Automatic fishing knot tying device

Abstract

Provided is an automatic fishing knot tying device (10), comprising: a wire feeder (14) for conveying a fishing wire (8); a wire tensioner (16) for tensioning the wire; and a line manipulation assembly 18 operable to supply the line 8 by the line feeder 14 and configured to manipulate the line so that a fishing knot 12, such as a drip ring, is hit therein. The device 10 further comprises at least one junction sensor 20 for sensing a junction on the wire; a line collector (22) for collecting the fishing line knotted therein; and a controller 24 in signal communication with and configured to monitor and control the wire feeder 14, the wire tensioner 16, the steering assembly 18, the knot sensor 20, and the wire collector 22 to automatically and continuously beat spaced fishing knots along the fishing line, serving as a string hook group.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates broadly to the field of fishing and fishing knots, and more particularly to an automatic fishing knot tying device, a controller for such an automatic fishing knot tying device, and an automatic method for tying a fishing knot in a fishing line. BACKGROUND

[0002] The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended only to aid in understanding the invention. It will not be considered an admission that any of the material referred to was part of the prior art at the priority date of the application.

[0003] Fishing has been an important part of human culture since the hunter-gatherer era and is one of the few food production activities that has continued from prehistoric times to the present, undergoing the Neolithic Revolution and subsequent Industrial Revolution. In addition to fishing as food, fishing is also a recreational activity.

[0004] This recreational fishing, also known as sport or competitive fishing, is fishing for leisure, exercise, or competition. The most common way of recreational fishing is rod fishing, using a fishing set consisting of a fishing rod, a reel, a line, a hook, and various baits, as well as other supplementary devices such as a sinker, a float, a swivel, and a method feeder, collectively referred to as terminal tackle. A popular way of fishing is hand line fishing or hand fishing, in which a fishing line (usually on a reel) is held by hand, rather than using a fishing rod. Both rod fishing and hand fishing usually use a fishing set, which is a device for fishing and is assembled from one or more lines, hooks, sinkers, floats, swivels, lures, beads, and other fishing tackle. The fishing set can be fixed with a rod, hand, or on a boat or pier. One of the most common fishing sets is the so-called paternoster fishing set.

[0005] The paternoster fishing set is very popular among anglers because it can be used both in deep, rugged terrain or near beaches and rocks. The paternoster fishing set is usually equipped with one or more hooks and has a strong anti-bottom hanging ability. The paternoster fishing set can be set up by using a knot or a swivel, in which a dropper ring is connected to the main line, and various types of sinkers can be used, usually with a line loop sleeve or fixed to the bottom of the fishing set. This paternoster fishing set usually keeps the hooks away from the main line and makes the bait appear more natural in the water.

[0006] Tackle sets, such as a gang hook tackle set, often require a variety of fishing knots, which are typically special knots used to secure fishing line to hooks, lures, or swivels. When fishing, it is important to ensure that all knots used are tied properly so that they do not come undone while fishing, which can result in the loss of fish, lures, and / or the tackle set itself. A dropper loop knot generally refers to a method of tying a knot that connects additional bait, a metal hook, or a fly hook to a length of fishing line. The dropper loop is a type of loop knot commonly used in multi-hook fishing lines, especially gang hook tackle sets. It can be formed in the middle of a length of line and forms a loop on the side of the line. The method of tying a dropper loop knot generally involves forming a large loop in the middle of the line, grabbing the center of the loop, wrapping the loop around the intersection multiple times, opening a hole in the center near the intersection, passing the loop through the hole, and finally pulling the knot tight. This dropper loop knot is generally at an angle to the line, which helps to avoid tangling the line and is one of the simplest methods of adding multiple hooks to a tackle set.

[0007] As with any fishing knot, tying a dropper loop knot requires practice and skill to achieve the desired result, which can be difficult and time consuming to master, especially when tying fishing lines. Spending too much time and effort practicing tying a dropper loop knot while fishing can detract from the overall fishing experience. The present invention aims to simplify the process of manually tying fishing knots, such as dropper loop fishing knots, when assembling a tackle set. SUMMARY

[0008] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that references herein to "fishing line" and "line" generally include a broad reference to any flexible, high tensile cord that can be used to angle and pull on a fish, typically in conjunction with at least one hook. Such fishing lines can be reeled in by a reel, manually reeled in, secured at the end of a fishing rod, or reeled in by a suitable motor. Such fishing lines are typically made from synthetic polymers such as nylon, polyethylene, or polyvinylidene fluoride ("fluorocarbon") and can be monofilament or braided (multifilament).

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic fishing knot tying device, the device comprising: a fishing line feeder configured to feed a fishing line; a line tensioner configured to tension the line; a line manipulation assembly operable to be supplied with line from the feeder and configured to manipulate the line to tie a fishing knot therein, such as a dropper loop knot; at least one knot sensor configured to detect a knot tied in the line; a line collector configured to collect the fishing line with the fishing knot tied therein; and a controller arranged in signal communication with the line feeder, the line tensioner, the line handling assembly, the knot sensor and the line collector and configured to monitor and control the line feeder, the line tensioner, the line handling assembly, the knot sensor and the line collector to automatically and continuously cast spaced fishing knots along the fishing line for use as a stringer rig.

[0010] In an embodiment, the line feeder, the line tensioner, the line handling assembly, the knot sensor and the line collector are arranged on a platform.

[0011] In an embodiment, the line feeder comprises an electric motor arranged in alignment with a main shaft via a magnetic powder clutch, and a fishing line spool supported on the main shaft for feeding the line to the line handling assembly.

[0012] In an embodiment, the line tensioner is arranged between the line feeder and the line handling assembly and configured to tension the line to facilitate handling of the line by the line handling assembly.

[0013] In an embodiment, the controller monitors and controls the line feeder and the line tensioner to selectively tension the line provided to the line handling assembly.

[0014] In an embodiment, the line tensioner comprises a pulley assembly for tensioning the line and a biasing element, such as a spring.

[0015] In an embodiment, the line tensioner comprises a load element, the controller being arranged to monitor tension in the line via the load element.

[0016] In an embodiment, the pulley assembly comprises three pulleys, two of which are arranged substantially coplanar, the third pulley being arranged above, wherein the fishing line is operatively threaded through all three pulleys, wherein one of the upper pulleys comprises the load element.

[0017] In an embodiment, the biasing element is arranged behind the pulley assembly to bias the line in the lateral direction of motion.

[0018] In an embodiment, the line tensioner comprises an aligner configured to facilitate feeding of the line to the line handling assembly.

[0019] In an embodiment, the controller is configured to control the electric motor and the clutch of the line feeder in dependence on the monitored tension in the line.

[0020] In an embodiment, the line handling assembly comprises a plurality of positioning actuators configured to receive and position the line for knot tying; and a plurality of knot tying actuators configured to interact with the positioned line to tie fishing knots therein.

[0021] In an embodiment, the positioning actuators comprise a plurality of linear actuators controllably extendable or retractable to receive and position the line for knot tying.

[0022] In embodiments, the knot actuator comprises a plurality of linear actuators controllably extendable or retractable to manipulate the line to make the knot.

[0023] In embodiments, the controller is configured to cause the positioning actuator and the knot actuator to extend or retract in sequence to form a loop on the line, to wrap the loop around the intersection of the line a plurality of times, and to pass the loop through the hole proximate the intersection, the controller further configured to control the line feeder and / or the line collector to tighten the fishing line to form the final dropper loop knot.

[0024] In embodiments, the positioning actuator comprises three linear actuators extendable from and retractable into the platform, the three linear actuators arranged about the loop lifting actuator to facilitate wrapping the loop around the intersection of the line a plurality of times.

[0025] In embodiments, the knot actuator comprises four linear actuators arranged about the positioning actuator, two actuators arranged to position the line onto the positioning actuator, one linear actuator retractably and oscillatably disposed to facilitate wrapping the loop around the intersection of the line a plurality of times, and one linear actuator arranged to pass the loop through the hole proximate the intersection.

[0026] In embodiments, the one actuator retractably and oscillatably disposed interacts complementarily with the loop lifting actuator to facilitate wrapping the loop around the intersection of the line a plurality of times.

[0027] In embodiments, the knot actuator extends or retracts in a direction substantially transverse to the direction in which the positioning actuator extends or retracts.

[0028] In embodiments, the knot actuator extends or retracts in a plane substantially coplanar with the plane in which the line passes through the line manipulation assembly.

[0029] In embodiments, each of the positioning actuator and the knot actuator comprises a line engager configured to engage the line to facilitate interaction of the actuator with the line during knot making.

[0030] In embodiments, the line manipulation assembly comprises a line wetter configured to wet the line during knot making to minimize heat damage due to friction during knot making.

[0031] In embodiments, the line wetter comprises a fluid applicator configured to apply fluid to the line.

[0032] In embodiments, the knot sensor is arranged as a loop or ring through which the line being knotted passes.

[0033] In embodiments, the knot making device comprises two knot sensors arranged in sequence through which the line passes, the spacing between the knot sensors selected according to the desired spacing between knots in the line.

[0034] In embodiments, the line collector comprises a second motor arranged in alignment with the second main shaft via a second magnetic powder clutch; a second spool supported on the second main shaft for receiving the fishing line with the fishing knot tied therein.

[0035] In embodiments, the line collector comprises a wire guide configured to guide the tied line onto the second spool.

[0036] In embodiments, the controller generally comprises any suitable processor or microcontroller configured to receive input, perform logical and arithmetic operations on a suitable instruction set, and provide output; and temporary and / or non-temporary electronic memory, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC) or the like.

[0037] According to a second aspect of the present application, there is provided a controller for an automated fishing knot tying apparatus, the controller comprising a line feeder, a line tensioner, a line manipulation assembly operable to be supplied with the tensioned line from the line feeder and configured to manipulate the line to tie a fishing knot therein, at least one knot sensor and a line collector, the controller being arranged to monitor and control the line feeder, line tensioner, line manipulation assembly, knot sensor and line collector to automatically and continuously tie fishing knots (such as dropper loops) at spaced intervals along the fishing line for use as a stringer rig.

[0038] According to a further aspect of the present application, there is provided an automated method for tying fishing knots on a fishing line, the method comprising the steps of: feeding the fishing line by a line feeder; tensioning the line by a line tensioner; manipulating the line to tie a fishing knot therein, such as a dropper loop, by a line manipulation assembly operable to be supplied with the line from the line feeder; and collecting the fishing line with the fishing knot tied therein by a line collector.

[0039] In embodiments, the method comprises the step of monitoring and controlling the line feeder, line tensioner, line manipulation assembly and line collector by a suitable controller to automatically and continuously tie spaced fishing knots along the fishing line.

[0040] In embodiments, the step of manipulating the line comprises monitoring and controlling a plurality of positioning actuators configured to receive and position the line for knot tying, and a plurality of knot tying actuators configured to interact with the positioned line so as to tie a knot therein.

[0041] In embodiments, the step of manipulating the line comprises causing the positioning actuator and the knotting actuator to extend or retract in sequence to form a loop on the line, to wrap the loop around the intersection on the line a plurality of times, and to pass the loop through the hole proximate the intersection, and controlling the line feeder and / or the line collector to tighten the line to form the final dropper loop knot.

[0042] In embodiments, the method comprises the step of wetting the line during knotting by the wetter to minimize heat damage caused by friction during knotting.

[0043] In embodiments, the step of manipulating the line comprises sensing the distance between the knots in the line by two sequentially arranged knot sensors through which the line passes, the distance being selectable according to a desired distance between the knots in the line.

[0044] Another aspect of the present invention provides an automatic fishing knot tying device, a controller for an automatic fishing knot tying device, and a method for automatically tying a fishing knot on a fishing line, substantially as described and / or illustrated herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0045] The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of an automatic fishing knot tying device according to several aspects of the present invention, the device being configured to tie a dropper loop knot; and Figures 2 to 12 is Figure 1 is a diagrammatic closer perspective view of the line manipulation assembly of the automatic fishing knot tying device of DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood in any way as a restriction on the broad description of the invention as set out above.

[0047] In the drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the features of the one or more example embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, like reference numerals are used to designate like parts throughout the several views. Further, features, mechanisms, and aspects that are well known and understood in the field are not described in detail because such features, mechanisms, and aspects are well within the scope of persons skilled in the art.

[0048] Further, the drawings are not to scale and are merely intended to provide a functional outline of the present invention. Therefore, features and actual construction details required for the respective embodiments can not be indicated in each drawing, but a person skilled in the art will understand these construction requirements.

[0049] The present invention generally provides an automated fishing knot tying device 10 and an associated automated method for tying fishing knots on a fishing line. The device 10 is designed to automatically and continuously tie spaced apart fishing knots along the length of a fishing line 8, typically for use as a gang hook fishing set. The device 10 eliminates the need for manual repetitive knot tying, which requires skill and practice to master.

[0050] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the device 10 can be configured to tie various types of fishing knots, such as a clinch knot. Thus, while exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to tying a clinch knot, other fishing knots are equally applicable and are included as part of the broad reference to a clinch knot.

[0051] Referring now to the drawings, one embodiment of such an automated fishing knot tying device 10 is illustrated. In the exemplary embodiment, the device 10 generally includes a line feeder 14, a line tensioner 16, a line handling assembly 18, at least one knot sensor 20, and a line collector 22, all of which are generally monitored and controlled by a suitable controller 24. In a typical embodiment, the line feeder 14, line tensioner 16, line handling assembly 18, knot sensor 20, and line collector 22 are disposed on a suitable platform 26, such as a table top platform or the like.

[0052] The controller 24 is generally disposed in signal communication with and configured to monitor and control the line feeder 14, line tensioner 16, handling assembly 18, knot sensor 20, and line collector 22. Such monitoring is generally accomplished by suitable sensors, such as position sensors on the actuators, line tensioners, knot sensors in the line, and the like. In this manner, the controller 24 can be configured to facilitate the automatic and continuous tying of spaced apart fishing knots, such as clinch knots, along the fishing line 8, which is particularly useful for gang hook fishing sets.

[0053] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the controller 24 can include any suitable processor or microcontroller configured to receive input, perform logical and arithmetic operations on a suitable instruction set, and provide output, as well as temporary and / or non-temporary electronic memory, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC) or the like. Sensing of actuator position can be accomplished by well-known limit switches or similar transducers, whereby the controller 24 is able to sense and obtain feedback to determine the operational status of the component parts of the device 10.

[0054] The line feeder 14 is generally configured to feed the fishing line 8 into the device 10. In the exemplary embodiment, the line feeder 14 includes an electric motor 28 disposed in alignment with a spindle 30 by way of a magnetic powder clutch 32. A fishing line spool 34 is supported on the spindle 30 for feeding continuous line into the line handling assembly 18 as needed. Variations here are possible and contemplated.

[0055] The line tensioner 16 is generally used to tension the line. In the exemplary embodiment, as shown, the line tensioner 16 is disposed between the line feeder 14 and the line handling assembly 18. The line tensioner 16 is used to tension the line to facilitate the line handling assembly 18 handling the line to make knots therein.

[0056] In the exemplary embodiment, the controller 24 monitors and controls the line feeder 14 and the line tensioner 16 to selectively tension the line provided to the line handling assembly 18. In the exemplary embodiment, the controller 24 is generally configured to control the motor 28 and the clutch 32 of the line feeder 14 in accordance with the tension in the line as monitored. To this end, in the exemplary embodiment, the line tensioner 16 includes a pulley assembly 36 for tensioning the line and a biasing element 38, such as a spring. In the exemplary embodiment, the line tensioner 16 includes a load element 40 through which the controller 24 monitors the tension in the line 8. In the exemplary embodiment, the pulley assembly 36 includes three pulleys, two of which are disposed substantially coplanar and a third pulley is disposed above, with the fishing line operatively passing through all three pulleys, with one of the upper pulleys including the load element 40. The pulley assembly 36 is generally configured to ensure the line remains on the pulleys, such as through mechanical guides or the like, regardless of whether the line is slack.

[0057] In the exemplary embodiment, as shown, the biasing element 38 is disposed behind the pulley assembly 36 to bias the line 8 in a direction substantially transverse to its direction of movement. The biasing element 38 generally eliminates any unwanted slack in the line 8 due to movement of the handling assembly 18, which will be described in greater detail below. In the exemplary embodiment, the line tensioner 16 also includes an aligner 42 configured to facilitate feeding the line to the line handling assembly 18.

[0058] In this manner, the line handling assembly 18 operatively receives the tensioned line from the line feeder 14, which is configured to handle the line to make a water knot therein. To this end, the line handling assembly 18 generally includes a plurality of positioning actuators 44 configured to receive and position the line for knot making; and a plurality of knot making actuators 46 configured to interact with such positioned line to make a water knot therein.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the positioning actuator 44 includes a plurality of linear actuators controllably extending from or retracting into the platform 26 for receiving and positioning the line for knotting. Similarly, the knotting actuator 46 includes a plurality of controllably extending or retracting linear actuators for manipulating the line for knotting. Such linear actuators can take various forms known in the art, including electromechanical actuators, pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators, etc. It is well known that such actuators may include position sensors and / or suitable position feedback devices, thereby enabling the controller 24 to determine the position of the actuators.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, the direction in which the knotting actuator 46 extends or retracts is generally transverse to the direction in which the positioning actuator 44 extends or retracts. In an exemplary embodiment, the plane of extension or retraction of the knotting actuator 46 is substantially coplanar with the plane of the line manipulation assembly 18, i.e., the line 8 moves coplanar with the platform 26, wherein the knotting actuator 46 moves substantially parallel to the platform 26. Importantly, both the positioning actuator 44 and the knotting actuator 46 typically each include a line connector 50 configured to engage with the line 8 to facilitate interaction between the actuator and the line during knotting.

[0061] In a typical exemplary embodiment, such as Figures 2 to 12 As shown, controller 24 is configured to sequentially extend or retract positioning actuator 44 and knotting actuator 46 to form a loop on the line, wrap the loop around an intersection point in the line multiple times, and pass the loop through a hole near the intersection point. Simultaneously, controller 24 is also configured to control wire feeder 14 and / or wire collector 22 to tighten the line as needed during the sequential operation of actuators 44 and 46 to form the final drip loop knot.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the positioning actuator 44 includes three linear actuators 44.1, 44.2, and 44.3 that can extend from and retract into the platform 26, the three linear actuators 44.1, 44.2, and 44.3 being arranged around the ring lifting actuator 48 to facilitate multiple wrapping of the ring around the intersection of the lines.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, the knotting actuators 46 include four linear actuators 46.1, 46.2, 46.3, and 46.4 arranged about the positioning actuators 44, two actuators 46.3 and 46.4 arranged to position the line onto the positioning actuators 44, one actuator 46.1 arranged telescopically and oscillatably, i.e., capable of moving up and down, to facilitate winding the loop about the intersection of the line a plurality of times, and one actuator 46.2 arranged to pass the loop through an aperture proximate the intersection. In particular, the telescopically and oscillatably arranged actuator 46.1 interacts complementarily with the line loop lifting actuator 48 to facilitate winding the loop about the intersection of the line a plurality of times.

[0064] With particular reference to Figures 2 to 12 , an example of the knotting process is shown, which process requires specific sequential control of the actuators 44 and 46 by the controller 24. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations in the sequence of the actuators are possible and are within the scope of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2 , the knotting actuator 46.3 interacts with the delivered line to place the line over the positioning actuator 44.3, which is raised simultaneously with (and typically shortly after) the positioning actuator 44.2. Similarly, the knotting actuator 46.4 extends to hook the line, and the positioning actuator 44.1 is raised appropriately from the platform 26.

[0065] When the line 8 has formed such a loop, the telescopically and oscillatably arranged knotting actuator 46.1 is capable of interacting complementarily with the loop lifting actuator 48 to facilitate winding the loop about the intersection of the line a plurality of times, i.e., the actuator 46.1 repeatedly winds the line from the oscillating loop lifting actuator 48 about the main line, as shown in Figures 7 to 9 .

[0066] Once the line has been wound about the main line the desired number of times (e.g., 3 times, 4 times, etc.), the knotting actuator 46.2 is activated, as needed, to pass the loop through an aperture proximate the intersection between the two wraps. At the same time, the line feeder 14 and the line collector 22 are also typically activated to pull the line taut, in order to form a drop-knot, as shown in Figures 10 to 12 .

[0067] In one possible embodiment, the line handling assembly 18 can also include a line wetter (not shown) configured to wet the line during knotting in order to minimize heat damage from friction. In one embodiment, the line wetter can include a fluid applicator configured to apply a fluid to the line, such as a water sprayer that wets the line. In another embodiment, the wetter can include a wetting sponge or the like that rubs against the line. In yet another embodiment, the pulley assembly 36 can include another pulley with a water bath such that the line is directed through the water bath before being fed into the line handling assembly 18. Again, these variations are possible and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0068] The device 10 also includes at least one knot sensor 20 configured to detect a knot being tied in the line 8. In exemplary embodiments, the knot sensor 20 is arranged as a loop or ring through which the line 8 is passed as a knot is tied therein, as shown. In typical embodiments, the knot tying device 10 includes two knot sensors 20 arranged in series through which the line is passed, as shown, with the spacing between the knot sensors 20 selected according to the desired spacing between knots in the line. For example, the first knot sensor 20 can sense when a knot is tied, with the line feeding by the line feeding assembly 18 until the second knot sensor 18 senses the knot, at which point the controller 24 again initiates the knot tying described above.

[0069] As shown, the line collector 22 is generally used to collect the fishing line in which the drop shot knot 12 is tied. In exemplary embodiments, the line collector 22 is similar to the line feeder 14, including a second electric motor 28.2 arranged in alignment with a second main shaft 30.2 by a second magnetic powder clutch 32.2, and a second spool 34.2 supported on the second main shaft 30.2 for receiving the fishing line in which the drop shot knot 12 is tied. In exemplary embodiments, the line collector 22 also includes a line guide 54 configured to guide the tied line onto the second spool 34.2, as shown. The line guide 54 can be controlled by the controller 24 in order to evenly wind the tied line onto the second spool 34.2.

[0070] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present application encompasses an automated method for tying a fishing knot, such as a drop shot, in a fishing line, generally by the device 10. The method generally includes the steps of feeding the fishing line by the fishing line feeder 14, tensioning the line by the tensioner 16, and manipulating the line by the line manipulation assembly 18 operably fed by the line feeder 14 and the tensioner 16 in order to tie a drop shot knot therein. Finally, the method generally includes the step of collecting the fishing line in which the drop shot knot 12 is tied by the line collector 22.

[0071] Alternative embodiments of the present application can also be broadly construed to encompass any or all combinations of the parts, elements and features herein disclosed or suggested, individually or in any combination, and wherein a specific whole referred to herein has a known equivalent in the art to which the application pertains, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. In exemplary embodiments, well-known methods, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail because they are readily understood by persons skilled in the art.

[0072] In the context of describing various embodiments, particularly in the context of the claimed subject matter, the use of the terms "a" and / or "an" to describe singular entities should not be construed to mean "one and only one," unless explicitly so defined, in the present document. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to") unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. None of the language in this document should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter that is essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter.

[0073] For purposes of the description hereinafter, spatial or directional terms, such as "inner," "outer," "lower," "bottom," "lower portion," "upper portion," "upper," "top," "up," "down," "downward," "downwards," "vertical," "horizontal," and the like, can be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatial and directional terms are used with respect to the orientation of the device as shown in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, the element described as on the "bottom" would then be oriented on the "top." Accordingly, the use of spatial and directional terms herein, such as "bottom," does not necessarily indicate a particular orientation of the device. The terms "coupled" and "connected," along with derivatives thereof, can have the same meaning as the term "connected" as used herein.

[0074] It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein, such as "one example" or "an example" or similar, is taken to mean "at least one" and does not exclude the existence of additional examples. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "one example" can refer to a single example, or multiple examples. It is also to be understood that the use of the term "example" or "exemplary" in the context of this application is not a measurement of relative or quantitative importance, but merely means "serving as an example" or "for illustration." The examples described herein are intended to help clarify the principles of the application, and are not intended to limit the scope of the application in any way. Variations (e.g., modifications and / or enhancements) to the examples described herein can become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, after reading this application. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the claimed subject matter to include such variations as appropriate.

[0075] Any method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order in which they are described, unless specifically identified as an order dependent process. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps can be employed.

Claims

1. An automatic fishing knot tying apparatus comprising: a fishing line feeder configured to feed a fishing line; a line tensioner configured to tension the line; a line manipulation assembly operable to be fed by the feeder and configured to manipulate the line to tie a fishing knot therein, such as a dropper loop; at least one knot sensor configured to detect a knot tied in the line; a line collector configured to collect the fishing line having a fishing knot tied therein; and a controller arranged in signal communication with the feeder, the line tensioner, the line manipulation assembly, the knot sensor and the line collector and configured to monitor and control the feeder, the line tensioner, the line manipulation assembly, the knot sensor and the line collector to automatically and continuously tie spaced apart fishing knots along the fishing line for use as a stringer rig.

2. The automatic fishing knot tying device of claim 1, wherein, The feeder, the line tensioner, the line manipulation assembly, the knot sensor and the line collector are arranged on a platform.

3. The automatic fishing knot tying device of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The feeder comprises an electric motor arranged in alignment with a main shaft via a magnetic powder clutch and a fishing line spool supported on the main shaft for feeding to the line manipulation assembly when required.

4. The automatic fishing knot tying device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The line tensioner is arranged between the feeder and the line manipulation assembly and is configured to tension the line to facilitate manipulation of the line by the line manipulation assembly.

5. The automatic fishing knot tying device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The controller monitors and controls the feeder and the line tensioner to selectively tension the line fed to the line manipulation assembly.

6. The automatic fishing knot tying device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The line tensioner comprises a pulley assembly and a biasing element, such as a spring, for tensioning the line.

7. The automatic fishing knot tying device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The line tensioner comprises a load cell, the controller being arranged to monitor tension in the line via the load cell.

8. The automatic fishing knot tying device of claim 7, wherein, The pulley assembly comprises three pulleys, two of which are arranged substantially coplanar with a third pulley arranged above, wherein the fishing line is operable to pass through all three pulleys, the upper pulley of which comprises the load cell.

9. The automatic fishing knot tying device of claim 6, wherein, The biasing element is arranged after the pulley assembly to bias the line in a lateral direction of motion.

10. The automatic fishing knot tying device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The line tensioner comprises an aligner configured to facilitate feeding of the line to the line manipulation assembly.

11. The automatic fishing knot tying device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The controller is configured to control the motor and clutch of the feeder in dependence on the monitored tension in the line.

12. The automatic fishing knot tying device of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The line manipulation assembly comprises a plurality of positioning actuators configured to receive and position the line for knot tying and a plurality of knot tying actuators configured to interact with the positioned line to tie a fishing knot therein.

13. The automatic fishing knot tying device of claim 12, wherein, The positioning actuators comprise a plurality of linear actuators controllably extendable or retractable to receive and position the line for knot tying.

14. The automatic fishing knot tying device of any one of claims 12 or 13, wherein, The knot tying actuators comprise a plurality of linear actuators controllably extendable or retractable to manipulate the line for knot tying.

15. The automatic fishing knot tying device of any of claims 12 to 14, wherein, The controller is configured to cause the positioning actuators and the knot tying actuators to extend or retract in sequence to form a loop in the line, wrap the loop around a crossing point of the line a plurality of times and pass the loop through an aperture proximate the crossing point, the controller being further configured to control the feeder and / or the line collector to tighten the line to form a final dropper loop knot.

16. The automatic fishing knot tying device of any of claims 12 to 15, wherein, The positioning actuator includes three linear actuators extendable from and retractable into the platform, the three linear actuators arranged about a loop lifting actuator to facilitate winding the loop about the intersection of the lines multiple times.

17. The automatic fishing knot tying device of any of claims 12 to 16, wherein, The knotting actuator includes four linear actuators arranged about the positioning actuator, two linear actuators arranged to position the lines onto the positioning actuator, one linear actuator telescopically and oscillatably disposed to facilitate winding the loop about the intersection of the lines multiple times, and one linear actuator arranged to pass the loop through a hole near the intersection.

18. The automatic fishing knot tying device of claim 17, wherein, The telescopically and oscillatably disposed actuator and the loop lifting actuator complementarily interact to facilitate winding the loop about the intersection in the lines multiple times.

19. The automatic fishing knot tying device of any of claims 12 to 18, wherein, The knotting actuator extends or retracts in a direction substantially transverse to the direction in which the positioning actuator extends or retracts.

20. The automatic fishing knot tying device of any of claims 12 to 19, wherein, The plane in which the knotting actuator extends or retracts is substantially coplanar with the plane in which the lines pass through the line handling assembly.

21. The automatic fishing knot tying device of any of claims 12 to 20, wherein, Each of the positioning actuator and the knotting actuator includes a line engager configured to engage the lines to facilitate interaction of the actuator with the lines during knotting.

22. The automatic fishing knot tying device of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein, The line handling assembly includes a line wetter configured to wet the lines during knotting to minimize heat damage caused by friction when knotting.

23. The automatic fishing knot tying device of claim 22, wherein, The line wetter includes a fluid applicator configured to apply fluid onto the lines.

24. The automatic fishing knot tying device of any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein, The knot sensor is arranged as a loop or ring through which the lines pass after knotting.

25. The automatic fishing knot tying device of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein, The knotting device includes two knot sensors arranged in series, the lines passing through the two knot sensors, the spacing between the knot sensors selected according to the desired spacing between knots in the lines.

26. The automatic fishing knot tying device of any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein, The line collector includes a second motor arranged in alignment with a second main shaft by a second magnetic powder clutch; and a second spool supported on the second main shaft for receiving fishing line having fishing knots knotted therein.

27. The automatic fishing knot tying device of any of claims 1 to 26, wherein, The line collector includes a line guide configured to guide the knotted line onto the second spool.

28. A controller for an automatic fishing knot tying device, the automatic fishing knot tying device comprising: A line feeder, a line tensioner, a line handling assembly operable to be supplied with tensioned line by the line feeder and the line tensioner and configured to handle the line so as to knot fishing knots such as dropper loops therein, at least one knot sensor, and a line collector; the controller arranged to monitor and control the line feeder, the line tensioner, the line handling assembly, the knot sensor, and the line collector to automatically and continuously knot spaced fishing knots along the fishing line for use as a stringer rig.

29. An automated method for knotting fishing knots on a fishing line, the method comprising the steps of: feeding the fishing line by a line feeder; tensioning the line by a line tensioner; handling the line so as to knot fishing knots such as dropper loops therein by a line handling assembly operable to be supplied with line by the line feeder; and collecting the fishing line having fishing knots knotted therein by a line collector.

30. The method of claim 29, comprising the step of: The line feeder, the line tensioner, the line handling assembly and the line collector are monitored and controlled by a suitable controller to automatically and continuously cast spaced fishing knots along the fishing line.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein, The step of handling the line includes monitoring and controlling a plurality of positioning actuators configured to receive and position the line for knot tying, and a plurality of knot tying actuators configured to interact with the positioned line so as to tie knots therein.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein, The step of handling the line includes causing the positioning actuators and the knot tying actuators to extend or retract in sequence to form a loop in the line, to wrap the loop around a crossing point of the line a plurality of times, and to pass the loop through an aperture proximate to the crossing point, and controlling the line feeder and / or the line collector so as to tighten the line to form a final dropper loop knot.

33. The method of any one of claims 29 to 32, including the step of wetting the line during knot tying by a line wetter to minimize heat damage caused by friction when tying knots.

34. The method of any one of claims 29 to 33, wherein, The step of handling the line includes sensing the spacing between knots by two sequentially arranged knot sensors through which the line passes, the spacing being selectable according to a desired spacing between knots of the line. The line feeder, the line tensioner, the line handling assembly and the line collector are monitored and controlled by a suitable controller to automatically and continuously cast spaced fishing knots along the fishing line. The step of handling the line includes monitoring and controlling a plurality of positioning actuators configured to receive and position the line for knot tying, and a plurality of knot tying actuators configured to interact with the positioned line so as to tie knots therein. The step of handling the line includes causing the positioning actuators and the knot tying actuators to extend or retract in sequence to form a loop in the line, to wrap the loop around a crossing point of the line a plurality of times, and to pass the loop through an aperture proximate to the crossing point, and controlling the line feeder and / or the line collector so as to tighten the line to form a final dropper loop knot.

33. The method of any one of claims 29 to 32, including the step of wetting the line during knot tying by a line wetter to minimize heat damage caused by friction when tying knots. The step of handling the line includes sensing the spacing between knots by two sequentially arranged knot sensors through which the line passes, the spacing being selectable according to a desired spacing between knots of the line.

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