GB2227150A - Angling link - Google Patents

Abstract

Because of the nature of standard bottom attached float links they are harsh on fishing line, cannot be used to easily change floats, nor temporarily lock them in position on the fishing line. The soft quick change, temporary self locking, angling link, overcomes these problems. It comprises a flexible loop E that is large enough to pass over locking and any intermediate shot by pushing a small rubber sleeve F, or similar device up the loop. It will also temporarily lock the float in a desired position on the fishing line by moving the sleeve down the loop to slightly protrude from the base. "The link" being springy cushions the fishing line against violent movements. This device may also be used to attach other angling implements, eg. ledgers, swimfeeders, to the fishing line. <IMAGE>

Description

SOFT, QUICK CHANGE, TEMPORARY SELF LOCKING, ANGLING LINK.

This invention relates to a soft, quick change, temporary self locking, angling link. ( to be primarily used when attached to angling floats ).

Angling floats that are attached by means of a small "eye", metal or plastic linkages through which the "fishing line" is passed are known as "bottom end attached" floats.

Commonly known types are; wagglers, onions, duckers, and some darts, zoomers and antenni floats. Other types are known by less used or local names.

Bottom end attached floats are "locked" in position on the "fishing line" by placing split shot (locking shot) either side of the aforesaid "eye". Occasionally other "locking" devices are used instead of split shot.

The main drawbacks when using such floats are; 1. Once they are "locked" on the "fishing line" they are not easily removed. Therefore, they cannot easily be exchanged for another type or size of float, without first, either breaking the "fishing line" and rethreading another float1 or removing the locking and any intermediate shot, which then allows the float to be slid off.

Both methods are time consuming, and since the introduction of harder non-toxic shot1 the problem is greater than ever.

2. Various attemps have been made to introduce other "quick change links", but the types using metal or plastic clips have proven very harsh on "fishing line", causing many breakages and tangles.

3. A more successful link is now in common use, this comprises a soft plastic or silicon tube, approximatelv 35cm. long, which is flattened one end, with an "eye" through which the "fishing line" is passed and locked in the conventional way.

This link is not permanently attached to the float, but is placed on the "fishing line" first, then the base of a chosen float is pushed ijito the open end of the tube, where it is held by suction and friction.

With this system it is only possible to exchange floats with similar bases. Changing to larger based float would overstretch the link and a smaller base lose suction and friction, resulting in float losses.

These problems can also occur if the float base is not, initially, correctly matched to the diameter of the tube. This system is also bulky and due to trapped air may affect shotting capacities.

4. None of the aforesaid links, without modification, can temporarily "lock" the float in position on the "fishing line" whilst depth plumbing takes place, yet allow the float to be easily slid along the "fishing line" until in a position to be "locked" by shot.

My invention, The quick change, temporary self locking, angling link, (which hereafter may be referred to as "the link"), overcomes the afore -mentioned problems.

It is, primarily, a bottom end,permanently attached float link, but also having other angling uses, that; 1. Enables an angler to remove and exchange floats quickly for any other bottom attached float fitted with the same link, without removing shot or breaking the line.

2. Provides a soft, springy link that; does not damage "fishing line", cushions violent line movements, therefore greatly reducing breakages and tangles.

3. Is not bulky, does not affect shotting capacities and reduces float losses.

4. Allows the Angler to temporarily "lock" the float in a given position on the "fishing line" whilst depth plumbing takes place, yet can be slid easily to the desired position and "locked"by shot in the usual way.

The quick change, temporary self locking, angling link. Comprises a flexible springy, nylon, plastic or other suitable material, loop.

(monofilament fishing line breaking strain range of 8kg. to 20kg. is ideal) This loop should be large enough to allow "locking shot" or other "locking" devices to pass easily through it. It should be attached to a conventional or modified float base in such a manner as to allow it to protrudevertically downwards from the base. The bottomost point of the loop may be pinched to provide a permanent tight V shape.

Onto this loop is passed a short, tight piece of silicon/rubber "sleeve" which pinches the sides of the loop together.

When the correct material is used to form the loop, it is springy and has a positive cushioning effect against violent line movement asefound in casting and striking.

I shall now describe how the quick change, temporary self locking, angling link is used.

To attach "the link" to the "fishing line" the "sleeve" is raised to a position tight against the float base. The "fishing line" is then passed once through the lower loop. This position also allows "the link" to pass over "locking shot", and any intermediate weights, giving "the link" its' quick change facility.

When"the link" has been attached to the "fishing line" in the aforesaid manner, the "sleeve" may then be lowered to a position slightly proud of the V in the bottom of the loop. This temporarily "locks" the float on the "fishing line" yet without further adjustment allows it to be slid to the desired position during depth plumbing operations.

When the desired position on the "fishing line" is found, "the link" can then be "locked" using"locking shot". The "sleeve" may then be eased back from the end of the V to leave a very small loop which will not jump the"locking shot".

In practice shot as small as size 8. (0.06gms.) will not be jumped, although it is usual to use much larger shot for "locking" purposes.

As the "link" absorbs shock it is not neccessary to leave a gap between the "locking shot" and the "link".

I shall now expand on the construction of my invention, the soft, quick change, temporary self locking, angling link using drawn examples.

Fig. 1. Shows a conventional "fat peacock" straight waggler.

The "link" and attachments are shown exploded.

A. Is the float stem, which in this example, is a thick piece of peacock quill, but could be any other float making material.

B. Is a small hollow stud that may attached to or part of C. it is not essential but may assist in centalising and glueing C into A.

C. Is a float base. It consists of a cup shaped moulded piece of plastic, with a central vertical hole,that also continues through B,of sufficient diameter to allow D to be inserted through it and provide a watertight fit when glued in !position.

D. May be the two ends of loop E fastened together in a suitable manner that allows it to be pushed vertically through C and B, possibly into A.

. D is desirable but not essential as a later example shows.

E. Is a loop of nylon monofilament fishing line,usually in the breaking strain range of 8kg. to 20 kg. but other suitable material may be used.

This loop should be of sufficient size to easily allow "locking shot" to pass through it. The base of E may be pinched into a tight V shape.

F. Shows a small diameter silicon, rubber or plastic "sleeve", which when pushed over E is loose enough to be slid along both standing parts of the loop but should nip the loop fairly tightly together.

Fig. 2. Shows a transparent three dimensional plan of all parts joined together in a suitable watertight manner.

A. The float stem.

D. Passed up through the hole in C and B and into A.

E. The loop, is shown squeezed together by F the "sleeve".

F. The "sleeve" is shown in the usual position on the loop E that would be employed whilst fishing with the float. "The link" is ready to be locked by "locking shot" or other devices.

H. The "fishing line", shown passed through the bottom of loop E.

Fig. 3. Shows a transparent three dimensional plan of the base of the "link".

F. The "sleeve" is pulled down to slightly protrude from the base of the loop E., which gently locks the line H. which has previously been pessed through the lower loop of E. as described in Fig. 2. This holds the float in position whilst depth plumbing takes place, yet without further adjustment to"the link" allows it to be slid easily along the "fishing line " H. to the desired position. The link is then locked by shot in the conventional manner which allows fishing to commence.

Fig. 4. Shows the float "locked"in position on the "fishing line" by two "locking shot" G. One either side of the link.

Fig. 5. Shows the "link" expanded to allow it to pass over the "locking" and any intermediate, shot that may be present on the "fishing line".

This is achieved by pushing the "sleeve" F. up the loop E. towards the base of the float C.

Fig. 6. Shows another method of attaching "the link" to a different type of float base.

In this example the float may he, a bodied waggler, an onion, dart etc.

In this method the loop E. is not joined by D., but the "legs" of loop E.

are laid either side of the narrow float base J. and held in position by whipping and glueing or any other suitable method.

Fig. 6A. Shows a horizontal cross section of the float base J., it has been recessed to accomodate the legs of loop E. prior to whipping and glueing, or any other suitable method of attachment.

This provides a much neater finish.

Fig. 7. Shows a successful prototype method of attaching "the link" to the float making material. The legs of the loop E. are pushed into the base of the float body and finished with a "blob" of epoxy resin K.

Claims (4)

1. A soft,quick change, temporary self locking, angling link comprising a flexible nylon, or other suitable material loop that is capable of being opened and closed to allow it to pass over locking shot and/or other locking devices, also any intermediate shot or obstructions on the fishing line, when attached, in any manner, temporarily or permanently to angling floats.

2. A soft, quick change, temporary self locking, angling link as claimed in Claim 1. wherein the method of holding the loop closed is a soft, rubber, plastic or silicon sleeve, or any other device, that may be slid along,or clip, both standing parts of the loop together.

3. A soft, quick change, temporary self locking, angling link as claimed in previous Claims, although primarily intended for attaching angling floats to fishing line, is also claimed if used to attach any other impliment, eg. ledger weights, swimfeeders etc.,to the fishing line.

4. A soft, quick change, temporary self locking, angling link substantially as described herein with reference to figs. 1 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS 1, A soft, quick change, temporary self locking angling link, comprising a suitable material loop that is capable of being temporarily opened or closed by a suitable material sleeve or other device that may be slid along or temporarily clip or hold both standing parts of the loop together.

This should allow the loop to pass over "locking" devices and/or other obstructions that may be attached to the fishing line. Whereby the fishing line may be passed through the gap formed between the base or top of the loop and the aforesaid clip/sleeve. When the loop is intended to be, or is, temporarily or permanently attached to angling floats.

2, A soft, quick change, temporary self locking angling link,substantially as described herein with reference to figs. 1 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.