Indicator with internal attachment mechanism

Abstract

A strike indicator and strike indicator tool assembly for fishing. The strike indicator includes two hemispheres that can form a substantially spherical outer dimensional size around a fishing line. The two hemispheres can be frictionally assembled together to prevent movement or slippage of the fishing line between the two hemispheres after assembly. The two hemispheres can be disassembled to replace the fishing line and reuse the strike indicator. The tool assembly includes a top insert and a bottom insert. The top insert and the bottom insert are compressed around a foam board to form a spherical outer shape pattern of the two hemispheres.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to tools, equipment, and methods for fishing. More specifically, this application is directed to impact indicators or buoys having a substantially spherical external shape factor. Background Technology

[0002] Fishing utilizes several accessories to enhance a fisherman's success. These accessories can include floats, strike indicators, weights, or buoys. While a simple fishing setup consists of a rod, line, and hook, specific accessories can significantly increase the success rate. Floats are traditional fishing accessories, equivalent to strike indicators used by fly anglers. Strike indicators alert the fisherman when a fish strikes a fly or bait. Strike indicators also function as floats because they float on the surface before the fish strikes and prevent flies, nylon lines, or hook lines from sinking.

[0003] Impact indicators should generally be very lightweight, buoyant, and easy to reuse. Furthermore, ease of casting, sensitivity to impact, and reduced drag across the water are also important. If an impact indicator is too heavy or destructive, it may stir up the water and scare away fish. When fishing for many species of fish, a concealed method is needed to keep the fish in the area during casting. However, current impact indicators have problems with at least one of the characteristics mentioned above.

[0004] The most widely used type of buoy currently on the market is described in U.S. Patent No. 8,950,107 by Rosenbloom. Rosenbloom's patent describes a floating spherical portion and protrusions extending from it, which can be connected to a line via a split screw and a nut. The line passes through the split screw, and the nut is tightened to secure it to the buoy. This design has a significant drawback because it is asymmetrical and non-cylindrical, causing uneven flow of the surrounding water when cast.

[0005] Furthermore, the slotted screws and nuts described herein cause problems for anglers. There is a market for spare locking nuts, which can be used to replace easily lost plastic parts, leading to unusable floats and the accumulation of plastic waste in rivers. User reviews and ratings contain complaints about the use of these designs in cold weather, windy conditions, or simply for everyday use. Others complain about the line getting caught or stuck in the screw base of the indicator during roll casting. Still others complain that the small screws are difficult to use with gloves or large fingers.

[0006] Other examples of similar structures include U.S. Patent No. 418,995 (Hollow Metal Sinking Sphere), U.S. Patent No. 6,125,574 (Fastener with a Conical Mechanical Assembly Structure Located Between the Half-Parts), and U.S. Patent No. 4,893,433 (Spherical Sliding Buoy). However, none of these patents provide a substantially spherical buoy that joins the parts and avoids the possible loss of loose parts.

[0007] Some impact indicators may require attaching to a hook rope, while others have a fastening system or even "glued" directly to the hook rope via adhesive or mechanical interference. Ease of attachment is crucial to overall satisfaction, and cumbersome attachment mechanisms or threaded sections wider than the receiving section can cause finger and thumb pain due to the hardware required for attachment. Adhesive indicators may be more prone to detaching on windy days or sticking themselves to the hook rope on hot days.

[0008] Impact indicators may even require tools or additional items to attach them to the hook line, which can cause problems if parts or components are lost or missing, as they can easily fall onto the ground around the angler or into the river. Furthermore, if the kit or tool does not include extra replacement parts, fishermen may be unlucky enough to realize the parts are missing. Windy conditions can also affect the effectiveness of impact indicators. Therefore, impact indicators must be equally lightweight, buoyant, and securely attached to the hook line to prevent tangling or movement.

[0009] Attaching an indicator to the line or hook may require external protrusions from the indicator itself to allow the line or hook to pass through. The indicator itself can be round, spherical, cylindrical, disc-shaped, or oblong. The overall shape of the impact indicator can also contribute to its overall effectiveness, buoyancy, and ability to be effectively thrown. Several materials are used for impact indicators, including foam, rubber, cork, yarn, or other materials known to have buoyancy. Typically, impact indicators are either too heavy, too prone to kinking, knotting, or tangling with the hook line, or have additional attachments that create additional drag on the water's surface.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for an impact indicator that is buoyant, lightweight, and without external protrusions or attachments. Summary of the Invention

[0011] This disclosure relates to an impact indicator that may include two hemispheres having substantially spherical outer dimensions, the hemispheres having connecting parts to facilitate a locking mechanism. These hemispheres may be constructed of substantially compressible foam. The compressibility of the foam helps to capture the fishing line between the two spherical hemispheres. Rigid hardware within each hemisphere is joined together to prevent slippage and hold the line in place. When closed and with lines of various diameters, the foam can eliminate gaps between the top and bottom hemispheres. The foam also generates friction between the top and bottom hemispheres to prevent parts from loosening during use. It can jam and tangle the fishing line during casting where gaps exist, but also prevents the need for different impact indicators based on the fishing line diameter. Screws and nuts within each respective hemisphere capture the line to form a friction fit and prevent the line from moving relative to the impact indicator.

[0012] In one aspect, the smooth, circular surfaces of the two hemispheres prevent drag on water because there are no significant external protrusions or hardware for tangling the line. After assembly, each connecting component can be located inside the two hemispheres, making parts less likely to be lost. Furthermore, because the fishing line passes between the two hemispheres, which combine to define a substantially spherical external shape without breaks or protrusions, the line is less likely to get caught or snagged in the screw-connecting components.

[0013] The connecting components for facilitating the friction-fit locking mechanism include a female nut connecting component and a male screw connecting component. In one embodiment, the male screw component has a threaded portion, a head, and a slotted portion. The slotted portion engages with the gap of the bottom hemisphere, and the screw connecting component is rotatably fitted into the nut connecting component.

[0014] In another aspect, when the foam engages beneath the screw and nut, as well as on the surfaces of the two mating parts, the connecting components are combined with the foam in two hemispheres to create a locking effect. This eliminates the need for additional washers or any other replacement parts, as each aspect is stored within the two hemispheres. Furthermore, compared to screws with excessively large threaded portions, the threaded portion of a screw requires significantly less pressure to apply and remove, resulting in a smaller gripping strength achieved by increasing leverage on the screw and nut via the foam.

[0015] In another aspect, the two separate hemispheres allow users to mix and match the colors of the bottom and top hemispheres to create a combination optimal for fishing conditions or improve visibility for fishermen with color vision deficiencies. The two hemispheres can be locked using a friction-fit locking mechanism that is easy for the user to separate, rather than a hinge or a more permanent connection. The compressible foam friction fit prevents pain or discomfort when the user removes the two hemispheres of the impact indicator from the fishing line or hook line.

[0016] In one embodiment, the tool for the impact indicator may include a pair of aluminum or steel inserts. The aluminum inserts may have a top insert and a bottom insert to form two hemispheres with a spherical outer shape factor. Either or both of the top or bottom inserts may have vents to increase ventilation during the compression process. During the manufacturing process, the top and bottom inserts may be compressed around a foam board to form the spherical outer shape factor of the top and bottom hemispheres of the impact indicator. The compressibility of the foam can facilitate a tighter frictional fit between the top and bottom hemispheres, which can ensure that the impact indicator remains together. The tight frictional fit and compressibility of the foam can also increase the performance of the impact indicator because it can increase the grip on the line, while the rigid internal components of the two hemispheres can lock the line in place. Furthermore, the compressed foam can be a very lightweight material and increase overall throwability.

[0017] The above overview is not intended to describe every illustrated embodiment or implementation of the subject matter of this invention. The following figures and detailed description illustrate various embodiments in more specific terms. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The subject matter of the invention can be more fully understood in light of the following detailed description of various embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a side view of the assembled impact indicator according to two embodiments.

[0020] Figure 2A and Figure 2B It is based on Figure 1A and Figure 1B An exploded view of the top hemisphere and bottom hemisphere of an impact indicator in an open or non-threaded arrangement, as shown in the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a side exploded view of an impact indicator assembly according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the top hemisphere of an impact indicator according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the bottom hemisphere of an impact indicator according to one embodiment, wherein the screw assembly is moved back into the gap.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a female nut connecting component and a corresponding male screw connecting component according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of a screw assembly having a female nut connecting part and a male screw connecting part.

[0026] Figure 8A This is a perspective view of an impact indicator with a fishing line detached according to one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 8B This is a perspective view of an impact indicator assembled with a fishing line according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 8C This is a perspective view of an impact indicator assembled with a hollow hemisphere according to one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a side view of a tooling mold assembly according to one embodiment.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of a cutting and die assembly according to one embodiment.

[0031] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a cutting and die assembly according to one embodiment.

[0032] Figure 12 This is a front view of a cutting and die assembly according to one embodiment.

[0033] Figure 13 The image shows an open view of a tool assembly according to one embodiment, depicting the vent therein.

[0034] Figure 14 This is an exploded view of a molded foam board before cutting, according to one embodiment.

[0035] While various embodiments may be subject to various modifications and alternatives, their details have been shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to limit the claimed invention to the specific embodiments described. Rather, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter defined by the claims. Detailed Implementation

[0036] This disclosure relates to an impact indicator assembly comprising two substantially spherical hemispheres having a connecting member. The assembly includes a top hemisphere and a bottom hemisphere. Either the bottom or top hemisphere may have an internal gap to facilitate engagement of a screw assembly to connect the top hemisphere to the bottom hemisphere. In other embodiments, the internal gap may be partially located within the top hemisphere and partially within the bottom hemisphere. The screw assembly may include a female nut connecting member that can reversibly engage with a male screw connecting member. In the embodiments, nothing (other than the fishing line being caught) causes the indicator to become unbalanced or bulky, extending beyond the substantially cylindrical external shape factor.

[0037] Throughout this disclosure, the term "substantially" is used to indicate that the form factor of the hemispherical or spherical shape of the devices described herein need not be precise. As described in more detail below, in one embodiment, these devices can be formed by compressing polymer foam, or in another embodiment by cutting cork into shape. Each of these processes has tolerances and expected deviations. As shown in some of the figures, in the polymer compression embodiment, small lip edges may be present in the base of the hemispherical portion; however, it should be understood that this does not diminish the overall, substantially hemispherical nature of those components. Similarly, slight misalignment between the male and female portions of the nuts and screws that hold these hemispheres is expected, and normal machining tolerances after quality control will not cause the device to be understood as having any factor other than a substantially spherical form factor. Depending on the process and materials used, these tolerances can vary with the device, and "substantially" is used as a substitute to acknowledge the variability of these physical processes and materials. As is the general problem described above, if the device produces negligible non-uniform resistance that is not desired by the fly angler, such as the resistance caused by conventional devices that include asymmetric or prominent features, then these devices should be understood to be substantially spherical.

[0038] Now for reference Figure 1A and Figure 1B These are representative implementations of the assembled impact indicators (102A and 102B, respectively). Figure 1A and Figure 1B An exemplary embodiment of the assembled impact indicator is shown in the side view. The two figures illustrate two similar embodiments; Figure 1A The version in the document includes a small flange 112 formed during the manufacturing process (see [link]). Figure 2A ),and Figure 1B They have a shape factor that eliminates the essentially spherical shape of the flange structure. Despite this minor structural difference, each of these overcomes the shortcomings of the conventional devices described above.

[0039] The top hemisphere and the bottom hemisphere (10⁴A / 10⁴B and 10⁶A / 10⁶B respectively, as shown in the figure) Figure 2A and Figure 2B (As shown) uses screw assembly 200 (see...) Figure 7 Interlocking. According to Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the side view, a fishing line 114 of any diameter (see Figure 8) can extend vertically through the point where the two hemispheres are adjacent to each other. In this embodiment, the diameter of the fishing line 114 can fall within the range of 0.10 to 0.60 mm. The top and bottom hemispheres (104A / 104B and 106A / 106B) can be held together using a screw assembly 200. When the flat portions of these hemispheres are adjacent to each other, the top and bottom hemispheres (104A / 104B and 106A / 106B) are adjacent to each other to form the spherical outer dimension of the assembled impact indicator 102A / 102B.

[0040] Different embodiments within the scope of this invention can have different sizes. For example, a "small-size" embodiment can be configured for use with lines ranging from 0.10 to 0.60 mm in diameter, and when assembled, the device itself has a diameter of 0.65 inches (16.5 mm). A medium-size device can be used with larger lines, such as those from about 0.21 mm to about 0.60 mm, and the device has an assembly diameter of 0.85 inches (21.6 mm). A large-size device can be adapted to lines with a diameter of about 0.40 mm to about 0.60 mm, and has an assembly diameter of 1.05 inches (26.7 mm). Larger devices can be better suited to larger line sizes to correspond to the intended fishing conditions and avoid breaking thin lines in extreme scenarios.

[0041] In addition to the advantages described above, the device described herein can have interchangeable top and bottom hemispheres. For various practical and aesthetic reasons, such as anglers might desire the device to have two hemispheres of different colors. By mixing and matching these colors or patterns, specific combinations can be formed based on angler preferences, or to indicate to sponsors or teams in competitions. Therefore, it is conceivable to provide kits comprising one or more hemispheres (whether top hemisphere only, bottom hemisphere only, or a combination of top and bottom hemispheres), which would facilitate this type of mixing and matching. These kits can be all of one type (bottom or top hemisphere), or they can be a category. Similarly, kits can include different styles or colors from each other, or they can be all of the same type.

[0042] Now for reference Figure 2A and Figure 2BThis figure shows a perspective view of the top and bottom hemispheres of the impact indicator. In this figure, screw 202 is still fully engaged with nut 210. Figure 3 However, for easier observation, the remaining foam of the top hemisphere 104 (which is typically secured to screw 202) is pulled back. The top hemisphere 104 and the bottom hemisphere 106 may define a gap 108 therebetween. Figure 3 This facilitates the engagement of the screw assembly 200 and eliminates the jamming problem of conventional solutions. In the completed assembly, screw 202 and nut 210 are each attached to their respective hemispheres (104 and 106). In embodiments, this connection can be permanent (e.g., by adhesive or molding), or it can be semi-permanent or removable. To ensure that the assembled impact indicator 102 generally maintains a substantially spherical shape factor regardless of how tightly or loosely the two hemispheres are screwed together, screw 202 and nut 210 are secured to the central region of the respective hemispheres (104 and 106). As described above, centering may not be precise, but should be within standard parts, assembly, and machining tolerances, such as by using the following Figure 9 And the mold described later.

[0043] The top hemisphere 104 and the bottom hemisphere 106 may both have substantially the same dimensions to facilitate a tighter frictional fit during assembly. Each hemisphere has a flange 112 extending around its flat periphery. (See again) Figure 2A and Figure 2B The bottom hemisphere 106 shows the engagement of the screw assembly 200 and the female nut connection component screwed into the gap 108 of the bottom hemisphere 106. The surfaces of the top and bottom hemispheres (104 and 106) may be substantially flat, including slight concavity.

[0044] Now for reference Figure 3 Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a representative embodiment of the impact indicator assembly 100. The impact indicator assembly 100 of Figures 1 and 2 includes a top hemisphere 104, a bottom hemisphere 106, a gap 108 within the bottom hemisphere 106, and a screw assembly 200 (see Figure 8). Except for the gap 108 within the bottom hemisphere 106, the top hemisphere 104 and the bottom hemisphere 106 have the same appearance and shape to facilitate the rearward movement of the screw assembly 200. In other embodiments, the gap can exist on one or both hemispheres. The top hemisphere 104 and the bottom hemisphere 106 can be made of foam material or any other reasonably compressible and buoyant material.

[0045] Now for reference Figure 4 and Figure 5These are representative embodiments of the top and bottom hemispheres (104 and 106) of an impact indicator, respectively, but the screw 202 still engages with the nut 210. The top hemisphere 104 and bottom hemisphere 106 may have a spherical external dimension or shape factor. Although there may be some deviation from a perfectly spherical external shape factor due to manufacturing tolerances and compression or movement of the materials constituting the hemispheres 104 and 106, it should again be understood that "substantially spherical" means the absence of any discontinuities or protrusions that significantly affect the performance of the overall article as a spherical impact indicator. The top hemisphere 104 and bottom hemisphere 106 may be made of compressible foam. The bottom hemisphere 106 differs slightly from the top hemisphere 104; in a sense, a gap 108 may exist within the bottom hemisphere 108 (see the cross-sectional view of Figure 8 for more details). The gap 108 within the bottom hemisphere allows engagement with the screw assembly 200. The top and bottom hemispheres (104 and 106) interlock to form the assembled impact indicator 102.

[0046] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In another embodiment, the top hemisphere 104 and the bottom hemisphere 106 may be shaped as ellipses rather than spheres. The gap 108 within the bottom hemisphere 106 may be shaped to engage with screws or attachment mechanisms of different sizes. As shown in these figures, the flange 112 may also extend around each hemisphere (104, 106) at the edges of the intersecting surfaces of the hemispheres, but this does not affect the overall spherical or elliptical shape factor.

[0047] Now for reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a representative embodiment of screw assembly 200 and its components. Screw assembly 200 includes a male screw coupling member 202 having a head 204 and a threaded portion 206. Screw 202 may have a notch 208 to allow fishing line 114 to pass through when the screw is engaged with a connecting member (e.g., 210). Screw assembly 200 may also have a female nut coupling member 210 having a centrally located orifice to allow the threaded portion 206 of screw 202 to thread into the female nut coupling member 210.

[0048] like Figure 7 As shown, nut 210 receives screw 202, which has a beveled guide 202A. This beveled portion facilitates threading, thus reducing some complaints about the difficulty of operation in cold weather or with large fingers or gloves, which are common with conventional devices.

[0049] Now for reference Figure 8AAn embodiment of a disassembled impact indicator is shown, with the fishing line passing through it. The top hemisphere 104 and the bottom hemisphere 106 are separate to show a substantially flat hemisphere. The compression fit of the top hemisphere 104 and the bottom hemisphere 106 helps to keep the screw assembly 200 tightly engaged, while the screw assembly 200 holds the fishing line 114 in place and prevents the line from slipping or moving by being tightly fitted onto the line.

[0050] Now for reference Figure 8B An embodiment of the assembled impact indicator is shown, with the fishing line passing through it. The top and bottom hemispheres (104 and 106) may have substantially flat inner surfaces that interact when the screw assembly 200 is tightened. The compressibility of the foam allows it to lock around the screw assembly 200 to prevent movement and allows for frictional assembly of the hardware. The screw assembly 200 locks around the fishing line 114 to hold it in place and prevent any slippage.

[0051] Now for reference Figure 8C The diagram illustrates an embodiment of an assembled impact indicator. In some embodiments, the assembled impact indicator may be hollow for buoyancy purposes. Instead of a solid foam hemisphere, the impact indicator may have a foam or other sufficiently buoyant material defining the outer perimeter of the hemisphere (the rest of the hemisphere being hollow). The hollow nature of the impact indicator facilitates buoyancy and allows it to be lighter than a solid impact indicator.

[0052] Now for reference Figures 9 to 13 This illustration shows an embodiment of an impact indicator die-cutting and molding tool assembly. The molding tool assembly 300 may consist of two aluminum or steel inserts. One of these inserts may be a top insert 302 having multiple cavities that can form the spherical outer dimension of the top of the impact indicator 102. The other insert may be a bottom insert 306, which may also have multiple cavities to form the other half of the spherical outer dimension of the bottom of the impact indicator 102. The top insert 302 and the bottom insert 306 may be compressed to form the impact indicator 102 from a foam board 308 or other suitable material.

[0053] Now for reference Figure 13 This is an embodiment of a compression molding tool. The mold may include two aluminum or steel inserts: a top insert 302 and a bottom insert 306. The top insert 302 and the bottom insert 306 may each have a vent 304 to increase ventilation during the compression process. The top insert 302 and the bottom insert 306 are joined together to compress the foam board 308, thereby forming the spherical outer dimensions of the top hemisphere 104 and the bottom hemisphere 106 of the impact indicator 102.

[0054] Now for reference Figure 14 The illustration shows an embodiment of a molded foam board prior to cutting. The foam board 308 can be cut to any diameter suitable for the impact indicator 102. After compressing and cutting the foam board, the female nut connecting part 210 and the male connecting screw part 202 can be arranged in the hemisphere cut from the foam board 308.

[0055] Return to reference Figure 3 During assembly, the impact indicator assembly 100 may have three components: a top hemisphere 104, a bottom hemisphere 106, and a screw assembly 200. The screw assembly 200 may include a female nut connecting component 210 with a centrally located orifice and a male screw connecting component 202 with a head 204 and a threaded portion 206. The screw assembly 200 can be assembled by engaging the female nut connecting component 210 with the threaded portion 206 of the male screw connecting component 202.

[0056] A gap 108 within the bottom hemisphere 106 receives a nut 210, which in turn receives a screw-connecting component 202, such that the screw assembly 200 holds the hemispheres 104 and 106 together. In an alternative embodiment, the gap 108 within the bottom hemisphere 106 may exist within the top hemisphere 106. The top hemisphere 104 and the bottom hemisphere 106 may be joined by engaging the flat portion of the top hemisphere 104 with the head 204 of the male screw-connecting component 202 (e.g., by adhesive). The foam of the assembled impact indicator 102 may be reasonably compressible and allow a friction-fit locking mechanism to hold the top hemisphere 104 and the bottom hemisphere 106 together.

[0057] Each hemisphere may have slight indentations on its inner surface, so that once they are screwed together (using screw assembly 200), the flanges 112 of each hemisphere will still be tightly fitted together. The indentations on the inner surface of each hemisphere facilitate frictional assembly primarily caused by the locking nut and screw, as the internal component parts can be further compressed to prevent movement of the fishing line 114. Without indentations, the foam may become too dense to allow the screw and nut hardware to hold together and lock the line. The male screw connecting component 202 can be relatively large to support the frictional assembly of the top and bottom hemispheres. Thus, the male screw connecting component 202 can force the foam of each hemisphere to be compressed around the head 204 of the male screw connecting component 202.

[0058] In operation, the top hemisphere 104 and bottom hemisphere 106 allow the fishing line 114 to be attached internally, passing through the space between the top hemisphere 104 and bottom hemisphere 106. The fishing line 114 can pass through the slot 208 to be secured at the center of the assembled impact indicator 102. The slot 208 facilitates the use of fishing line 114 with any diameter smaller than the width of the slot, thereby eliminating the need for screws and attachment mechanisms of different sizes. The slot 208 also ensures that the line passes substantially through the center of the impact indicator assembly 100, thereby preventing imbalance. The internal attachment of the fishing line 114 makes it easy to apply and reposition the assembled impact indicator 102.

[0059] The molding tool component 300 can be a two-step process. Figures 9 to 12 It is a mold used to cut molded foam hemispheres from a board. Figure 10 The cutting die 350 and compression molding tool 352 are shown. Figure 11 The subsequent 3D diagrams show these same components, and Figure 12 This is the front view. Figure 13 This is a detailed view of the interior of a compression molding tool, which is part of the molding tool assembly 300. That is, if halves 352A and 352B, or compression molding tool 352, are separate, the interior view is as follows: Figure 13 As shown in the image. Figure 13 The die 350 includes a cutting blade 354. An aluminum or steel fixing device can be used to ensure the hardware is positioned at the correct depth relative to the foam. This may be necessary if the foam tolerances are too large to ensure consistent hardware placement. It should be understood that while a die (350) or compression molding tool (352) may be used in some embodiments, other widely used mechanisms for cutting, machining, or forming foam or hollow spheres or hemispheres in a subtractive or additive manner are also possible.

[0060] The molding tool assembly 300 can be a compression-based system. A top insert 302 and a bottom insert 306 engage around a foam board 308 to form the spherical outer shape factor of each hemisphere. A mold is formed for each hemisphere when the top insert 302 and bottom insert 306 are heated and pressed together around the foam board 308. The foam board 308 can then be cut to remove the completed hemisphere. In another embodiment, the molding tool assembly can have top inserts 302 and bottom inserts 306 with varying dimensions. In yet another embodiment, the foam board 308 can be any lightweight and buoyant material to produce the impact indicator 102.

[0061] In another implementation, a solid screw can be used instead of a slotted screw. The user can wrap the wire around the solid screw instead of threading the wire through the slotted screw as described above. The advantage of this device is that the parts are less complex and it is easy to use for users who might find threading the wire through the screw difficult. Wrapping the wire around the screw is a quick alternative to threading the wire through the slotted screw, and can even be done when the two hemispherical parts are partially threaded together, but wrapping the wire can also be more difficult because the wire twists at a tight angle due to the force applied to it, which can lead to breakage.

[0062] This document describes various embodiments of the system, apparatus, and method. These embodiments are given by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that different features of the described embodiments can be combined in various ways to produce multiple additional embodiments. In addition, although various materials, sizes, shapes, configurations, and positions, etc., used with the disclosed embodiments have been described, other materials, sizes, shapes, configurations, and positions, etc., besides those disclosed, may be used without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.

[0063] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter of this invention may include fewer features than those shown in any of the individual embodiments described above. The embodiments described herein are not intended to be an exhaustive representation of how various features of the subject matter of this invention can be combined. Therefore, these embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, various embodiments are capable of including combinations of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments. Furthermore, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments, even if not described in those embodiments, unless otherwise indicated.

[0064] While dependent claims may refer to specific combinations with one or more other claims in the claims statement, other embodiments are also capable of including combinations of dependent claims with the subject matter of each other dependent claim, or combinations of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. These combinations are set forth herein unless stating a particular combination is not contemplated.

[0065] Any inclusion by reference to the foregoing documents is limited so that it does not include subject matter contrary to the express disclosure herein. Any inclusion by reference to the foregoing documents is further limited so that none of the claims included in those documents are incorporated herein by reference. Any inclusion by reference to the foregoing documents is further limited so that any limitations provided in the documents are not incorporated herein by reference unless expressly included herein.

[0066] For the purposes of interpreting the claims, the provisions of 35 U.S.SC §112(f) are not explicitly cited unless the specific terms “means for…” or “steps for…” are recorded in the claims.

Claims

1. An impact indicator assembly, comprising: A top hemisphere defines an initial uncompressed inner surface and a generally hemispherical outer surface, the top hemisphere being made of compressible foam, the initial uncompressed inner surface of the top hemisphere including a peripheral region and a recessed central region, the peripheral region surrounding the recessed central region, and the recessed central region being recessed inward relative to the peripheral region into the compressible foam. A bottom hemisphere defines an initial uncompressed inner surface and a generally hemispherical outer surface, the bottom hemisphere being made of the compressible foam, the initial uncompressed inner surface of the bottom hemisphere including a peripheral region and a recessed central region, the peripheral region surrounding the recessed central region, and the recessed central region being recessed inward relative to the peripheral region into the interior of the compressible foam; A rigid internal member configured to hold the fishing line, the rigid internal member comprising: A male screw connection component made of rigid material, the male screw connection component being received within a first receiving space extending inwardly from a recessed central region of the initial uncompressed inner surface of the top hemisphere, thereby being fixed to the recessed central region of the top hemisphere; and A female nut connecting component made of rigid material is configured to rotatably engage with the male screw connecting component, the female nut connecting component being received in a second receiving space extending inward from the recessed central region of the initial uncompressed inner surface of the bottom hemisphere, thereby being fixed to the recessed central region of the bottom hemisphere; Wherein, when the male screw connecting component and the female nut connecting component are configured to hold the fishing line in place between them when they are engaged, and to prevent movement by means of a tight fit on the fishing line; When the male screw connecting component engages with the female nut connecting component, the initial uncompressed inner surfaces of the top hemisphere and the bottom hemisphere are at least partially flattened by mutually compressing their respective outer peripheral regions, so that the at least partially flattened inner surfaces of the top hemisphere and the bottom hemisphere form a friction fit to prevent the female nut connecting component from rotating relative to the male screw connecting component.

2. The impact indicator assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The male screw connecting component is a slotted screw.

3. The impact indicator assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The male screw connection component includes an inclined guide portion.

4. The impact indicator assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The central recessed region of the initial uncompressed inner surface of the top hemisphere and the central recessed region of the initial uncompressed inner surface of the bottom hemisphere are both concave.

5. The impact indicator assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The top hemisphere and the bottom hemisphere can be moved away from each other by loosening the male screw connection from the female nut connection component.

6. The impact indicator assembly according to claim 1, wherein, When the initial uncompressed inner surfaces of the top hemisphere and the bottom hemisphere are at least partially pressed against each other, they are flush with each other, with a gap only near the male screw connection component.

7. The impact indicator assembly of claim 6, wherein, The gap is located near the bottom hemisphere.

8. The impact indicator assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first accommodating space of the top hemisphere and the second accommodating space of the bottom hemisphere each define a cavity.

9. The impact indicator assembly of claim 6, wherein, The male screw connecting component and the female nut connecting component form a screw assembly, which is rearward into the bottom hemisphere and is adjustable, and is configured to keep the gap of the fishing line tighter or looser by adjusting the degree to which the screw assembly is rearward into the bottom hemisphere.

10. The impact indicator assembly of claim 9, wherein, The top and bottom hemispheres are capable of generating frictional locking around the fishing line with a diameter within a certain range.

11. The impact indicator assembly of claim 6, wherein, The gap is located near the top hemisphere.

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