Abstract:
A splice system for linear connection of fishing lines includes a female connector and a male connector. Each connector has first and second opposite ends, a longitudinal axis, and a shaped exterior surface. The first end of the female connector is connected to a first fishing line section; the second end has a first opening; and the connector has a raised interior feature. The second end of the male connector is connected to a second fishing line section; the first end is configured for coaxial insertion into the first opening of the female connector, and the first end has a raised exterior feature. The connectors have a first relative position representing a disengaged state and a second relative position representing an engaged state. The first relative position and the second relative position are rotationally displaced about the axis.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application incorporates by reference and claims priority from application Ser. No. 10/628,220, filed Jul. 28, 2003, entitled “Line Splice Using Barb and Receiver,” by Russell E. Blette, John E. Stark and Jeffrey L. Wieringa. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates in general to a device and method for linearly connecting strand materials and more particularly to a device which facilitates the connection of fishing lines. 
     In many types of fishing, and particularly in fly fishing, it is necessary or desirable to linearly connect sections of fishing line, either because of different properties of the sections or to repair a break. A fly fisherman must be equipped with a fishing rod, a fishing line called a fly line, a device such as a reel to hold the fly line, a leader line commonly called a leader, and flies. A leader is a relatively short, fine, tapered segment of monofilament line, with its larger or butt end attached to the fly line and its smaller or terminal end to the fly. 
     Fly fishing involves casting a line a substantial distance over a body of water wherein only the weight of the line is used to effect the cast. A skilled fly caster typically uses a tapered line and a tapered leader at the end of this line. One of the more difficult aspects of fly fishing involves connecting the end of the leader to the end of the fishing line by tying a knot. The knot must be specially selected to avoid kinks and/or slip-separation of the leader from the line. 
     Typically, a leader will range from as short as 5 or 6 feet to as long as 12 to 15 feet. Some leaders possess a true taper, that is, they undergo a gradual change in diameter from the butt end to the terminal end without any interruptions in the leader material. Other leaders consist of lengths of varying diameter leader material tied together. Many fishermen favor the latter, that is the knotted leader, in that it enables them to tailor the leader to their own needs. But irrespective of whether the fisherman uses a truly tapered leader or a knotted leader, the fisherman will usually find it necessary to replace the end section or segment of the leader, often called the tippet, for this is where the leader is thinnest and weakest, and where it will break if its capacity is exceeded. Tippet replacement and repair usually require a fisherman to form a knot. Moreover, when a fisherman changes to a smaller fly, a thinner tippet is often required. Hence, the typical fisherman must tie knots from time to time in leader material, which is usually monofilament line. 
     The knots which join the lengths of leader material either to the fly line or to other leader sections must accommodate the varying diameters of material and must be strong. Nail knots and Albright knots meet these requirement, but are time consuming to tie and require skill, good eyesight and considerable manual dexterity. Moreover, the knot is usually the weakest part of the fish line and may cause the breaking of the fish line at the knot. 
     Thus, there remains a need for a quick and easy device and method for strong linear connection of fishing lines. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A splice system for linear connection of fishing lines includes a female connector and a male connector. Each connector has first and second opposite ends, a longitudinal axis, and a shaped exterior surface. The first end of the female connector is connected to a first fishing line section; the second end has a first opening; and the connector has a raised interior feature. The second end of the male connector is connected to a second fishing line section; the first end is configured for coaxial insertion into the first opening of the female connector, and the first end has a raised exterior feature. The connectors have a first relative position representing a disengaged state and a second relative position representing an engaged state. The first relative position and the second relative position are rotationally displaced about the axis. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is perspective view of one embodiment of the splice system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is perspective view the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , shown from a different angle. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 , showing the two connectors of the splice system in a disconnected configuration. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 , showing the two connectors rotated for insertion of the male connector into the female connector. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the two connectors of  FIG. 4 , rotated for connection of the male connector and the female connector. 
         FIG. 6  is perspective view of one embodiment of a tool of the present invention for use in facilitating the rotation and connection of the male and female connectors in a first embodiment of a connection method. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a card holding multiple female connectors. 
         FIG. 8  is a partial perspective view illustrating use of a connector holding tool disposed on the card of  FIG. 7  in a second embodiment of a connection method. 
         FIG. 9  is a partial perspective view illustrating use of a connector holding tool disposed on the card of  FIG. 7  in a third embodiment of a connection method. 
     
    
    
     While the above-identified drawing figures set forth several embodiments of the invention, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the discussion. In all cases, this disclosure presents the invention by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the principals of this invention. The figures may not be drawn to scale. Like reference numbers have been used throughout the figures to denote like parts. Where modifiers such as first, second, top, bottom, etc. are used, they are for purposes of description only and not limitation. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is perspective view of one embodiment of the splice system of the present invention. Splice system  10  connects fly or fishing line  12  and leader  14  or other fishing line segments along longitudinal axis  15 . Splice system  10  includes two main components: male connector or barb  16  and female connector or receiver  18 . 
     Leader  14  is either permanently or removably secured to barb  16 . Fly line  12  is either permanently or removably secured to receiver  18 .  FIG. 1  illustrates barb  16  partially inserted into, but not yet fully mated with, receiver  18 . When barb  16  is fully inserted into receiver  18 , a raised exterior feature on a first end of barb  16  engages with a raised interior feature on receiver  18  to facilitate a strong, yet reversible locking connection between barb  16  and receiver  18 . In the illustrated embodiment, the raised exterior features of barb  16  include flanges  20  with radially extending shoulders  22 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, barb  16  has a shaped exterior surface having one or more exterior ribs  28 ; similarly; receiver  18  has a shaped exterior surface having one or more exterior ribs  29 . When barb  16  and receiver  18  are fully connected (e.g.  FIG. 5 ), radially extending stop surface  24  of barb  16  is disposed adjacent radially extending end surface  26  of receiver  18  and exterior ribs  28  of barb  16  align with exterior ribs  29  of receiver  18 . In one embodiment, barb  16  and receiver  18  include tapered surfaces  30  and  32 , respectively, to enhance the movement of splice system  10  through air and water. 
     When barb  16  and receiver  18  are fully connected, thereby connecting leader  14  to fly line  12 , a fisherman can cast fly line  12  and leader  14  over the water to place fly  34  into the body of water. In an exemplary embodiment, barb  16  and receiver  18  are each molded from a lightweight, resilient and durable material such as plastic or nylon. Nylon 66, available from E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Co., Inc., Wilmington, Del., is used in one suitable embodiment. Polypropylene, which floats in water, is used in another suitable embodiment. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a connected system  10  of barb  16  and receiver  18  is less than about 0.75 inch (19.05 mm) long and less than about 0.125 inch (3.2 mm) in diameter. In some embodiments, fly line  12  is about 0.932 inch (0.81 mm) to about 0.042 inch (1.07 mm) in diameter. In some embodiments, leader  14  is about 0.020 inch (0.51 mm) to about 0.026 inch (0.66 mm) in diameter. Splice system  10 , with its low profile, small size, light weight, elongated shape and circular cross section is advantageous over other connection methods in that it is easy to use, very small, lightweight, and aero- and hydrodynamic. The shape and size allow a fly line  12  and leader  14  connected by splice system  10  to glide easily through air and water without disrupting the flow of the fishing line in casting. In particular, tapered surface  32  of receiver  18  improves the “pick up” of splice system  10  off the water and allows for more accurate casting due to the reduction of frictional resistance with respect to the water and air, compared to other splice systems. 
     In one embodiment, buoyancy is incorporated into barb  16  and/or receiver  18  by using buoyant materials or adding buoyant features such as dispersed hollow glass beads in the bulk material. System  10 , when brightly colored, is functional as a strike indicator because it visibly signals movement of the leader and fly during a fish strike. 
     In some applications, a sinking line is preferred. In that case, sinking ingredients such as tungsten powder can be incorporated into barb  16  and/or receiver  18 , or a sinking member (not shown) may be added. Moreover, the sinking member may be colored to render it highly visible by day or night or camouflaged, as desired. Other treatments for the components of splice system  10  include protection against ultraviolet light. 
       FIG. 2  is perspective view the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , shown from a different angle. In the illustrated example, barb  16  has two flanges  20  with associated radial shoulders  22 . Receiver  18  has a raised interior feature, which in the illustrated example includes a ridge  36  having first and second ends and a stop rib  38  connected to one end of ridge  36 . The embodiment preferably has another ridge  36  and stop rib  38  feature on an opposite interior surface of receiver  18  (not visible). 
     To connect barb  16  and receiver  18 , a user inserts first end  40  of barb  16  past end surface  26  of receiver  18 . The user rotates barb  16  and/or receiver  18  about axis  15  until flanges  20  align with interior areas of receiver  18  which are not blocked by ridges  36 . The user then advances barb  16  into the opening on the receiver  18  to advance radial shoulders  22  past ridges  36 . Such advance is ultimately limited by contact of extending stop surface  24  on barb  16  with end surface  26  on receiver  18 . The user then rotates barb  16  relative to receiver  18  about axis  15  to position each radial shoulder  22  behind a respective ridge  36 . Due to the presence of stop rib  38 , this rotation step can be performed in only one direction. When a flange  20  contacts stop rib  38 , further rotation is not possible; at this point, the user is assured that barb  16  and receiver  18  are adequately connected to prevent axial separation. In an exemplary embodiment, the degree of rotation required to connect system  10  can be a quarter turn or half turn, for example. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, barb  16  has one or more exterior ribs  28  and receiver  18  has one or more exterior ribs  29 . In such an embodiment, when system  10  is fully connected, ribs  28  align with ribs  29 , offering visual assurance that the locking rotation is complete. Moreover, ribs  28  and  29  provide gripping surfaces to facilitate the rotation of barb  16  and receiver  18  with respect to each other. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, two flanges  20  are shown, which cooperate with two ridges  36 . However, it is contemplated that more or fewer such features can be used. Similarly, the exemplary embodiment has four exterior ribs  28 , which align with four exterior ribs  29 . However, any number of such features can be used. 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 , showing the two connectors of the splice system in a disconnected configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, each flange  20  has a narrow width adjacent first end  40  of barb  16  and gradually widens to terminate at radial shoulder  22 . However, it is contemplated that such a tapered shape may be replaced by a simple partial annulus or other shape. A narrow neck  42  is disposed on barb  16  between radial shoulder  22  and stop surface  24 . One embodiment also includes annular step  43  to provide increased lateral stability when barb  16  and receiver  18  are connected. In one embodiment, barb  16  includes axial bore  44  and cavity  46  which intersect at interior radially extending shoulder  48 . In an exemplary embodiment, axial bore  44  is large enough to allow the passage of leader  14  but not wide enough to allow the passage of knot  50  in leader  14 . In an exemplary embodiment, cavity  46  is wide and deep enough to accommodate knot  50 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, leader  14  is removably connected to barb  16 . To connect leader  14  to barb  16 , a user threads leader  14  through axial bore  44  from second end  52  of barb  16  to first end  40  of barb  16 . After pulling leader  14  through first end  40 , the user ties the end of leader  14  into knot  50 . If leader  14  is especially thin, a double knot may be used. If leader  14  extends beyond knot  50 , the user can trim off the extra length if desired. Then, the user pulls back on leader  14  to seat knot  50  against shoulder  48 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, leader  14  is attached to barb  16  during manufacturing with knot  50  or another mechanism. A filler or plug (not shown) may be inserted to close end  40  of cavity  46  during manufacture to permanently secure leader  14  in barb  16 . In another embodiment, leader  14  is integrally formed with barb  16  so that axial bore  44 , cavity  46  and knot  50  are eliminated. This can be accomplished, for example, by molding barb  16  over leader  14  so that they form an inseparable unit. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, receiver  18  includes axial bore  54  and cavity  56 , which intersect at shoulder  58 . Axial bore  54  is large enough to allow the passage of fly line  12  but not wide enough to allow the passage of knot  60  formed at the end of fly line  12 . In one embodiment, axial bore  52  has a diameter of between about 0.030 inch (0.76 mm) and about 0.050 inch (1.27 mm). Additionally, cavity  56  is wide enough to accommodate knot  60  and deep enough to accommodate knot  60  and the portion of barb  16  from first end  40  to stop surface  24 . To attach fly line  12  to receiver  18 , a user threads fly line  12  from first end  62  of receiver  18  through second end  26 . The user then ties knot  60  in fly line  12 . If fly line  12  is especially thin, a double knot maybe used. If excess fly line  12  extends beyond knot  60 , the user can trim off the extra length if desired. The user then pulls fly line  12  back in the direction of first end  62  to seat knot  60  against shoulder  58 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, ridge  36  has a tapered configuration. However, it is contemplated that such a tapered shape may be replaced by a simple partial annulus or other shape. 
     With fly line  12  thereby connected to receiver  18  and leader  14  connected to barb  16 , fly line  12  and leader  14  can be connected to each other by connecting barb  16  and receiver  18 , as described with reference to  FIG. 2 . Fly line  12  and leader  14  are beneficially aligned along axis  15  to facilitate smooth and predictable movement through air and water. 
     In one embodiment, barb  16  and receiver  18  include tapered surfaces  30  and  32 , respectively, to enhance the movement of splice system  10  through air and water. Tapered surface  30  extends from a narrow diameter near second end  52  of barb  16  to a greater diameter toward stop surface  24 . Tapered surface  32  extends from a narrow diameter near first end  62  of receiver  18  to a greater diameter toward second end surface  26 . 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 , showing the two connectors rotated for insertion of the male connector into the female connector. To connect barb  16  and receiver  18 , a user inserts first end  40  of barb  16  past end surface  26  of receiver  18 . To insert barb  16  completely into receiver  18 , the connectors are rotated with respect to each other about axis  15  so that flanges  20  align with interior areas of receiver  18  which are not blocked by ridges  36 . The user then advances radial shoulders  22  past ridges  36  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ). This is a first relative position of barb  16  and receiver  18 , wherein flanges  20  are not engaged with ridges  36 . 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the two connectors of  FIG. 4 , rotated for connection of the male connector and the female connector. Once barb  16  is fully inserted into receiver  18 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , receiver  18  is rotated relative to barb  16  about axis  15  in the direction shown by arrow  61  to achieve the configuration shown in  FIG. 5 . This is a second relative position of barb  16  and receiver  18 , wherein flanges  20  are engaged with ridges  36 . In an alternative embodiment, barb  16  can be rotated with respect to receiver  18  in the opposite direction. The relative rotation direction between barb  16  and receiver  18  is set by the location of stop rib  38 , which may be positioned on the opposite side of ridge  36  in an alternative embodiment, thereby requiring a reverse rotation direction for engagement. 
     Once the rotation step is complete, a flange  20  contacts stop rib  38 , and further rotation is prevented. At this point, each radial shoulder  22  is locked above a respective ridge  36 . An advantage of this invention is that the locking step is reversible. By reversing the rotation step and insertion steps, barb  16  and receiver  18  can be separated. This is particularly desirable because a user can then connect a different barb  16  to the receiver  18  or a different receiver  18  to the barb  16  without having to discard either section and without having to tie complicated connection knots. Thus, fly lines  12  and leaders  14  may be interchanged and preserved for later use. Morever, system  10  is not limited to the connection of fly line  12  to leader  14 , but can be used to connect pairs of any types of lines. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, an interference fit exits between barb  16  at radial shoulder  22  and interior surface of receiver  18  to provided added strength to the connection of system  10 . In an exemplary embodiment, barb  16  at first end  40  has an outside diameter of about 0.090 inch (2.29 mm); barb  16 , measured across opposed radial shoulders  22  has an outside diameter of about 0.120 inch (3.05 mm); and bore  56  has a largest unexpanded inner diameter of about 0.106 inch (2.69 mm). This interference fit prevents unintended rotation of barb  16  and receiver  18  relative to one another, thus ensuring that they stay coupled together in use. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the materials and dimensions of barb  16  and receiver  18  are chosen so that barb  16  and receiver  18  cannot be separated with manual tensile or separation force along axis  15  of at least about 8 pounds (3.6 kg), absent a reverse rotation of the connectors, as discussed above. In an especially suitable embodiment, barb  16  and receiver  18  cannot be separated with tensile or separation force along axis  15  of at least about 10 pounds (4.5 kg). Nylon is an especially suitable material for barb  16  and receiver  18  because it swells slightly in water, leading to an even stronger interference connection between barb  16  and receiver  18 . 
       FIG. 6  is perspective view of one embodiment of a tool of the present invention for use in facilitating the rotation and connection of the male and female connectors in a first embodiment of a connection method. Because barb  16  and receiver  18  are each very small, the present invention provides for exemplary tools to aid in their connection and disconnection. Tool  63  includes barb holder  64  and receiver holder  65 . Each holder  64 ,  65  includes shaped orifice  66  to hold either barb  16  or receiver  18 . In an exemplary embodiment, orifice  66  includes one or more rib-shaped perimeter cut-outs  67  to mate with any exterior ribs  28 ,  29 , thereby providing for a secure, non-rotating hold between the holder  64 ,  65  and the respective connector  16 ,  18 . An exemplary embodiment includes hollow areas  68  between walls  70  for savings in materials, cost, and weight. The illustrated embodiment includes slot  69 , through which fly line  12  or leader  14  is inserted. 
     Tool  63  is used as follows in an exemplary connection method. Barb  16  is inserted into orifice  66  so that exterior ribs  28  nestle into corresponding orifices  66 ; leader  14  is strung through slot  69  so that it hangs from a bottom of barb tool  64 . The structure of receiver tool  65  is very similar to that of barb tool  64 . Receiver  18  is inserted into orifice  66  (not visible) of receiver tool  65  so that exterior ribs  29  nestle into corresponding orifices  66 ; fly line  12  is strung through slot  69  so that it hangs from a top of receiver tool  65 . 
     The user can then grasp the relatively large tools  64 ,  65  to achieve the rotation motions required for the connection and disconnection of system  10  about axis  15 , as described with respect to  FIGS. 2-5 . In an exemplary embodiment, barb tool  64  is about 1.0 inch (25.4 mm) wide, about 0.375 inch (9.5 mm) thick, and about 1.0 inch (25.4 mm) long, with a wall thickness of about 0.08 inch (2.0 mm). In an exemplary embodiment, receiver tool  65  is about 1.0 inch (25.4 mm) wide, about 0.375 inch (9.5 mm) thick, and about 1.5 inch (38.1 mm) long, with a wall thickness of about 0.08 inch (2.0 mm). In an alternative embodiment, tool  63  may take the form of any device having shaped orifice  66 . 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a card holding a multiple female connectors  18 . Card  72  provides for convenient storage of, and easy accessibility to, receivers  18 . Card  72  is easily stored in a user&#39;s vest pocket, providing a convenient storage unit for receivers  18 , which might otherwise be easily lost because of their small size. An added convenience is that a user can thread fly line  12  through receiver  18  and tie knot  60  while the receiver  18  is held on card  72 , thus reducing the risk of dropping and losing the receiver  18  while tying on fly line  12 . In one embodiment, receivers  18  are integrally molded with card  72 , leaving connecting members  74  and  76  at end  62  and end  26  of each receiver  18 , respectively. In one embodiment, each connecting member  74  and  76  secures the respective receiver  18  to card  72  during routine handling, but is easily broken with manual force for the removal of a receiver  18  from card  72 . 
     In one embodiment, card  72  includes tool  78  to facilitate the connection of barb  16  and receiver  18 . Tool  78  includes slot  80  and a slot terminus. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot terminus is a shaped orifice  82 , similar to shaped orifice  66  of  FIG. 6 . In one embodiment, card  72  includes orifice  84  as an attachment means to allow a user to secure card  72  to the user&#39;s clothing, for example. In an exemplary embodiment, card  72  is about 3-⅜ inches (85.7 mm) long, about 2-½ inches (63.5 mm) wide and has a thickness of about ⅛ inch (3.2 mm). While five receivers  18  are illustrated, it is contemplated that more or fewer may be provided on a single card  72 . 
       FIG. 8  is a partial perspective view illustrating use of connector holding tool disposed  78  on card  72  in a second embodiment of a connection method. In one method of use, a user slides leader  14  through slot  80  to orifice  82  so that barb  16  rests in orifice  82 . The shape of orifice  82  closely mates with the exterior shape of barb  16  to prevent rotation of barb  16  within orifice  82 . With barb  16  thus held, the user can then attach receiver  18 . The use of receiver holder  65  ( FIG. 6 ) is especially helpful because of the difficulty of handling the very small receiver  18 . In an exemplary embodiment, orifice  82  has a diameter of about 0.116 inch (2.95 mm) and slot  80  has a width of about 0.053 inch (1.35 mm). 
       FIG. 9  is a partial perspective view illustrating use of a connector holding tool disposed on the card of  FIG. 7  in a third embodiment of a connection method. In the method illustrated in  FIG. 9 , receiver  18  is inserted into orifice  82  of tool  78 . In this embodiment, tool  78  of card  72  holds receiver  18  to facilitate the insertion of barb  16  into receiver  18 . The shape of orifice  82  closely mates with the exterior shape of receiver  18  to prevent rotation of receiver  18  within orifice  82 . With receiver  18  thus held, the user can then attach barb  16 . The use of barb holder  64  ( FIG. 6 ) is especially helpful because of the difficulty of handling the very small barb  16 . 
     Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, while a flange and ridge connection is illustrated, it is also contemplated that the invention can use other types of releasable connections. For example, a threaded or other type of connection using a rotary motion to connect the barb and receiver may be used.