GB2550430A

GB2550430A - Pellet pump

Info

Publication number: GB2550430A
Application number: GB1608961.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Humphries Todd; Finlay Andrew
Original assignee: Preston Innovations Ltd
Current assignee: Preston Innovations Ltd
Priority date: 2016-05-20
Filing date: 2016-05-20
Publication date: 2017-11-22
Also published as: GB201608961D0

Abstract

A pellet pump for preparing a quantity of expander pellets for use in fishing comprising a generally tubular barrel 10 having an open first end 10a and a longitudinally opposed, closed second end 10b having an aperture (12, fig 2) therein, said aperture having a peripheral collar portion extending therefrom to form a tip portion 14, a plunger 48 comprising a stem 50 having a piston 54 at or adjacent a first end and a handle portion 52 at or adjacent an opposing second end. The piston is shaped and configured to fit within the barrel such that it creates a seal with the inner side walls thereof. A releasable locking member 58 is mounted on said stem so as to be longitudinally movable relative thereto and is configured to be releasably locked to said barrel at or adjacent said open end. Expander pellets are prepared by inserting and compressing dry pellets in said barrel using said plunger. The locking member is subsequently secured over the open end of the barrel and water is drawn into the barrel via the tip. The tip is subsequently sealed and the plunger is repeatedly extended and retracted.

Description

PELLET PUMP

This invention relates generally to a pellet pump for use in fishing, for preparing expander pellets prior to use thereof as bait.

Expander pellets are a well known form of bait, often used in fishing to catch carp, bream, tench and crustacean carp. Such pellets will float on water if they are used dry, and straight from the bag and, in order to make them sink (and bookable) they must be prepared correctly. Preparation of such pellets for use is conventionally achieved using a pellet pump, which operates to remove air from the pellets, whilst they are inunersed in a body of water, such that the air is replaced by water.

Typically, a pellet pump comprises an open receptacle having a removable lid and a pump. The lid typically has a generally central opening for receiving the end of the pump within a peripheral air-tight seal. In use, a quantity of pellets is placed in the receptacle and the receptacle is filled with enough water to ensure that the pellets float. The lid is placed over the open end of the receptacle and the end of the pump is inserted therein, and the pump manually operated around 10 times to draw the air to the top of the receptacle (above the water line), causing the pellets to sink. The contents of the receptacle can then be emptied into a bait box to allow the pellets to expand and soften fully in the water, and await use.

The configuration of this known type of pellet pump is such that the overall device is relatively large, and the size of the receptacle is such that preparation of a batch of pellets can be quite hard work, requiring a relatively vigorous pumping action to be repeated around 10 times. Storage of the device is cumbersome and, in an application such as fishing, where a user may have to carry their equipment over long distances on foot, the amount of storage space required can be disadvantageous. In some cases, fishermen may prepare batches of pellets beforehand and simply take a bait box full of prepared pellets to their fishing location, but many fishermen prefer to prepare such pellets immediately before they begin a session. Thus, it would be desirable to provide an improved pellet pump that is of a sufficiently convenient configuration to enable it to be carried without requiring excessive additional storage space or adding significant excessive weight, and that can be used to prepare relatively small quantities of expander pellets for use as and when required.

It is an object of aspects of the present invention to address at least some of these issues and, in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pellet pump for preparing a quantity of expander pellets for use in fishing, the pellet pump comprising: a generally tubular barrel having an open first end and a longitudinally opposed, closed second end having an aperture therein, said aperture having a peripheral collar portion extending therefrom to form a tip portion; a plunger comprising a stem having a piston at or adjacent a first end and a handle portion at or adjacent an opposing second end, the piston being shaped and configured to fit within the barrel such that it creates a seal with the inner side walls thereof; and a releasable locking member, mounted on said stem so as to be longitudinally movable relative thereto and configured to be releasably locked to said barrel at or adjacent said open end.

In an exemplary embodiment, an outer peripheral wall of said barrel may be provided with a grip portion adjacent said closed end. The grip portion may comprise a plurality of concentric raised ribs on said outer wall of said barrel. The ribs may be of progressively decreasing thickness from said closed end toward said open end of said barrel. In an exemplary embodiment, the grip portion may occupy 15-20% of the total length of said barrel. A pellet pump according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further comprise an end cap for selectively sealing said tip in a closed configuration. Of course, the tip can be sealed by the user’s thumb, for example, but this is not always ideal and may cause discomfort to the user. Thus, the principal purpose of the end cap is to enable the tip to be sealed effectively and without discomfort to the user, prior to the pumping action being performed to remove air from the pellets. The end cap may be pivotally connected at or adjacent the closed end of said barrel, and moveable between a first open configuration to said closed configuration. In an exemplary configuration, the tip may be located off-centre relative to said closed end of said barrel, such that said tip is adjacent a peripheral edge of said barrel, and said end cap may be hingedly mounted to said closed end of said barrel substantially diametrically opposite said tip. The end cap may comprise a cover portion defining an inner recess, and a generally tubular insert portion for receiving said tip when said end cap is in said closed configuration.

The principal purpose of the locking member is to enable the plunger to be utilised in a pumping action (by repeatedly extending and retracting the plunger within the barrel) whilst preventing the plunger from being pulled out of the barrel accidentally by the force of the action. The locking member may comprise a generally tubular member having a substantially closed first end and an opposing open end, said closed end having an opening therein through which said stem extends for slidable movement relative thereto, said open end being shaped and dimensioned to fit over the open end of said barrel. The locking member may comprise at least one locking channel at the open end thereof and said barrel includes at least one protruding member configured to be received within said locking channel when said locking member is mounted on said open end of said barrel. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking channel may comprise a first, substantially longitudinal portion immediately adjacent said open end of said locking member, and a second portion substantially orthogonal to said first portion such that, in use, when said locking member is fully mounted on said open end of said barrel and said protmding member is located at the end of said first portion of said locking channel, said locking member can be twisted relative to said open end of said barrel such that said second portion of said locking channel passes over said protruding member and the locking member is thus releasably secured to said barrel. In one specific exemplary embodiment, the locking member may comprise two, substantially diametrically opposed locking channels and said barrel may comprise two respective protruding members.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of preparing expander pellets for use, the method comprising providing a pellet pump substantially as described above, and: introducing a quantity of dry expander pellets into said barrel through said open end; inserting said plunger into said open end to compress said quantity of expander pellets; securing said locking member over said open end of said barrel; placing said tip into a body of liquid and retracting said plunger to draw a quantity of said liquid into said barrel; and sealing said tip and repeatedly extending and retracting said plunger within said barrel.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the following specific description, in which embodiments of the invention are described in detail, by way of examples only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a pellet pump according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the locking member detached from the barrel, the plunger partially retracted and the cap in the open configuration;

Figure 2 is a schematic front view of the barrel portion of the pellet pump of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a schematic close-up perspective view of the front end of the pellet pump of Figure 1, showing the cap in the open configuration;

Figure 4 is a schematic close-up bottom view of the front end of the pellet pump of Figure 1, showing the cap in the open configuration;

Figure 5 is a schematic front view of the plunger and locking member of the pellet pump of Figure 1;

Figure 5A is a plan view of the closed end of the locking member of the pellet pump of Figure 1; and

Figure 6 is a schematic front view of the pellet pump of Figure 1, with the plunger fully depressed in the barrel, the locking member in the locked configuration on the barrel and the cap in the closed configuration.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, a pellet pump according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a generally tubular housing or barrel 10 which is open at a first end 10a and substantially closed at the opposing second end 10b. The closed second end 10b has an aperture 12 formed therein, located off-centre and close to a peripheral edge of the barrel 10. A circumferential external collar is formed or provided around the aperture 12 to form a tip 14. The outer peripheral wall of the barrel 10, adjacent the closed end 10b thereof, is provided with a set of concentric, raised ribs 16 of progressively decreasing thickness, together forming a tapered grip portion 18 of progressively decreasing diameter from the closed end 10b of the barrel 10 toward the opposing end 10a. The grip portion 18 may occupy around 15-20% of the total length of the barrel 10, although the present invention is not necessarily intended to be in any way limited in this regard.

The outer peripheral wall of the barrel 10, close to the open end 10a, is provided with a circumferential fluted lip portion 20 to define a short end portion 22 having a diameter slightly smaller than the fluted lip portion 20. A pair of diametrically opposed nubs 24 (only one shown) is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the barrel, within the end portion 22 and around 2/3 along the length thereof from the fluted lip portion 20.

Referring additionally to Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings, the closed end 10b of the barrel 10 is further provided an external hinge pedestal 26, located off-centre and close to the peripheral edge of the barrel 10 that is substantially diametrically opposite the edge closest to the tip 14. The hinge pedestal 26 comprises a substantially rectangular protrusion, extending from the closed end 10b of, and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of, the barrel 10, the protrusion having a rounded proximal end and a channel therethrough that is substantially orthogonal to the above-mentioned longitudinal axis of the barrel 10. The barrel 10, the fluted lip portion 20, the grip portion 18, the end portion 22, the nubs 24, the hinge pedestal 26 and the tip 14 may be integrally moulded or formed of, for example, substantially clear or translucent plastic, but the present invention is not necessarily intended to be limited in this regard.

The illustrated pellet pump further comprises a lid or cap 30, the configuration of which can be seen more clearly with additional reference to Figure 3 of the drawings. The cap 30 comprises a cover portion 32, having a generally circular base with a peripheral side wall to define an inner recess 34. The side wall of the cap 30 is provided with a generally rectangular indent 36 coupled, on opposing sides thereof, to the remaining side wall portions of the cap 30 by a pair of respective knuckle portions 38. The knuckle portions 38 are each generally cylindrical in formation with a central, longitudinal through-hole 40 therethrough such that a single, elongate channel is defined between the two knuckle portions 38, passing through the indent 36. An elongate hinge pin 42 provided through the knuckle portions 38 and the channel 28 through the hinge pedestal 26, to hingedly connect the cap 30 to the closed end 10b of the barrel 10, with the hinge pedestal 26 sitting within the recess defined by the indent 36 in the cap 30. A protruding lip 43 is provided on the peripheral edge of the cap 30, at a location substantially diametrically opposite to the hinge portion, to enable a user to conveniently pivot the cap (about the hinge) relative to the closed end 10b of the barrel 10 between a closed configuration (in which the cap 30 covers the closed end 10b of the barrel 10 and the tip 14) and an open configuration (in which the end 10b of the barrel 10 is uncovered and the tip 14 is exposed).

The inner recess 34 defined within the cap 30 is formed with a generally tubular insert portion 44 defining a generally circular opening or recess 46 for receiving the tip 14 of the pellet pump when the cap 30 is in the above-mentioned closed configuration. The recess 46 and the base of the inner recess 34 of the cap 30 is provided with a layer of sealant material, such as rubber or the like such that, in the closed configuration, a seal is created between the cap and the tip opening.

Referring now additionally to Figure 5 of the drawings, the pellet pump further comprises a plunger 48 comprising an elongate stem 50 having a flange or handle portion 52 at one end thereof. The stem 50 is of generally X-shaped cross-section and is provided at the end (opposite the handle portion 52) with a piston 54. The piston 54 is a generally discshaped member, of diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the barrel 10, having circumferential sealing ribs 56 on the outer side wall thereof. It will be appreciated that the configuration of the piston 54 has the purpose of provided an air-tight seal between it and the inner walls of the barrel 10 when the plunger 48 is inserted therein (via its open end 10a), but the present invention is not necessarily intended to be limited in terms of the specific shape of the piston 54. Similarly, the present invention is not necessarily intended to be limited with regard to the cross-sectional configuration of the plunger stem 50, and other cross-sectional configurations will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. A generally tubular locking member 58 is slidably mounted on the plunger stem 50. The locking member has a substantially closed first end 58a and an opposing open second end 58b. The closed end 58a of the locking member 58 is provided with an aperture 60 of shape and size substantially matching the cross -sectional shape and size of the plunger stem 50, through which the plunger stem 50 is mounted, such that the locking member 58 can slide freely along the stem 58 between the handle portion 52 and the piston 54, with the open end of the locking member 58 facing the piston end of the plunger 48. The size and/or shape of the aperture 60 in the closed end 58a of the locking member 58 is such that the locking member 58 is blocked by the piston 54 and the handle portion 52 from being pulled from, or falling off, the ends of the plunger stem 50 because the aperture 60 does not permit the piston 54 or the handle portion 52 to pass therethrough.

The locking member 58 is formed with a pair of diametrically opposed locking channels 62 (only one shown) in the side wall thereof. Each locking channel 62 is generally L-shaped, with a first portion 62a extending longitudinally along a portion of the side wall from the open end 58b of the locking member 58, and a substantially orthogonal second portion 62b extending circumferentially along a portion of the side wall, the second portion 62b of both locking channels 62 extending from its respective first portion 62a in the same circumferential direction. The diameter of the locking member 58 is such that, when the piston end of the plunger 48 is inserted into the barrel 10 (via the open end 10a), the locking member 58 can be slid along the stem 50 toward the barrel 10 and placed over the open end 10a of the barrel 10 such that the first portion 62a of each locking channel 62 passes over a respective nub 24 on the outer wall of the end portion 22 of the barrel 10 until each nub 24 reaches the bend in a respective locking channel 62 between the first and second portions 62a, 62b thereof. At this point, the locking member 58 can be twisted relative to the end portion 22 of the barrel, such that the second portions 62b of the locking channels 62 pass over respective nubs 24 to lock the locking member 58 onto the end portion 22 of the barrel 10, as illustrated in Figure 6 of the drawings.

In use, a user twists the locking member 58 in the opposite direction, such that the locking channels 62 pass back over the respective nubs 24 until they are in line with the first portion, such that the locking member 58 can be pulled away from the open end 10a of the barrel 10 and the plunger 48 can be completely removed from the barrel 10. Next, a quantity of expander pellets is introduced into the barrel 10 (via the open end 10a). In general, a suitable quantity of expander pellets may occupy about one third of the volume of the barrel 10, although the present invention is in no way intended to be limited in this regard.

Once the pellets have been placed in the barrel, the plunger 48 is re-inserted through the open end 10a and the locking member 58 is slid down the stem 50 and placed over the open end 10a of the barrel such that the first portion 62a of each locking channel 62 passes over a respective nub 24 on the outer wall of the end portion of the barrel 10 until each nub 24 reaches the bend in a respective locking channel 62 between the first and second portions 62a, 62b thereof. The locking member 58 is then twisted relative to the end portion 22 of the barrel to lock the locking member onto the end of the barrel, as described above and illustrated in Figure 6 of the drawings.

With the cap 30 in the closed configuration, the plunger 48 is then pushed down through the barrel 10 until the pellets are lightly compressed. Next, the cap 30 is pivoted to the open configuration and the tip 14 is placed into a body of water. A user can then retract the plunger 48 in the opposite direction within the barrel 10 to draw water into the barrel, to a point around two thirds of the way up (although, once again, the present invention is not in any way intended to be limited in this regard).

Any small volume of air between the piston 54 and the resultant water line can be pushed out by the plunger 48 (whilst the cap 30 is still in the open configuration). Finally, the cap 30 is pivoted back to the closed configuration and the plunger is retracted (to the end portion 22 of the barrel) and pushed back to the water line repeatedly (say 3 to 5 times) until all of the pellets have ‘sunk’ in the water.

The cap 30 can now be pivoted to the open configuration (to allow air back into the barrel 10), the locking member 58 and plunger 48 completely removed, and the contents of the barrel 10 decanted into a container (e.g. a bait box) where the pellets can be allowed to expand and soften fully in the water.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, from the foregoing description, that modifications and variations can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pellet pump for preparing a quantity of expander pellets for use in fishing, the pellet pump comprising: a generally tubular barrel having an open first end and a longitudinally opposed, closed second end having an aperture therein, said aperture having a peripheral collar portion extending therefrom to form a tip portion; a plunger comprising a stem having a piston at or adjacent a first end and a handle portion at or adjacent an opposing second end, the piston being shaped and configured to fit within the barrel such that it creates a seal with the inner side walls thereof; and a releasable locking member, mounted on said stem so as to be longitudinally movable relative thereto and configured to be releasably locked to said barrel at or adjacent said open end.

2. A pellet pump according to claim 1, wherein an outer peripheral wall of said barrel is provided with a grip portion adjacent said closed end.

3. A pellet pump according to claim 2, wherein said grip portion comprises a plurality of concentric raised ribs on said outer wall of said barrel.

4. A pellet pump according to claim 3, wherein said ribs are of progressively decreasing thickness from said closed end toward said open end of said barrel.

5. A pellet pump according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein said grip portion occupies 15-20% of the total length of said barrel.

6. A pellet pump according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an end cap for selectively sealing said tip in a closed configuration.

7. A pellet pump according to claim 6, wherein said end cap is pivotally connected at or adjacent the closed end of said barrel, and moveable between a first open configuration to said closed configuration.

8. A pellet pump according to claim 7, wherein said tip is located off-centre relative to said closed end of said barrel, such that said tip is adjacent a peripheral edge of said barrel, and said end cap is hingedly mounted to said closed end of said barrel substantially diametrically opposite said tip.

9. A pellet pump according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein said end cap comprises a cover portion defining an inner recess, and a generally tubular insert portion for receiving said tip when said end cap is in said closed configuration.

10. A pellet pump according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said locking member comprises a generally tubular member having a substantially closed first end and an opposing open end, said closed end having an opening therein through which said stem extends for slidable movement relative thereto, said open end being shaped and dimensioned to fit over the open end of said barrel.

11. A pellet pump according to claim 10, wherein said locking member comprises at least one locking channel at the open end thereof and said barrel includes at least one protruding member configured to be received within said locking channel when said locking member is mounted on said open end of said barrel.

12. A pellet pump according to claim 11, wherein said locking channel comprises a first, substantially longitudinal portion immediately adjacent said open end of said locking member, and a second portion substantially orthogonal to said first portion such that, in use, when said locking member is fully mounted on said open end of said barrel and said protruding member is located at the end of said first portion of said locking channel, said locking member can be twisted relative to said open end of said barrel such that said second portion of said locking channel passes over said protruding member and the locking member is thus releasably secured to said barrel.

13. A pellet pump according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein said locking member comprises two, substantially diametrically opposed locking channels and said barrel comprises two respective protruding members.

14. A pellet pump substantially as herein described and/or with reference to the accompanying drawings.

15. A method of preparing expander pellets for use, the method comprising providing a pellet pump according to any of the preceding claims, and: introducing a quantity of dry expander pellets into said barrel through said open end; inserting said plunger into said open end to compress said quantity of expander pellets; securing said locking member over said open end of said barrel; placing said tip into a body of liquid and retracting said plunger to draw a quantity of said liquid into said barrel; and sealing said tip and repeatedly extending and retracting said plunger within said barrel.