GB2175182A - Fishing tackle - Google Patents

Abstract

In order to enable a float and weight to be removed from a fishing line without removal of any terminal tackle on the line, a combined weight and float device has a weight member (1) and a float attachment member (2) that wedge together to grip the line. The weight member (1) has a tapered bore (6) and an axial slot (4). The float attachment member has a core (6) having a complementary taper to the bore and a float receiving cup (5) coupled to the core by a stem (7). The line and the stem are introduced into the bore through the slot and the core is then wedged into position. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Fishing tackle This invention relates to fishing tackle, and more particularly refers to fishing weights and float attachments adapted to be secured to a fishing line.

It is known to attach a float to a fishing line by means of a flexible member having at one end an eye through which the line is threaded, and adapted at its other end for connection to the float.

The member is retained in the desired position along the line by fixing a lead shot to the line on either side of it. This attachment arrangement enables rapid removal of the float, but it suffers several drawbacks. When lead shot is applied to a nylon monofilament fishing line, there is a tendency for the line to be damaged with the result that the breaking strain is reduced. The use of two lead shot means that the weight is concentrated at two separate centres, which is not aerodynamically efficient and hence a disadvantage when casting the line. In addition, neither the position of the float along the line nor the actual weight applied to the line are easily adjustable.

The present invention aims at a solution to the above drawbacks and resides in a combined weight and float attachment device comprising a weight member having a through bore and a slot to allow a fishing line to be introduced into the bore through the slot, and a float attachment member having a first part providing a core engagable in the bore with a wedging action for a line running through the bore to be firmly gripped between the float member and float attachment member, and a second part for connecting the member to a float.

The wedging action is conveniently obtained by either the bore or the core being tapered, but in a preferred construction both are tapered. The float attachment member is preferably made of flexible material, such as synthetic rubber, and to facilitate assembly with the weight member a connection piece linking the core to the float connecting part is dimensioned to pass through the slot into the bore of the weight member.

A complete understanding of the invention will be had from the following description in which reference is made to the accompanying drawing, wherein: Figure 1 is a view showing a preferred embodiment of the invention attached to a fishing line and connecting a float to the line; Figure 2 is a side view of the weight member of the device; Figure 3 is an end view of the weight member; and Figure 4 is a side view of the float attaching member.

The combined weight and float attachment device illustrated in the drawing comprises a weight member 1, and a float attaching member 2.

The member 1 has an axial through bore 3 which tapers generally along the member, and a longitudinal slot 4 which opens into the bore. The external shape of the member 1 is that of a cone with rounded ends. The member 2 is of unitary construction and moulded from an elastomeric material, such as silicone rubber. Formed at one end is a cup-shaped connector 5 for receiving the lower end of a fishing float 12 (as seen in Figure 1) which has a tight fit in the cup. A tapered core 6 is provided at the other end, the taper of the core being complementary to that of the bore 3 in member 1, whereby the core is engageable in the bore with a tight wedging fit.The core 6 is coupled to cup 5 by a stem portion 7 having a length at least equal to that of the member 1 and a diameter not greater than the width of the slot 4, whereby the members 1, 2 can be assembled together by inserting the stem 7 through the slot 4 aand then moving the member 2 longitudinally to bring the core 6 into the bore 3. To enable the core to be pushed firmly into the bore the member includes a head part 8, and to facilitate its removal from the bore a groove 9 is provided in the head for gripping it.

To attach the device to a fishing line 10, the line is passed laterally through the slot 4 into the bore of member 1, and then the member 2 is assembled together with the weight member 1 in the manner just described. On insertion of the core 6 into the bore 3, the line becomes clamped firmly between the weight member 1 and the core 6, and the device is thereby fixed firmly on the line. The float 12 may be engaged with the cup 5 either before or after the device has been fitted to the line. When the device is to be removed the procedure is merely reversed.

The device according to the invention has several advantages over the prior art. It ensures that the weight is centred at one position below the float, which assists casting. The streamlined shape of the weight is also an aid to casting. The wedging fit between the members ensures that both are securely attached to the line and without any risk of damage to the line. Furthermore, the position of the device along the line is easily adjustable, and floats and weights are readily interchangeable. In the latter connection it is to be noted that the device can be attached and detached from the line without having to interfere with any terminal tackle attached to the line.

The weight member 1 may be of metal, such as a lead or zinc casting. Alternatively a plastic moulding could be used, which would have the advantage of meeting the lead shot ban imposed on certain fishing waters because of the danger to wildlife. Any reduction in weight due to use of a material lighter than lead would be compensated to some degree by the more streamlined shape of the weight.

1. A combined fishing weight and float attachment device, comprising a weight member having a through bore and a slot to allow a fishing line to be introduced into the bore through the slot, and a float attachment member having a first part providing a core engageable in the bore with a wedging action for a line running through the bore to be firmly gripped between the float member and

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (7)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Fishing tackle This invention relates to fishing tackle, and more particularly refers to fishing weights and float attachments adapted to be secured to a fishing line. It is known to attach a float to a fishing line by means of a flexible member having at one end an eye through which the line is threaded, and adapted at its other end for connection to the float. The member is retained in the desired position along the line by fixing a lead shot to the line on either side of it. This attachment arrangement enables rapid removal of the float, but it suffers several drawbacks. When lead shot is applied to a nylon monofilament fishing line, there is a tendency for the line to be damaged with the result that the breaking strain is reduced. The use of two lead shot means that the weight is concentrated at two separate centres, which is not aerodynamically efficient and hence a disadvantage when casting the line. In addition, neither the position of the float along the line nor the actual weight applied to the line are easily adjustable. The present invention aims at a solution to the above drawbacks and resides in a combined weight and float attachment device comprising a weight member having a through bore and a slot to allow a fishing line to be introduced into the bore through the slot, and a float attachment member having a first part providing a core engagable in the bore with a wedging action for a line running through the bore to be firmly gripped between the float member and float attachment member, and a second part for connecting the member to a float. The wedging action is conveniently obtained by either the bore or the core being tapered, but in a preferred construction both are tapered. The float attachment member is preferably made of flexible material, such as synthetic rubber, and to facilitate assembly with the weight member a connection piece linking the core to the float connecting part is dimensioned to pass through the slot into the bore of the weight member. A complete understanding of the invention will be had from the following description in which reference is made to the accompanying drawing, wherein: Figure 1 is a view showing a preferred embodiment of the invention attached to a fishing line and connecting a float to the line; Figure 2 is a side view of the weight member of the device; Figure 3 is an end view of the weight member; and Figure 4 is a side view of the float attaching member. The combined weight and float attachment device illustrated in the drawing comprises a weight member 1, and a float attaching member 2. The member 1 has an axial through bore 3 which tapers generally along the member, and a longitudinal slot 4 which opens into the bore. The external shape of the member 1 is that of a cone with rounded ends. The member 2 is of unitary construction and moulded from an elastomeric material, such as silicone rubber. Formed at one end is a cup-shaped connector 5 for receiving the lower end of a fishing float 12 (as seen in Figure 1) which has a tight fit in the cup. A tapered core 6 is provided at the other end, the taper of the core being complementary to that of the bore 3 in member 1, whereby the core is engageable in the bore with a tight wedging fit.The core 6 is coupled to cup 5 by a stem portion 7 having a length at least equal to that of the member 1 and a diameter not greater than the width of the slot 4, whereby the members 1, 2 can be assembled together by inserting the stem 7 through the slot 4 aand then moving the member 2 longitudinally to bring the core 6 into the bore 3. To enable the core to be pushed firmly into the bore the member includes a head part 8, and to facilitate its removal from the bore a groove 9 is provided in the head for gripping it. To attach the device to a fishing line 10, the line is passed laterally through the slot 4 into the bore of member 1, and then the member 2 is assembled together with the weight member 1 in the manner just described. On insertion of the core 6 into the bore 3, the line becomes clamped firmly between the weight member 1 and the core 6, and the device is thereby fixed firmly on the line. The float 12 may be engaged with the cup 5 either before or after the device has been fitted to the line. When the device is to be removed the procedure is merely reversed. The device according to the invention has several advantages over the prior art. It ensures that the weight is centred at one position below the float, which assists casting. The streamlined shape of the weight is also an aid to casting. The wedging fit between the members ensures that both are securely attached to the line and without any risk of damage to the line. Furthermore, the position of the device along the line is easily adjustable, and floats and weights are readily interchangeable. In the latter connection it is to be noted that the device can be attached and detached from the line without having to interfere with any terminal tackle attached to the line. The weight member 1 may be of metal, such as a lead or zinc casting. Alternatively a plastic moulding could be used, which would have the advantage of meeting the lead shot ban imposed on certain fishing waters because of the danger to wildlife. Any reduction in weight due to use of a material lighter than lead would be compensated to some degree by the more streamlined shape of the weight. CLAIMS

1. A combined fishing weight and float attachment device, comprising a weight member having a through bore and a slot to allow a fishing line to be introduced into the bore through the slot, and a float attachment member having a first part providing a core engageable in the bore with a wedging action for a line running through the bore to be firmly gripped between the float member and float attachment member, and a second part for connecting the member to a float.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the core and the bore is tapered to provide the wedging action.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second parts of the float attachment member are coupled by a stem portion dimensioned to pass through the slot into the bore of the weight member.

4. A device according to claim 1,2 or 3, wherein the float attachment member has a head part attached to the core and having a greater diameter than the bore of the weight member.

5. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the float attachment is made from flexible material.

6. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the weight member is a plastics moulding.

7. A combined fishing weight and float attachment device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing.