Abstract:
The disclosed invention is related in general to tools and accessories that help to tie knots for fishing. Specifically, the present invention provides a knot-tying device having a body, a controller, left and right terminal wheels that can securely hold fishing line, one or more clips, left and right apertures, and means for transferring rotational energy from the controller to the terminal wheels so that the terminal wheels rotate in a synchronized fashion when the controller is rotated. The device is capable of entwining line and thereby aids in the knot-forming process.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/954,795 filed on Mar. 18, 2014, which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Fishing is an outdoor activity enjoyed by many throughout the United States. Successful fishing requires the fisherman to be able to successfully tie knots in fishing line. Fly-fishing, in particular, requires the fisherman to be skilled in knot-tying. 
         [0003]    In fly-fishing, the bait is a lightweight fly or lure. Often the fly or lure is artificial. In general, artificial flies are imitations of natural food sources which fly fishers present to their target species of fish while fly-fishing. Artificial flies are constructed by fly tying, in which furs, feathers, thread or any of very many other materials are tied onto a fish hook. The fly is designed to look like an insect that is indigenous to the location of the fish. The hook is tied to the end of a thin, lightweight length of fishing line referred to as a leader. 
         [0004]    When fly-fishing, the fisherman generally stands in a stream or other body of water and presents the fly to the fish by casting the fly on or just above the surface of the water in which the fish is swimming. Because it is generally undesirable for the fly to sink beneath the surface of the water, the fly and leader line should be lightweight so that the fisherman&#39;s casting motion is sufficient to keep the fly at or above the surface of the water. 
         [0005]    The leader line is attached to the main fishing line of the fisherman&#39;s fishing rod by means of a knot. When fly-fishing, the fisherman often must tie a new fly/leader onto the fishing line. For example, the fisherman may wish to try a new fly if the current fly does not appear to be attractive to the fish, or if the fisherman loses the fly by snagging the line in brush or for some other reason. 
         [0006]    Rather than leaving the water to tie a new knot, it is preferable to tie the new knot while maintaining one&#39;s position in the water. Accordingly, the fisherman must be able to tie knots while standing in water. This aspect of fly-fishing is particularly challenging for fishermen who lack fine motor skills, hand-to-eye coordination, and/or have poor eye-sight, such as children, the elderly, and the disabled. A need exists, therefore, for a tool to help such fishermen successfully tie knots while in the water, or when out of the water. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    The present invention fills the need for a tool to help fishermen who lack fine motor skills, hand-to-eye coordination, and/or have poor eye-sight, to tie knots by providing a device for holding, entwining and pulling nylon lines and cords or others materials of varying thickness (hereinafter “lines”) to create or recreate knots. More specifically, the present invention provides a knot tying device comprising a body, wherein the body comprises a right side, a left side, and a center; a controller, wherein the controller is attached to the body, and is capable of being manually rotated by a user of the device; a right terminal wheel, wherein the right terminal wheel is attached to the right side of the body and is capable of securely holding a line to be knotted; a left terminal wheel, wherein the left terminal wheel is attached to the left side of the body and is capable of securely holding a line to be knotted; a means for transferring rotational energy imparted to the controller to the right terminal wheel and the left terminal wheel, such that rotation of the controller results in rotation of the left terminal wheel and rotation of the right terminal wheel, wherein the left terminal wheel and the right terminal wheel rotate simultaneously, at the same speed, and in opposite directions; one or more clips, wherein the one or more clips are attached to the center of the body and positioned between the left terminal wheel and the right terminal wheel; a right side aperture, wherein the right side aperture extends from outside the body through the center of the right terminal wheel; and a left side aperture, wherein the left side aperture extends from outside the body through the center of the left terminal wheel. 
         [0008]    These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective drawing of one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective of the interior of the base of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 3A  shows a front view of the internals of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 3B  shows a right side view of the internals of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 3C  shows a top view of the internals of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 3D  shows a section view of the miter gears of the embodiment in  FIG. 1 , wherein the horizontal miter gears are perpendicular to (at 90 degrees to) the vertical miter gears. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4A  is a front view of the controller, sprocket, and horizontal miter gear arrangement in the base of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 4B  is a right side view of the controller, sprocket, and horizontal miter gear arrangement in the base of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 4C  is a top view of the horizontal miter gears, controller and chain in the base of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 4D  is a section view showing the relationship between a horizontal miter gear, sprocket, and axle in the base of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 4E  is a section view of the sprockets, controller, and roller chain in the base of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 5A  is a section view of a terminal wheel/sprocket assembly in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 5B  is an exploded view of the terminal wheel/upper sprocket assembly shown in  FIG. 5A , showing front perspective and profile views of each component. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5C  is a front view of the right lateral elevation of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  showing the positions of the terminal wheel and upper sprocket. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5D  is an exploded view of the right side gears, sprocket, and roller chain in the right lateral elevation in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , showing a line at the beginning of the knot tying process. 
           [0025]      FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , showing a line during the knot tying process. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6C  is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , showing a line during the knot tying process. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6D  is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , showing two lines during the knot tying process. 
           [0028]      FIG. 6E  is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , showing two lines during the knot tying process. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6F  is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , showing two lines during the knot tying process. 
           [0030]      FIG. 6G  is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , showing two lines during the knot tying process. 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 8A  is a left-side perspective view of the general gear and axle arrangement found in certain embodiments of the present invention, such as the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 8B  is a right-side perspective view of the general gear and axle arrangement found in certain embodiments of the present invention, such as the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 9  is a perspective of a third embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 10A  is a longitudinal cross section of the body of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 10B  is a longitudinal cross section of the body of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 10C  is a longitudinal cross section of the body of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 11  is a sectional view of the right side of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 12  is a sectional view of the left side of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , showing gears and the controller. 
           [0040]      FIG. 13  is a sectional view of the left side of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , showing only gears. 
           [0041]      FIG. 14A  is a sectional view of the left side of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 14B  is a sectional view of the left side of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 14C  is a sectional view of the left side of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 15  is a perspective of the terminal wheel of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 16  is a perspective of a “rams head” terminal wheel. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0046]    The knot-tying device of the present invention is a single device comprised of individual components or parts. Each component may be made from any material that renders the component suitable for use in the device. It will be appreciated that plastic or metal are suitable materials for constructing most parts of the device. 
         [0047]    The knot-tying device of the present invention comprises a body, a controller, a right terminal wheel, a left terminal wheel, one or more clips, a right side aperture, a left side aperture, and a means for transferring rotational energy from the controller to the left and right terminal wheels such that rotation of the controller results in synchronized, simultaneous rotation of the left and right terminal wheels in opposite directions and at the same speed. The means for transferring rotational energy from the controller to the terminal wheels is an arrangement of sprockets, gears, chains, straps, bands, or axles, or a combination of these items. 
         [0048]    In one embodiment, the means for transferring rotational energy from the controller to the terminal wheels is an arrangement of sprockets, gears, and chains. In another embodiment, the means for transferring rotational energy from the controller to the terminal wheels is an arrangement of gears and axles. 
         [0049]    The knot-tying device of the present invention is operated when the user manually rotates a controller. The rotational energy imparted to the controller is transferred through any combination of gears, chains, straps, or axles, to terminal wheels, causing the terminal wheels to rotate. The rotation of the terminal wheels is used to entwine one or more lines to be tied. One or more clips are positioned between the terminal wheels and hold or position the one or more lines and aid the user in producing the desired knot. 
         [0050]    The present invention is described below in reference to the three embodiments shown in the  FIGS. 1 ,  7 , and  9 . 
         [0051]    Referring to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the present invention comprises a base  1 , a left-side lateral elevation  2 , a right-side lateral elevation  3 , a controller  4 , a left terminal wheel  5 , a right terminal wheel  6 , a clip  7 , a left hollow upper sprocket  8 , and a right hollow upper sprocket  9 . The left and right side lateral elevations are attached to the left and right sides of the base, respectively. The left and right side lateral elevations together with the base form the body of the device. The left side of the body comprises the left-side lateral elevation; the right side of the body comprises the right-side lateral elevation. The center of the body comprises the base. Each of the left and right terminal wheels is attached to the corresponding lateral elevation by a hollow upper sprocket. The terminal wheels, which are parallel and opposite to each other, are capable of securely holding the line or lines to be entwined and knotted. The clip, which is attached to the base, is positioned between the two terminal wheels. The user rotates the controller horizontally which results in vertical rotation of the terminal wheels. The hollow upper sprockets transfer rotational energy from the controller to the terminal wheels through a series of gears and chains. 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , base  1  comprises two parallel rectangular panels,  1   a  and  1   b . Left-side lateral elevation  2  comprises an external side  2   a  and an internal side  2   b . Each of sides  2   a  and  2   b  includes an opening,  11   a  and  11   b , respectively. Openings  11   a  and  11   b  are positioned with respect to one another such that a straight line drawn from the center of opening  11   a  to the center of opening  11   b  would be parallel to base  1 . Similarly, right-side lateral elevation  3  comprises an external side  3   a  and an internal side  3   b . Each of sides  3   a  and  3   b  includes an opening,  12   a  and  12   b , respectively. Openings  12   a  and  12   b  are positioned with respect to one another such that a straight line drawn from the center of opening  12   a  to the center of opening  12   b  would be parallel to base  1 . Openings  11   a  and  11   b  position and support upper hollow sprocket  8  ( FIG. 1 ). Openings  12   a  and  12   b  position and support upper hollow sprocket  9  ( FIG. 1 ). Base panels  1   a  and  1   b  together with the internal and external sides of lateral elevation  2  and  3  (i.e.,  2   a ,  2   b ,  3   a  and  3   b ) make up the body of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . Clip  7  is attached to base  1  by means of screw  13 . 
         [0053]    The internal components of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  ( FIG. 3A ) include controller  4 , left horizontal miter gear  17 , right horizontal miter gear  18 , left vertical miter gear  19 , right vertical miter gear  20 , base roller chain  14 , left lateral elevation roller chain  15 , and right lateral elevation roller chain  16 . 
         [0054]    Controller  4  is attached to sprocket  4   a  ( FIG. 4A ). Both controller  4  and sprocket  4   a  rotate about screw  13 . As controller  4  is rotated by the user, sprocket  4   a  rotates about screw  13  in the same direction and in proportion to the rotation of controller  4 . Left horizontal miter gear  17  is attached to the left side of base  1  and is mounted on sprocket  17   a  such that left horizontal miter gear  17  and sprocket  17   a  rotate at the same rate and in the same direction around axle  17   b  ( FIGS. 4A and 4D ). Similarly, right horizontal miter gear  18  is attached to the right side of base  1  and is mounted on sprocket  18   a  such that right horizontal miter gear  18  and sprocket  18   a  rotate at the same rate and in the same direction around axle  18   b  ( FIGS. 4A and 4B ). 
         [0055]    Base roller chain  14  engages sprockets  4   a ,  17   a , and  18   a  ( FIG. 4E ). Rotation of controller  4  causes rotation of sprocket  4   a  which advances base roller chain  14 , thereby causing rotation of sprockets  17   a  and  18   a  and corresponding rotation of miter gears  17  and  18  (see  FIGS. 4A ,  4 C, and  4 E). It should be noted that screw  13  and axles  17   b  and  18   b  are all vertical axles which in addition to providing an axis about which rotation of a sprocket can occur, also structurally stabilize base  1 . 
         [0056]    Left and right vertical miter gears  19  and  20  are attached at the lower portion of the left and right lateral elevations, respectively ( FIG. 3A ). Left vertical miter gear  19  is attached to the lower portion of left lateral elevation  2  and is mounted on sprocket  19   a  such that left vertical miter gear  19  and sprocket  19   a  rotate at the same rate and in the same direction around axle  19   b  ( FIG. 3A ). Similarly, right vertical miter gear  20  is attached to the lower portion of right lateral elevation  3  and is mounted on sprocket  20   a  such that right vertical miter gear  20  and sprocket  20   a  rotate at the same rate and in the same direction around axle  20   b  ( FIGS. 3A and 5D ). 
         [0057]    Left horizontal miter gear  17  and left vertical miter gear  19  are engaged perpendicular to each other, and right horizontal miter gear  18  and right vertical miter gear  20  are engaged perpendicular to each other ( FIGS. 3A ,  3 D). This arrangement of horizontal and vertical miter gears allows the rotational energy imparted to controller  4  to be transferred to the vertical miter gears, and ultimately to the terminal wheels. 
         [0058]    The rotational energy transferred from controller  4  to vertical miter gears  19  and  20  is further transferred to terminal wheels  5  and  6  through left and right lateral elevation roller chains  15  and  16 , respectively ( FIG. 3A ). Left lateral elevation roller chain  15  engages sprocket  19   a  and left hollow upper sprocket  8 . Right lateral elevation roller chain  16  engages sprocket  20   a  and right hollow upper sprocket  9  ( FIG. 3A ). Rotation of controller  4  by the user transfers rotational energy through sprocket  4   a  to center roller chain  14  which rotates left horizontal miter gear  17  causing rotation of left vertical miter gear  19 , which in turn causes corresponding rotation of sprocket  19   a . The rotation of sprocket  19   a  drives left lateral elevation roller chain  15  which causes rotation of left hollow upper sprocket  8 . Left terminal wheel  5 , being attached to left hollow upper sprocket  8 , rotates as left hollow upper sprocket  8  rotates. Rotation of controller  4  by the user also transfers rotational energy through sprocket  4   a  to center roller chain  14  which rotates right horizontal miter gear  18  causing rotation of right vertical miter gear  20 , which in turn causes corresponding rotation of sprocket  20   a . The rotation of sprocket  20   a  drives right lateral elevation roller chain  16  which causes rotation of right hollow upper sprocket  9 . Right terminal wheel  6 , being attached to right upper sprocket  9 , rotates as right hollow upper sprocket  9  rotates. 
         [0059]    Terminal wheels  5  and  6  are attached to left and right hollow upper sprockets  8  and  9 , respectively, by means of internal and external lockets. Terminal wheel  6 , for example, is attached to right hollow upper sprocket  9  by internal locket  21  and external locket  22 . ( FIGS. 5A and 5B ). It will be appreciated that the terminal wheels, hollow upper sprockets, and internal and external lockets have hollow cores. The terminal wheel and sprocket assemblies (see, e.g.,  FIG. 5A ) therefore also have a hollow core. In the assembled knot-tying device, these hollow cores create a right side aperture,  9   a , extending from the outside of the right lateral elevation through the inside of the lateral elevation and through the right terminal wheel, through which the line or lines to be knotted may be passed ( FIG. 5C ). It will be appreciated that a left side aperture, analogous to the right side aperture  9   a  shown in  FIG. 5C  with respect to the right lateral elevation, is present in the terminal wheel/hollow upper sprocket assembly on the left lateral elevation (see left side aperture  8   a  in  FIG. 3 ). The presence of right side and left side apertures passing from the outside of the device through the terminal wheels is a feature of all embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0060]    It should be noted that a feature of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  of the present invention is that terminal wheels  5  and  6  rotate at equal speeds, but in opposite direction (when viewed from the same side of the device). 
         [0061]    Clip  7  in the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1  is a simple alligator clip. In other embodiments of the present invention, the clip may take other forms or may comprise two or more separate clips. The essential aspects of the clip are that it is: 
         [0000]    (1) capable of securely holding the one or more lines to be joined by a knot; and (2) positioned on the device between the two terminal wheels. 
         [0062]    A second embodiment of the present invention is described in reference to  FIG. 7 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , this embodiment of the present invention comprises body  23 , left controller  24 , right controller  25 , left pinion gear  26 , right pinion gear  27 , and axle  28 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , body  23  is contoured such that it comprises a substantially flat, horizontal center portion ( 23   a ) with left ( 23   b ) and right ( 23   c ) sides that elevate in a direction perpendicular to the flat horizontal center portion. Thus, body  23  is generally shaped like a cylinder from which a scoop has been removed. 
         [0063]    Axle  28  extends through the interior of body  23  such that the left and right ends of axle  28  protrude from the left and right sides, respectively, of body  23 . The left end of axle  28 , which protrudes from the left side of body  23 , extends through the center of left pinion gear  26  and then attaches to left controller  24 . The right end of axle  28 , which protrudes from the right side of body  23 , extends through the center of right pinion gear  27  and then attaches to right controller  25 . Controllers  24  and  25 , and pinion gears  26  and  27  are fixed to axle  28  with pins  26   a  and  27   a , respectively, such that rotation of axle  28  about its longitudinal axis results in rotation of the controllers ( 24  and  25 ) and the pinion gears ( 26  and  27 ). In this embodiment, the user imparts rotational energy to axle  28  by rotating left controller  24 , right controller  25 , or both controllers ( 24  and  25 ). Rotation of axle  28  causes corresponding rotation of left and right pinion gears  26  and  27 . 
         [0064]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , left pinion gear  26  engages left inner spur gear  29 . Left inner spur gear  29  engages left inner spur gear  30 . Left inner spur gear  30  engages left upper spur gear  31  ( FIG. 7 ). Left upper spur gear  31  is attached to left terminal wheel  32 . Rotation of left pinion gear  26  (as caused by rotation of axle  28 ) causes rotation of left inner spur gear  29 , which causes rotation of left inner spur gear  30 , which causes rotation of left upper spur gear  31 , which causes rotation of left terminal wheel  32 . Thus, the rotational energy of axle  28  is transferred through the series of spur gears  29 ,  30 , and  31  to cause rotation of terminal wheel  32 . 
         [0065]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , right pinion gear  27  engages right inner spur gear  33 . Right inner spur gear  33  engages right upper spur gear  34  ( FIG. 7 ). Right upper spur gear  34  is attached to right terminal wheel  35 . Rotation of right pinion gear  27  (as caused by rotation of axle  28 ) causes rotation of right inner spur gear  33 , which causes rotation of right upper spur gear  34 , which causes rotation of right terminal wheel  35 . Thus, the rotational energy of axle  28  is transferred through the series of spur gears  33  and  34  to cause rotation of terminal wheel  35 . 
         [0066]    In this embodiment of the present invention, left upper spur gear  31  is attached to left terminal wheel  32 , and right upper spur gear  34  is attached to right terminal wheel  35 . Each of parts  31 ,  32 ,  34 , and  35  has a hollow core, such that the mounting of left terminal wheel  32  onto left upper spur gear  31  creates a left side aperture ( 31   a ) that extends from outside the left side of the body through the left terminal wheel  32  and the mounting of right terminal wheel  35  onto right upper spur gear  34  creates a right side aperture ( 34   a ) that extends from outside the right side of the body through the right terminal wheel  35 . 
         [0067]    It will be appreciated that the configuration of spur gears on the left side of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7  differs from the configuration of spur gears on the right side of the embodiment in that the configuration on the left side includes three spur gears ( 29 ,  30 , and  31 ) while the configuration on the right side includes only two spur gears ( 33  and  34 ) (See  FIG. 7 ). This difference makes the rotation of the terminal wheels proceed in opposite directions (as viewed from the same side of the device). It will be appreciated further that the choice of which side of the device (i.e., left or right) is to have three spur gears and which is to have two spur gears is arbitrary. Moreover, it will be appreciated more generally that different embodiments of the device of the present invention may have a different numbers of spur gears, provided that one side has an even number of spur gears, and the other side has an odd number of spur gears. 
         [0068]    The left-side and right-side gear configurations of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7  have gear ratios such that the rotational speed of the left terminal wheel  32  is the same as that of right terminal wheel  35  (although, as discussed previously, rotation is in opposite directions). 
         [0069]    The gear arrangement of the present invention is designed to produce synchronized rotational motion of the terminal wheels in opposite directions. This gear arrangement is shown more generally in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . Axle  45  has pinion gears  46  and  47  attached at either end. Pinion gear  46  engages spur gear  48 . Spur gear  48  engages upper spur gear  49 . On the other end of axle  45 , pinion gear  47  engages spur gear  50 . Spur gear  50  engages spur gear  51 . Spur gear  51  engages upper spur gear  52 . When viewed from the same side of the device, clockwise rotation of axle  45  causes clockwise rotation of pinion gear  46 . Clockwise rotation of pinion gear  46  causes counter-clockwise rotation of spur gear  48 . Counterclockwise rotation of spur gear  48  causes clockwise rotation of upper spur gear  49 . Because upper spur gear  49  is attached to terminal wheel  53 , terminal wheel  53  undergoes clockwise rotation. Clockwise rotation of pinion gear  47  causes counter-clockwise rotation of spur gear  50 . Counter-clockwise rotation of spur gear  50  causes clockwise rotation of spur gear  51 . Clockwise rotation of spur gear  51  causes counter-clockwise rotation of upper spur gear  52 . Because upper spur gear  52  is attached to terminal wheel  54 , terminal wheel  54  undergoes counter-clockwise rotation. As viewed from the same perspective therefore, terminal wheels  53  and  54  rotate in opposite directions. Moreover, in the present invention the gear ratios are arranged so that the rotational speeds of terminal wheels  53  and  54  are equal. 
         [0070]    As is evident from  FIG. 7 , one uses the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7  by imparting rotational energy to either or both of left and right controllers  24  and  25 , thereby causing rotation of axle  28 , and thereby rotation of left and right pinion gears  26  and  27 . The rotational energy of left pinion gear  26  is transferred through left spur gears  29 ,  30 , and  31  to result in rotation of left terminal wheel  32 . The rotational energy of right pinion gear  27  is transferred through right spur gears  33  and  34  to result in rotation of right terminal wheel  35 . Thus, left and right terminal wheels  32  and  35  rotate at the same speed in opposite directions (as viewed from the same side of the device), wherein the rotational speed is proportional to the rotational energy imparted to the controller(s) by the user. 
         [0071]    The embodiment shown in  FIG. 7  also includes a clip  36  attached to body  23  at a position centered between left and right terminal wheels  32  and  35 . Clip  36  is attached to body  23  by clip holder  37  and clip fastener  38 . Clip  36  is opened and closed by pressing or releasing clip button  39 . Clip holder  37  is fixed to body  23  by fasteners  37   a.    
         [0072]    The gear mechanisms in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7  are covered by left cap  40  and right cap  41 , which are held in place by fasteners  43  and  44 , respectively. Left cap  40  attaches to and supports rotation of left controller  24 , left inner spur gears  29  and  30 , and left upper spur gear  31 . Left cap  40  also comprises a slot that exposes a portion of left controller  24  so that it can be rotated by a user. Left cap  40  also comprises an opening that extends into and aligns with left side aperture  31   a , such that left side aperture  31   a  extends from the outside of the device through left terminal wheel  32 . Right cap  41  attaches to and supports rotation of right controller  25 , right inner spur gear  33 , and right upper spur gear  34 . Right cap  41  also comprises a slot that exposes a portion of right controller  25  so that it can be rotated by a user. Right cap  41  also comprises an opening that extends into and aligns with aperture  34   a , such that aperture  34   a  extends from the outside of the device through right terminal wheel  35 . As is evident from  FIG. 7 , axle  28  and gears  26 ,  27 ,  29 ,  30 ,  31 ,  33  and  34  in this embodiment of the invention are attached to body  23 , left cap  40 , and/or right cap  41  in a manner that supports the gears and permits their rotation. 
         [0073]    A third embodiment of the present invention is described in reference to  FIGS. 9 ,  10 A-C,  11 ,  12 ,  13 , and  14 A-C. As shown in  FIG. 9 , this embodiment of the present invention comprises body  55 , controller  56 , right terminal wheel  57 , left terminal wheel  58 , and clips  59  and  60 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , body  55  is contoured such that it comprises a substantially flat, horizontal center portion ( 55   a ) with left ( 55   b ) and right ( 55   c ) sides that elevate in a direction perpendicular to the flat horizontal center portion. Thus, body  55  is generally shaped like a cylinder from which a scoop has been removed. 
         [0074]    Controller  56  is a circular gear that has an outer surface that may be contoured. The outer surface is exposed on the outside of the device and is contacted by the user during operation of the device. Controller  56  also has an inner surface that is toothed, wherein the teeth engage and drive gears in the interior of the device. Controller  56  is fitted into a slot in the body of the device, wherein the slot allows the controller to be turned about the longitudinal axis of the device. 
         [0075]    In the embodiment in  FIG. 9 , left pinion gear  61  is connected to right pinion gear  62  by axle  63 , such that rotation of axle  63  about its longitudinal axis causes simultaneous rotation of left and right pinion gears  61  and  62 , respectively ( FIG. 10A ). Right pinion gear  62  engages right spur gear  63  ( FIGS. 10C and 11 ). Right spur gear  63  engages right spur gear  64  ( FIGS. 10C and 11 ). Right spur gear  64  engages right upper spur gear  65  ( FIGS. 10A and 11 ). Right upper spur gear  65  attaches to right terminal wheel  57  ( FIG. 9 ) such that rotation of right upper spur gear  65  results in rotation of right terminal wheel  57 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , controller  56  is itself a gear that engages left pinion gear  61  and left upper spur gear  66  such that clockwise rotation of controller  56  causes simultaneous clockwise rotation of left pinion gear  61  and of left upper spur gear  66  ( FIG. 12 ). Left spur gear  67  also engages left pinion gear  61  and left upper spur gear  66 , and assists in supporting rotation of left pinion gear  61  and left upper spur gear  66  ( FIG. 12 ). Left upper spur gear  66  attaches to left terminal wheel  58  ( FIG. 9 ) such that rotation of left upper spur gear  66  results in rotation of left terminal wheel  58 . It will be appreciated that the axle and gears in this embodiment of the present invention are attached to the body by means that permit the rotation of those gears. As is evident from  FIGS. 10A and 10C , axle  63  and gears  61 ,  67 ,  66 ,  62 ,  63 ,  64 ,  65 , in this embodiment of the invention are attached to body  55  in a manner that supports the axles and gears and permits their rotation. 
         [0076]    The left-side and right-side gear configurations of the embodiment referred to in  FIGS. 9-14C  have gear ratios such that the rotational speed of left upper spur gear  66  (and hence left terminal wheel  58 ) is the same as that of right upper spur gear  65  (and hence right terminal wheel  57 ), although, as discussed previously, rotation is in opposite directions when viewed from the same face of the device. 
         [0077]    The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 9-14C , like all embodiments of the present invention, includes, on either side of the device, an aperture extending from the outside of the device, through the upper spur gear, and through the center of the terminal wheel (see left side aperture  68  and right side aperture  69 ,  FIGS. 9-14C ). The one or more lines to be entwined are fed through these apertures from the outside of the device. 
         [0078]    The embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 9  has two clips, which happen to be alligator clips. When two lines are to be knotted, the presence of two clips allows each of the two lines to be knotted to be individually clipped, thereby making the device easier to use than a device having a single clip. It will be appreciated that other embodiments of the present invention may also have multiple clips attached to the body and centered between the terminal wheels. 
         [0079]    The terminal wheels in every embodiment of the present invention must be capable of securely holding the one or more lines to be entwined and knotted. A number of terminal wheel designs are able to accomplish this function. In one embodiment, the terminal wheel has one or more slots  70  cut into the terminal wheel extending in a straight radial line from the perimeter of the terminal wheel and extending toward the center of the terminal wheel ( FIG. 15 ). The slots may all be of the same width, or may have different widths to accommodate different line thicknesses. These terminal wheels are used by pushing the line into the slot from the perimeter of the terminal wheel toward the center of the terminal wheel. The line is secured by friction between the surface of the line and the walls of the slot. This type of terminal wheel is exemplified by terminal wheels  32  and  35  in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0080]    In another embodiment, the terminal wheel has one or more tapered slots cut into the terminal wheel and extending in a straight radial line from the perimeter of the terminal wheel toward the center of the terminal wheel, wherein the slot is wider at the perimeter of the terminal wheel and gets narrower as it moves toward the center of the terminal wheel. These terminal wheels are used by pushing the line into the slot from the perimeter of the terminal wheel toward the center of the terminal wheel. The line is secured by friction between the surface of the line and the walls of the slot. The tapered slot permits the terminal wheel to hold lines of varying thickness because the line will be secured by the slot at the point at which the line&#39;s width matches or is larger than the slot&#39;s width. This type of terminal wheel is exemplified by terminal wheels  53  and  54  ( FIGS. 8A and 8B ). 
         [0081]    In yet another embodiment, the terminal wheel has a “ram&#39;s horn” design ( FIG. 16 ). The ram&#39;s horn design has one or more slots  71  that gradually taper and get narrower moving from the outside of the terminal wheel to the center of the terminal wheel so as to accommodate line of varying widths at different points along the slot ( FIG. 16 ). Moreover, the slots in the “ram&#39;s horn” design extend from the perimeter of the terminal wheel toward the center of the terminal wheel in a spiral manner, creating an infinite screw ( FIG. 16 ). These terminal wheels are used by pushing the line into the slot from the perimeter of the terminal wheel toward the center of the terminal wheel. The line is secured by friction between the surface of the line and the walls of the slot. The “ram&#39;s horn” terminal wheel is exemplified by terminal wheels  57  and  58  ( FIG. 9 ). 
         [0082]    The knot tying device of the present invention can be used to entwine and knot monofilament fishing line. The use of the device in tying knots is described below in reference to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . It will be readily appreciated, however, that other embodiments of the present invention are used in an analogous manner. 
         [0083]    The basic function of the device of the present invention is the entwining of one or more fishing lines. Such entwinement is common to many of the knots that are useful in fishing. The clinch knot, Trilene knot, and Snell knots are all generally used to tie the fishing line to a hook, swivel, or lure. In forming these knots with the device of the present invention, line x is first passed through aperture  9   a  formed by the right upper sprocket  9  and terminal wheel  6 , passed through the eye of the hook or swivel to which the line is to be attached, wrapped around clip  7 , and attached at its end to terminal wheel  6  ( FIG. 6A ). The hook or swivel to which the line is to be attached is positioned on the side of clip  7  opposite to the terminal wheel to which line x is attached. The user then rotates controller  4  to produce rotational energy which wraps line x around itself ( FIG. 6B ). To complete the basic clinch knot, the user detaches the terminal end of line x from terminal wheel  6  and attaches the terminal end of line x to clip  7  above the loop of line ( FIG. 6C ). The user then inserts a finger under the entwined line x and pulls up (see circle with upward arrow in  FIG. 6C ), sliding the loop of line up over clip  7  and over the terminal end of the line that is being held by clip  7 , and then pulls the non-entwined portion of line x that is not attached to clip  7  in a direction away from clip  7 , thereby causing the entwinements of line x to compress thereby forming the knot. After forming the knot, the user releases the terminal end of line x from clip  7 . 
         [0084]    In an alternative method, the hook or swivel to which the line is to be attached is held by clip  7  with the eye of the hook or swivel pointing toward terminal wheel  6 . The line is passed through aperture  9   a  formed by right upper sprocket  9  and terminal wheel  6 , passed through the eye of the hook or swivel to which the line is to be attached, and attached at its end to terminal wheel  6 . The user then rotates controller  4  to produce rotational energy which causes the line to entwine over itself (see  FIG. 6B ). The basic clinch knot is completed when the user detaches the terminal end of the line from terminal wheel  6 , passes the terminal end of the line inside the loop formed by the line around the eye of the hook or swivel, and then pulls the terminal end of line x and the non-terminal portion of line x that is not entwined in opposite directions, thereby causing the entwinements of line x to compress, forming the knot. The knotted hook is then released from clip  7 . Using either method, the line with attached hook (or swivel or lure) is removed from the knot-tying device by passing the line and hook out through aperture  9   a  formed by the right upper sprocket  9  and terminal wheel  6 . It will be evident, therefore, that aperture  9   a  must be large enough to allow passage of the hook, swivel or lure. Indeed, different embodiments of the present invention may have differently sized apertures extending from the outside of the body and through the terminal wheels so as to facilitate hooks, swivels, or lures of varying sizes. 
         [0085]    It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that other knots related to the clinch knot (e.g., Trilene knot, Snell knot) can be made using the device of the present invention by simple modification of these basic methods. The Trilene knot, for example, is made in a manner similar to the basic clinch knot, except that the line is looped through the eye of the hook (or swivel or lure) twice. 
         [0086]    The knot-tying device of the present invention can also be used to connect two separate lines to each other, such as in a nail knot, blood knot, or Albright knot. The nail knot, for example, can be made using the device of the present invention by passing line y in through aperture  9   a  formed by the right upper sprocket  9  and right terminal wheel  6 , and then out through aperture  8   a  formed by left terminal wheel  5  and left upper sprocket  8  ( FIG. 6D ). Line x is then passed through aperture  9   a  formed by the right upper sprocket  9  and terminal wheel  6 , wrapped around clip  7 , and attached near its end to terminal wheel  6  ( FIG. 6D ). The user then rotates controller  4  to produce rotational energy which wraps line x around line y ( FIG. 6E ). The user completes the nail knot by detaching the terminal end of line x from terminal wheel  6 , feeding the terminal end of line x back through the tunnel created by the entwinement of line x around line y, sliding the loop of line x around clip  7  up off of clip  7 , and then pulling the terminal end of line x and the portion of line x that is not entwined in opposite directions, thereby causing compression of the entwinements of line x around line y and forming the knot. 
         [0087]    Another common knot for joining two different lines is the blood knot. The blood knot is formed using the device of the present invention as follows. Line x is passed through aperture  9   a  formed by the right upper sprocket  9  and terminal wheel  6  and then attached to left terminal wheel  5  ( FIG. 6F ). Line y is passed through aperture  8   a  formed by the left upper sprocket  8  and terminal wheel  5  and then attached to right terminal wheel  6  ( FIG. 6F ). Lines x and y are positioned on opposite sides of clip  7  ( FIG. 6F ). The user rotates controller  4  to produce rotational energy which causes line x and y to entwine (see  FIG. 6G ). The user then detaches the end of line x from terminal wheel  5  and attaches it to clip  7 . The user then detaches the end of line y from terminal wheel  6  and attaches it to clip  7  ( FIG. 6G ). The user then inserts a finger under the entwined lines under either side of clip  7  and pulls up (see circles with upward arrow in  FIG. 6G ), sliding the loop of line up over clip  7  and over the terminal ends of lines x and y (which are being held by clip  7 ), and then pulls the non-terminal portions of lines x and y in opposite directions. The pulling motion causes the entwinements of line x and line y to compress thereby forming the blood knot.