Abstract:
A hollow shank fishing hook that will avoid the use of knots entirely, simplifying the profile of the fishing hook, making it easier for the end user to attach the leader line to the hook, simplifying manufacturing, reducing the propensity of the hook to catch debris in the water, and creating less auditory and visual distraction of the fish.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    This invention relates to the field of fishing and more particularly to a system for attaching a leader line to a fishing hook without tying a knot or binding/lashing the leader line to the hook. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Fishing is an activity that dates back to as far as 40,000 years ago. Hooks for fishing have been found that date back to the Stone Age. The key portion of nearly every fishing system is the hook itself. To be part of the fishing system, the hook must somehow be connected to the user, which is usually done by the use of a fishing line. The means of connecting the generally rigid fishing hook to the flexible fishing line has been a problem fishermen have attempted to address for centuries. The two main methods of attachment are tying a knot that passes through the eye at the top of the hook, or to use a snell knot (i.e., binding/lashing knot), which may or may not pass through an eye at the top of the hook, instead gaining most of its strength from being bound to the hook shaft. 
         [0003]    An attempt to solve the problem of attaching a fishing line to a hook is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 1,156,152 to Krenrick, that shows the wrapping that would be provided by the snell knot replaced with a band that crimps around the fishing line. But the line still needs a knot at the end of the line to prevent it from passing through the band, and the hollow portion is not through the center of the fishing hook. Additionally, given that the band is attached to the side of the shank, it creates yet another location for seaweed and other detritus to become caught, fouling the hook, line, and bait. 
         [0004]    US Pat. App. 2007/0169399 describes a tube attached to the shank portion of a fishing hook, where the fishing line then passes through the tube. But this device still requires a knot at the end of the line to prevent the hook from slipping off the line, and the tube portion is not at the center of the hook. As discussed above, this attachment mechanism also creates yet another location for debris to become caught. 
         [0005]    US Pat. App. 2009/0313878 describes a method for securing fishing line to a hook, where the fishing line is passed around a helical coil, wraps over itself and forms a type of knot. This method still requires the user to tie a knot, makes the hook more complicated rather than less complicated, and creates more turbulence and a greater propensity for catching debris as a result of the complicated shank. 
         [0006]    What is needed is a system that will avoid the use of knots entirely, simplifying the profile of the fishing hook, making it easier for the end user to attach the leader line to the hook, simplifying manufacturing, reducing the propensity of the hook to catch debris in the water, and creating less auditory and visual distraction of the fish. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    In one embodiment, a apparatus is disclosed including a hollow shank fishing hook, the hollow shank fishing hook comprising an elongated shank, the shank having a cross-sectional shape with a first end and a second end; and a reservoir starting in the first end of the elongated shank, the reservoir comprising a hollow portion of the elongated shank; and the second end of the elongated shank continuing into at least one elongated arm, each of the at least one elongated arms terminating in a point.
       In another embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed including a left section and a right section, the left section and the right section combining to form an elongated shank, the shank having a cross-sectional shape with a first end and a second end; and a reservoir, the reservoir starting in the first end of the elongated shank, the reservoir comprising a hollow portion of the shank; and the second end of the elongated shank continuing into at least one elongated arm, each of the at least one elongated arms terminating in a point.       
 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of a first embodiment of the hollow fish hook design. 
           [0011]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate a second embodiment, showing both an enlarged hollow chamber and a two-part mixable adhesive. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  illustrates a third embodiment, showing both an enlarged hollow chamber and an offset believed to increase the strength of the adhesive bond. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate a two part hook with an adhesive means for attaching the hook to the leader line. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate a two part hook with a mechanical means for attaching the hook to the leader line. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures. 
         [0016]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of the hollow shank fishing hook  12  will be described. Like most fishing hooks, the hollow shank fishing hook  12  is comprised of a shank  20 , a bend  22 , a point  24 , and a barb  26 . The cross-sectional shape of the hook in the examples shown is generally circular or elliptical, but any shape is anticipated, including square, rectangular, triangular, or any other regular or irregular polygonal shape. This cross sectional shape is elongated to form the length of the shank  20 . The bend  22  is an extension of the elongated shank and preferably follows a curved, arcing path, but other shapes are anticipated such as shapes with sharp corners, a series of segments, either straight or curved sections, that in the aggregate create a curve, or even a ninety-degree bends that form a hook bottom. The bend and barb  26  portion of the hollow shank fishing hook  12  is anticipated to be any known or future bend and barb configuration as known in the industry. 
         [0017]    The point  24  and barb  26  shown in the figures are typical. Any shape point  24  and barb  26  commonly known in the art are anticipated. While the figures show a hollow shank fishing hook with only one bend  22 , associated point  24 , and barb  26 , any number of bends/points/barbs  22 / 24 / 26  is anticipated, including double or treble hooks (i.e., hooks with two or three bends/points/barbs  22 / 24 / 26 ). 
         [0018]    Missing from the hollow shank fishing hook  12  is an eye; a necessity for most fishing hooks of the prior art. Instead of an eye, the hollow shank fishing hook  12  has a hollow shank reservoir  30 . The fishing line  10  is fed into the reservoir  30  and affixed to the hollow shank fishing hook  12  by a variety of means, in this case, an adhesive  40  fills the reservoir, permanently attaching the hollow shank fishing hook  12  to the fishing line  10 . The reservoir as shown in the examples is generally cylindrical and axially aligned with the shank, but there is no requirement of a specific shape or position and any shape and/or position is anticipated. The cross-sectional shape of the reservoir as shown in the examples is generally circular, but any shape is anticipated, including elliptical, square, rectangular, triangular, or any other regular or irregular shape. The reservoir forms a hollow portion within the shank of the hook. 
         [0019]    The fishing line  10  is typically made of an artificial material, such as nylon, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene, Dacron, etc. But the fishing line  10  is not limited to such materials and is anticipated to be made of any material known in the industry, including natural materials such as cotton, synthetic materials as described, or metals such as aluminum or stainless steel as often used for leader lines. In some embodiments fishing line  10  composed of a single strand (i.e., monofilament) but in other embodiments is constructed of any number of strands. The hollow shank fishing hook  12  is ideal for multifilament line due to the difficulty such line presents when attempting to tie knots. While not required, in the preferred embodiments the fishing line  10  is made of fluorocarbon material composed of fluoropolymer PVDF because it has a refractive index that is very similar to water, making the fishing line  10  nearly invisible to fish. In some embodiments, the fishing line  10  is the main line that is continuous all the way back to the user. In some embodiments, the fishing line  10  is a shorter line known as a “leader line” that is subsequently attached to the main fishing line  10 . In embodiments in which the fishing line  10  is a “leader line”, any length of leader line is anticipated, though the leader line is often short (e.g. 12 inches) due to ease of packaging and manufacturing. In embodiments in which the fishing line  10  is the main line that is continuous all the way back to the user, the user determines what type of line is inserted, depending on the desired use. 
         [0020]    In the example of  FIG. 1 , either the fishing line  10  is coated with an adhesive before inserting the fishing line  10  into the reservoir  30  or the reservoir  30  is prefilled with an adhesive (see  FIGS. 2A and 2B ) and either the fishing line  10  is inserted into the reservoir and bonds to the adhesive or the fishing line  10  is pre-treated to initiate bonding (e.g. the end of the fishing line  10  is moistened before insertion into the reservoir  30 ). In other embodiments, the reservoir  30  is prefilled with adhesive, and crimped/crushed to activate the adhesive. 
         [0021]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  show another embodiment of the hollow shank fishing hook  12  with a two-part adhesive and an enlarged shank  32  to contain the reservoir. Depending on the relative sizes of the shank  20  and the fishing line  10 , in some embodiments, the diameter of the shank  20  is exaggerated or enlarged to create an enlarged shank  32  to allow room for the fishing line  10  and reservoir  30 . 
         [0022]      FIG. 2A  shows a hollow shank fishing hook  12  with a two part adhesive (e.g., epoxy), adhesive part A  42  and adhesive part B  44 . There is no requirement that the adhesive only be two part, and in some embodiments is comprised of three or more parts. The adhesives are separated from each other, and the atmosphere, by membranes  48 . The membrane  48  is comprised of any material that prevents the relevant liquid or gas from penetrating and activating the adhesive (e.g., prevents the entry of water if the adhesive is water activated, or the escape of the solvent if the solvent evaporates to activate the adhesive, etc.). The fishing line  10  is pushed through the membranes and into the adhesives  42  and  44 , mixing the adhesives to initiate bonding. The mixing of the adhesives  42  and  44  starts a chemical reaction, resulting in a cured adhesive  46  that bonds the fishing line  10  to the reservoir  30 . In other embodiments, the adhesive is injected using a hypodermic needle that includes a mixing tip. The adhesive, if comprised of multiple parts, is held within multiple containers within the needle, and mixed in the tip during injection into the reservoir  30 . The tip may then be broken off, a new reservoir attached, and a new tip used to fill a different reservoir. In some embodiments the adhesive is injected before the line  10  is inserted, and in other embodiments the adhesive is injected after the line  10  is inserted. 
         [0023]    In other embodiments, rather than a two part adhesive, a single part adhesive may be used. It is envisioned that the single part adhesive is separated from the atmosphere by an optional membrane  48 , as necessary, to prevent premature activation. Single part adhesives cure by, for example, the evaporation of a solvent (e.g., water, alcohol, etc.), a chemical reaction between the adhesive and another chemical (e.g., water vapor, liquid water applied to the fishing line  10  prior to insertion, saliva, oxygen, etc.), or in reaction to an external energy source (e.g., ultraviolet light, heat, etc.). In still other embodiments, the portion of the shank  20  or enlarged shank  32  that contains the reservoir  30  is made of a flexible or malleable material lined with a pressure sensitive adhesive. The fishing line  10  is inserted into the reservoir  30 , and the reservoir is compressed to press the adhesive  46  against the fishing line  10 . 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the hollow shank fishing hook  12  with crooked shank  34  will be discussed. In this example, a non-linear shank provides a greater sealing strength than a linear shank by dividing the resulting stress between the horizontal and vertical directions. “Non-linear” indicates a portion that is not parallel to the main shank  20  of the hollow shaft fishing hook  12 . For an example, for a bond where the adhesive  40  is lining the walls of a linear reservoir, under force, the point of failure (assuming the hook and fishing line do not fail first) is predicted to be the bond between the fishing line  10  and the crooked shank  36 . As the fishing line  10  is pulled in a vertically upward direction (parallel to the reservoir  30 ) and the walls of the reservoir  30  pulled in the opposite direction (e.g. by a fish), it is predicted that the adhesive will shear along one of those surfaces (or within the adhesive itself, if the bond is stronger than the adhesive). As a second example, using the same directional forces as above, it is predicted that in some instances the point of failure (assuming the hook and fishing line do not fail first) is to be the bond between the fishing line  10  and the linear shank  20 . The shape of the crooked shank  34  will prevent the fishing line  10  and adhesive  40  from sliding out of the crooked shank  34 , preventing the hollow shank fishing hook  12  from disconnecting from the fishing line  10 . This bond is strong enough for many fishing applications but there are some applications that require a stronger bond such as sport fishing for game fish such as Marlin and Sailfish. 
         [0025]    In embodiments as shown in  FIG. 3 , the crooked shank  34  along the non-linear section or sections  36  resists pure shear force because the fishing line  10  and the walls of the reservoir  30  are not parallel to the direction of the force. Instead, the load on the adhesive at that point is a mix of shear, tensile, and compressive stresses. Depending on the type of adhesive  40 , reservoir  30  material and surface structure, fishing line  10  material and surface structure, the crooked shank  34  and reservoir  30  withstands higher forces before failure than a straight shank  34 . This embodiment is not limited to a specific number of bends in the reservoir  30 , or any specific shape of bend (i.e., in some embodiments the bends are at sharp angles, rounded, bent along a 2D plane, or within 3D space such as a helical/spiral bend).  FIG. 3  is shown with an enlarged shank  32 , but this is not a requirement. The relative sizes of the hollow shank fishing hook  12  and the fishing line  10  will dictate whether it is necessary that the shank be enlarged. 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B,  5 A and  5 B a two part embodiment of the hollow shank fishing hook  12  is discussed. In this embodiment, rather than the fishing line  10  being inserted into the hollow shank of the fishing hook  12 , the two sections  50 / 52  (e.g. halves, but not limited to halves) of the hollow shank fishing hook  12  are joined with the fishing line  10  trapped between the two sections  50 / 52 . In the examples shown, the cross-sectional shape of the hook is generally circular, but any shape is anticipated, including elliptical, square, rectangular, triangular, or any other polygonal shape. This cross sectional shape is elongated to form the length of the shank. The bend generally follows a curved, arcing path, but is not limited to any particular shape. Shapes such as sharp corners, a series of segments, either straight or curved sections, that in the aggregate create a curve, or even a ninety-degree bends that form a hook bottom are some examples. In some embodiments the surface between the two sections  50 / 52  of the hollow shank fishing hook  12  is flat, but in other embodiments each side is curved, ridged, any other shape that allows the two sections  50 / 52  to mate. In this embodiment the adhesive  40  is split between the left section  50  of the hook and the right section  52  of the hook, as shown in  FIG. 4A . When the two sections  50 / 52  are joined, as shown in  FIG. 4B , the adhesive is activated and forms around the fishing line  10 . In some embodiments, the adhesive is separated from the atmosphere by an optional membrane  48 , to prevent premature activation. The adhesive cures by any way known in the industry, including, but not limited to, the evaporation of a solvent (e.g., water, alcohol, etc.), a chemical reaction between the adhesive and another chemical (e.g., water vapor, liquid water applied to the fishing line  10  prior to insertion, saliva, oxygen, etc.), or in reaction to an external energy source (e.g., ultraviolet light, heat, etc.). In still other embodiments, the adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive. When the two sections  50 / 52  are combined, as shown in  FIG. 4B  the adhesive  40  is compressed against the fishing line  10  and forms a bond. In other embodiments, the adhesive is a two or more part adhesive that mixes during the assembly of the two sections  50 / 52 .  FIGS. 4A and 4B  are shown with an enlarged shank  32 , but this is not a requirement. The relative sizes of the fishing hook and the fishing line  10  will dictate whether it is necessary that the shank be enlarged. 
         [0027]    It is anticipated that, in some embodiments, additional elements are provided to properly align the two sections  50 / 52  during assembly, such as a teeth or pegs on one section  50  and associated cavities on the other section  52 , ridged surfaces, peaks on one section and valleys on the other, nubs on one section  50  with holes on the other section  52 , etc. In some embodiments the reservoir does not exist prior to the joining of the two sections  50 / 52 . In such embodiments, when the two sections  50 / 52  are combined around the fishing line  10  the reservoir is created within two sections  50 / 52  to make room for the fishing line  10 . Any method as known in the art is anticipated to join the two sections, including adhesives, fusion bonding, hot gas welding, vibration welding, solvent bonding, ultrasonic welding, induction welding, arc welding, gas welding, etc. 
         [0028]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  show a slightly different embodiment where the adhesive  40  has been replaced by a mechanical means  54 , illustrated as teeth. In this embodiment, the fishing line  10  is placed between the fishing hook sections  50 / 52 , the fishing hook sections  50 / 52  are joined, and the fishing hook two sections  50 / 52  are bonded together. The fishing line  10  is held in place by teeth, barbs, or pressure from the walls of the fishing hook sections  50 / 52  that protrude from each section and press against the surface of the fishing line  10 . The fishing hook sections  50 / 52  are compressed against or around the fishing line  10  and bonded together as known in the art, for example by fusion bonding, hot gas welding, vibration welding, solvent bonding, ultrasonic welding, induction welding, arc welding, gas welding. Note that any number of sections  50 / 52  is anticipated. 
         [0029]    In some embodiments, the hollow shank fishing hook  12  is molded around the the fishing line  10 . In this embodiment, the fishing line  10  is inserted into a mold, and the hollow shank fishing hook  12  is molded around the fishing line  10 . In other embodiments, the fishing line  10  is inserted into a still malleable fishing hook  12 . In still other embodiments the fishing line  10  ends in a mushroom shape, plug, disc, etc. that locks with indentations in the enlarged shank  32  to prevent the fishing line  10  from being removed after assembly. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , overall aspects of the hollow shank fishing hook  12  will be discussed. The hollow shank fishing hook  12  is made from any suitable material such as plastic, glass, metal, fiberglass, composite products, carbon fiber, fiber-reinforced polymers, glass-reinforced plastic, carbon-fiber reinforced plastic, etc. In one embodiment, the hollow shank fishing hook  12  is made of a material with an index of refraction very close to that of water to minimize visibility to fish. When combined with the fishing line  10  made of fluorocarbon, only the bait will be visible to the fish, with the fishing line  10  and hollow shank fishing hook  12  being nearly invisible in the water. In other embodiments, the hollow shank fishing hook  12  is colored (e.g., red, green, blue, yellow, etc.), while in other embodiments the hollow shank fishing hook  12  is colorless (i.e., clear). In some embodiments, the adhesive  40 / 42 / 44 / 46  is colored (e.g., red, green, blue, yellow, etc.), while in other embodiments the adhesive  40 / 42 / 44 / 46  is colorless (i.e., clear). 
         [0031]    Additionally, in some embodiments the hollow shank fishing hook  12  is of a shape that minimizes drag through the water. This is illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , where the hollow shank fishing hook  12  has an elliptical shape that minimizes drag through the water. When combined with the absence of a knot, less turbulence is created as the hook is moved through the water, reducing or eliminating cavitation, and minimizing any noise created by the flow of water around the hook and line. This is yet another means by which the hook minimizes distractions to the fish, allowing the bait to be the main source of attention. 
         [0032]    Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result. 
         [0033]    It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.