Device for connecting at least two fishing lines together

Abstract

Device for connecting at least two fishing lines together, comprising: a main body having the shape of a fork, said fork comprising a handle (10) and a first and a second prong (20, 30), a first lug (22) projecting from the end of the first prong (20), a second lug (32) projecting from the end of the second prong (30), a first clamping means (24) configured to clamp a line in position, the first clamping means (24) being located at the level of the first prong (20), a second clamping means (26) configured to clamp a line in position, the second clamping means (26) being located at the level of the first prong (20), a third clamping means (14) configured to clamp a line in position, the third clamping means (14) being located at the level of the handle of the device (10), in which the first and second clamping means (24,26) are located at the same level as the first branch (20) and on either side of the main plane of the main body. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1,

Description

Title of the invention: Device for connecting at least two fishing lines

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for connecting at least two fishing lines together.

[0002] It is well known among anglers to use knots of varying complexity and strength. The knot is an essential tool for fishing in both fresh and salt water. Fishing lines and hooks have been used for centuries by anglers to catch freshwater and saltwater fish. Hooks are generally attached to a line or lure by some form of knot, which ultimately connects the caught fish to the angler.

[0003] Modern fishing lines are almost all made from artificial substances, including nylon, polyethylene, Dacron, etc. The most common type of fishing line consists of a braided line connecting the lure and the rod and a leader made of either nylon or, more often, fluorocarbon.

[0004] Unlike nylon, braided line has no stretch. The lure's vibrations are transmitted directly to the rod and the angler's wrist, allowing them to feel the lure at the end of the braided line. Braided line also provides good bite detection and a better hookset.

[0005] It is generally recommended to use a leader made of either nylon or fluorocarbon, as braided line is usually visible to fish and does not necessarily offer very high abrasion resistance. It is generally preferable to use a fluorocarbon leader, monofilament based on polyvinylidene fluoride, preferably 100% polyvinylidene fluoride. Fluorocarbon has many advantages over nylon. In particular, it is more discreet thanks to a refractive index closer to that of water than nylon. Fluorocarbon does not have shape memory and is also denser and offers greater abrasion resistance than nylon.

[0006] The use of a braided line and a leader, for example made of fluorocarbon, offers many advantages for fishing but requires joining the braided line and the leader together. Joining the braided line and the leader is generally done using very sophisticated knots that require considerable skill and dexterity to tie.

[0007] The fisherman may have to tie a knot to connect a braided line and a leader in difficult conditions, for example when on board a moving boat.

[0008] There is therefore a need for a means of simplifying the making of fishing knots in particular allowing to connect together at least two fishing lines, for example a braid and a fluorocarbon leader.

[0009] One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a device for connecting at least two fishing lines together in a simple and secure manner.

[0010] The invention relates to a device for connecting at least two fishing lines, comprising:

[0011] - a main body having the shape of a fork, said fork comprising a handle and a first and a second branch,

[0012] - a first spur projecting from the end of the first branch,

[0013] - a second protruding spur at the end of the second branch,

[0014] - a first clamping means configured to clamp a wire in position, the The first means of jamming being located at the level of the first branch,

[0015] - a second clamping means configured to clamp a wire in position, the the second means of wedging being located at the level of the first branch,

[0016] - a third clamping means configured to clamp a wire in position, the The third means of clamping being located at the handle of the device,

[0017] in which the first and second clamping means are located at the same level of the first branch and on either side of the main plane of the main body.

[0018] Advantageously, the device according to the invention allows the two fishing lines to be joined together to be held together during the making of the knot.

[0019] The device according to the invention makes it very easy to tie a knot known as an Albright knot. Advantageously, the device according to the invention allows for other knots that provide high tensile strength and good passage through the guides of fishing rods.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the device further comprises a fourth clamping means configured to clamp a wire in position, the fourth clamping means being located at the level of the second branch and on the same side of the main plane of the main body as the third clamping means.

[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, the device further comprises a fifth clamping means configured to clamp a wire in position, the fifth clamping means being located at the level of the second branch on the opposite side of the main plane of the main body from the third clamping means.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the fourth and fifth clamping means are located at the same level of the second branch.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the device comprises a sixth clamping means configured to clamp a wire in position, the sixth clamping means being located at the same level of the handle of the device as the third means of jamming and on the opposite side of the main plane of the main body than the third means of jamming.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the first and second lugs have substantially the same dimensions.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the first lug has a bent shape in the opposite direction to that of the second branch.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the second lug has a bent shape in the opposite direction to that of the first branch.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the first and second lugs are spaced at a distance greater than or equal to 15 mm, for example greater than or equal to 17 mm, and less than or equal to 60 mm, for example less than or equal to 40 mm, for example less than or equal to 30 mm.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the clamping means are formed of circular clamping cones.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the clamping means each comprise a truncated circular cone, the small base of the truncated circular cone being mounted in compression against the main body.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the angle formed between the main plane of the main body and the small base of the truncated circular cone is greater than or equal to 3°, for example greater than or equal to 4°, for example greater than or equal to 6° and less than or equal to 15°, for example less than or equal to 12°, for example less than or equal to 8°.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the clamping means each comprise two truncated circular cones opposed by their small base, one belonging to the main body and the other independent and mounted in compression against the main body.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the two arms of the fork (20, 30) have a "C" shape on either side of the handle.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, the main body is monobloc.

[0034] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description of a non-limiting example of its implementation and upon examination of the accompanying drawing in which:

[0035] [Fig-1] is a representation of a device according to the invention,

[0036] [Fig.2] is a representation of one face of a device according to the invention,

[0037] [Fig.3] is a cross-sectional view of means for clamping a device according to the invention, and

[0038] [Fig.4] illustrates a user taking control of a device according to the invention.

[0039] The invention relates to a device for connecting two fishing lines together. The device according to the invention is particularly suitable for connecting a braided line and a fluorocarbon leader. However, the device according to the invention can also be used to connect a braid to a nylon leader or to connect two lines of the same type, for example two braid lines or two fluorocarbon lines or two nylon lines.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the device according to the invention comprises a main body. The main body is in the shape of a fork, said fork comprising a handle 10 and a first and a second prong 20, 30.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the main body is a single piece. The main body is obtained, for example, by means of an injection molding process. Typically, the main body of the device according to the invention is made of polycarbonate.

[0042] The handle 10 is particularly suitable for gripping the device according to the invention. According to one embodiment of the invention, the handle 10 has a width greater than or equal to 30 mm and less than or equal to 70 mm, for example equal to approximately 50 mm at its junction with the arms 20 and 30.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the handle 10 has an ergonomic shape that provides a very good grip. For example, the handle 10 has a width that decreases with distance from the forks, going from approximately 50 mm at the tines to approximately 18 mm at its tip. Furthermore, the handle 10 may also include a curve in the principal plane of the main body, for example, a radius of curvature of approximately 200 mm.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first and second arms 20 and 30 have a "C" shape on either side of the handle 10. According to one embodiment, the base of the "C" shape has a radius of curvature of approximately 60 mm and the two ends on "C" forming the two arms of the fork have radii of curvature of approximately 12.5 mm.

[0045] Preferably, the main body of the device according to the invention is a single piece. Advantageously, this increases the device's resistance by preventing wear due to potentially harsh operating conditions, for example, on board a ship at sea.

[0046] The main body of the device may include a non-slip element 40, for example at the junction between the handle 10 and the forks 20 and 30, at the base of the "C" shape of the forks. Advantageously, this ensures a better grip on the device according to the invention and better retention of the threads during knot tying. The grip on the device is illustrated in [Fig. 4].

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the device according to the invention comprises a first lug 22 projecting from the end of the first arm 20 and a second lug 32 projecting from the end of the second arm 30.

[0048] In order to facilitate the manufacture of the device and also to allow use by both the left and right hand, the first and second lugs 22, 32 have roughly the same dimensions.

[0049] As illustrated in [Fig. 2], the first lug has an angled shape in the opposite direction to that of the second arm. In particular, the first lug may have an "S"-shaped profile in the principal plane of the main body, with substantially the same curvatures. According to one embodiment, the curvatures of the "S" forming the first lug are each greater than or equal to 0.7 mm and less than or equal to 1.3 mm, for example, substantially equal to 1 mm.

[0050] As illustrated in [Fig. 2], the second lug has an angled shape in the opposite direction to that of the second arm. In particular, the second lug may have an "S"-shaped profile in the main plane of the main body, with substantially the same curvatures. According to one embodiment, the curvatures of the "S" forming the second lug are each greater than or equal to 0.7 mm and less than or equal to 1.3 mm, for example, substantially equal to 1 mm.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the second lug has an angled shape in the opposite direction to that of the first branch.

[0052] As illustrated in the figures, the first and second lugs are spaced to allow for the formation of loops with the fishing lines to be connected. For example, the distance between the two lugs is greater than or equal to 15 mm, for example greater than or equal to 17 mm and less than or equal to 60 mm, for example less than or equal to 40 mm. According to one embodiment, the two lugs are separated by approximately 20 mm.

[0053] In order to allow the fishing lines to be held during the making of the connecting knot, the device according to the invention includes clamping means.

[0054] In particular, the device according to the invention comprises at least:

[0055] - a first clamping means 24 configured to clamp a wire in position, the first clamping means 24 being located at the level of the first branch 20,

[0056] - a second clamping means 26 configured to clamp a wire in position, the second clamping means 26 being located at the level of the first branch 20,

[0057] - a third clamping means 14 configured to clamp a wire in position, the third clamping means 14 being located at the handle of device 10.

[0058] In order to allow a loop to be maintained under tension with at least one of the wires to be connected, the first and second clamping means 24, 26 are located at the same level of the first branch 20 and on either side of the main plane of the main body.

[0059] An example of first and second clamping means 24 and 26 is shown in cross-section in [Fig.3].

[0060] As shown in [Fig.3] the clamping means can be formed of circular clamping cones.

[0061] The clamping means each comprise a truncated circular cone, the small The base of the truncated circular cone is mounted in compression against the main body, for example against the handle 10 or one of the arms 20 and 30. Such a configuration of the clamping means is particularly suitable for maintaining tension on the threads during knot tying.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the truncated circular cones are made of a flexible material, for example rubber.

[0063] Advantageously, the truncated circular cone shape ensures reinforced clamping of lines of different dimensions. In particular, the device according to the invention is configured to allow the clamping and therefore the connection of fishing lines with a diameter greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 1.15 mm.

[0064] In order to ensure good jamming of fishing lines with a diameter ranging from 0.1 mm to 1.15 mm, the angle formed between the main plane of the main body and the small base of the truncated circular cone is greater than or equal to 3°, for example greater than or equal to 5° and less than or equal to 15°, for example less than or equal to 10°.

[0065] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the clamping means may comprise two circular cones on either side of the main body of the device according to the invention. The two cones may be held in compression by means of a screw and a corresponding bushing.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the clamping means each comprise two truncated circular cones joined at their smaller bases, one belonging to the main body and the other independent and mounted in compression against the main body. Advantageously, such an arrangement ensures reinforced clamping at the clamping means.

[0067] A device according to the invention with three wedging means makes it easy to tie the Albright knot.

[0068] The device according to the invention makes it easy to tie an Albright knot between two fishing lines.

[0069] The user can initially position the leader line, for example fluorocarbon or nylon, on the device according to the invention. Holding the leader line with their thumb, the user winds the leader line into the first jamming means 24.

[0070] The user secures the leader line by making a complete turn around the first jamming means 24. While keeping the leader line taut, the user passes it behind the two lugs, then passes it back in front of the two lugs, and locks it in the second jamming means 26.

[0071] Advantageously the leader wire is completely immobilized on the device according to the invention.

[0072] Second phase, the user positions the second wire, usually a braid. The user slides the braid into the loop formed by the two strands of the leader line at the two barbs. Preferably, the braid extends by about 25 cm, and the user secures the braid in the third locking cone 14.

[0073] The user can then make turns with the braid around the leader line. The operation consists of wrapping the braid around the leader line with the right hand, ensuring it is tight. With each pass, the braid is kept under tension using the index finger of the left hand. The user can make approximately six turns in one direction and then proceed in the other direction, slightly tilting the braid to ensure a perfect arrangement of the turns.

[0074] Having reached the end, the user takes the braid out of the fork and holds it with his thumb and passes it back through the two strands of the leader line.

[0075] Fourth phase, the user tightens the knot. The user can then detach the two wires from the device according to the invention.

[0076] With their right hand, the user takes the two strands of the braid and wraps them around a finger. With their left hand, the user takes the leader line and pulls until the loop of leader line closes. The user repeats this operation a second time, pulling harder but this time only grasping the strand of braid corresponding to the main line. The knot is now complete; the user simply cuts off any excess line.

[0077] Regarding the excess leader line, it is advisable to cut it flush with the knot, for example using nail clippers. There is no point in leaving it protruding.

[0078] The risk with the Albright knot is that the excess braid cut too short will re-enter the loop of the nylon leader line, which systematically leads to the unraveling of the Albright knot.

[0079] The device according to the invention may further include a fourth clamping means 34 configured to clamp a wire in position, the fourth clamping means being located at the level of the second branch 30 and on the same side of the main plane of the main body as the third clamping means 14.

[0080] Advantageously such a configuration of the device according to the invention makes it possible to secure the Albright node.

[0081] Indeed, it is possible to make at least one knot with the excess braid. The user can bring the line up on the device according to the invention, the leader line is brought up on the first jamming means 26 and the line is passed behind the first lug, then in front of the second lug, and the user pulls on the line until the knot is positioned between the two lugs.

[0082] Finally, the user can lock the braid using the fourth clamping means. With the line immobilized again, the user can proceed with the rea- seizing the security key.

[0083] He grasps the excess braid with his right hand and holds it with his thumb, describing a loop. He wraps it around the main line and secures it on the other side with his index finger. He grasps the braid in the middle of the loop and closes the knot.

[0084] To properly lock the key, the user can pinch the knot between two fingers and pull hard on the braid.

[0085] The device according to the invention comprising the four wedging means described above advantageously makes it possible to make at least one other knot offering a very high tensile strength, greater than that of the Albright knot and allows easier passage through the rod rings.

[0086] Initially, the user positions the lines on the device according to the invention. While holding the leader line with their thumb, the user wedges the leader line into the first clamping means 24, then locks the leader line one full turn in the clamping cone of the first clamping means. With the leader line taut, the user can pass it behind the two tabs, then back in front of the two tabs and wedge it into the second clamping means 26. The leader line is thus completely immobilized under tension on the device according to the invention. Advantageously, the user no longer has to hold the leader line.

[0087] The second phase consists of positioning the braid. The user slides the braid between the two strands of the leader line at the barbs. He leaves at least 25 cm free and then wedges the braid in the third wedging means 14.

[0088] The third phase consists of making turns. The user makes a certain number of turns, for example five turns around the two strands of the leader line while keeping the braid under tension. He can then, while keeping the braid under tension, release the tail of the leader line and insulate it on the other side of the fork, for example by means of the fourth jamming means.

[0089] The user can make a number of new turns, for example 5 turns, then 5 turns in the other direction. The user stops again to secure the tail of the leader line to the first securing device. The user can then resume winding for the last five turns on both strands of the leader line.

[0090] At this stage, the user takes the braid out of the fork, holds it with the thumb and passes it back between the two arms of the leader line between the lugs.

[0091] The fourth phase consists of tightening the knot. The user detaches the braid-leader assembly from the device according to the invention and checks that the two braid arms emerge on either side of the leader line loop, which is essential for securing the knot. With their right hand, the user can grasp the two The braid arm, which he wraps around a finger. With his left hand, he can take the excess nylon leader line arm.

[0092] The user can then pull until the loop of the leader line closes. They can repeat this operation a second time, this time grasping the strand of leader line corresponding to the hooklink and the strand of braid corresponding to the mainline. The user can then cut off the excess leader line flush with the knot, for example, using nail clippers.

[0093] The fifth step consists of securing the knot. The user brings the line up onto the device, the leader onto the second locking means. The user passes the line behind the first barb, then in front of the second barb, and pulls on the line until the knot is positioned between the two barbs. The user secures the line using the first locking means for the leader and the fourth locking means for the braid.

[0094] With the line secured again, the user only needs to proceed with tying the knots. They grasp the excess braid with their right hand, hold it with their thumb, and form a loop. They wrap it around the main line and secure it on the other side with their index finger. They grasp the braid in the middle of the loop and close the knot.

[0095] To properly lock the key, the user can pinch the knot between two fingers and pull firmly on the braid. To secure the knot, this operation can be repeated. All that remains is to cut off the excess braid, and the knot is finished.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a fifth clamping means 36 configured to clamp a wire in position, the fifth clamping means being located at the level of the second branch 30 on the opposite side of the main plane of the main body than the third clamping means 14.

[0097] Advantageously, the fifth clamping means 36 allows for the creation of specific knots.

[0098] In particular, a device according to this embodiment makes it possible to tie a knot that is thinner than the Albright knot. Being thinner than the Albright knot, it allows for very powerful casts without the risk of jamming in the rings.

[0099] The first step in tying this knot requires making a figure-eight knot on the leader line approximately 12 cm from its end. The user then passes the braid through the first ring of the figure-eight, and then brings the braid out through the second ring. The user leaves approximately 25 cm of braid extending and then closes the figure-eight knot.

[0100] The second phase consists of positioning the leader and braid assembly on the device according to the invention. The user winds the leader end of the line onto the first jamming means. The user passes the line behind the first barb, then in front of the second barb, until the knot is positioned between the two barbs. The user jams Next, the tail of the leader line is passed through the fifth locking mechanism. This locks the other end of the leader line with a single turn to prevent it from slack. Finally, the user secures the braid using the third locking mechanism. The leader and braid are thus held firmly in place on the device according to the invention.

[0101] The third phase consists of making the turns. The aim is to keep the braid under tension to ensure effective tightening on the leader. The user can make approximately 8 to 10 turns in each direction. At this stage, while keeping the braid under tension, the user releases the braid on the line side from the third clamping means. The user lays the braid over the excess leader line and locks it in the fourth clamping means.

[0102] The fourth phase consists of locking the loops. Once the nylon knot is passed, the user will make 3 to 4 hitches that will secure the tail of the leader to the main line. The user can grasp the excess braid and hold it with their thumb, describing a loop. They can then wrap it around the main line and hold it on the other side with their index finger. The user takes the braid in the middle of the loop and closes the hitch. To ensure the knot is secure, the user can repeat this operation three times.

[0103] Finally, to cut the excess wire, the user can leave the assembly mounted on the device, which facilitates the operation.

[0104] The device according to the invention also makes it possible to make a variant of the previous knot, but faster to make, to be used in case of emergency, on a hunt at sea for example, where time is of the essence.

[0105] The first step consists of positioning the leader on the device according to the invention. The user ties a simple knot approximately 12 cm from the end of the leader, then secures the leader to the first locking means. The leader line is then passed behind the first barb, then in front of the second barb, until the knot is positioned between the two barbs. The tail of the leader is then secured in the fifth locking means. The leader is locked in the locking means with one turn to prevent it from slack. Finally, the user positions the braid, leaving approximately 25 cm free, and secures it in the third locking means.

[0106] The second phase consists of making the turns. The user positions the braid to the right of the knot, then makes a first turn by passing the braid to the left of the knot. Next, the user makes eight to ten turns in one direction and then the other while keeping the braid under tension. Subsequently, while keeping the braid under tension, the user releases the braid on the line side from the third locking means. They lay the braid against the excess leader and lock it in the fourth method of wedging.

[0107] The third phase consists of locking the loops. Once the knot of the leader has been passed over with the excess braid, the user makes three to four hitches that will secure the tail of the leader to the main line. The user grasps the excess braid with their right hand, holds it with their thumb, describing a loop, wraps it around the main line, and secures it on the other side with their index finger. The user then takes the braid in the middle of the loop and closes the hitch. To secure the knot, the user can repeat this operation three times.

[0108] To cut the excess braid and leader line, the user can leave the assembly mounted on the device, which saves even more time.

[0109] Thus, as described above, the device according to the invention makes it possible to make classic Albright-type knots simply and quickly, as well as original knots which have the advantages of being stronger, narrower and faster to make.

[0110] The invention has been described above with the aid of embodiments shown in the figure, without limitation of the general inventive concept.

[0111] Many other modifications and variations are self-evident to a person skilled in the art, after consideration of the different modes of implementation illustrated in this application.

[0112] These embodiments are given by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is determined exclusively by the claims below.

[0113] In the claims, the word "including" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the use of the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0114] The mere fact that different features are listed in mutually dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be advantageously used. Finally, any reference used in the claims should not be interpreted as a limitation of the scope of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. A device for joining together at least two fishing lines, comprising: - a main body having the shape of a fork, said fork comprising a handle (10) and a first and a second prong (20, 30), - a first lug (22) projecting from the end of the first prong (20), - a second lug (32) projecting from the end of the second prong (30), - a first clamping means (24) configured to clamp a line in position, the first clamping means (24) being located at the first prong (20), - a second clamping means (26) configured to clamp a line in position, the second clamping means (26) being located at the first prong (20), - a third clamping means (14) configured to clamp a line in position, the third clamping means (14) being located at the handle of the device (10), in which the first and second means of wedging (24,26) are located at the same level as the first branch (20) and on either side of the main plane of the main body.

2. Device according to claim 1, comprising a fourth clamping means (34) configured to clamp a wire in position, the fourth clamping means being located at the level of the second arm (30) and on the same side of the main plane of the main body as the third clamping means (14).

3. Device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, comprising a fifth clamping means (36) configured to clamp a wire in position, the fifth clamping means being located at the second branch (30) on the opposite side of the main plane of the main body from the third clamping means (14).

4. Device according to claims 2 and 3, wherein the fourth and fifth clamping means (34, 36) are located at the same level as the second arm (30).

5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a sixth clamping means (16) configured to to clamp a wire in position, the sixth clamping means being located at the same level of the handle (10) of the device as the third clamping means and on the opposite side of the main plane of the main body as the third clamping means (14).

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second lugs (22, 32) have substantially the same dimensions.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in the first and second lugs are spaced at a distance greater than or equal to 15 mm and less than or equal to 60 mm.

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping means are formed of circular clamping cones.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping means each comprise a truncated circular cone, the small base of the truncated circular cone being mounted in compression against the main body.

10. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the angle formed between the principal plane of the main body and the small base of the truncated circular cone is greater than or equal to 6° and less than or equal to 15°.

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