The inventors disclose and teach herein a device that quickly and reliably attaches rigging to a fishing line, especially trolling lines. The device includes a spring-loaded clip with means for attaching additional accessories to the clip, such as weights. Accordingly, in the context of trolling, a trolling depth can be set and readjusted rapidly simply by clipping different weights onto the line. Moreover, the clip includes a side-opening for receiving a fishing line in compression between a spring-loaded plunger and anvil. The line is further secured by an embossed retainer blocking the line from slipping out from between the plunger and anvil.

I. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of Invention

Embodiments of the invention may generally relate to fishing tackle especially in the field of trolling.

B. Description of the Related Art

Downrigger weights are well known in the field of fishing in general, and trolling in particular. However, known downrigger weights have certain disadvantages. For instance, downriggers tend to be cumbersome to assemble and install. Many require tying tedious knots in order to affix a weight to a fishing line, and may require cutting the line in order to change out weights. Thus changing weights can be time consuming. Other downriggers may be prone to loss in conditions where debris or aquatic plant life may be crowded below the surface creating snags. What is missing from the art is a trolling weight that can be securely clipped onto a fishing line, and resists being pulled off of the line without having to tie fishing line to the weight or wind fishing line around it.

Some embodiments of the present invention may provide one or more benefits or advantages over the prior art.

II. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention may be directed to downrigger weights that permit a fisherman to troll at selected depths by quickly and securely changing out weights. The weights may, for instance, be clipped to the fishing line and may not require tying the weights to the line. Furthermore, embodiments may be specially designed to resist being pulled off of the fishing line. Adaptations for resisting being pulled off include embossed line retainers that effectively box-in or retainably enclose the fishing line.

Some embodiments may relate to a clip-on trolling device, comprising a plunger having a shaft end and a line-pad end opposing the shaft end; a chassis having interior walls defining a central lumen, the central lumen receiving the plunger in a loose running fit; a plunger opening in the chassis communicating with the central lumen and receiving the plunger in a loose running fit, the plunger being extendable therethrough; an anvil opposing the plunger; a riser connecting one end of the anvil to the chassis, wherein the riser is flush with the plunger in a slideable relation; a line retainer member embossed on an end of the anvil opposing the riser, wherein the line retainer member cooperates with the plunger to define a loose running fit therebetween adapted to retainably enclose a fishing line; a shaft connecting to the shaft end of the plunger and extending through the central lumen of the chassis and through a shaft opening at an end of the chassis opposing the plunger opening; an eyelet at an end of the shaft opposing the plunger; and a coil spring coaxial with the shaft and applying spring force simultaneously to the plunger and to an interior wall of the chassis at an end of the chassis distal to the plunger, wherein the coil spring biases the plunger against the anvil.

Embodiments may relate to a clip-on trolling device, comprising: a plunger having a shaft end and a line-pad end opposing the shaft end; a chassis having interior walls defining a central lumen, the central lumen receiving the plunger in a slideable relation; a plunger opening in the chassis communicating with the central lumen, the plunger being extendable therethrough in a slideable relation; an anvil opposing the line-pad end of the plunger; a riser connecting one end of the anvil to the chassis, wherein the riser is flush with the plunger in a slideable relation; a line retainer member embossed on an end of the anvil opposing the riser, wherein the line retainer member cooperates with the plunger to define in a slideable relation therebetween adapted to retainably enclose a fishing line; a shaft connecting to the shaft end of the plunger and extending through the central lumen of the chassis and through a shaft opening at an end of the chassis opposing the plunger opening; and a spring biasing the plunger against the anvil.

Other benefits and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein the terms “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “some embodiments”, “other embodiments” and so on are not exclusive of one another. Except where there is an explicit statement to the contrary, all descriptions of the features and elements of the various embodiments disclosed herein may be combined in all operable combinations thereof.

Language used herein to describe process steps may include words such as “then” which suggest an order of operations; however, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the use of such terms is often a matter of convenience and does not necessarily limit the process being described to a particular order of steps.

Conjunctions and combinations of conjunctions (e.g. “and/or”) are used herein when reciting elements and characteristics of embodiments; however, unless specifically stated to the contrary or required by context, “and”, “or” and “and/or” are interchangeable and do not necessarily require every element of a list or only one element of a list to the exclusion of others.

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same,FIG. 1is a perspective view of an embodiment100including a clip102ahaving a weight108ainstalled. The clip102aincludes an eyelet103which is adapted to receive a double-locking snap104linking the clip102ato a loop106embedded in the weight108a. The skilled artisan will readily appreciate that the invention is not limited to double locking snaps, or particular weights. Rather, the skilled artisan will understand that other structure for attaching weights to the eyelet103are within the scope of the invention, as are any of a wide variety of well-known weights including, without limitation, common sinkers.

FIG. 2Ais a side view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, but blown up to show more detail. Additionally, the weight108bis smaller (lighter) than that ofFIG. 1and is shown detached and separated from the eyelet103.

With continuing reference toFIG. 2A, the plunger110of clip102ais shown protruding from a chassis118. An anvil112is shown in a position opposing the plunger110, so that the plunger110and anvil112are adapted to cooperate to grip fishing line200therebetween in a spring-loaded relationship. The plunger110is partially drawn back from the anvil112by drawing back shaft121. This creates a gap202between the anvil112and a line pad114. The line pad114is a gripping surface of the plunger110. Line pads and/or anvils according to embodiments of the invention may include knurling or other texturing to improve grip; however, such texturing is optional and not required.

With still further reference toFIG. 2A, anvil112is connected to the chassis118through a riser116. Plunger110is shown flush111against riser116, but it will be understood that the relation between the riser116and the plunger110is slideable. This flush but slideable arrangement of riser116and plunger110prevents fishing line200from falling between these two structures, which would result in clip102afailing to grip the line200and may cause the plunger110to seize. The anvil112also includes an embossed line retainer120astructure that is adapted to prevent fishing line200from slipping out of the side opening122. As shown in the drawings side opening122is defined by the gap between a lower edge of the embossed line retainer120aand an upper edge of the chassis118.

FIGS. 2B and 2Care blow-up views of the structure in box124aofFIG. 2A. InFIG. 2Bthe plunger110is drawn back from the anvil112and retainer120aso that the line200can be inserted or removed through side opening122. As shown, an outside corner130of the plunger110is aligned with an inside corner128of the anvil112and retainer120aalong axis204. The outside corner130is thus receivable by the inside corner128as the plunger110contacts the anvil112. The plunger110is shown in a flush but slideable relation with the retainer120acomprising a loose running fit that permits movement of the plunger110relative to the retainer120awithout permitting fishing line120to slip through a gap between them. As shown inFIG. 2Cwhen the plunger110holds a line200in compression between itself and the anvil112, the space between the retainer120aand the plunger110is much smaller than the diameter of the line200such that the line200is locked in the space between the plunger110and anvil112and is blocked from exiting through the side opening122. Thus, the line is retainably enclosed by the foregoing adaptations.

Turning toFIG. 2D, similar to clip102a, clip102bincludes a plunger110housed in a chassis118and biased against an anvil112. The anvil112is connected to the chassis118through a riser116, and the riser116and plunger110are engaged in a flush but slideable111loose running fit. The fit between the riser116and the plunger110is tight enough to prevent fishing line from slipping therebetween, but loose enough to permit easy sliding of the plunger110against the riser116. Unlike clip102a,FIGS. 2D through 2Fillustrate a clip embodiment102bwhere an outside corner130of the plunger110is laterally offset126from an inside corner128of the retainer120b. Accordingly, when the plunger110is released, as shown inFIG. 2F, the corner130of the plunger110approaches inside chamfered surface132, effectively creating a sidewall134that boxes in a fishing line200. While the riser116is not shown inFIGS. 2E and 2Fit will be understood that it is present and thus forms a closed, or effectively closed, box around fishing line200. This feature prevents the clip102bfrom being lost if the fishing line200were to slip between the plunger110and anvil112. It will be understood to the ordinarily skilled artisan that offset126is not drawn to scale and is exaggerated for the sake of illustration. Similarly, while the angle θ of the chamfer is roughly drawn to about 45 degrees, the particular angle can vary significantly from one embodiment to the next without departing from the scope of the invention as will be readily apparent to the ordinarily skilled artisan.

With continuing reference toFIGS. 2D-2F, the proper amount of offset126of clip102bis that which is minimally necessary to form sidewall134. As a practical matter, a functional offset126would create a gap138between outside corner130and inside chamfered surface132smaller than the diameter of the fishing line200when the fishing line is held between the anvil112and plunger110. Accordingly, in order to pass through the gap138a fishing line200held between the plunger110and anvil112must either elastically deform in the nature of a snap fit, or overcome the force F2generated by a spring biasing the plunger110against the anvil112. Thus, embodiments may have a spring force (F2) that is calculated not to be overcome by the pulling force (F1) required to pull line200through gap138. The forces F1and F2are shown inFIG. 2Fin vector notation pointing in the direction of the respective forces. Embodiments may have a spring force F2that is not overcome by the pulling force F1required to draw a fishing line200through gap138, but the spring force F2may be limited so that it is not so excessive as to cause discomfort to a user while drawing back the plunger110. The ordinarily skilled artisan would be capable of using the teachings contained herein regarding offset126to optimize the size of gap138and the magnitude of spring force F2.

With reference toFIG. 2A,FIG. 2F, andFIG. 1simultaneously, it is contemplated that an advantage of the invention as shown in the illustrated embodiments is that the invention is very securely attached to fishing line200. The quality of attachment by embodiments of the invention is improved in part through having a side-opening122that is roughly 90 degrees to any forces applied to the embodiment by the fishing line during normal trolling operations, rather than a top opening in line with said applied forces. If the attached weight108hits a snag, and/or if the user fights a large fish, the applied forces tend to be against the anvil112of the invention, which is a strong point, rather than against the retainer120toward the side opening122, which is a relatively weak point.

FIGS. 3A and 3Bare cross-sectional views of a clip102a, taken along line3-3ofFIG. 2A. According to the illustrated embodiment, the clip102ahas internal structures including a central lumen300housing a plunger assembly. The plunger assembly includes a plunger110having a shaft121attached to a shaft end312of the plunger110, and a coil spring302coaxially disposed on the shaft121. The line pad end311of the plunger110is shown extending through a plunger opening310in a slideable relation with the lumen300and the plunger opening310. Slideable relations within the scope of the invention include, without limitation, a loose running fit. The shaft121is shown extending through the lumen300and through a shaft opening320of an interior wall of the chassis118terminating in an eyelet103. InFIG. 3Aparticularly, the plunger110is shown drawn back from the anvil112by a distance “d” thus partially compressing coil spring302.

InFIG. 3Bthe plunger110is shown gripping a fishing line200between the line pad114and anvil112, while leaving a gap138smaller than the diameter of the fishing line200between the plunger and retainer120a, and also between the plunger110and the riser116. The coil spring302is shown in contact with the plunger110at one end, and at the end distal to the plunger110the coil spring302is shown in contact with an interior wall of the chassis118near the shaft opening320. According to one embodiment, the coil spring302is approximately 98.5% relaxed +/−1%. As shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, the interior wall of the chassis may be unitary with the chassis. As used herein the term unitary means that the interior wall was made with the chassis in the nature of a continuous part, e.g. from the same mold, rather than being made separate from the chassis and bonded thereto.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4Ccollectively illustrate a version of the plunger assembly. As shown, this assembly may include a plunger110, a shaft121attached to an end of the plunger110, an eyelet103terminating the opposing end of the shaft121, and a coil spring302coaxial with the shaft121.FIG. 4Cillustrates that the spring302is partially compressed between the plunger110and eyelet103; however, the degree of compression is exaggerated for the sake of illustration. Upon installation in a chassis118the assembly, as drawn inFIGS. 4A-4C, would receive a wall of the chassis118interposed between the spring302and the eyelet103.

Alternatively,FIGS. 5A and 5Billustrate that a plug500may be incorporated into the plunger assembly interposed between the spring302and eyelet103. In this embodiment the plug may be bonded to the chassis118with, for example and without limitation, an epoxy bead510placed in the space between the chassis118and plug500. The structures ofFIGS. 5A and 5Bare shown in FIGS.

6A and6B from the perspective indicated by lines6A-6A and6B-6B.

More specifically, a plug500is shown inserted into an opening600in a chassis118inFIG. 6A, and withdrawn from the opening600inFIG. 6B. With particular reference toFIG. 6B, the eyelet103is shown at an end of the shaft121, and the shaft passes through a shaft opening320in the plug500. The coil spring302is shown coaxially installed on the shaft121. In contrast,FIG. 6Ashows the assembly installed in a chassis118and bonded thereto with, for instance and without limitation, an epoxy bead510. The skilled artisan will readily appreciate that any of numerous well known bonding methods may be used instead of an epoxy including other curable polymers, adhesives, welding, and the like. In some embodiments, the plug500may even be removable, and may thus be held in place with a snap fit, screw fit, or by one or more fasteners.

It is particularly important to trolling fishermen to know the depth of their bait. Depth is known to be a function of weight attached to the line and the speed at which the troller is moving. Heavier weights and slower speeds promote deeper trolling depths, and lighter weights and faster speeds tend to promote shallower trolling depths. Furthermore, one may chart bait depths as a function of sinker weight and trolling speed in a conveniently readable form. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention permit a troller to know his bait depth and quickly change depth by adjusting speed and/or rapidly changing out heavier or lighter weights by simply clipping and unclipping predetermined weights.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods and apparatuses may be changed or modified without departing from the general scope of the invention. The invention is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.