GB2238697A - Fishing float attachment means and method - Google Patents

Abstract

An attachment for a fishing float comprises a cap 1 having an internal bore 3 arranged to cooperate with one end of a fishing float 8. The cap 1 also has a second bore 6 transverse to the first bore 3 into which is inserted a peg 2. The bore 6 has a slot 7 through which a fishing line (not shown) passes, in use, to engage with the bore 6. The peg 2 is then inserted into the bore 6 thereby trapping the fishing line between the outer wall of the peg 2 and the inner wall of the bore 6. The fishing line is then gripped firmly without causing damage to the line. The position of the cap and therefore of the float on the line may be adjusted by removing the peg 2 from the bore 6, thereby releasing the fishing line and then moving the apparatus the desired position on the line and re-inserting the peg 2 into the bore 6 to grip the fishing line. <IMAGE>

Description

FISHING FLOAT ATTACHMENT MEANS AND METHOD This invention relates to a means and method for attaching a fishing line to a fishing float for example, a waggler float.

When using a fishing line, the baited end portion of the line with the hook is normally suspended from a float. This ensures that the bait is suspended above the bottom of the water in the region where fish are feeding. It is important that the float is securely attached to the line so that the line cannot move relative to the float, for example when casting or when the fish pulls on the line.

Typically, a waggler float has an eye at a lower end of the float, and the line passes through the eye.

There are several ways of attaching the line to a waggler float, but the one that has been used most commonly for many years is that in which locking shot, for example lead shot having a small slit, is fastened either side of the line which passes through the eye on the float. The shot is held in place by closure of the slot so that the shot grips the line. Such a method has several disadvantages.

If the locking shot is made of lead, as it usually was until quite recently, and becomes lost in the water, it can cause serious harm to swans, ducks and other animals which may eat it. Furthermore, locking the shot in place can weaken the line, and the use of locking weights made of hard synthetic material which have been introduced recently to overcome the problem of lead poisoning may cause even more serious damage to the line.

When first fishing it is often necessary to alter the depth of the bait, which means that the locking shot has to be moved along the length of the line, thereby not only taking precious time if the angler is fishing in a competition, but also increasing further damage to the line.

Fishing conditions may change requiring the angler to change from a waggler float to a stick float, and this requires the locking shot, drop shot and hook length to be removed from the main line. Often, an angler will have to use two rods - especially in match fishing to avoid losing time changing from a waggler to a stick float.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a means of attaching a line to a waggler float which reduces or even eliminates the problems met with the conventional method, primarily because it does not rely on the use of shot locked onto the line either side of the float. This means that the possibility of the line tangling the bottom of the float is greatly reduced, that the float can be quickly and easily moved along the length of the line without causing damage to the line, that changing from a waggler float to a stick float is readily achieved, and that pollution of the water by the loss of lead shot can be avoided.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a means for attaching a fishing line to a fishing float, comprising a body which is formed as part of, or is adapted to be engaged with, a fishing float, and is formed with a bore having a slot in one side wall thereof through. which a fishing line may pass, and a peg to engage within said bore to lock a fishing line in the bore.

Preferably, the body is provided with a spigot or socket to engage with a socket or spigot on a respective fishing float. Preferably the side wall slot is of a helical configuration.

An elastic band (e.g. a small rubber band) may engage around each of the two opposite ends of the peg.

The said body may comprise a cap having an internal bore extending part way from a first end towards a second, opposite end of the cap and capable of firmly engaging the lower portion of a respective float.

For convenience, the cap may be of generally cylindrical configuration in which said internal bore is coaxial with the cylinder. In order to accomodate a range of floats of different diameters, said internal bore may taper from the mouth towards a blind end of the bore. The diameter of the internal bore may be stepped, having a larger diameter at its mouth and a smaller diameter towards the blind end.

The cap and peg may be made from any suitable, non-rusting material, and particularly from resilient plastic material such as p.v.c., polyolefine, and the like.

The invention also extends to a means in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, in combination with a fishing float - for example, a waggler float. The float may have a solid lower portion which engages the internal bore of said cap.

The invention also extends to a means in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, in combination with a means for dispensing weights into the internal bore of said cap.

The invention also extends to a means in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, attached to a fishing line.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of attaching a fishing line to a float, utilising a means in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1(a) is a side view of an embodiment of the invention; Figure l(b) is a front view of a cap and peg of the embodiment of Figure l(a); Figure 2 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention which is capable of fitting a range of floats of different sizes; Figure 3 shows a waggler float inserted into the embodiment of Figure 1; and Figure 4 shows, in section, part of an alternative waggler float and an alternative embodiment of the invention.

In the drawings, like reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts.

Referring to the drawings, the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1(a) and (b) comprises a cylindrical cap 1 and a peg 2. The cap has an internal bore 3 extending part way from the first end 4 and is capable of firmly engaging the lower portion of a waggler float, not shown. Weights 5 may be dropped into the bore 3 in order to obtain the desired weight. Towards the second, opposite end 5 of the cap is a transverse, second bore 6 which has a slot 7 in one of its side walls. The peg 2 engages with the second bore 6.

The cap of the means for attaching a fishing line to a waggler float shown in Figure 2 has a stepped first, internal bore 3, the diameters of the bore being selected to accomodate waggler floats of various diameters.

In an alternative arrangement, the diameter of the bore 3 may taper continuously from the mouth towards the blind end. The walls of the bore 3 may be of a resilient material, to grip a float inserted therein.

Asset of caps of the type shown in Figure 1 may be provided, each float having a first bore 3 of a different diameter - e.g. 4.5mm, 5.0mm or 5.5mm.

Figure 3 shows a waggler float 8 inserted into the cap of Figure 1. The float shown has a solid lower portion 9 to prevent collapse during its insertion and removal from the cap. However, this modification of the float is not essential, and the caps of the present invention may be equally suitable for use with conventional floats which are substantially hollow throughout.

In use, the float cap is engaged on a fishing line by first laying the line adjacent the end 5 so that it is generally parallel with the bore 6 and lying adjacent the slot 7. The line is then passed through the slot 7 so that it engages with the bore 6. Then peg 2 is inserted into the bore 6 thereby trapping the line between the outer wall of peg 2 and the inner wall of bore 6. The dimensions of bore 6 and peg 2 are such that, when the line is in place, it is gripped firmly without causing damage to the line. To help the gripping of the line the walls of bore 6 and peg 2 may be slightly tapered, and the mouth of bore 6 and/or the forward end of peg 2 may be chamfered to facilitate their engagement.

The peg 2 and/or the walls of the bore 6 may be of a resilient material.

The head of the peg 2 may be formed with a slot through which the line may pass. This may help to keep the line aligned as it passes both through the bore 6 and the slot in the head of the peg 2, when the peg 2 is engaged in the bore 6.- Also, it may help to keep the peg 2 engaged on the line when the peg 2 is disengaged from the bore 6, to reduce the likelihood of the peg 2 becoming lost.

In order to adjust the position of the float on the line, it is necessary simply to release the peg 2 from the bore 6, move the cap 1 to the desired new position, and then re-engage the peg 2 in the bore 6.

In order to weight the line, weights 5 are simply dropped inside bore 3, and this bore is then closed by the insertion of a float. Thus the main weights for the line are held safely in the float cap. In order to adjust the weights it is simply necessary to remove the float, add to or subtract from the weights already in bore 3, and securely replace the float. Such an adjustment only requires a few seconds as compared with the rather time consuming and troublesome methods using traditional weights.

The weights 5 used may be conventional shot, or more preferably non-toxic, non-rusting material. For example, a flowing material such as sand may be used in place of the weights 5, and may be dispensed from a convenient dispensing unit, for example a plastic container having a sealable spout.

A float such as 8 may engage firmly in the cap 1 to seal the bore 3 in a substantially fluid tight manner.

Alternatively, the seal may be imperfect and/or the walls of the bore 3 perforated, to allow water to enter and exit from the bore 3, for weighting purposes.

To prevent possible loss of the peg 2, it may be tied to the cap 1, for example by an integral thin strap produced during manufacture of the cap and peg.

A minor modification enables one to transfer from the use of a waggler float to a stick float without the problems associated with the conventional method of attaching a line to a waggler float. The modification simply includes a small rubber band secured at each of the two opposite ends of the peg 2. When the line is attached to this modification of the invention, it is passed through each of the rubber bands as well as through the second bore 6. This will mean that the bands will have to be detached from the peg when the line is first fitted, and re-engaged on the peg ends when the float cap has been installed.

In order to change from a waggler float to a stick float with this modification, it is simply necessary to disengage the rubber bands from the ends of the peg, remove the peg and disengage the line from the float cap, and then use the rubber bands to affix the alternative stick float to the line in a conventional manner. The stick float may be replaced by a waggler float by reversal of the above procedure.

It will be realised from the above description that embodiments of the present invention enable an angler to change quickly and effortlessly between different sizes of waggler floats, to adjust the position of the floats along the fishing line, and to adjust the main weight of the line with the line remaining free from knots and projections. The line may therefore be more streamlined, without additional weights, permitting better casting. Furthermore, a minor modification also enables the angler to swiftly change from a waggler float to a stick float and vice versa.

In another modification, instead of providing the attachment means in the form of a cap 1, as illustrated, the bore 6/peg 2 arrangement may be provided integrally with a fishing float. The cap 1 may be extended to form the float itself, means being provided to access the first bore 3 - e.g. the float being of two part construction, separable about a horizontal axis at or above the top of the bore 3. Alternatively, a set of floats of predetermined weights may be provided, for selectively fixing to a fishing line by respective bore 6/peg 2 arrangements. In such floats, the weights may be fully enclosed and sealed.

In a further modification, as shown in Figure 4, a fishing float (e.g. a waggler float) is formed with a socket 11 at a lower end 10 of the float, and a respective line attachment means comprises a body 15 formed with a bore 6/peg 2 arrangement of for example, a type as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3. The body 15 also has an upstanding spigot 16 which engages as a friction fit in the socket 11 at the lower end 10 of the float. When so engaged, the spigot 16 may also carries a weight 17 formed with a bore 18 through which the spigot 16 passes, such that the weight 17 may be readily removed and replaced by weights of different values.

Alternatively or additionally, the float 10 may be adapted to contain weights - as for example, in the manner of the cap of Figure 1.

The spigot 16 may engage the bore 18 as a loose or a friction fit. Positive attachment means may be provided for engaging the spigot 16 in the bore 18 - for example, a securing pin may pass through both the spigot 16 and the bore 18 when interengagedr or the spigot 16 and bore 18 may be provided with interengaging screwthreads.

The above described embodiments may be modified or adapted for use with or as floats other than waggler floats.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims (15)

1. A means for attaching a fishing line to a fishing

float, comprising a body which is formed as part of, or is adapted to be engaged with, a fishing float, and is formed with a bore having a slot in one side wall thereof through which a fishing line may pass, and a peg to engage within said bore to lock a fishing line in the bore.

2. A means according to Claim 1, wherein said body is provided with a spigot or socket to engage with a socket or spigot on a respective fishing float.

3. A means according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the slot is of a helical configuration.

4. A means according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a respective elastic band engages around each of the two opposite ends of the peg.

5. A means according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said body comprises a cap having an internal bore extending part way from a first end towards a second, opposite end of the cap and capable of firmly engaging the lower portion of a respective float.

6. A means according to Claim 5 wherein the cap is of a generally cylindrical configuration and said internal bore is coaxial with the cylinder.

7. A means according to Claim 5 or 6, wherein said internal bore tapers from its mouth towards a blind end of the bore.

8. A means according to Claim 7, wherein the diameter of said internal bore is stepped, having a larger diameter at its mouth and a smaller diameter towards the blind end.

9. A means for attaching a fishing line to a waggler float, the means being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 1 or Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.

10. A means according to any of the preceding claims, in combination with a fishing float.

11. A means according to Claim 10, wherein said float is a waggler float.

12. A means according to Claim 5 and to Claims 10 or 11, wherein the float has a solid lower portion which engages said internal bore of the cap.

13. A means according to Claim 5 or to any of Claims 6 to 12 as appendant thereto, in combination with a means for dispensing weights into said internal bore of the cap.

14. A means according to any of the preceding claims, attached to a fishing line.

15. A method of attaching a fishing line to a float utilising a means according to Claim 1, the method being substantially as described herein.