GB2482506A

GB2482506A - A shock absorbing line for a fishing pole

Info

Publication number: GB2482506A
Application number: GB1013096.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark Harvey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-08-03
Filing date: 2010-08-03
Publication date: 2012-02-08
Also published as: GB201013096D0

Abstract

A top kit 1 for a fishing pole comprises a hollow tube 2 and an elastic strand 8 having a first end 18 anchored inside the hollow tube and a second end 20 to which, in use, a fishing line is attached. The elastic strand includes first and second portions, wherein the first portion is stretched by a lower amount than the second portion when subjected to the same stretching force. The two portions may each be of a uniform width, the width of the first portion being greater than that of the second. Alternatively, the elastic strand may taper in width along at least a part of its length. The elastic strand may be solid, or may be hollow with a bore extending therethrough, said bore preferably varying in cross-sectional size while the outer width of the elastic strand remains uniform. The elastic strand is preferably circular in cross-section. Also disclosed is a fishing pole comprising the top kit of the invention, and methods of making a fishing equipment and of catching fish.

Description

FISHING POLES

The present invention relates to an elastic strand for use in connecting a fishing line to a fishing pole.

Most recreational and competition fishing is now carried out by the use of fishing poles. As is well known in the art, fishing poles comprise a number of io sections that are joined together longitudinally until the pole has reached the desired length. The fishing line extends from the end of the pole. At the upper end of almost all modern fishing poles there is provided a top kit', to which the fishing line is connected. The top kit is a hollow tube in which is fitted an elastic strand that connects the fishing line to the fishing pole. More specifically, one end of the elastic strand is anchored in the hollow tube of the top kit and the other end is attached to a connector. The end of the fishing line is then tied to the connector. This elastic strand serves as a shock absorber arranged between the fishing pole and the wriggling fish caught at the free end of the fishing line.

If the elastic strand stretches too much in use then it is very difficult to pull the fish close enough to land it and the fish may even snap the line since the elastic strand cannot stretch further. On the other hand, if the elastic strand is too rigid then it may not provide enough shock absorbing effect. The elastic strand must therefore be matched to the weight and strength of the fish that one is expecting to catch.

Current practice is therefore to change the elastic strand in the fishing pole when attempting to catch a different type or size of fish. Alternatively, one may swap the top kit for a pre-prepared top kit having a different grade of elastic strand. Not only is this an additional expense and a time consuming process, but it also means that if one catches a fish that is of an unexpected weight or strength the elastic strand that has been selected is ineffective.

It is therefore desired to provide an improved elastic strand for a fishing pole, an improved top kit for a fishing pole, and an improved fishing pole.

From a first aspect, the present invention provides a top kit for a fishing pole comprising a hollow tube and an elastic strand within the hollow tube, wherein the elastic strand has a first end anchored inside of the hollow tube and extends to a second end at which a fishing line is attached in use. The elastic strand is configured such that its length includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first and second portions are of equal length and the first portion is stretched by a lower amount than the second portion when subjected to the same stretching force.

By providing the elastic strand with portions of different elastic stretchability the same elastic strand is able to be used for catching fish of a variety of different sizes and strengths.

It will be appreciated that it is not essential that the first and second portions are discrete identifiable portions of the elastic strand. Rather, these portions are stated as haVing the same length in order for the comparison of stretchability to be meaningful. It will be appreciated that in order to determine the properties;of, an elastic strand, first and second portions of the same length can be cut from the elastic strand and stretched from their ends under the same conditions.

The first and second portions are preferably taken to be non-overlapping lengths of the elastic strand.

Preferably, in its unstretched condition, the elastic strand varies in width along at least part of itS length from being relatively wide to being relatively narrow. This variation in width provides the first and second portions of the elastic strand with the different elastic stretchabilities discussed in the first aspect above.

In one set of. embodiments, the elastic strand, in its unstretched condition, tapers in width along at least part of its length from being relatively wide to being relatively narrow. This taper provides the first and second portions of the elastic strand with the different elastic. stretchabilities discussed in the first aspect above. Preferably, the taper extends along the entire length of the elastic strand. Alternatively, the taper may extend along only a portion of the elastic strand, with the remainder of the elastic strand being of uniform width.

The taper is preferably a continuous, non-stepped taper in width.

At least part of the length of the elastic strand, which includes the first and second portions, preferably tapers from a width of 5 mm down to 0.5 mm, or tapers from a width of 3 mm down to 0.5 mm, or tapers from a width of 2.5 mm down to 1 mm, or tapers from a width of 2 mm down to 1.5 mm.

Additionally, or alternatively, at least part of the length of the elastic strand (which includes the first and second portions) preferably tapers in width over a length selected from the group of: at least 10 cm, at least 20 cm, at least 40 cm, at least 60 cm, at least 80 cm, at least 100 cm, at least 150 cm, at least cm, at least 250 cm, and at least 300 cm.

In another set of embodiments, the elastic strand, in its unstretched condition, includes a first length of a first uniform width that provides said first portion and a second length of a second uniform width smaller than the first width so as to provide said second portion. The first portion of the elastic strand is the first length or is within the'first length. The second portion of the elastic strand is the second length or is within the second length. This variation in width provides the first and second portions of the elastic strand with the different elastic stretchabilities discussed in the first aspect above.

Preferably, the first length has a width in a range selected from the group consisting of: 1-1.5 mm, 1.5-2 mm, 2-2.5 mm, 2.5-3 mm, 3-3.5 mm, 3.5-4 mm, and 4-4.5.

Additionally, or alternatively, the second length has a width in a range selected from the group consisting of: 0. 5-1 mm, 1-1.5 mm, 1.5-2 mum, 2-2.5 mm, 2.5-3 mm, 3-3.5 mm, and 3.5-4 mm. The widths of the first and second lengths may be selected from these ranges, although the first length has a greater width than the second length.

Preferably, the elastic strand includes at least one further length, each further length having a uniform width that is different to the first and second uniform widths. When more than one further length is provided, each further length preferably has a different uniform width. One, two, three, four, five or more further lengths may be provided.

Any one or each of the first, second and further lengths may have a length selected from the group consisting of: at least 10 cm, at least 20 cm, at least cm, at least 60 cm, at least 80 cm, at least 100 cm, and at least 150 cm.

In any one of the embodiments described herein, the relatively wide portion of the elastic strand is preferably located towards the first end of the elastic strand that is attached to the hollow tube and the relatively narrow portion is preferably located towards the second end for attachment to a fishing line.

Preferably, the first and second portions of the elastic strand are formed of the same material. More preferably, the first and second portions of the elastic strand are formed from a single continuous integral piece of material. Preferably, the entire length of the elastic strand is formed from a single continuous integral piece of material. In a less preferred embodiment, the first and second portions of the elastic strand may be formed from different elastic materials.

The elastic strand may be a hollow strand having an open bore extending therethrough along at least a part of its length, and preferably along its entire length.

The bore is preferably of constant cross sectional size and/or shape. Alternatively,, the elastic strand may be a solid strand of material, having no bore therethrough.

The elastic strand may be solid along its entire length.

In less a preferred embodiment, the elastic strand is a hollow strand having an open bore extending therethrough, wherein the outer width of the elastic strand is uniform over at least the first and second S portions, and wherein the bore varies in cross-sectional size so as to provide the first and second portions with the different elastic stretchabilities.

In another less preferred embodiment, the first and second portions have the same uniform outer width and are formed from different elastic materials so as to provide the first and second portions with the different elastic stretchabilities.

In any one of the embodiments described herein, the elastic strand preferably has a total length selected is from the group consisting of: at least 0.5 m, at least 1 m, at least 2 m, at least 3 m and at least 4 m.

Additionally, or alternatively, the elastic strand may have a total length selected.from the group consisting of: less than 5m, less than 4m, less than 3m, less than 2 m or less than 1 m.

The first and/or second portion preferably have a length selected from the group consisting of: at least cm, at least 20 cm, at least 40 cm, at least 60 cm, at least 80 cm, and at least 100 cm.

Preferably, the elastic strand has a cross-sectional shape that is circular, and preferably at any point along its entire length. In the embodiments wherein the strand is hollow, the strand may have a cross-sectional shape that is annular. Accordingly, when the width of the strand is referred to above this preferably corresponds to the outer diameter of the strand. Less preferably, the strand may have other shaped cross-sections, such as square cross-section.

The elastic material of the strand is preferably an elastomer.

Other embodiments are also contemplated wherein the strand has both a tapered length and a length of uniform width.

The present invention also provides a top kit as in any of the embodiments described above, further comprising a fishing line connected to the first end of the elastic strand.

It will be appreciated that the top kit may be an integral part of a fishing pole.

The present invention also provides a top kit for a is fishing pole comprising an elastic strand that varies in diameter along the length of the elastic strand. The diameter of the elastic strand preferably varies in a stepped or a tapered manner along its length.

The elastic strand may have any one or combination of the features described above.

For example, the elastic strand may taper along a length which is within any one of the ranges of lengths described above. Alternatively, or additionally, the elastic strand may have a width that tapers within any one of the ranges described above.

When the elastic strand is stepped, it may have a first and second length (and optionally further lengths), each length having a uniform width that is different to that of the other lengths. Each of these first, second and optional further lengths may have a length and/or width within any one of the ranges described above.

The elastic strand may be hollow with a bore extending therethrough or may alternatively be a solid strand.

The total length of the elastic strand may be within any one of the ranges described above.

The strand may have an outer cross-sectional area that is circular.

The present invention also provides a fishing pole comprising a top kit having any of the features described above.

Preferably, the fishing pole comprises a plurality of pole sections that are connected end to end, with the top kit being arranged at one end of the pole.

The present invention also provides an elastic strand for attaching a fishing line to a fishing pole, wherein the elastic strand is configured such that its length includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first and second portions are of equal length and the first portion is stretched by a lower amount than the second portion when subjected to the same stretching force.

The elastic strand may have any one or combination of the features of the elastic strand described above.

The present Invention also provides an elastic strand for attaching a fishing line to a fishing pole, wherein the elastic strand varies in diameter along its length, preferably in a stepped or a tapered manner.

The strand may have an outer cross-sectional area that is circular.

The present invention also provides a method of making a fishing equipment comprising attaching an elastic strand to a fishing pole or top kit of a fishing pole so as to form any one of the apparatuses described above.

The present invention also provides a method of catching fish comprising using any one of the apparatuses described above.

An illustrative prior art arrangement and an

embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows the top kit of a conventional fishing pole; and Fig. 2 shows a top kit according to a preferred embodiment of the present application.

-10 -As has been discussed above, conventional fishing poles are made up of a plurality of sections that are connected end-to-eid until the fishing pole has reached the desired length. The fishing pole is to be gripped at the lower end and at the top end there is provided a top kit' to which the fishing line is attached.

Figure 1 shows a top kit 1 of the type that is fitted at the top end of a conventional fishing pole (not shown). The top kit 1 comprises a hollow tube 2 that tapers down in diameter from a first end 4 to a second end 6. The first end 4 of the hollow tube 2 is connected to the remainder of the fishing pole and the second end 6 forms a free, top end of the fishing pole.

The hollow tube 2 of the top kit 1 is typically between two and three metres long.

An elastic strand 8 is provided inside of the hollow tube 2. The elastic strand 8 is anchored to the first end 4 of the hollow tube 2 by an anchoring device 10, such as a bung. The elastic strand 8 runs from the anchor 10 to the second end 6 of the hollow tube 2, at which it is connected to a fishing line 12 by a connector 14. The fishing line 12 then extends away from the connector 14 to the end on which the fish is to be caught (not shown). The fishing line 12 may comprise a float or lure 16, towards. the end on which the fish is to be caught.

As described above, the elastic strand 8 is used in order to provide a shock absorbing effect between a struggling fish and the fishing pole. The stretchability of this conventional elastic strand 8 must be matched to the type of fish that is expected to be caught. This means that many different elastic -L1 -strands 8 must be used to catch a variety of different fish effectively.

Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is substantially identical to the arrangement shown in Figure 1, except for the elastic strandS. Although the connector 14 and fishing line 12 are not shown in Figure 2 they are present in the preferred embodiment.

The elastic strand 8 has a first end 18 that is anchored to the first end 4 of the hollow tube 2 by the anchor 10. The elastic strand 8 extends to a second end at the second end 6 of the hollow tube 2. In the preferred embodiment, the diameter of the elastic strand 8 tapers uniformly from a relatively large diameter at a first end 18 of the elastic strand 8 to a relatively small diameter at the second end 20 of the elastic strand 8, in its unstretched condition.

A given portion of the elastic strand 8 towards the first end 18 of the elastic strand 8 is therefore relatively more difficult to stretch as compared to a portion having the same length and located closer to the second end 20 of the elastic strand 8.

The different portions of the elastic strand 8 are therefore suitable for catching different sizes and strengths of fish. For example, the portion of the elastic strand 8 having a range of relatively large diameters is suitable for catching large and/or strong fish, whereas the portion of the elastic strand 8 having a range of relatively small diameters is suitable for catching small and/or weaker fish. The elastic strand 8 of the preferred embodiment is therefore suitable for catching a large variety of fish in an effective manner.

Claims

-12 -Claims: 1. A top kit for a fishing pole comprising a hollow tube and an elastic strand within the hollow tube, wherein the elastic strand has a first end anchored inside of the hollow tube and extends to a second end at which a fishing line is attached in use; wherein the elastic strand is configured such that its length includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first and second portions are of equal length and the first portion is stretched by a lower amount than the second portion when subjected to the same stretching force.
2. A top kit as claimed in claim 1 wherein, in its unstretched condition, the elastic strand varies in width along at least part of its length from being relatively wide to being relatively narrow, the variation in width providing said first and second portions of different stretchability.
3. A top kit as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein, in its unstretched condition, the elastic strand tapers in width along at least part of its length from being relatively wide to being relatively narrow, the taper providing said first and second portions of different stretchability.
4. A top kit as claimed in claim 3 wherein said taper is a continuous, non-stepped taper.

-13 -
5. A top kit as claimed in any one of claims 2, 3 or 4 wherein the elastic strand tapers in width over a length selected from the group of: at least 10 cm, at least 20 cm, at least 40 cm, at least 60 cm, at least 80 cm, at least 100 cm, at least 150 cm, at least 200 cm, at least 250 cm, and at least 300 cm.
6. A top kit as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein, in its unstretched condition, the elastic strand includes a first length of a first uniform width that provides said first portion and a second length of a second uniform width smaller than the first width so as to provide said second portion.
7. A top kit as claimed in claim 6 wherein the elastic strand includes at least one further portion, each further portion having a uniform width that is different to the first and second uniform widths.
8. A top kit as claimed in claim 6 or 7 wherein each of the first and/or second and/or further length has a length selected from the group consisting of: at least cm, at least 20 cm, at least 40 cm, at least 60 cm, at least 80 cm, at least 100 cm, and at least 150 cm.
9. A top kit as claimed in any one of claims 2-8 wherein the relatively wide portion of the elastic strand is located towards the first end of the elastic strand that is attached to the hollow tube and the relatively narrow portion is located towards the second end for attachment to a fishing line.

-14 -
10. A top kit as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first and second portions of the elastic strand are formed of the same material.
11. A top kit as claimed in any one of claims 1-9 wherein the first and second portions of the elastic strand are formed from different elastic materials.
12. A top kit as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the elastic strand is a hollow strand having an open bore extending therethrough.
13. A top kit as claimed in any one of claims 1-11 wherein the elastic strand is a solid strand of material, having no bore therethrough.
14. A top kit as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the elastic strand has a circular cross section.
15. A top kit as claimed in claim 1 wherein the elastic strand is a hollow strand having an open bore extending therethrough, wherein the outer width of the elastic strand is uniform over at least the first and second portions and the bore varies in cross sectional size so as to provide the first and second portions of different stretchabilities.
16. A top kit as claimed in claim 1 or 15 wherein the first and second portions have the same uniform width and wherein the first and second portions of the elastic strand are formed from different elastic materials so as -15 -to provide these portions with the different stretchabilities.
17. A top kit as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a fishing line connected to the first end of the elastic strand.
18. A top kit for a fishing pole comprising an elastic strand that varies in diameter along the length of the elastic strand, preferably in a stepped or a tapered manner.
19. A fishing pole comprising the top kit of any preceding claim.
20. A fishing pole according to claim 19 comprising a plurality of pole sections that are connected end to end, with said top kit being arranged at one end of the pole.
21. An elastic strand for attaching a fishing line to a fishing pole, wherein the elastic strand varies in diameter along its length, preferably in a stepped or a tapered manner.
22. An elastic strand for attaching a fishing line to a fishing pole, wherein the elastic strand is configured such that its length includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first and second portions are of equal length and the first portion is stretched by a lower amount than the second portion when subjected to the same stretching force, the strand preferably -16 -having the features of the elastic strand described in any one of claims 2-18.
23. A method of making a fishing equipment comprising attaching an elastic strand to a fishing pole or top kit of a fishing pole so as to form an apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-20.
24. A method of catching fish comprising using an apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-22.