view of strength and durability the hinge 157 comprises tunnels and a shaft through the tunnels. The shaft is mounted on the longitudinal protrusion 151. The shaft then supports the container opening spring 165.

[0062] Preferably, the bait dispenser 100 is buoyant to aid in reeling in the bait dispenser 100 after bait has been dispensed. As such, in the example shown in Fig. 5, each container part 152a, 152b comprises flotation means or ballast to facilitate aquaplaning of the bait dispenser when reeling in. Furthermore, should the bait dispenser become detached from the line, it is easily retrievable by the angler. In the present case, each container part 152a, 152b comprises a respective cavity 160a, 160b filled with buoyant material. The cavity is at a proximal, rearward end of each container part 152a, 152b proximate to the hinge 157.

[0063] The fact that both container parts 152a, 152b are equal and permitted to open to the same degree (such as for example, something between 35° to 55°, preferably 45°) is that while such opening should ensure that the bait is fully dispensed it also facilitates reeling the bait dispenser 100 in again in a controlled manner, avoiding line knotting and entanglement and minimising water retention by the bait dispenser 100 - for example, it has been found that if one container part 152a, 152b opens more than the other, when reeling in the bait dispenser 100 the container can be prone to catch and scoop on the water. Thus is enabled a relatively smooth, rather than turbulent, reeling in operation, with the bait dispenser 100 aquaplaning over the surface of the water. This is assisted by the fact that the dispenser container parts 152a, 152b are held open somewhat rigidly at the predetermined angle by the biasing means 165 urging them outwards and the stop members 159 preventing further opening. This enablement of smooth reeling in also means that the reeling in operation can be effected rapidly, thus minimising the time between dispensing ground bait and casting the definitive line, which can be particularly important when fishing in moving water.

[0064] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of an example catch means 155 for use with the example bait dispenser of Figs. 1 to 5. The catch means 155 is arranged to hold the container portion 150 closed until impact with water when the container portion 150 is caused to open. The catch means 155 may be arranged to disengage to allow the container portion 150 to open upon impact of the dispenser on water.

[0065] In the example shown, the catch means 155 comprises a plunger 601 at a bow or leading edge of the container portion 150 at a distal end of the bait dispenser 100. The catch means 155 may include means of positive engagement with the container portion 150. For example, the catch means 155 as shown in Fig. 6 is arranged to have a detent relationship with the container portion 150. The catch means 155 is operable between a closed configuration configured to keep the container portion 150 closed and an open configuration configured to allow the container portion 150 to open, and wherein the catch means 155 are held in the closed configuration by a biasing means 607, such as a spring. The catch means 155 are adjustable to adjust the degree of impact on water required to allow the container portion 150 to open upon impact with water.

[0066] The catch means 155 may be provided on one of the two container parts 152a, 152b but configured to interact with both container parts 152a, 152b, such that when the container portion 150 opens the catch means 155 is coupled to one of the container parts 152a, 152b. In a particularly suitable construction one container half 152a, 152b carries a bulkhead upon which is mounted the catch means 155.

[0067] The catch means 155 comprises a spring-loaded plunger 601 , the plunger 601 carrying a catch 603a, 603b arranged to engage on a detent formed on one of the container parts 152a, 152b (in particular, the other container part 152a, 152b not having the bulkhead), and the two container parts 152a, 152b being formed with a mouth to which the plunger 601 engages to form a continuum at the leading or bow end of the bait dispenser 100. Advantageously the bulkhead, which may be reinforced by brackets, also serves to assist in retaining the shape of the container part 152a, 152b upon which it is formed and, being formed to be substantially contiguous with the interior of the other container part 152a, 152b throughout the inner circumference thereof, serves to some extent to retain the shape of the other container part 152a, 152b whilst, of course, restraining the ground bait from clogging operation of the plunger 601 . The plunger 601 also comprises a retaining plate 609 at its rearward end to detachably couple with the bulkhead to hold the catch means 155 in place. The retaining plate 609 may be configured to engage via an interference fit with a slot in the bulkhead on one of the container parts 152a, 152b. For example, the retaining plate 609 may be elongate in one dimension, for example so that it is wider than it is long. In this way, the retaining plate 609 may engage with the slot in the bulkhead to retain the catch means 155 in place in one orientation, but when rotated (for example, by 90°) to another orientation, the retaining plate 609 no longer engages with the slot and is freely removable, thereby permitting the catch means 155 to be removed.

[0068] The catch means 155 for enabling the container portion 150 to open upon impact, for example the plunger 601 and catch 603a, 603b, may be adjustable to cater for different impact situations or wear and spring relaxation, and / or to enable the catch means 155 to be removed and replaced.

[0069] For example, the two catches 603a, 603b may be machined slightly differently (for example, by having different heights) to provide differing levels of engagement with a detent formed on one of the container parts 152a, 152b. The catch means 155 may be removable from the bulkhead and rotated 180° so that one or other of the catches 603a, 603b engages with the detent. T o this end, the catch means 155 may comprise (as shown in Fig. 6) a thumb grip 605 to enable the rear part of the catch means 155 (including the retaining plate 609) to be rotated within the slot in the bulkhead and thereby removed and thereby to enable the catches 603a, 603b to be switched around. The plunger 601 and the thumb grip 605 and retaining plate 609 do not directly alter the tension, these pars simply hold the catch means 155 in place. Rotating the plunger 601 and switching one catch 603a with the other catch 603b alters the catch tolerance and spring tension.

[0070] Additionally, or alternatively, the stiffness on the spring 607 may be adjusted to alter the degree of force required to open the container portion 150 upon impact. For example, the plunger 601 may incorporate a feature such as a slot or a ridge facilitating its being turned to alter the degree of tension placed on the spring 607 and thereby the force required to release the catches 603a, 603b and thereby open the container portion 150. In some examples, turning the slot or ridge may adjust the extent to which the plunger 601 protrudes into the container and thus the travel required to open the catch mean 155. In some examples, the catch means 155 may additionally or alternatively be adjustable to and from a configuration in which the dispenser is locked against opening, for example during transportation.

[0071] When the line is then cast, upon striking the water the plunger 601 is pushed into the container portion 150 against the spring 607, releasing the catches 603a, 603b. Ingress of water between the plunger 601 and the two container parts 152a, 152b assists in urging the container parts 152a, 152b apart, to allow the bait to exit the bait dispenser 100.

[0072] In an alternative embodiment the bait dispenser 100 does not have a plunger 601. For example, the catch means 155 may be arranged to open upon sensing the shock wave generated by impact of the bait dispenser 100 upon the water. In other words, it may then not be necessary for the bait dispenser 100 to land nose first on the water for a so-called vibration trip to open it. A bait dispenser 100 employing vibration trip to open may well be constructed with the catch / detent at the rear thereof and have no plunger etc at the bow end. Such a construction may have improved evacuation of the bait from the bait dispenser 100.

[0073] Fig. 7 shows a side perspective view of a portion of the bait dispenser 100 of Figs. 1 to 5 centred on the hinge 157 connecting the two container parts 152a, 152b of the container portion 150. As described above, the hinge 157 comprises tunnels and a shaft through the tunnels. The shaft is mounted on the longitudinal protrusion 151. The shaft then supports the container opening spring 165.

[0074] As described above, the bait dispenser 100 further comprises a stop member 159 on each container part 152a, 152b. Each stop member 159 is configured to abut a surface 120 rearward of, but proximate to the hinge 157. In the example shown, each stop member 159 is configured to abut a portion of the flight stabilisation portion 101. In particular, each stop member 159 is configured to abut a flat surface 120 of the longitudinal protrusion 151 of the flight stabilisation portion 101 rearward of the pivot point provided by hinge 157.

[0075] Each stop member 159 is arranged to limit the opening of the container portion 150 to between 35° to 100° opening angle. For example, each stop member 159 may be arranged for limiting the opening of the container portion 150 to approximately 45°. Both container parts 152a, 152b may be configured to open to the same degree.

[0076] When the line is then cast, upon striking the water the two container parts 152a, 152b move together whilst, simultaneously, the plunger 601 is pushed into the container portion 150 against the spring 607, releasing the latch 603a, 603b from the detents in the container parts 152a, 152b. The biasing means 165 then urges the container parts 152a, 152b apart to allow the bait to fall from the bait dispenser. The container 100 is impeded from opening beyond about 45° by the stops 159 having abutted the flat surface 120 on the flight stabilising portion 101. That having happened the angler may then reel the open bait dispenser 100 in. The 45° open configuration of the bait dispenser 100, and the length of the line attachment arm co-operate to ensure a low drag, relatively non-turbulent reeling in process thus minimising line entanglement.

[0077] In the context of angling suitable dimensions for the dispenser are up to 30cm long with an aspect ratio between 2:1 and about 6:1. A preferred embodiment is 17cm long and 6.5cm broad. It will be appreciated that dispensers in accordance with the invention are usually circular in cross section, about the longitudinal axis.

[0078] Any of the embodiments above described may incorporate a filler hatch wherethrough bait may be loaded with the container parts closed. The hatch may be closed by a sliding or hinged door.

[0079] It will be appreciated from the discussion above that the embodiments shown in the Figures are merely exemplary, and include features which may be generalised, removed or replaced as described herein and as set out in the claims. In the context of the present disclosure other examples and variations of the apparatus and methods described herein will be apparent to a person of skill in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A bait dispenser for use by an angler, the bait dispenser comprising: a container portion into which bait can be loaded, the container portion arranged to open upon impact with water, the container portion comprising two rotatable container parts hinged together at a hinge; and a flight stabilisation portion comprising flight stabilisation fins at the proximal, rear end of the bait dispenser, the flight stabilisation portion coupled to the two container parts of the container portion via the hinge.

2. The bait dispenser of claim 1 wherein the bait dispenser is attachable to a line at the proximal, rear end of the flight stabilisation portion.

3. The bait dispenser of any of the previous claims, wherein the container portion is configured to open at a distal, forward end of the bait dispenser.

4. The bait dispenser of any of the previous claims, wherein the flight stabiliser portion comprises a swivel at the proximal, rear end, wherein the swivel is configured to couple to a line, wherein the swivel is rotatable relative to the flight stabilisation portion and / or the container portion.

5. The bait dispenser of any of the previous claims, wherein the bait dispenser comprises a longitudinal axis, and wherein the hinge is on the longitudinal axis, and wherein each container part is configured to rotate relative to the longitudinal axis about the hinge.

6. The bait dispenser of any of the previous claims wherein the flight stabilisation fins are configured to remain static when the container portion opens upon impact.

7. The bait dispenser of any of the previous claims wherein each container part is hinged about a pivot point distal to the flight stabilisation fins.

8. The bait dispenser of claim 7 as dependent on claim 5, wherein the pivot point ison the longitudinal axis.

9. The bait dispenser of claim 7 or 8 wherein the flight stabilisation portion comprises a longitudinal protrusion extending into the container portion, wherein the pivot point is located on the longitudinal protrusion.

10. The bait dispenser of claim 9, wherein the two container parts are hinged together at a hinge at a rear end of the two container parts on the longitudinal protrusion of the flight stabilisation portion.

11. The bait dispenser of any of the previous claims further comprising a biasing means arranged for urging the dispenser open and a stop member arranged for limiting the opening of the two container parts.

12. The bait dispenser of claim 11 as dependent on claim 9, or any claim as dependent thereon, wherein the biasing means is coupled to the longitudinal protrusion.

13. The bait dispenser of any of the previous claims, further comprising a stop member on each container part, wherein each stop member is configured to abut a surface rearward of the hinge.

14. The bait dispenser of claim 13 wherein each stop member is configured to abut a portion of the flight stabilisation portion.

15. The bait dispenser of claim 14 as dependent on claim 9, or any claim as dependent thereon, wherein each stop member is configured to abut the longitudinal protrusion of the flight stabilisation portion rearward of the pivot point.

16. The bait dispenser of claim 13, 14 or 15 wherein each stop member is arranged for limiting the opening of the container portion to between 35° to 100° opening angle.

17. The bait dispenser of any of claims 13 to 16 wherein each stop member is arranged for limiting the opening of the container portion to approximately 45°.

18. The bait dispenser of any of the previous claims, wherein each container part is an equal half of the container portion.

19. The bait dispenser of any of the previous claims and wherein each container part comprises flotation means or ballast.

20. The bait dispenser of any of the previous claims wherein the container portion has catch means for holding the container portion closed until impact with water when the container portion is caused to open.

21. The bait dispenser of claim 20 wherein the catch means are arranged to disengage to allow the container portion to open upon impact of the dispenser on water.

22. The bait dispenser of claim 20 or 21 wherein the catch means comprises a plunger at a bow or leading edge of the container portion at a distal end of the bait dispenser.

23. The bait dispenser of any of claims 20 to 22 wherein the catch means includes means of positive engagement with the container.

24. The bait dispenser of any of claims 20 to 23 wherein the catch means are provided on one of the two container parts but configured to interact with both container parts, such that when the container portion opens the catch is coupled to one of the container parts.

25. The bait dispenser of any of the previous claims wherein the bait dispenser is buoyant.

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