Abstract:
A device for affixing terminal tackle to a fishing line has a body that defines a chamber, an upper orifice, and a lower orifice. A winding member is located within the body and defines a circumferential groove. Terminal tackle is affixed to the winding member. Fishing line passes through the upper and lower orifices. The winding member rotates within the body for displacing a path of the line from the upper to the lower orifice for forcing line into the groove and for wrapping line around the winding member for increasing line/winding member contact area for securing the tackle onto the line. A pinch point may be provided to further secure line within the body. Tactile feedback is provided to alert when the winding member is rotated to a pre-determined rotational position. Anti-backdrive mechanisms are provided to prevent unwanted rotation of the winding member when tension is applied to the line.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a device for fastening and unfastening objects to a fishing line, and is particularly adapted for attachment of fishing line accessories, such as bobbers, sinkers, lures, and hooks to a fishing line. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Recreational fishing is a popular pastime for many. Typically, recreational fishing is conducted with a rod, reel, line, hooks and any one of various types of baits or lures. Other devices, commonly referred to as terminal tackle, are also used to assist in presenting the bait to the targeted fish. Some examples of terminal tackle include weights, floats, swivels, bobbers, sinkers, and other devices. For purposes of this application, hooks, baits, and lures will also be referred to as terminal tackle. 
         [0003]    The typical method of attaching terminal tackle to fishing line is by tying a knot in the fishing line. A variety of different kinds of knots are used in specific situations and for particular types of line. There are many variables that determine what type of knot should be used. 
         [0004]    Different types of fishing line may support a variety of knots but not all lines and knots are ideal in combination. Examples of types of line include braid, monofilament, sometimes referred to as spectra, and fluorocarbon. Examples of popular knots used for fishing include uni-knots, clinch knots, swivel knots and Palomar knots. 
         [0005]    Many of the knot and line variables will be unknown to the casual and beginning fisherman. Additionally, even if a fisherman has appropriate knowledge, it is possible that a fisherman may not have the dexterity required to effectively tie functional knots. Further, incorrectly selecting or ineffectively tying a particular knot may result in the loss of a potential catch or in a loss of bait, which diminishes fishing enjoyment and may be discouraging. 
         [0006]    Therefore, it is desirable to provide a device that will allow anyone to easily and securely attach terminal tackle to a fishing line without having to master the ability to tie or select an appropriate knot. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention is directed to a snap tackle device to provide a fisherman with the ability to easily attach to a fishing line a fish hook, bobber, sinker, lure, or other fishing device, the sum of which is referred to as terminal tackle throughout this disclosure. The present invention will provide the user with the ability to create an attachment of terminal tackle to any fishing line in a manner that requires less finger dexterity and less time than current alternatives. 
         [0008]    Further, the present invention facilitates a superior strength of attachment as compared to standard knots, which are typically rated to a limit less than 100% of a rated line strength. 
         [0009]    Additionally, the snap terminal tackle of the present invention may be more easily removed or adjusted relative to an original attaching location of terminal tackle on the fishing line. Current methods typically require the user to remove fishing line from the terminal tackle by cutting the line and re-attaching the tackle with a knot. By using the terminal tackle of the invention, the line will not be required to be cut. 
         [0010]    An additional benefit is that the snap tackle of the present invention eliminates a need for using a secondary means to achieve smoothness in line attachment, such as super glue, which is often used, as is explained below. Knots can become a burden to the user since knots create a bulge relative to the line circumference that can catch on external items such as line guides, weeds, sticks, etc. The ability to consistently tie a knot that does not present this problem may be difficult for a user since tying an ideal knot requires learning and practice. Consequently, users often use the aid of a secondary means such as super glue to smooth out the bulge created by the knot. The present invention has a smooth external body which is always the same, thus minimizing the problem of snagging line for the user. 
         [0011]    A common problem in fishing is that there are many types of lines and that each type has different material behavior. For example, common mono-filament lines absorb water and stretch proportional to the amount of force applied to the line. When stretched, the circumference of the line will change. These variations in line properties create variations in knot properties that can be detrimental to the utility of the knot. It is desirable to eliminate the need of a user to understand these properties by using this invention, which provides consistent results regardless of the line type. 
         [0012]    As can be seen from the above description, the snap terminal tackle of the invention is provided to will allow anyone to easily, consistently and securely attach terminal tackle to a fishing line without having to master the ability to tie or select an appropriate knot. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the snap terminal tackle of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is an exploded top perspective view of the snap terminal tackle device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is an exploded bottom perspective view of the snap terminal tackle device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a partial cross-sectional view of the snap terminal tackle device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of a first embodiment of lower housing member of the snap terminal tackle device shown in  FIG. 1  of the capstan of  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   c  wherein the spring member is shown engaging one of a plurality of recesses defined by said lower housing. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6   a  is an elevation view of a first embodiment of the capstan and attached terminal tackle of the snap terminal tackle device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 6   b  is a plan view of the capstan of  FIG. 6   a.    
           [0020]      FIG. 6   c  is an elevation view of a first embodiment of the capstan and attached terminal tackle of a first embodiment of the snap terminal tackle device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 6   d  is a plan view of the capstan of  FIG. 6   c.    
           [0022]      FIG. 6   e  is an elevation view of a second embodiment of the capstan and attached terminal tackle of a first embodiment of the snap terminal tackle device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 6   f  is a second elevation view of  FIG. 6   e.    
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a plan view of a second embodiment of the capstan and attached terminal tackle device shown in  FIG. 1  wherein the lower housing is shown with the capstan loaded into the internal cavity. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the snap terminal device of  FIG. 1  in a loading position, with fishing line inserted therein. 
           [0026]      FIG. 8   b  is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the snap terminal device of  FIG. 1  in a loading position, with fishing line inserted therein. 
           [0027]      FIG. 8   c  is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the snap terminal device of  FIG. 1  in an intermediate position wherein the fishing line is displaced from a straight orientation. 
           [0028]      FIG. 8   d  is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the snap terminal tackle device of  FIG. 1  in a locked position wherein the fishing line is received within grooves and extends out of a typical end of the lower groove to facilitate a pinch point. 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a capstan of a third embodiment of a snap terminal tackle device. 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  is an elevational view of the capstan of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  is an end view of the capstan of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  is a plan view of the third embodiment of the snap terminal tackle device in a open position. 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the snap terminal tackle device of  FIG. 12  shown in an open position and taken along lines  13 - 13  of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the snap terminal tackle device of  FIG. 12  taken along line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the snap terminal tackle device of  FIG. 12  shown in a locked position and taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 16  is a front view of the snap terminal tackle device of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 17  is a side elevation view of the snap terminal tackle device of  FIG. 12  shown in an open position. 
           [0038]      FIG. 18  is a front elevation view of the snap terminal tackle device of  FIG. 12  shown in a closed position. 
           [0039]      FIG. 19  is a side elevation view of the snap terminal tackle device of  FIG. 12  shown in a closed position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0040]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-14 , shown is a device, designated generally  10 , for affixing terminal tackle. In a first axially rotating embodiment  12  a body  14  includes an upper housing  16  and a lower housing  18 . Upper housing  16  and lower housing  18  are shown connected to one another with screws. However, other methods of connection may also be used, including snap fit, ultra-sonic welding, adhesives, or other suitable methods. Upper housing  16  defines an upper line orifice  20  and an exterior funnel shaped indentation  22  for guiding fishing line  24  into upper line orifice  20 . Upper housing  16  further defines an upper mating surface  26  on a lower end of upper housing  16  and an upper half of an internal cavity  28 . Internal cavity  28  is preferably cylindrical. 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , inside upper housing  16 , internal cavity  28  has a first portion  30  having a first radius and a second portion  32  having a second radius. The portion  32  of internal cavity  28  having the second radius defines an upper half of annular space  34  ( FIG. 4 ) that surrounds internal cavity  28  proximate upper mating surface  26 . 
         [0042]    Exteriorly, upper housing  16  has a width  36  of a different dimension that a length  38  of upper housing  16  to form an easily grippable object. Interiorly, upper housing  16  further defines a recessed area  40  on an inner upper surface. Recessed area  40  has a first end  42  and a second end  44  ( FIG. 3 ). 
         [0043]    Lower housing  18  defines a lower line orifice  50  and a lower mating surface  52  on upper end of lower housing  18 . Lower housing  18  further defines a lower half of internal cavity  28 , which has a first portion  30  having a first radius and a second portion  32  having a second radius. The portion  32  having the second radius defines a lower half of annular space  34 , which is proximate lower mating surface  52 . Lower housing  18  also has a width  36  of a different dimension than length  38  ( FIG. 7 ) to match the width  36  and length  38  of upper housing  16  to facilitate ease of gripping by a user. Mating features  54 , e.g., mating pins and orifices, are provided to ensure proper alignment of upper housing  16  and lower housing  18 . 
         [0044]    In one embodiment ( FIG. 5 ), an inside of lower housing  18  defines a plurality of recesses  56  that are adjacent one another proximate a lower end of internal cavity  28 . A pinch surface  58   a  is provided adjacent to recesses  56 . In a locked position, line  24  is pinched between pinching surface  58   a  of lower housing  18  and pinching surface  58   b  of capstan  62  ( FIG. 8   d ). In a second axially rotating embodiment  12   a , a lower surface defined by an inside of lower housing  28  defines a plurality of teeth  60  ( FIG. 2 ). 
         [0045]    Capstan  62 , or spool, is located within internal cavity  28 . For purposes of this application, “capstan” shall refer to an object for receiving a length of wrapped line. An example of an application using a capstan is as follows. An anchored section of line is secured at a fixed location. The line is then wrapped around the capstan. After wrapping the line to some degree around the capstan, the other end of the line is left unsecured. The effect of the capstan of this example is to reduce the line tension between the anchored segment and the exiting line segment proportional to the amount of line wrap(s), the shape of the capstan, and the friction coefficient between the capstan and the line material. Capstan  62  and internal cavity  28  are preferably cylindrical, although other shapes may be used, including oval, clover shaped, pear shaped, octagonal, hexagonal, or other shapes. Capstan  62  defines an upper circumferential groove  64  having a tapered end  66  and a deep end  68  and also defines a lower circumferential groove  70  having a tapered end  72  and a deep end  74 . In a preferred embodiment, grooves  64 ,  70  referenced in this application are v-shaped and have walls that are angled between approximately 5° and 45°, more preferably at 10°, with respect to a radial plane of capstan  62 , although other suitable angles may also be used. Additionally, other shaped grooves are contemplated, including grooves that are wider at a top portion and narrower at a bottom portion, terraced grooves having multiple faces at a desired angle, e.g., 10°, textured grooves, serrated grooves, and other grooves suitable for the purposes set forth in this application. The tapered walls allow for gripping of line  24  over a range of diameters, i.e., a larger line will rest in an upper portion of a groove, while a smaller line will rest in a deeper, narrower portion of the groove. Preferably, the material rubbing against line  24  has a coefficient of friction preferably having a range of 0.08 to at least 0.2, with 0.2 being preferred. By angling the side walls of the grooves, it has been found that the effective coefficient of friction may be increased by a factor of 5.8. Finally, it should be understood that grooves  64 ,  70  may have a flat or other shaped lower surface. Additionally, grooves  64 ,  70  can be smooth, have texture, ridges, etc. 
         [0046]    Capstan  62  has a pair of fingers  76  that extend radially from capstan  62  into annular space  34  defined by upper housing  16  and lower housing  18 . Capstan  62  further defines a longitudinal groove  78  between fingers  76  for connecting deep end  68  of upper circumferential groove  64  with deep end  74  of lower circumferential groove  70 . Capstan  62  has a tab  80  protruding from an upper surface that is received in recessed area  40  of upper housing  16 . First end  42  and second end  44  of recessed area  40  limit rotational travel of tab  80  thereby limiting rotational travel of capstan  62 . 
         [0047]    In embodiment  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 6   a - 6   d ,  7 , and  8   a - 8   d , a spring member  82  protrudes from a lower end of capstan  62 . Spring member  82  has a knob  84  on a distal end thereof. Knob  84  is provided for engaging a selected one of the plurality of recesses  56  that are defined by lower housing  18  in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5  for maintaining capstan  62  at discreet rotational intervals. Knob  84  on spring member  82  preferably extends at an angle ∝ offset from a radial orientation with respect to capstan  62 . Angle ∝ is preferably 20°, although other suitable orientations from 0° to 90° could also be used. Therefore, knob  84  is received within a selected one of recesses  56  at an angle ∝ such that rotation of capstan  62  is met with greater resistance when rotated in a first direction than when rotated in a second direction. Therefore, a user may rotate capstan  62  into a locked position more easily than the capstan  62  will rotate to an unlocked position. 
         [0048]    In embodiment  12   a  ( FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  6   e ,  6   f , and  7 ), a lower end of capstan  62  defines a plurality of downwardly facing teeth  88  ( FIG. 3 ). Preferably, teeth  60  and  88  have a triangular cross section and sides that slope at 45°. Teeth  60  and  88  are preferably complementary for facilitating substantial engagement. However, other suitable teeth configurations may also be used. In this embodiment, capstan  62  has a length that is preferably less than a length of internal cavity  28  to allow for capstan  62  to move vertically within internal cavity  28 . To accommodate the vertical movement of capstan  40 , tab  80  must be of sufficient height to maintain the ability to contact ends  42  and  44  of upper housing  16 . In embodiment  12   a , annular space  34  spirals downwardly away from horizontal (best seen in  FIG. 4 ). The sloping annular space is sloped down from a radial plane of capstan  62  to permit a downward movement of capstan  62  within internal cavity  28  by allowing fingers  76  to move downward in an expanded section of annular space  34  for forcing mating engagement of teeth  60  ( FIG. 2 ) defined by a lower inside surface of lower housing  18  with downwardly facing teeth  88  ( FIG. 3 ) defined by a bottom surface of capstan  62 . Therefore, downward force on line  24  resulting from a fish catch also results in a tight engagement of teeth  60  with teeth  88 , which results in an increased resistance to back drive of capstan  62 . 
         [0049]    Terminal tackle  90  is affixed to capstan  62  and is rotatable with capstan  62 . Although terminal tackle  90  is shown as a fish hook in the examples, it should be understood that terminal tackle  90  may also be a weight, float, swivel, bobber, sinker, or other device. 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , capstan  62  is in a loading position wherein fingers  76  are in line with upper line orifice  20  and lower line orifice  50  (see  FIGS. 4 ,  7 ,  8   a ). To affix device  12  to line  24 , fishing line  24  is loaded through upper line orifice  20  of upper housing  16  and passes between fingers  76  and then out of lower line orifice  50 . By rotating capstan  62  by twisting terminal tackle  90  relative to body  14 , fingers  76  protruding from capstan  62  pull fishing line  24  out of alignment with upper line orifice  20  and lower line orifice  50  and pull line  24  into deep ends  68  and  74  of upper circumferential groove  64  and lower circumferential groove  70  (see  FIG. 8   c ). As capstan  62  is further rotated with respect to body  14 , fingers  76  continue to pull line  24  through a length of circumferential grooves  64  and  70  (see  FIG. 8   d ). Additionally, line  24  in lower circumferential groove  70  is pulled past tapered end  72  (see  FIG. 8   d ) where line  24  is forced between pinch surface  58   a ,  58   b  defined by an inner portion of lower housing  18  and an outer portion of capstan  62 , which applies a pinching force to line  24 . Capstan  62  is preferably rotated 300° to 330° to ensure that a substantial length of line  24  is located in grooves  64  and  70 . By forcing line  24  into upper groove  64  and lower groove  70 , the effective winding range is 485° to 530°. The longer the length of line  24  that is in contact with grooves  64  and  70 , the greater the line tension is reduced, and thus the likelihood that line  24  will slip at the pinch/squeeze area  58   a ,  58   b  is reduced. Although a preferred range of line wrapping is provided above, it is contemplated that other ranges of line wrap could also be used to achieve the desired result. 
         [0051]    Now referring to  FIGS. 9 through 19 , shown is a third embodiment of device  10 , designated generally  102 . Third embodiment  102  includes a housing  104  having a top area  106  and a bottom area  108 . Housing  104  defines a cylindrical cavity  110 . Housing  104  additionally defines exterior slot  112  that partially divides housing  104  into a first exterior section  114 , a mid section  116 , and a second exterior section  118 . Exterior slot  112  is located on a first side  120  of housing  104 . Exterior slot  112  is in partial communication with cylindrical cavity  110 . Second exterior section  118  further defines a protuberance  122  that extends into exterior slot  112 . Housing  104  further defines an internal groove  124  located between first exterior section  114  and second exterior section  118 . Internal groove  124  has a larger radius than that of the remainder of cylindrical cavity  110 . Mid section  116  and second exterior section  118  define an open top area  126  on a first end. 
         [0052]    First exterior section  114  further defines a funnel shaped section  128  that surrounds an entrance to upper line orifice  130 . Upper line orifice  130  passes from an exterior surface to cylindrical cavity  110  on a second end. 
         [0053]    A bottom area of first exterior section  114  defines a bottom line orifice  132 . Bottom line orifice  132  passes from cylindrical cavity  110  at a first end to a lowermost portion of housing  104  at a second end. Upper line orifice  130  and bottom line orifice  132  are in line with one another. 
         [0054]    Capstan  140  is sized to be located within cylindrical cavity  110 . Capstan  140  defines a band  142  having a larger diameter than the remainder of capstan  140 . Band  142  is provided for cooperative engagement with interior groove  124  of housing  104 . Capstan  140  defines a passageway  144  that passes through capstan  140  when located in housing  104 . Capstan  140  may be rotationally oriented to line up passageway  144  with upper line orifice  130  and bottom line orifice  132  when capstan  140  is in an open position ( FIG. 17 ). Capstan  140  further defines a circumferential v-shaped groove  146  that surrounds a substantial portion of capstan  140 . Capstan  140  is preferably rotatable through 150° to move capstan  140  from an open position to a closed position. Other suitable rotatable ranges may also be appropriate. Capstan  140  further defines a terminal tackle passageway  148  that passes through band  142  of winding member  140 . 
         [0055]    To install device  102  on fishing line  24 , capstan  140  is rotated to an open position ( FIG. 13 ). Fishing line  24  is inserted in upper line orifice  130  then passed through passageway  144  of capstan  140  to then pass through bottom line orifice  132 . When capstan  140  is rotated within housing  104  from an open position to a closed position ( FIG. 15 ), fishing line  24  is pulled through a length of circumferential groove  146  when capstan  140  is in a closed position. Fishing line  24  is wound around capstan  140  for 150° from each end of passageway  144 , i.e., for a total winding length of 300°, which provides a substantial length of line  24  to frictionally engage with a length of groove  146 . Other winding lengths may also be used. Fishing line  24  is further pinched between an outside of capstan  140  and an inside of housing  104  at an end  147  ( FIG. 9 ) of groove  146  opposite where groove  146  communicates with passageway  144 . 
         [0056]    Terminal tackle member  90 , such as a fishing hook, is provided with a long stem  154  that is connected to an insert stem  156  by a 90° bend. Insert stem  156  is received within terminal tackle passageway  148  of capstan  140 . Terminal tackle member  90  may be used to rotate capstan  140  with respect to housing  104 . During travel from an open position to a closed position, a portion of insert stem  156  of terminal tackle member  152  will briefly engage protuberance  122  to provide tactile feedback when capstan  140  has achieved a fully locked or fishing position. Second exterior section  118  that is adjacent to protuberance  122  permits flexure so that second exterior section  118  may spring away from protuberance  122  when terminal tackle member  90  passes between protuberance  122  and second exterior section  118 . Open top area  126  of second exterior section  118  facilitates the flexing of second exterior section  118  as required. Open top area  126  further facilitates insertion of terminal tackle member  90  during assembly of second embodiment  102 . 
         [0057]    In the closed position, snap terminal tackle  102  may resemble a standard hook where a typical hook eyelet is replaced by the present invention. The hook portion attaches to the invention such that it can be used as the primary means for rotating the invention into the locked position. 
         [0058]    The invention adjusts for the change in line diameter as the fishing line  24  is stretched by pivoting capstan  140  about its axis due to load applied by fish in the direction of the arrow in  FIG. 15 . 
         [0059]    The invention requires that the force of friction be overcome for line  24  to slip out of the mechanism. Friction in all contact areas works against the direction of slip, providing better retention with the mechanism. 
         [0060]    All of the above described embodiments are contemplated as being reusable. Once capstan  62 ,  140  is rotated back from a closed position to an open position, line  24  is released from frictional contact and may be easily removed. 
         [0061]    Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes and modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such changes and modifications are encompassed within the spirit of this invention as defined by the claims.