The present invention relates to a device for fastening and unfastening objects to a fishing line, and is particularly adapted for attachment of fishing line accessories, such as bobbers, sinkers, lures, and hooks to a fishing line.
Recreational fishing is a popular pastime for many. Typically, recreational fishing is conducted with a rod, reel, line, hooks and any one of various types of baits or lures. Other devices, commonly referred to as terminal tackle, are also used to assist in presenting the bait to the targeted fish. Some examples of terminal tackle include weights, floats, swivels, bobbers, sinkers, and other devices. For purposes of this application, hooks, baits, and lures will also be referred to as terminal tackle.
The typical method of attaching terminal tackle to fishing line is by tying a knot in the fishing line. A variety of different kinds of knots are used in specific situations and for particular types of line. There are many variables that determine what type of knot should be used.
Different types of fishing line may support a variety of knots but not all lines and knots are ideal in combination. Examples of types of line include braid, monofilament, sometimes referred to as spectra, and fluorocarbon. Examples of popular knots used for fishing include uni-knots, clinch knots, swivel knots and Palomar knots.
Many of the knot and line variables will be unknown to the casual and beginning fisherman. Additionally, even if a fisherman has appropriate knowledge, it is possible that a fisherman may not have the dexterity required to effectively tie functional knots. Further, incorrectly selecting or ineffectively tying a particular knot may result in the loss of a potential catch or in a loss of bait, which diminishes fishing enjoyment and may be discouraging.
Therefore, it is desirable to provide a device that will allow anyone to easily and securely attach terminal tackle to a fishing line without having to master the ability to tie or select an appropriate knot.
The present invention is directed to a snap tackle device to provide a fisherman with the ability to easily attach to a fishing line a fish hook, bobber, sinker, lure, or other fishing device, the sum of which is referred to as terminal tackle throughout this disclosure. The present invention will provide the user with the ability to create an attachment of terminal tackle to any fishing line in a manner that requires less finger dexterity and less time than current alternatives.
Further, the present invention facilitates a superior strength of attachment as compared to standard knots, which are typically rated to a limit less than 100% of a rated line strength.
Additionally, the snap terminal tackle of the present invention may be more easily removed or adjusted relative to an original attaching location of terminal tackle on the fishing line. Current methods typically require the user to remove fishing line from the terminal tackle by cutting the line and re-attaching the tackle with a knot. By using the terminal tackle of the invention, the line will not be required to be cut.
An additional benefit is that the snap tackle of the present invention eliminates a need for using a secondary means to achieve smoothness in line attachment, such as super glue, which is often used, as is explained below. Knots can become a burden to the user since knots create a bulge relative to the line circumference that can catch on external items such as line guides, weeds, sticks, etc. The ability to consistently tie a knot that does not present this problem may be difficult for a user since tying an ideal knot requires learning and practice. Consequently, users often use the aid of a secondary means such as super glue to smooth out the bulge created by the knot. The present invention has a smooth external body which is always the same, thus minimizing the problem of snagging line for the user.
A common problem in fishing is that there are many types of lines and that each type has different material behavior. For example, common mono-filament lines absorb water and stretch proportional to the amount of force applied to the line. When stretched, the circumference of the line will change. These variations in line properties create variations in knot properties that can be detrimental to the utility of the knot. It is desirable to eliminate the need of a user to understand these properties by using this invention, which provides consistent results regardless of the line type.
As can be seen from the above description, the snap terminal tackle of the invention is provided to will allow anyone to easily, consistently and securely attach terminal tackle to a fishing line without having to master the ability to tie or select an appropriate knot.
a is an elevation view of a first embodiment of the capstan and attached terminal tackle of the snap terminal tackle device of
b is a plan view of the capstan of
c is an elevation view of a first embodiment of the capstan and attached terminal tackle of a first embodiment of the snap terminal tackle device of
d is a plan view of the capstan of
e is an elevation view of a second embodiment of the capstan and attached terminal tackle of a first embodiment of the snap terminal tackle device of
f is a second elevation view of
b is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the snap terminal device of
c is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the snap terminal device of
d is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the snap terminal tackle device of
Referring now to
Referring now to
Exteriorly, upper housing 16 has a width 36 of a different dimension that a length 38 of upper housing 16 to form an easily grippable object. Interiorly, upper housing 16 further defines a recessed area 40 on an inner upper surface. Recessed area 40 has a first end 42 and a second end 44 (
Lower housing 18 defines a lower line orifice 50 and a lower mating surface 52 on upper end of lower housing 18. Lower housing 18 further defines a lower half of internal cavity 28, which has a first portion 30 having a first radius and a second portion 32 having a second radius. The portion 32 having the second radius defines a lower half of annular space 34, which is proximate lower mating surface 52. Lower housing 18 also has a width 36 of a different dimension than length 38 (
In one embodiment (
Capstan 62, or spool, is located within internal cavity 28. For purposes of this application, “capstan” shall refer to an object for receiving a length of wrapped line. An example of an application using a capstan is as follows. An anchored section of line is secured at a fixed location. The line is then wrapped around the capstan. After wrapping the line to some degree around the capstan, the other end of the line is left unsecured. The effect of the capstan of this example is to reduce the line tension between the anchored segment and the exiting line segment proportional to the amount of line wrap(s), the shape of the capstan, and the friction coefficient between the capstan and the line material. Capstan 62 and internal cavity 28 are preferably cylindrical, although other shapes may be used, including oval, clover shaped, pear shaped, octagonal, hexagonal, or other shapes. Capstan 62 defines an upper circumferential groove 64 having a tapered end 66 and a deep end 68 and also defines a lower circumferential groove 70 having a tapered end 72 and a deep end 74. In a preferred embodiment, grooves 64, 70 referenced in this application are v-shaped and have walls that are angled between approximately 5° and 45°, more preferably at 10°, with respect to a radial plane of capstan 62, although other suitable angles may also be used. Additionally, other shaped grooves are contemplated, including grooves that are wider at a top portion and narrower at a bottom portion, terraced grooves having multiple faces at a desired angle, e.g., 10°, textured grooves, serrated grooves, and other grooves suitable for the purposes set forth in this application. The tapered walls allow for gripping of line 24 over a range of diameters, i.e., a larger line will rest in an upper portion of a groove, while a smaller line will rest in a deeper, narrower portion of the groove. Preferably, the material rubbing against line 24 has a coefficient of friction preferably having a range of 0.08 to at least 0.2, with 0.2 being preferred. By angling the side walls of the grooves, it has been found that the effective coefficient of friction may be increased by a factor of 5.8. Finally, it should be understood that grooves 64, 70 may have a flat or other shaped lower surface. Additionally, grooves 64, 70 can be smooth, have texture, ridges, etc.
Capstan 62 has a pair of fingers 76 that extend radially from capstan 62 into annular space 34 defined by upper housing 16 and lower housing 18. Capstan 62 further defines a longitudinal groove 78 between fingers 76 for connecting deep end 68 of upper circumferential groove 64 with deep end 74 of lower circumferential groove 70. Capstan 62 has a tab 80 protruding from an upper surface that is received in recessed area 40 of upper housing 16. First end 42 and second end 44 of recessed area 40 limit rotational travel of tab 80 thereby limiting rotational travel of capstan 62.
In embodiment 12, as shown in
In embodiment 12a (
Terminal tackle 90 is affixed to capstan 62 and is rotatable with capstan 62. Although terminal tackle 90 is shown as a fish hook in the examples, it should be understood that terminal tackle 90 may also be a weight, float, swivel, bobber, sinker, or other device.
Referring now to
Now referring to
First exterior section 114 further defines a funnel shaped section 128 that surrounds an entrance to upper line orifice 130. Upper line orifice 130 passes from an exterior surface to cylindrical cavity 110 on a second end.
A bottom area of first exterior section 114 defines a bottom line orifice 132. Bottom line orifice 132 passes from cylindrical cavity 110 at a first end to a lowermost portion of housing 104 at a second end. Upper line orifice 130 and bottom line orifice 132 are in line with one another.
Capstan 140 is sized to be located within cylindrical cavity 110. Capstan 140 defines a band 142 having a larger diameter than the remainder of capstan 140. Band 142 is provided for cooperative engagement with interior groove 124 of housing 104. Capstan 140 defines a passageway 144 that passes through capstan 140 when located in housing 104. Capstan 140 may be rotationally oriented to line up passageway 144 with upper line orifice 130 and bottom line orifice 132 when capstan 140 is in an open position (
To install device 102 on fishing line 24, capstan 140 is rotated to an open position (
Terminal tackle member 90, such as a fishing hook, is provided with a long stem 154 that is connected to an insert stem 156 by a 90° bend. Insert stem 156 is received within terminal tackle passageway 148 of capstan 140. Terminal tackle member 90 may be used to rotate capstan 140 with respect to housing 104. During travel from an open position to a closed position, a portion of insert stem 156 of terminal tackle member 152 will briefly engage protuberance 122 to provide tactile feedback when capstan 140 has achieved a fully locked or fishing position. Second exterior section 118 that is adjacent to protuberance 122 permits flexure so that second exterior section 118 may spring away from protuberance 122 when terminal tackle member 90 passes between protuberance 122 and second exterior section 118. Open top area 126 of second exterior section 118 facilitates the flexing of second exterior section 118 as required. Open top area 126 further facilitates insertion of terminal tackle member 90 during assembly of second embodiment 102.
In the closed position, snap terminal tackle 102 may resemble a standard hook where a typical hook eyelet is replaced by the present invention. The hook portion attaches to the invention such that it can be used as the primary means for rotating the invention into the locked position.
The invention adjusts for the change in line diameter as the fishing line 24 is stretched by pivoting capstan 140 about its axis due to load applied by fish in the direction of the arrow in
The invention requires that the force of friction be overcome for line 24 to slip out of the mechanism. Friction in all contact areas works against the direction of slip, providing better retention with the mechanism.
All of the above described embodiments are contemplated as being reusable. Once capstan 62, 140 is rotated back from a closed position to an open position, line 24 is released from frictional contact and may be easily removed.
Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes and modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such changes and modifications are encompassed within the spirit of this invention as defined by the claims.