GB2345425A - Fishing tackle - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (21) for holding and releasing a fishing weight (1) or other fishing tackle, the device (1) comprising first and second co-operating pacts (23,25) formed for holding a first line (34) so as to connect the weight (1) to the leading line (3) during casting, the weight (1) also being attached to the leading line (3) more permanently by a second, weaker line (35), the two parts being relatively movable in use between a closed configuration in which the first line (34) can be held captive between them and an open configuration in which the first line (34) will be released, and being formed such that movement from the closed configuration to the open configuration will be effected under the force of water as the device is dragged into water by the weight, the second, weaker line (35) arranged to break under strain before the leading line (3), thus preventing the loss of fishing tackle. A spring may be incorporated within the device which regulates friction and latches the two parts together.

Description

FISHING TACKLE Introduction The present invention relates to fishing tackle for use in particular for bottom fishing.

In the field of angling, weights, also known as sinkers, attached to the leader line may become tangled or fouled on the seabed or ground. This can lead to the loss of fishing tackle when the line becomes strained and breaks.

An additional problem is that when casting the line, the hook may become fouled on some other part of the tackle.

Various means are known for addressing these problems, for example as illustrated in Figure 1. In this example, to prevent the unnecessary loss of tackle the weight 1 is attached via a thinner weak link line 2 to the leader line 3. Fouling the weak link breaks and releases the weight, freeing the rest of the line and tackle. This set-up is known as a'rotten bottom'. This arrangement, however, has a drawback in that the weak link may break at the wrong time, for example while casting the line. As a countermeasure to this a small hook 6 is attached to the leader line above the weak link. The hook 6 may comprise a bent wire, or a specially formed'relay clip', as available under the name Breakaway. The weight may be attached to this temporarily via a strong breaking gauge line 7, in addition to the weak link, such that the stronger line takes the strain during casting of the line, releasing itself afterwards so that the weak link can be utilised. One problem with this system is that there is no guarantee that the stronger breaking gauge line will disengage from the hook 6, so the original problem of losing tackle remains.

The bait hook 8 is connected to the leader line 3 by means of a second line, the hook line 9. To avoid tangling during set up and casting, the baited hook 8 may also be restrained then released by a hook release device 12. The hook attaches onto an angled feature 13 having a slot through which the leader line 3 passes. After entry into the water the hook 8 is disengaged from the feature 13 as the device 12 slides up the line to a stop knot 14.

A shield 15 can be included in the hook release device. This addresses the additional problem that when casting, the bait may become disengaged from the bait hook 8 by the force of entry into the water. The combined shield and hook release device shown is available under from the company Breakaway.

Some other specific approaches to the hook release problem have been discussed in GB 2 318 419 (Gemini Tackle Company Limited) which incorporates a hook formation in a simple wire clip. GB 2 326 073 (Stephen R. Puckey) uses a sliding barrel arrangement to force the hook line (or "snood") from the main line.

None of the known devices addresses the problems of (i) premature release and (ii) failure to release a weight in the Xrotten bottom"rig. Other solutions on the market are known to suffer also from one or both of these problems.

The present invention, provides a means of protection against loss of tackle whereby there is a device for use in attaching a weight to the leader line via a fail-safe weak link line and a stronger breaking gauge temporary link, the device being adapted to positively hold and release said stronger link line. Positive action is obtained by the provision of a device having two parts, relatively moveable in use under the force of entry into water. In specific embodiments, the force required to move the two parts and release the weight is regulated by a sprung friction arrangement..

The invention provides in a first aspect a device for holding and releasing a fishing weight or other fishing tackle, the device comprising first and second co-operating parts formed for holding a first connecting means so as to connect the weight to the leading line during casting, the weight also being attached to the leading line more permanently by a second connecting means, the two parts being relatively movable in use between a closed configuration in which said first connecting means can be held captive between them and an open configuration in which said first connecting means will be released, and being formed such that movement from the closed configuration to the open configuration will be effected under the force of water as the device is dragged into water by the weight.

In use the first connecting means will typically comprise a loop of relatively strong fishing line, while the second connecting means comprises weaker line. Accordingly, while the second connecting means is amore permanent", it is intended to break under high strain, to avoid complete loss of tackle.

The first part of the device may be adapted to be permanently connected in line between the leading line and the second connecting means (weak link), while the second part is movable relative to it.

In the particular embodiments disclosed, the first part of the device comprises a central shaft for permanent connection to the leading line. In particular, the first part of the device may be adapted to be held on the leading line, or (during casting) between the leading line and the first connecting means, while an outer sleeve is arranged to slide relative to the shaft as the device is dragged through the water.

The second part of the device may be formed by a part of said outer sleeve. In alternative embodiments, the second part of the device is separate from the sleeve, but retained by the sleeve in said closed configuration with the first part. In this case, relative movement of the two parts is caused not directly but indirectly in response to the force of entry into the water.

The device may be formed with a projection of a size and shape having sufficient resistance on entry to the water to ensure movement of one of said first and second parts relative to the other.

This projection or a separate projection may be provided to act as a hook holding and release device. This replaces to some extent the need for a separate hook carrier and releasing device such as the device 12 of Figure 1.

The same projection or a separate projection may also function to shield the baited hook from the force of entry.

In the embodiments disclosed, such a projection is provided on the outer sleeve which moves with the sleeve. With the device in the closed configuration, and the tackle generally held taut by the weight hanging at one end, the hook line is taut when the hook is held under the projection.

As the projection moves with the sleeve upon entry into the water, tension in the hook line is released and the hook falls free.

A more positive captivity and release of the hook can be provided, either in the same device or by used of a second device, if desired.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, interaction between the first and second co-operating parts of such a device may be provided by means of a spring mechanism which may be an integral or separate component of either part. This aspect of the invention can be used in the weight release device embodying the first aspect of the invention, set forth above. Alternatively, it may be applied to improve the performance of other devices where two parts are to be moved relatively under the influence of water entry, for example in the snood release device of GB 2 326 073.

Such a spring mechanism may define the frictional relationship between the two parts which regulates movement between two operative positions. In the specific embodiments described, for example, this allows the outer sleeve part to fit firmly about the inner shaft part to avoid premature release of the weight, but without jamming.

The spring mechanism may alternatively or in addition provide a latching function for retaining the first and second parts captive together, while permitting movement between the operative positions. This has the advantage of allowing for a device which is simple to manage and configure for use, without the additional stops, knots and intricate handling associated with known devices.

The same spring can perform both functions, but in principle separate springs could be provided for (i) friction regulation and (ii) latching the parts together.

A separate spring part may be provided. In the specific embodiment mentioned above, the spring may fit through the inner shaft or body of the device in a co-operative manner with the outer sleeve to define the frictional relationship between the parts and to provide a means of keeping the outer sleeve part captive.

The spring may alternatively be formed integrally with the first or second part, for example in on plastics moulding. In one such embodiment, the spring mechanism is provided by a split portion of the central shaft capable of engaging the outer sleeve part to provide a frictional relationship, with the further option of defining co-operative tongue and groove elements in the inner shaft and outer sleeve parts respectively to provide a means of keeping the outer sleeve part captive.

The invention further provides a method of casting a fishing line, wherein a device according to the invention as set forth above is used in the manner set forth above.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description of examples which follows.

Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows the prior art as previously described; Figure 2 shows a device according to a first embodiment of the invention in an open position; Figure 3 shows a device according to a first embodiment of the invention in a closed position; Figure 4 shows a cross-section along the line AA'of the device as illustrated in Figure 3; Figure 5 illustrates the initial set-up of the tackle including the device prior to deployment. Note that the device and associated tackle are not to scale; Figure 6 illustrates the same tackle after deployment; Figure 7 shows a second embodiment of a device utilising a clip to secure the weight line, here shown in the open position; Figure 8 shows the embodiment of Figure 7 in the closed position; Figure 9 shows a third embodiment of a device according to the invention; and Figure 10 shows a fourth embodiment of a device according to the invention.

Figure 11 shows a fifth embodiment of a device according to the invention, which includes a spring mechanism.

Figure 12 shows a sixth embodiment of a device according to the invention, also including a spring mechanism.

Detailed Description of the Exemplary Embodiments Referring to Figures 2 and 3 there is shown a device 21 for attaching a weight 1 to the leader line 3 of a fishing line via a fail-safe weak link line 2 and a stronger breaking gauge temporary link line in the form of a loop 34, and a means to release said stronger link line. In addition, there is a circular projection 22 for attaching a hook 8 to the device. The set up and operation of the device in use will be described later, with reference to Figures 4,5 and 6.

The device has two positions: open and closed.

Figure 2 illustrates the device in the open position. The device consists of a central shaft 23 with a notch 24 in it, said shaft fitting within an outer sleeve 25, close fitting but able to slide along the length of the outer sleeve 25. Provision is made for fitting a loop of line along the central shaft to fit in the aforementioned notch. The ends of the central shaft have eyes 28 and 29 at opposite ends for attaching the leader line and weak link line. In this embodiment, the eyes ensure that the outer sleeve remains captive. The notch on the central shaft is placed towards the lower (eye 28) end, to which the weight weak link will be attached in use.

Attached to outer sleeve 25 is the hook carrier 22. Other embodiments may have different provisions to attach the hook to the device.

Figure 3 illustrates the device in the closed position showing central shaft 23 pushed into outer sleeve 25 as shown, concealing the notch 24.

Figure 4 shows a cross-section of the device in the closed position along line AA'in Figure 3 with central shaft 23 pushed inside the outer sleeve 25 as shown in Figure 3, securing the line 34 in the notch 24. The notch 24 and central shaft 23 are shaped and sized so that loop of line 34 (shown in broken lines) can lie captive in the notch, running either side of a narrow ridge 26 to the exterior of the device.

Figure 5 shows the initial set-up of the main embodiment of the device 21 when in use. To allow adjustment of the relative positions of the hook carrying projection 22 of device 21 and hook 8 to the device, the hook 8 itself is attached by the hook line 9 to the leader 3 by means of a sliding knot 33. To prevent the hook line being dragged down the leader a stop knot 14 is tied on the leader to limit the degree of freedom of the hook line.

The hook is attached to the carrying and release device 21 by the hook carrier projection 22. By adjustment of sliding knot 33 the line connecting hook to leader can be kept taut until impact with the water. The weight 1 is attached temporarily to the device by a weight line loop 34 (see figure 4 for detail). The weak link line 2 is attached permanently between eye 28 of the device and the weight.

The loop of heavy breaking strain line 34 is placed in the notch of the device 24 while open and the central shaft 23 slid into outer sleeve 35. The notch and the snug fit thus created inside the retaining shaft ensure that the weight 1 is now firmly connected to the leader 3. Thus when casting and such like the strain put on the line by the weight can be easily withstood.

Figure 6 shows the same combination of tackle after it has been deployed. The device 21 is now in the open position. Upon deployment the weight leads the line into water, followed by the leader line and associated tackle.

The force of entry into the water will have an immediate retarding action on the outer part of the device while inertial forces will carry the weight 1 forward, and with it central shaft 23 of the device. Thus the device will progress from the closed to the open position. In the open position the loop of stronger breaking strain line 34 which initially connected the weight to the leader line 3 is no longer captive and becomes disengaged as shown in Figure 6. The weak link line 2 is now the only connection between the weight 1 and the rest of the tackle attached to the leader line 3 being used.

Thus if any fouling of the weight occurs the weak line can break to release the rest of the tackle.

Since projection 22 is now also closer to sliding knot 33 which joins hook line 9 to the leader line 3, the hook 8 will also become disengaged from the device completely. The fishing tackle is now fully deployed.

Compared with the hook 6 of Figure 1, the advantage of this system is that the weight is more firmly and safely held in place during such actions as casting the line, and yet is also more reliably released upon entry into the water. The release mechanism ensures that the temporary weight line is freed positively from any restraint, allowing the weak link line to operate as intended.

Another advantage is that the hook may also be carried safely by the same device and reliably released. The projection 22, being shaped as an inverted cup in this embodiment, also provides the necessary resistance to ensure sliding of the outer sleeve 25 upon entry into the water. These functions could in another embodiment be performed by different projections.

Figure 7 shows a second embodiment of the device is shown in, here seen in the open position. This replaces the notch on the central shaft with an end mounted clip 38 that can hinge to fit inside the retaining shaft.

Figure 8 shows this embodiment in the closed position. The clip can trap a loop of heavy breaking gauge line attached to the weight, holding it inside outer sleeve 25. Upon impact with the water the device opens as before and clip 38 releases the loop of line.

Referring to Figure 9 there is a third embodiment of the device, here shown in the open position, in which the notch on the central shaft is replaced by an end mounted sprung clip 39 which can be set inside the retaining shaft. The clip traps the loop of heavy breaking gauge line attached to the weight holding it inside the outer sleeve 2. Upon impact with the water the device opens as before and the clip springs free of the shaft, releasing the loop of line. The central shaft 23 and clip 39 can be moulded in one piece.

Figure 10 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention wherein a further projection 40 is provided as a shield for bait and a separate projection 22 for attaching the hook is provided as before.

Various other modifications can of course be made within the scope of the present invention, and the above described embodiments are not to be considered as limiting in any respect.

It should be appreciated, for example, that the invention does not depend upon the provision of two components sliding one within the other.

Two components connected by a hinge or in other ways are equally possible.

The two parts may in principle be formed as a single moulded article.

Furthermore, the two (or more) components may include means for positively urging the loop 34 of the line and/or the hook out of engagement with the recess. These may be a separate spring-loaded component, for example, or a"ramp"feature following the main part of the outer sleeve after it clears the recess. Simplicity is of course desirable, for reasons of cost, reliability and ease of set-up. Unlike the hook 6 in the prior art of Figure 1, the notch 24 in the embodiments has a relatively open profile (without overhangs or re-entrant features). This should ensure reliable disengagement without such additional features being necessary.

Figure 11 shows a fifth embodiment of a device according to the invention. A spring 44 fits through a slot 46 in the central shaft 23 and projects out of the slot at both sides to engage grooves formed along the inside of outer sleeve 25. The spring engagement defines the frictional relationship between the two parts, allowing the outer sleeve part to fit firmly about the inner shaft part to provide for improved captivity of the hook, but without jamming. Because the grooves do not extend fully to the leader line end of the outer sleeve 22 (left end in Figure 11), the spring must be compressed as the outer sleeve is fitted onto the inner shaft with spring.

The spring then expands into the groves, and thus serves to retain the outer sleeve part captive with the inner shaft part, while permitting sliding between the open and closed positions. This reduces the need for complicated arrangements of knots and or ancillary components in order to secure the device parts to the line in their proper operating relationship. The set-up and operation of the device is kept simple while still retaining all the previously discussed advantages.

Figure 12 shows another embodiment of a device according to the invention including a spring mechanism, in this case the spring 44 taking the form of a split portion of the inner shaft 23 which can engage the outer sleeve 25. The sprung portion 44 of the shaft 23 urges itself against the inside of the outer sleeve and so defines the level of friction between the two parts for improved captivity of the weight line without jamming. In this case, the outer sleeve 25 is held captive to the inner shaft 23 by means of a tongue 48 and groove 50 in the shaft 23 and sleeve 25 parts respectively.

The spring element could also be used in conjunction with other such fishing tackle devices, such as have been described in the prior art, in order to improve their operation by latching and/or regulating friction.

In yet other applications the device need not be permanently connected in line between the leader and the weak link. It may merely be attached at some point to the leader, or to the weak link. In principle, the device need not be permanently attached to the rest of the tackle at all, if it need not be recovered (for example ground bait or a sacrificial weight).

The device can be moulded or machined in one, two or more pieces from metal or plastic. A combination of materials and methods can of course be used.

In a multiple rig set-up, more than one device may be connected along the same leader line.

The skilled reader will appreciate that these and many other modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the present invention, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the specific examples described above and illustrated in the drawings.

Claims (28)

1. Claims 1. A device for holding and releasing a fishing weight or other fishing tackle, said device comprising first and second co-operating parts formed for holding a first connecting means so as to connect a weight to a leading line during casting, the weight also being attached to the leading line more permanently by a second connecting means, the two parts being relatively movable in use between a closed configuration in which said first connecting means can be held captive between them and an open configuration in which said first connecting means will be released, and being formed such that movement from the closed configuration to the open configuration will be effected under the force of water as the device is dragged into water by the weight.
2. 2. A device as claimed in claim 1 adapted to be permanently connected in-line between said leading line and the second connecting means, while the second part is movable relative to it.
3. 3. A device as claimed in any of claims 1 and 2 wherein the first part of the device is adapted to be held on the leading line.
4. 4. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first part of the device comprises a central shaft for permanent connection to the leading line.
5. 5. A device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the second part is carried by an outer sleeve arranged to slide relative to the shaft as the device is dragged through water, so as to move the parts between said closed and open configuration.
6. 6. A device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the second part of the device is formed by a portion of said outer sleeve.
7. 7. A device as claimed in claim 5 or 6 wherein said positive captivity is provided by a recessed section in said first part of the device which is covered and uncovered by said second part in the closed and open configuration respectively.
8. 8. A device as claimed in claim 7 wherein said recessed section is adapted to hold a loop of line.
9. 9. A device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the second part of the device is separate from said sleeve, but retained by said sleeve in said closed configuration with the first part and relative movement of the two parts is caused indirectly in response to the force of entry into the water.
10. 10. A device as claimed in any preceding claimwherein said positive captivity is provided by means of a hinged clip attached to said first part of the device.
11. 11. A device as claimed in claim 9 wherein said positive captivity is provided by means of a spring loaded clip attached to said first part of the device.
12. 12. A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9 wherein a projection is formed on the device to provide sufficient resistance on entry to the water to ensure movement from the closed to the open configuration.
13. 13. A device as claimed in claim 12 wherein said projection is adapted to act as a hook holding and release device.
14. 14. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a separate projection is formed on the device to act as a hook holding and release device.
15. 15. A device as claimed in any of claims 12 to 14 wherein said projection or separate projection also functions to shield said hook from the force of entry into water.
16. 16. A method of casting a fishing line, wherein a device according to any preceding claim is used in the closed configuration to retain a weight and then to release the weight upon casting.
17. 17. A method as claimed in claim 16 wherein the second connecting means connecting means the weight to the device is arranged to have a weaker breaking point than the first connecting means.
18. 18. A method as claimed claim 16 or 17 wherein the device in the closed configuration firmly holds said weight and said hook is held by said projection by ensuring the line connecting the hook to said leader line under tension.
19. 19. A method as claimed in claim 18 wherein said projection moves with the sleeve upon entry into the water and releases the tension in said line connecting said hook to said leader line to release the hook from being held by said projection.
20. 20. A device for releasing fishing tackle, said device comprising first and second co-operating parts relatively movable between open and closed configurations under the force of entry into water, the first and second parts engaging one another by a spring arrangement.
21. 21. A device as claimed in claim 20 wherein the spring defines the degree of friction between the co-operating parts of said device resisting movement from the closed configuration to the open configuration.
22. 22. A device as claimed in claim 20 or 21 wherein the spring arrangement acts to keep captive the second part of said device to the first part.
23. 23. A device as claimed in claim 20,21 or 22 wherein said spring arrangement comprises a separate spring part.
24. 24. A device as claimed in claim 23 wherein the first part is received within the second part and wherein said separate spring part is fitted through the body of the first part of said device.
25. 25. A device as claimed in claim 20,21 or 22 wherein said spring arrangement is formed integrally with at least one of the first and second parts.
26. 26. A device as claimed in claim 25 wherein the first part is received within the second part and wherein the spring arrangement is provided by a split portion of the first part of said device to engage the second part.
27. 27. A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 15 further comprising the features of any of claims 20 to 29.
28. 28. A device for releasing fishing tackle substantially as described herein with reference to any of Figures 2 to 12.