Method and assembly for knotting and splicing a line

A method and assembly for knotting a line restrains a fishing line in a loose knot pattern while a knot or splice is formed in the fishing line to enable tightening the knot by stretching the line. The assembly includes a pair of cylinders having an external surface, a first end, and a second end. A pair of tubes encapsulate the pair of cylinders to provide a slip resistant surface. Two pair of caps comprising an open end and a closed end detachably attach to the first and second ends of the tubes. The caps include at least one flat surface region having a depression. One cap per tube includes a light emitting diode (LED) which enables hands free illumination while knotting or splicing line. Magnets are integrated into the cap depressions to enable magnetic attraction between tubes. Fishing line wrap around the tubes to enable knotting and splicing.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a method and assembly for knotting and splicing a line. More so, the present invention relates to a method and assembly for knotting and splicing a fishing line in a loose knotted pattern while a knot or splice is formed in the line, and then tightens the knot by stretching the line with a pair of cylinders and a pair of tubes that encapsulate the cylinders; whereby two pair of caps on the cylinders include an illumination button which engages a light emitting diode (LED) to illuminate the knotting and splicing process; whereby at least one flat surface region on the caps inhibits rolling by the tubes; and whereby magnets integrated into the caps enable the pair of tubes to be magnetically attracted for stowage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typically, a fishing line is a synthetic cord specially designed for angling. Fishing lines are often constructed of nylon (monofilament), polyvinylidene fluoride (fluorocarbon), wire, and polyethylene terephthalate DACRON® and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene SPECTRA® and DYNEEMA®, which may be braided or fused), though many modern fishing lines are made from nylon or silk.

In the current environment of diverse fishing reels, having varying drag ratings, line capacity and gear ratios, and high-strength but lightweight composite rods, anglers are increasingly required to consistently and safely secure and tighten the highest strength connection possible between the varying types of lines available, or between a line and a hook(s), or other types of terminal tackle.

It is known in the art that important parameters of a fishing line are length, material, and weight, whereby thicker lines are more visible to fish. Factors that may determine what line an angler chooses for a given fishing environment include breaking strength, knot strength, ultraviolet radiation resistance, castability, limpness, stretch, abrasion resistance, and visibility. These variations are determined based on the type of fish the line is designed to catch.

The fishing line enables knots to be tied and splices to be formed at various points along the line. It is known that an angler may utilize these knots and splices to secure hooks, swivels, leaders, or lures, to a fishing line and that the proper formation of such knots and splices is critical to their strength and for fishing success. Unfortunately, tying a fishing line knot to a fishing attachment can be a tedious task. The problem is often aggravated by cold weather when the fingers and hands are numb or if the fisherman is afflicted with arthritis, which makes manipulating the line more difficult. Often, securing and tightening connections between one line and another to form a splice, knot or other type of connection, is done using bare hands. However, the process of doing this can result in a weak splice or knot, is often uncomfortable, in many cases painful, and done at risk of personal injury as line can easily cut through skin.

In addition, securing connections between a fishing line and terminal tackle, such as a hook, requires that a knot or splice be formed by pulling on the line by hand. Further, a known fishing line connection can be formed by tying a knot, especially at the line connection to the hook eye, where violent jolts occur as the fish struggles to free itself. Also, the connection to the hook eye is a key connecting point of fish and fisherman.

However, tying and securing fishing knots by hand can come with problems such as discomfort, pain and potential for personal injury because great forces are exerted on the line, and in turn one's hands, during the process of creating a splice, knot or other types of connections. And, in instances where an object is not available to hold a hook, a person may use a hand to hold the hook as the line is secured to it, which puts a person at obvious risk of injury.

Given that hand-tied fishing knots can result in weak connections, discomfort, pain and risk of personal injury to one's hands, there exists a need to more comfortably and safely tie high strength connections between a line and a second line, and between the line and a hook, or other types of terminal tackle. There also exists a need to provide a pair of tubes and cylinders that hold the line so that it does not slip while the knot or splice is being tied.

Other proposals have involved knot and splice forming devices. The problem with these tying devices is that they do not provide a slip resistant surface to tie the ends of the line around while forming a knot pattern and subsequently pulling the line in opposite directions. Other problems with these tying devices is that they are often designed to tie a single type of knot and do not have the capability to assist in the creation of a wide variety of knots, especially those types of knots that essentially require the use of one's hand, in addition to the strong pulling forces that must be exerted on one or more lines to secure a knot. Also, the crimping and splicing means are not easily accessible. Even though the above cited knot and splice forming devices meet some of the needs of the market, a method and assembly for knotting a line by restraining a fishing line in a loose knot pattern while a knot or splice is formed in the fishing line by stretching the line until the knot is tightened, and ensuring injury to one's hands does not occur and that the resulting knot is strong, is still desired.

SUMMARY

Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to a method and assembly for knotting a line. The assembly is effective for restraining a fishing line in a loose knot pattern while a knot or splice is formed in the fishing line, and then tightening the knot by stretching the line.

The assembly includes a pair of cylinders having a first end, a second end, and a cylinder sidewall. A pair of slip resistant tubes encapsulate the pair of cylinders. The tubes include a tube sidewall that forms an external surface and an elongated tube cavity. The tubes at least partially encapsulate the cylinders. The external surface of the tubes inhibits slippage. In this manner, the tubes provide a large, slip resistant surface area to hold a line for tying a knot or completing a splice. Two pair of caps comprising an open end and a closed end detachably attach to the first end and the second end of the pair of cylinders. The caps include at least one flat surface region having a depression.

The assembly may also include at least one illumination button which engages a light emitting diode (LED) to enable hands free illumination, while knotting or splicing the line. In yet another embodiment, at least one magnet is integrated into a depression on the at least one flat surface region of each cap. The magnet enables the caps to be magnetically attracted to each other for efficient storage when the assembly is not in use.

In some embodiments, a line having a left strand and a right strand wraps around tubes, or hooks through at least one aperture that forms in tubes. Further, a pair of clamps, or mounting surface may be used to hold either strand of line in conjunction with a tube for knotting and splicing operations. In this manner, a line can be secured to the tubes while being manipulated, stretched, and displaced by the tubes.

In operation, once the line or hook have been secured to the respective tube, or a clamp, the line is stretched taut. From this tensioned position, a knot or splice is loosely formed. The tubes may then be manually pulled apart to tighten the formed knot or splice. Specifically, a left strand and a right strand of the line are held in a loose knot pattern by the tubes or the clamps, or both, so that a knot may be formed in the line by capture and exchange with the left strand and the right strand. The tube(s) is then pulled away from the knot to create a taut line that tightens the knot.

In some embodiments, an assembly for knotting and splicing a line comprises:

a pair of cylinders defined by a first end, a second end, and a cylinder sidewall;

a pair of tubes defined by a tube sidewall that forms an external surface and an elongated tube cavity, the pair of tubes disposed to at least partially encapsulate the pair of cylinders, the external surface of the pair of tubes configured to inhibit slippage;
at least one aperture formed in the cylinder sidewall and the tube sidewall;
two pair of caps comprise an open end and a closed end are configured to detachably attach to the first end and the second end of the pair of tubes;
at least one illumination button disposed to join with the at least one cap, at least one light emitting diode (LED) configured to selectively emit light; and
at least one magnet detachably attached to at least one cap, at least one magnet configured to enable magnetic attraction between the pair of tubes,
whereby the pair of tubes are configured to be manipulated independently of each other during knotting or splicing operations,
whereby the pair of tubes are configured to magnetically engage each other during stowage.

In one aspect, the pair of cylinders may be hollow or solid.

In one aspect, the pair of tubes are generally elongated and hollow.

In another aspect, the external surface of the pair of tubes comprises at least one layer of a polymer material.

In another aspect, at least one aperture has a round shape.

In another aspect, the two pair of caps comprise an inner cap surface configured to receive the first end and the second end of the pair of cylinders.

In another aspect, the two pair of caps comprise at least one flat surface region defined by a depression.

In another aspect, the at least one magnet is housed in the depression.

In another aspect, the at least one cap integrates a light emitting diode (LED).

In another aspect, the assembly comprises a line defined by a left strand and a right strand.

In another aspect, each strand of the line wraps around a respective tube.

In another aspect, each strand of a line is secured by a pair of clamps.

In another aspect, the assembly further comprises a crimp tool configured to form a crimp in the line.

In another aspect, the assembly further comprises a hook configured to detachably attach to the at least one aperture, the hook joins with the left strand or the right strand of the line.

In another aspect, the line forms a splice.

In another aspect, the line joins with a mounting surface and the right strand of the line joins with one of the tubes.

In another aspect, the line is a fishing line.

One objective of the present invention is to provide a hand-held two-piece assembly used to safely, and comfortably, secure high-strength connections by pulling between one line and other line to form a knot, a splice connection, a crimp connection, or between a line and a hook, or other type of terminal tackle, then would otherwise be possible by making such connections using bare hands.

Another objective is to relieve the hands from the pain normally experienced when cinching down on knots, especially with using braided or SPECTRA® lines. Further, the assembly100allows the user to pull harder and tighter when cinching down on knots, potentially allowing for a more fully-formed, complete, and ideal knot.

Another objective is to create stronger knots than those tied by hand, to demonstrate that the assembly can help to create stronger knots in addition to making it easier and safer to create knots.

Another objective is to provide a non-slip surface that restricts slippage by a hand or a line.

Yet another objective is to provide apertures in the cylinders and tubes for attaching a hook thereto.

Yet another objective is to restrict rolling of the tube through at least one flat surface region on each cap.

Yet another objective is to provide hands-free illumination from the caps at the ends of the tubes while knotting or splicing the line.

Yet another objective is to provide magnetic attractive forces to magnetically join the tubes during stowage.

Yet another objective is to house the magnets in at least one of the at least one flat surface regions to enhance the magnetic attraction.

Yet another objective is to provide an inexpensive to manufacture assembly for knotting and splicing a fishing line.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A method201and assembly100for knotting a line is referenced inFIGS. 1-11. Assembly100restrains a line200in a loose knot pattern while a knot206or splice208is formed in the line200by pulling ends of line200in opposite directions, and thereby tightening the knot206.

InFIG. 1, assembly100includes a pair of cylinders102a,102bhaving first ends106a,106b, second ends108a,108b, and cylinder sidewalls104a,104b. A pair of slip resistant tubes112a,112bencapsulate cylinders102a,102b. Tubes112a,112binclude tube sidewalls114a,114bthat forms external surfaces118a,118bwith elongated tube cavities116a,116b. External surfaces118a,118bof tubes112a,112bare configured to inhibit slippage by line200that wraps around tubes112a,112b, or a hand that grips tubes112a,112b. In this manner, tubes112a,112bprovide a large, slip resistant surface area to hold line200for tying a knot206and forming a splice208.

Two pair of caps134a-d, having inner cap surfaces110a-d, fasten onto open ends124a-d, and closed ends126a-d, to detachably attach to first ends106a,106band second ends108a,108bof cylinders102a,102b. Caps134a-dinclude at least one flat surface region128a-d(FIG. 2), defined by depressions130a-d. At least one illumination button122ais integrated into cap134a. Illumination button122aselectively engages a light emitting diode (LED)123ato enable hands free illumination while knotting or splicing the line200. Depressions130a-d, integrate magnets132a-dto enable magnetic attraction between tubes112a,112bfor stowage of assembly100. Aperture120bpermits passage of a hook216through tube112band cylinder102b.

As referenced inFIG. 1, assembly100includes a pair of cylinders102a,102bhaving first ends106a,106b, second ends108a,108b, with cylinder sidewalls104a,104b. Cylinders are generally elongated, cylindrical in shape, and hollow. In some embodiments, a cylinder may be solid, like a rod. In instances where a cylinder is a solid rod, the outside diameter is about 0.3″ to 1.1″. In some embodiments, a cylinder102a,102bmay be fabricated from a rigid polymer, wood, and fiberglass, or other suitable material, but most preferably from a metal.

Turning now toFIG. 2, a pair of tubes112a,112bat least partially encapsulate cylinders102a,102b. Tubes112a,112bmay include multiple layers of polymers that wrap around cylinders102a,102b. Though in other embodiments, tube112a,112bis a single component that cylinder102,102bslides in and out of Tubes112a,112bhave a diameter generally equal to or larger than cylinders102a,102bto enable encapsulation thereof.

In some embodiments, tubes112a,112bare defined by tube sidewalls114a,114bthat forms external surfaces118a,118b. Tube sidewalls114a,114bforms elongated tube cavities116a,116b. External surfaces118a,118bof tubes112a,112bis configured to inhibit slippage. In one embodiment, external surfaces118a,118bmay include at least one layer of a polymer material that forms a secure grip for line200wrapping around tubes112a,112b, and hand forming a grip.

In one exemplary use, the generally cylindrical tubes112a,112bare sufficiently long to allow a human hand to grip comfortably, while also encapsulating cylinders102a,102b. In one embodiment, tubes112a,112bmeasure about 3″ to 7″ long. In another embodiment, the inside diameter and wall thickness of tubes112a,112band cylinders102a,102bmay be about 0.3″ to 1.1″ and 0.01″ to 0.2″, respectively.

The non-slip polymer material that makes up tubes112a,112bmay be effective for restricting slippage of line200that is wrapped around tubes112a,112b. Essentially, the slip resistant external surfaces118a,118bof tubes112a,112bprovide a large, slip resistant surface area to grip cylinders102a,102band manipulate line200that is stretched between tubes112a,112b. External surfaces118a,118bmay include multiple layers of a polymer material, polyolefin, nylon, or other type of plastic that shrinks upon heating.

In other embodiments, tubes112a,112bmay be made of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), polychloroprene (Neoprene) or other type of rubber tubing having a Shore hardness of approximately 40 A to 70 A that, like polyolefin, nylon or other type of plastic that shrinks upon heating, provides a large, slip-resistant surface area to grip cylinders102a,102b. Tubes112a,112bare configured to provide a comfortable surface for a human hand to grasp, while also being difficult to cut through by the force exerted by line200pressing into it.

In some embodiments, tubes112a,112bconstruction is from a plastic that shrinks upon heating. In this instance, tubes112a,112bshrink in place over cylinders102a,102bby heating tubes112a,112b. This results in a tight contact between the inside surface area of tubes112a,112b, which should have a thickness of no less than 0.01″, and the outside surface area of cylinders102a,102b.

In some embodiments, tubes112a,112bconstructed of rubber tubing. In other embodiments, tubes112a,112bcan be formed by coating cylinders102a,102bwith a liquid rubber that can solidify. In this instance, tubes112a,112bmay have an inside diameter approximately equal to the outside diameter of cylinders102a,102bso they fit together, and are held to each other by forces of friction. In yet another embodiment, cylinders102a,102bmay be layered with more than one, but typically not more than four tubes; either of the same or different material of construction.

In one embodiment, at least one aperture120bis formed. In one exemplary use, aperture120bforms in cylinder sidewall104band tube sidewall114b, which enables a hook216to pass through; and thereby detachably attach line200to tubes112a,112b. In one embodiment, aperture120bin cylinder102band tube112bare in alignment, so as to enable passage of hook216. In some embodiments, aperture120bmay form a generally circular shape.

In some embodiments, two pair of caps134a-dcomprise open ends124a-d, and closed ends126a-d, which detachably attach to first ends106a,106band second ends108a,108bof the pair of cylinders102a,102band tubes112a,112b. In one exemplary use, a first cap134aand an opposite second cap134bfasten to tube112a, and a third cap134cand an opposite fourth cap134dfasten to tube112b, may attach to two different tubes.

In exemplary use, caps134a-d, are defined by inner cap surfaces110a-d, accessible from open ends124a-d. Each cap is sufficiently deep to snugly receive the first ends106a,106band second ends108a,108bof the cylinders102a,102band tubes112a,112b. In some embodiments, open ends124a-d, of caps134a-dmay have a diameter of about 0.3″ to 1.1″ and a depth of about 0.2″ to 0.8″. Caps134a-dmay be attached to open ends124a-d, closed ends126a-dof cylinders102a,102band tubes112a,112bby use of an adhesive. Suitable materials for caps134a-dmay include, without limitation, a plastic, a metal, aluminum, brass, copper, steel or other type of composite material.

In one embodiment, caps134a-dinclude at least one substantially flat surface region128a-dhaving depressions130a-d, that house magnets132a-d. Magnets132aand magnet132bare housed in cap134aand cap134bsuch that they are magnetically attracted to magnet132cand magnet132dhoused in cap134cand cap134d, respectively. The at least one flat surface region128a-dis sufficiently wide, such as about 0.1″ to 0.5″. The at least one flat surface region128a-denables caps134a-dto remain stationary on a flat or slightly sloped surface. During the process of fastening caps134a-dto open ends124a-d, closed ends126a-dof cylinders102a,102band tubes112a,112b, at least one flat surface region128a-d, on caps134a-dmay be oriented parallel to each other so that assembly100can remain stationary on a surface, without rolling.

In some embodiments assembly100may also include at least one illumination button122ain cap134awhich engages a light emitting diode (LED)123athat emits light from cap134bto enable hands free illumination, while knotting or splicing line200. In this manner, light emanating from cap134bmay be visible when depressing illumination button122awhich completes an electrical circuit. In one embodiment, a lens, a power switch, an electrical circuit, and a battery may be used for operation of illumination, as is known in the art.

Looking now atFIG. 3, assembly100is a top plan view with cap134amagnetically attracted to cap134c. Caps134a,134care magnetically attracted through use of at least one magnet132a,132cto detachably attach for efficient stowage when not in use. Caps134a,134cinclude at least one flat surface region128a,128cdefined by depressions130a,130c. Flat surface regions128a,128crestrict rolling by tubes112a,112b.

As shown inFIG. 4, an exemplary view of assembly tube112a, used for knotting and splicing a line200. Cap134aand an opposite cap134bfasten to tube112a. In one embodiment, tube sidewall114aincludes external surface118a, configured with material to inhibit slippage and enhance gripping by hand. Magnets132a,132bare integrated into flat surface regions128a,128bof caps134a,134b, having depressions130a,130bthat are sufficiently wide and deep to house magnets (FIG. 1). Depressions130a,130bmay have dimensions of about 0.1″ to 0.4″ in diameter and 0.1″ to 0.5″ in depth. At least one illumination button122aengages a light emitting diode (LED)123aemanating light while in use.

Turning now toFIG. 5A, assembly100may further include line200that is defined by left strand202and right strand204. Line200may include a fishing line, known in the art. Line200may be constructed of monofilament, fluorocarbon, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene or a variety of other materials.

The pair of tubes112a,112bwork to hold, manipulate, stretch, and enable formation of knotted patterns and splices in line200. In one embodiment, left strand202and right strand204of line200wrap around the pair of tubes112a,112b. External surfaces118a,118bof tubes112a,112bare constructed of a material that inhibits slippage of the line200and resists the line200from cutting into the external surfaces118a,118b. However, in other embodiment, (FIG. 8) left and right strands202,204may also be attached to a pair of clamps210a,210b. In any case, inFIG. 5A, the line200is held loosely to form a knotted pattern, and subsequently pulled in opposite directions to form the knot206.

As shown inFIG. 5A, the hands grip tubes112a,112band pull in opposite directions until knot206forms as detailed inFIG. 5B. Since left strand202and right strand204are wrapped around the tubes112a,112b, the force exerted on the line200when pulling the tubes112a,112bin opposite directions is directed against the external surfaces118a,118b, and not directly against the hand. This reduces the risk of personal injury that would otherwise occur if the line200was wrapped around one's hand instead of the tubes112a,112band their external surfaces118a,118b. In addition, since greater pulling force can be exerted on the tubes112a,112band their external surfaces118a,118bthan would otherwise be safe, or possible, if using one's hands, the knot206can be tightened with greater force resulting in a fully cinched knot206having the greatest strength possible.

FIG. 6illustrates a perspective view of line200attached to hook216and wrapped around tube112b. As an additional attachment point for line200, cylinder102aand tube112ais defined by one aperture120a. Aperture120ais positioned to enable hook216to pass through for wrapping line200to the external surface118bof tube112b. In this manner, line200can be detachably attached to tubes112a,112bwhile line200is being held, manipulated, stretched, and pulled in opposite directions by tubes112a,112b.

Tubes112a,112bare pulled in opposite directions so that knot206can be tightened. As line200is wrapped around tube112b, its external surface118b, which is constructed of a material that provides friction to prevent line200from slipping and at the same time resists the line200from cutting through it, ensures that the force exerted on line200is directed against the external surface118band not against the hand. This reduces the risk of personal injury that would otherwise occur if the line200was wrapped around the hand. In addition, since greater pulling force can be exerted on the tubes112a,112band their external surfaces118a,118bthan would otherwise be safe, or possible, if using one's hands, the knot206can be tightened with greater force resulting in a fully cinched knot206having the greatest strength possible.

FIG. 7illustrates a perspective view of line200attached to hook216. Hook216fastens to mounting surface218for detachable attachment. Line200wraps around tube112b. A knot206, of any useful type in line200, is made to hook216or other type of terminal tackle that is held in place by a mounting surface218or other such suitable attachment point.

As shown inFIG. 7, cap134bemits light by means of a light emitting diode (LED)123ato enable hands free illumination towards the hook216and knot206. Tube112amay lay on a flat surface such that light shines directly on hook216and knot206under dark or low light conditions. In this manner, a user can have a clear view during the process of forming the knotted pattern and tightening knot206or splice208. After knot206has been tied, and before it has been tightened, line200used to make knot206is wrapped around tube112b. Tube112bis gripped firmly and pulled away from knot206to tighten knot206or splice208.

Tube112bis pulled from left to right, while mounting surface218remains stationary, so that knot206can be tightened. As line200is wrapped around tube112b, its external surface118b, which is constructed of a material that provides friction to prevent line200from slipping and at the same time resists the line200from cutting through it, ensures that the force exerted on line200is directed against the external surface118band not against the hand. This reduces the risk of personal injury that would otherwise occur if the line200was wrapped around the hand. In addition, since greater pulling force can be exerted on the tube112band its external surface,118bthan would otherwise be safe, or possible, if using one's hands, the knot206can be tightened with greater force resulting in a fully cinched knot206having the greatest strength possible.

FIG. 8illustrates a line200extended between a pair of clamps210a,210band a tube112awrapping around the second line220to form a splice208, and securing the second line220tightly over the line200, where the left strand202is partially inside the right strand204. As illustrated, a splice208connection is formed with a left strand202of line200, typically made of solid monofilament or fluorocarbon, which is fed inside a right strand204of line200, typically made of woven ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. The right strand204of line200has its fibers loosened so that the inside diameter becomes accessible for the left strand202to pass inside. The left strand202of line200and right strand204of line200are secured at their ends by a pair of clamps210a,210b.

A second line220, often referred to as a splice securing line, is tightly wrapped around right strand204of line200. Next, second line220wraps around tube112aand is held taut by pulling forces from the hand. With left strand202and right strand204held firmly in place by clamps210a,210b, tube112ais pulled in a direction that is approximately perpendicular to left strand202and right strand204. The motion of pulling secures the second line220to the right strand204by means of a knot (not shown) that is formed under the wrappings of second line220. Since second line220is wrapped around tube112a, the pulling force exerted on the second line220is directed against external surface118aof tube112aand not directly against the hand.

Right strand204is held tightly over left strand202, which is inside of it. The forces of friction that exists between the left strand202, right strand204, and second line220ensure that the left strand202and right strand204are secure and will not disengage. Finally, the second line220is cut away close to the left strand202and right strand204at cut away point400.

As second line220is wrapped around tube112a, its external surface118a, which is constructed of a material that provides friction to prevent second line220from slipping and at the same time resists the second line220from cutting through it, ensures that the force exerted on second line220is directed against the external surface118aof tube112aand not against the hand. This reduces the risk of personal injury that would otherwise occur if the second line220was wrapped around the hand.

FIG. 9illustrates a perspective view of tube112astretching, to the right, a solid line222, typically made of monofilament or fluorocarbon, that has been inserted into a relaxed hollow line224, typically made of woven ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, while a crimp tool214pulls at least one crimp212, over relaxed hollow line224from right, at the starting position226, to the left, at the ending position228. Relaxed hollow line224has its woven fibers loosened so that its inner diameter becomes accessible for the solid line222to pass inside. InFIG. 9, a crimp212is crushed at the ending position228where solid line222enters relaxed hollow line224, using crimp tool214,

In some embodiments, at least one crimp212, may slide down and over the relaxed hollow line224, starting at the starting position226and ending at the ending position228. A crimp tool214is placed in front of crimp212, at the starting position226while the compressed hollow line224is wrapped around the external surface118aof tube112a. Next, one hand is placed over tube112aand held in place while the other hand grasps the crimp tool214and pulls crimp212down line224from right to left, terminating at the ending position228. As this is done, relaxed hollow line224is compressed by crimp212and its woven fibers are forced together again yielding a compressed hollow line224over solid line222.

As tube112ais pulled from left to right, the compressed hollow line224that is wrapped around tube112aand its external surface118a, which is constructed of a material that provides friction to prevent line200from slipping and at the same time resists the line from cutting through it, ensures that the force exerted on the compressed hollow line224is directed against the external surface118aand not against the hand. This reduces the risk of personal injury that would otherwise occur if the compressed hollow line224was wrapped around the hand.

FIG. 10illustrates a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method201for knotting and splicing line200. Method201may include an initial Step302of providing an assembly100, the assembly100comprising a pair of cylinders102a,102bdefined by a first end106and a second end108, the pair of cylinders102a,102bbeing encapsulated by a pair of tubes112a,112bhaving a non-slip external surface118a,118b, the pair of cylinders102a,102bfurther being capped at the first end106and the second end108by two pair of caps134a-d, the pair of cylinders102a,102band the pair of tubes112a,112bbeing defined by at least one aperture120a.

In some embodiments, method201may further comprise a Step304of providing a line200defined by a left strand202and a right strand204. A Step306includes wrapping the left strand202and the right strand204around respective tubes112a,112b. A Step308comprises providing a hook216, the hook216configured to attach to the left strand202or the right strand204of the line200, the hook216further configured to detachably attach to at least one aperture120a,120b.

In some embodiments, a Step310may include holding, from pair of tubes112a,112b, the left strand202, or the right strand204, or both strands of the line200in a loose knot206pattern, whereby a knotted pattern forms in the line200by capture and exchange with the left strand202and the right strand204.

A further Step312may include holding, from a pair of clamps210a,210b, the left strand202, or the right strand204, or both strands of the line200in a loose knotted pattern, whereby a knot206forms in the line200by capture and exchange with the left strand202and the right strand204.

In some embodiments of the method201, a Step314may include illuminating the line200with at least one illumination button122aintegrated into cap134a. A Step316includes forming a splice208in the line200. Another Step318may include pulling the pair of tubes112a,112bin opposite directions to create a taut line200that tightens the knot206. A final Step320comprises magnetically attaching the pair of tubes112a,112bfor stowage, such as when the assembly100is not operable. At least one magnet132a-din depressions130a-din caps134a-dmay be used for this purpose.

FIG. 11depicts a Table136of exemplary cap configurations. As Table136depicts, these various caps have possible aspects for each rod/cylinder, including: being plain; having an aperture in the middle; having a flat end; having a hole at the end for passage of light from an LED. For example, Type A has a first cylinder that is plain with a flat end, and a second cylinder that is plain with a flat end. Type B has a first cylinder that is plain with a flat end, and a second cylinder that is plain with a hole at the end for passage of light from an LED. Though any combinations of the above may be utilized in the present disclosure.

Looking now atFIG. 12, Table138illustrates experimental breaking strength analysis of eight 3-turn Seaguar knots formed with 30 lb Izorline XXX Monofilament and 30 lb Seaguar Blue Label Fluorocarbon using the assembly versus bare hands to cinch the knot.

Ideally, the assembly100relieves the hands from the pain normally experienced when cinching down on knots, especially with using braided or SPECTRA® lines. Further, the assembly100allows the user to pull with greater force when cinching knots, potentially allowing for a more fully-formed, complete, and ideal knot. This is particularly true as the strength of the line used to make the knots increases. For knots that are tied with 20 to 40 pound break strength rated line, the assembly100may result in some knot connections being stronger than they would otherwise be if tied by hand. But, as the break strength of the line used to make knots increases to 50 to 130 pounds, an ever greater number of different types of knots that are tied with the assembly100would be expected have a higher breaking strength than the same knots tied with bare hands.

The reason why use of the assembly100would be expected to result in some knots breaking at higher forces than the same knots tied with bare hands is because a user can more comfortably and safely exert a greater force when cinching a knot because the pulling force exerted on the line is directed against external surfaces118a,118bof the assembly100instead of directly against one's bare hands. Consequently, a knot tied with the assembly100are more likely to be fully-formed, complete, ideal and stronger than the same type of knot tied with bare hands. This theory was tested using the assembly100.

Looking again at Table138inFIG. 12, a series of experiments used 30 lb Izorline XXX monofilament line and 30 lb Seaguar Blue Label Fluorocarbon line. The two lines were connected using a 3-turn Seaguar knot. The method of cinching the Seaguar knot is illustrated inFIG. 5A. Four Seaguar knots were cinched using the assembly100, as shown inFIG. 5A, and another four Seaguar knots were cinched using bare hands. The breaking strength of the eight knots was tested on a jig that pulled on the knots until they broke, at which point the breaking force was recorded.

The results are summarized in Table138inFIG. 12. A first trial140shows the Seaguar knot tied with the assembly100broke at 33.6 pounds of force compared to 24.8 pounds for the Seaguar knot tied with bare hands. A second trial142shows the Seaguar knot tied with the assembly100broke at 30.1 pounds of force compared to 28.5 pounds for the Seaguar knot tied with bare hands. A third trial144shows the Seaguar knot tied with the assembly100broke at 29.9 pounds of force compared to 27.0 pounds for the Seaguar knot tied with bare hand. A fourth trial146shows the Seaguar knot tied with the assembly100broke at 29.5 pounds of forces compared to 25.0 pounds of forces for the Seaguar knot tied with bare hands.

The resultant average teaches that the assembly100resulted in a Seaguar knot that was 4.5 pounds stronger on average than the same Seaguar knot tied with bare hands. Using a student's t-test assuming unequal variances, the 4.5 pound difference in the average values was statistically significant at a 95% confidence level (alpha=0.05) because the p-value of 0.014 was less than 0.05 (alpha).