| THE CLAIMS; 1. A line tensioning device for a line on a reel, including: a body means which can be removably anchored to an object; and a holding means, joined to the body means, the holding means being adapted to removably hold the reel of line, wherein, in use, the body means is anchored to the object and the holding means holds the reel of line such that if line is pulled or reeled from the reel, rotation of the reel is resisted to at least some degree by the holding means whereby tension is generated in the line pulled or reeled from the reel. 2. The line tensioning device of claim 1 , wherein the line on the reel, is a reel of fishing line. 3. The line tensioning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the body means is adapted to hook or loop around the object 4. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the body means is substantially U-shaped. 5. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the body means is made substantially of metal, plastic or wood, or a combination thereof. 6. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the body means includes a closure or lock, and the closure or lock is closed or locked in order that the line tensioning device be anchored to the object. 7. The line tensioning device according to claim 6, wherein the closure or lock includes or is a clamp means adapted to clamp to or around the object. 8. The line tensioning device according to claim 7, wherein the object is a fishing rod and the body means includes a clamp means suitable to removably clamp to the fishing rod. 9. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, s wherein the object is a bollard, chair leg, cleat, hook, loop, pole, post, ring, or the like or a fishing rod of a fishing rod and reel, or being held in a person's hand. 10. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the holding means includes at least one bolt means. 0 11. The line tensioning device according to claim 10, wherein a pair of bolt means are included and, in use, the pair of bolt means lie one on either side of the reel, and each bolt means can be moved towards a side of the reel. 12. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 11,s wherein the body means includes one or more tube means 13. The line tensioning device according to claim 12, wherein the or each tube means is adapted to receive a bolt means therethrough, whereby the body means is joined to the holding means by the bolt means passing through the tube means. 0 14. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the holding means includes one or more pin or headless bolt. 15. The line tensioning device according to claim 14, wherein the holding means includes a through pin. 16. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 10 to 15,5 wherein the or each bolt means, pin or headless bolt includes a screw thread. 17. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein one or more pin is including in the holding means and one or more tightening means are included on the or each pin. 18. The line tensioning device according to claim 17, wherein the or each tightening means includes a nut. 19. The line tensioning device according to claim 18, wherein the or each nut is adapted to facilitate manual manipulation. 20. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the holding means includes at least one contact means. 21. The line tensioning device according to claim 20, wherein the contact means forms part of a nut or other means of tightening. 22. The line tensioning device according to claim 20 or 21 , wherein the holding means includes a pair of contact means, and in use, one contact means contacts each side of the reel. 23. The tine tensioning device according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the holding means includes at least one bolt means having a head and an end, and, in use, the end of the bolt means acts on one part of the contact means and another part of the contact means contacts the side of the reel. 24. The line tensioning device according claim 23, wherein in use. rotation of the head of the or each bolt means tightens the or each bolt means towards the reel and moves the contact means towards the side of the reel. 25. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein a pair of contact means are included in the holding means and the pair of contact means contact the sides of the reel, and the reel is held in the holding means. 26. The line tensioning device according to claim 24, wherein further tightening of the or each bolt means tightens the or each contact means against the side of the reel and increases the resistance to rotation of the reel. s 27. The fine tensioning device according to any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein adjustment to the or each bolt means or the or each nut or other means of tightening on a pin adjusts the resistance applied by the or each contact means to either side of the reel. 28. The line tensioning device according to claim 27, wherein adjustment0 to the resistance applied by the or each contact means to the sides of the reel adjusts the tension applied to the line, as the line is pulled or reeled from the reel. 29. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 20 to 28, wherein the or each contact means includes a recess for receipt of the ends of a bolt means, headless bolt or pin. 30. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 20 to 29, wherein the or each contact means is substantially a cone shape. 31. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 20 to 30, wherein the holding means includes at least one resilient means, and in0 use, the or each resilient means is adapted to act on the or each contact means to urge the contact means towards the sides of the reel. 32. The line tensioning device according to claim 31. wherein, in use, the or each resilient means increases the resistance against rotation of the reel applied by the or each contact means to the sides of the reel. s 33. The line tensioning device according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the or each resilient means is at least one spring . 34. The line tensioning device according to claim 33, wherein the holding means includes at least one bolt means and the or each bolt means is passed through a tube means of the body means, before a spring is threaded over an end of the bolt means and a contact means is attached to the end of the bolt means whereby the spring is held on the bolt means between the tube means and the contact means. 35. The line tensioning device according to of claim 34, wherein, in use, the spring acts to keep the contact means pressed towards the sides of the reel. 36. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the holding means includes one or more washers or bush. 37. The line tensioning device according to claim 35 or 36, wherein the or each spring is threaded on a bolt means with a washer at both ends. 38. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 20 to 37, wherein the or each contact means includes bearing means. 39. The line tensioning device according to claim 38, wherein the holding means includes at least one bolt means, having an end, and the end of the bolt means acts on the bearing means. 40. The line tensioning device according to claim 38 or 39, wherein the bearing means includes a seat ring, having a recess and a bearing, and the recess of the seat ring is adapted to receive the bearing therein. 41. The line tensioning device according to claim 40, wherein the end of a bolt means attaches into the bearing and rotation of the bearing rotates the seat ring. 42. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 38 to 41, wherein the bearing means includes one or more projections. 43. The line tensioning device according to claim 42, wherein in use, the one or more projections contact the sides of the reel to hold the reel and or to apply resistance against rotation of the reel. 44. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 38 to 43, 5 wherein the bearing means are made substantially of stainless steel or sintered metal. 45. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 44, wherein at least one adaptor is included and, in use, it is the or each adaptor that contacts the sides of the reel. ID 46. The line tensioning device according to claim 45, wherein the or each adaptor includes a plurality of spokes and, in use, the spokes of the or each adaptor contact a side of the reel. 47. The line tensioning device according to claim 45 or 46, wherein the or each adaptor attaches to a projection on a contact means of the holding is means. 48. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 45 to 47, wherein the or each adaptor is made substantially of plastic, metal or a combination thereof. 49. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 48, 20 wherein the body means includes a clip means for anchoring the body means to the object. 50. The line tensioning device according to claim 49, wherein the clip means is adapted to removably hold part of the object, to anchor the body means to the object. 25 51. The line tensioning device according to claim 49 or 50, wherein the clip means is a substantially C-shaped clip attached to the body means. 52. The line tensioning device according to claim 51 , wherein the object is a fishing rod of a fishing rod and reel and the C-shaped clip is adapted to removably receive the fishing rod whereby the body means is anchored to the fishing rod by the C-shaped clip and line can be reeled, under tension, s from the reel held in the holding means, to the reel of the fishing rod and reel. 53. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 52, wherein the tension generated in the line is a tension suitable for replacing a line on a fishing rod and reel. 0 54. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 53, wherein the tension generated is a substantially even tension. 55. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 54, wherein the line on the reel of line can be reeled on to the reel of a fishing rod and reel without the need for a second person. s 56. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 55, wherein the tighter the holding means holds the reel of line, the greater the resistance to the rotation of the reel of line when line is pulled or reeled from the reel, and the greater the tension applied to the line. 57. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 56,0 wherein the line tensioning device is portable. 58. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 57, wherein all or any of the components are assembled before use. 59. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 58, wherein the device is supplied flat packed for assembly by the consumer.5 60. The line tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 57, wherein some or all of the components are made integral with one another. 61. The line tensioning device according to claim 60, wherein the body means and the holding means are made integral with one another. 62. The line tensioning device according to any one of daims 1 to 61, wherein the removable anchoring of the body means is the body means being held in the hand of a person. 63. The line tensioning device of claim 62, wherein the body means is held in one hand of a person and the line can be pulled or reeled from the reel with the other hand. 64. A line tensioning device for a line on a reel, including a body means which can be removably anchored to an object and a holding means, joined to the body means, the holding means being adapted to removably hold the reel of line a resistance means connected to the body means and or the holding means s wherein, in use, the body means is anchored to the object and the holding means holds the reel of line, and the resistance means acts on the reel such that if line is pulled or reeled from the reel, rotation of the reel is resisted to at least some degree by the action of the resistance means on the reel, whereby tension is generated in the line pulled or reeled from the0 reel. 65. A method of using a line tensioning device for installing line from a reel onto a reel of a fishing rod and reel including the steps of: a) anchoring the reel containing the line to an object by use of a body means of the line tensioning device; s b) holding the reel in a holding means of the line tensioning device joined to the body means so that if line is pulled or reeled from the reel rotation of the reel is resisted to at least some degree, whereby tension is generated in the line pulled or reeled from the reel; c) attaching a free end of the line to the reel of the rod and reel; and d) reeling in the line from the reel to the reel of the rod and reel under s the generated tension. 66. The method according to claim 65 including the additional step of. e) adjusting the holding means whereby the tension generated in the line as the line is pulled or reeled from the line is also adjusted. 67. The method according to claim 65 or 66 including the additional step0 of: f) removing the reel from the holding means and freeing the body means from being anchored to the object, and cutting or freeing an end of the line from the reel. 68. The method of any one of claims 65 to 67, wherein the line tensionings device is the line tensioning device of any one of claims 1 to 64. 69. A line tensioning device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 1 to 4, 5 to 7, 8 to 10, 1 1 and 12 or 13 to 15. 70. A method of using a line tensioning device substantially aso hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 1 to 4, 5 to 7. 8 to 10, 11 and 12 or 13 to 15. |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to- a line tensioning device, and in particular to a line tensioning device for a fishing line.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The following non-limiting description describes the invention being used to put fishing line on a reel of a fishing rod and reel. It is not intended that the invention be limited to the use of putting fishing line on the reel of a fishing rod and reel. It is envisaged that the invention can be used with reels of different types of line, used for many different purposes.
Fishing for food, sport or pleasure is one of the most popular activities world-wide. Most fishers use a rod and reel arrangement when fishing and cast line out from the reel to a desired distance. The cast out line is held, while in the water, under the tension created by the weight of the trace, bait and sinker, for example, A tug on the end of the line starts the heart pumping, a quick jag and a fish may be hooked. As the line is reeled in the weight of the fish or the fishing gear maintains tension on the line; this tension is important. It is desirable to keep the line on the reel wound suitably tight, with only the free end loose. If the line is wound on to the fishing reel with little or no tension the line will be slack on the reel. When casting out the slack line may spring off the reel unexpectedly, leading to a "bird's nest" or tangle of line. Further, loops or knots may form if a line is wound in without sufficient tension applied. The loops or knots may lead to the line tangling further, or to jamming of the reel during casting. It may be possible, with time and patience, to untangle the line but it is quicker and much easier to simply cut off the offending mess of line. Unwanted fishing line often, unfortunately, ends up in waterways and creates a hazard for birds or other animals living in or around the water. Clearly, it would be highly preferable to avoid the loss of line, and inconvenience, due to inappropriate tension on the line.
During a fishing trip for various reasons it may be desired to replace a fishing line on a reel. The existing line may be old, there may be insufficient line remaining on the reel or a heavier line may be desired to suit the fish that the fisher is targeting. When replacing the line, suitable tension must be applied to the line as it is wound on to the reel to avoid the aforementioned problems leading to a tangled line. The usual method of achieving the tension in the line is to find a fellow fisher and persuade him or her to stop fishing and help you. To do so the fellow fisher holds the reel of new line in his or her hand and the free end of the line is attached to the reel of the rod and reel to which the new line is to be applied. As the fellow fisher holds the reel of line, the reel of the rod and reel can be rotated by turning the handle. In this way, the new line is reeled in and runs from the reel in the hand of the fellow fisher on to the reel of the rod and reel. The fellow fisher holds the reel firmly, but not so firmly that the reel cannot rotate, and allows line to run out. Generally, to create sufficient tension in the line as the fisher reels in with one hand in the other hand he or she holds the line between the finger and thumb. Tension is applied and maintained in the line before it is wound on to the reel of the rod and reel in this way. However, there is a risk of painful friction burns as the line passes through the fingers and thumb. Further, despite best efforts the tension of the line may vary if the person applying the tension to the line loses concentration, for example, or changes his or her hold on the line, it is preferable td keep a sufficient and even tension on the line as the line is wound on to the reel.
It is highly desirable to be able to put line on a fishing rod and reel without the need for a second person. It is also desirable to be able to apply tension to the line as the line is put onto a reel of a fishing rod and reel. For darity, any prior art referred to herein, does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a line tensioning device that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention provides a line tensioning device for a line on a reel, including
a body means which can be removably anchored to an object, and a holding means, joined to the body means, the holding means being adapted to removably hold the reef of line
wherein, in use, the body means is anchored to the object and the holding means holds the reel of line such that if line is pulled or reeled from the reel, rotation of the reel is resisted to at least some degree by the holding means whereby tension is generated in the line pulled or reeled from the reel.
Preferably, the line on the reel, is a reel of fishing line. Alternatively, the line may be any line stored or delivered on a reel. The reel may be any suitable size or type of reel.
Preferably, in one form of the invention, the body means is adapted to hook or loop around the object. The hooking or looping of the body means may act to assist in the anchoring to the object. Preferably, the body means is substantially U-shaped. Alternatively, the body means may be any suitable shape including spherical, cuboid, parallelepiped, triangular or irregular. Preferably, the body means is made substantially of metal, plastic or wood or a combination thereof. Any suitable material may be used or any combination of materials for the body means. Optionally, the body means may include a closure or lock, and the closure or lock can be closed or locked in order that the line tensioning device be anchored to the object The closure or lock may include or be a clamp means adapted to clamp to or around the object. Preferably, in one form of the invention the body means is a clamp means. Preferably, the object is a fishing rod and the body means includes a clamp means suitable to removeably clamp to the fishing rod. Preferably, the clamp means includes a first part and a second part, and the first part and second part of the clamp means can be closed around part of an object so as to be anchored thereto. Preferably, the first and second part of the clamp means include a grip section which can close around part of the fishing rod so as to be firmly attached thereto. The grip section may take any suitable shape. The grip section may be a V-shaped cut-out of the first part and or the second part. The first part and or the second part may be made of any suitable material. Preferably, the first and or the second part of the clamp means are made of a suitable plastics material. Preferably, a protection means is included to protect the object from damage by the closure or lock. Preferably, the protection means protects the object from damage by the clamp means. The protection means may include a rubber part or surface to protect the object, including if the object is a fishing rod. Preferably, a clamp lock is included to act on the clamp means to move the first part toward the second part, or vice versa, so as to tighten about the object and be clamped thereto. Preferably, the first part or the second part of the clamp means is fixed in position. Preferably, the first part or the second part of the clamp means is fixed in position by use of an e-clip or similar.
The object to which the body means is anchored may be any suitable object. Suitable objects may include a bollard, chair leg, cleat, hook, loop, pole, post or ring or the like. Preferably, in one form of the invention the object is a fishing rod of a fishing rod and reel. In this case the reel of line is intended to be put on to the reel of the fishing rod and reel, under tension. Optionally, the removable anchoring of the body means is the body means being held in the hand of a person. In this form of the invention, the body means may be held in one hand of a person and the line can be pulled or reeled from the reel with the other hand. Alternatively, a plurality of objects may be used to anchor the body means.
The holding means may take any suitable form for holding the reel of line. Preferably, the reel is held by contact with both sides of the reel by the holding means. Preferably, adjustment to the holding means adjusts the resistance applied to the reel against rotation of the reel. In one form of the invention, preferably, the holding means includes at least one bolt means. The holding means may include a pair of bolt means and, in use, the pair of bolt means lie one on either side of the reel, and each bolt means can be moved towards a side of the reel. Preferably, the or each bolt means includes a screw thread. The bolt means may be any suitable fixing including a bolt, screw, lug, post or pin. The bolt means may be made of any suitable material including metal, plastic or wood, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the or each bolt means is made substantially of stainless steel.
In another form of the Invention, the holding means includes one or more pin or headless bolt. The pin or each pin may take any suitable form. Preferably, the holding means includes a through pin. Preferably, the pin is a threaded pin. Preferably, one or more means of maintaining items threaded on the pin are included. Preferably, one or more tightening means may be included on the or each pin. The tightening means may be a nut or similar. The or each nut or similar may be shaped to facilitate manual manipulation. Two nuts may be included. Preferably, the nuts are shaped to facilitate tightening or loosening by hand. Preferably, the pin can be passed through part of an object. Preferably, a pin is included which may be passed through an object, and two nuts are included threaded on the pin on either side of the object whereby the object can be held by tightening the nuts towards the object. One of the nuts may act on a clamp means threaded on to the pin on one side of the pin. Preferably, a single pin Is used, passed through a fishing reel. Alternatively, two or more pins may be used. The body means may include one or more tube means. The tube means may take any suitable form. Preferably, the tube means are a short cylindrical tube. The or each tube means may be adapted to receive a bolt means or pin therethrough, whereby the body means is joined to the holding means by the bolt means or pin passing through the tube means. The body means and the holding means may be joined in any suitable manner.
Preferably, the holding means includes at least one contact means. The contact means may take any suitable form. Preferably, the or each contact means is adapted to contact the sides of a fishing reel. The contact means may form part of a nut or other means of tightening. The holding means may include a pair of contact means, and, in use, one contact means contacts each side of the reel. Preferably, in one form of the invention, the holding means includes at least one bolt means having a head and an end, and, in use, the end of the bolt means acts on one part of the contact means and another part of the contact means contacts the side of the reel. Alternatively, the head of the bolt may be omitted. Preferably, in use, rotation of the head of the or each bolt means tightens the or each bolt means towards the reel and moves the contact means towards the side of the reel.
Preferably, a nut is present on the end of the or each bolt or pin which may be tightened to move the contact means towards the side of the reel. The nuts may be adapted to facilitate manual manipulation. A nut may be a clutch adjustment dial. A nut may be a clamp lock.
Preferably, a pair of contact means is included in the holding means and the pair of contact means contact the sides of the reel, and the reel is held in or by the holding means. The reel may be held by the contact means, one on each side of the reel similar to being held in between the thumb and finger or fingers of a person. The reel may be held such that the reel cannot fall out of the line tensioning device once the contact means contact the sides of the reel. Preferably, in one form of the invention, further tightening of the or each bolt means tightens the or each contact means against either side of the reel and increases the resistance to rotation of the reel Preferably, in another form of the invention, the reel is threaded on a pin with one or more nut or the like on either side of the reel and further tightening of the or each nut or the like on either side of the reel tightens the or each contact means against either side of the reel and increases the resistance to rotation of the reel.
In one preferred form of the invention, the holding means includes a threaded pin adapted to pass through a fishing reel with contact means contacting either side of the reel which can be tightened by use of one or more nuts, and a clamp means is included for use to anchor to an object Preferably, the object is a fishing rod. Preferably, the clamp means maintains a contact means in position on one side of the reel and a nut can be used to tighten or loosen another contact means against the side of the reel on the opposite side to the clamp means.
Preferably, adjustment to the or each bolt means or the or each nut or other means of tightening on a pin adjusts the resistance applied by the or each contact means to either side of the reel. Alternatively, adjustment may be made by manipulation of part of the contact means. Adjustments to the bolt means may be made by rotating the head of the bolt means or in other forms of the invention pushing or otherwise causing the bolt means to be urged towards the side of the reel. Adjustments to the or each nut or other means of tightening on the pin may be made to tighten the nuts or other means towards the side of the reel. Preferably, adjustment to the resistance applied by the or each contact means to the sides of the reel adjusts the tension applied to the line, as the line is pulled or reeled from the reel. Preferably, one or more of the contact means includes or is attached to a clutch adjustment dial included to adjust the tension applied to the reel of line. The clutch adjustment dial may take any suitable form. Preferably, the clutch adjustment dial enables the resistance applied by the contact means to the reel to be readily adjusted.
Preferably, in one form of the invention, the or each contact means includes a recess for receipt of the end of a bolt means, headless bolt or pin. In another form of the invention the contact means may include holes through which the bolt, pin or the like can pass. The contact means may take any suitable form or shape. The or each contact means may be substantially a cone, cuboid, cylindrical, disc, hemispherical, parallelepiped or irregular shape. Preferably, in one form of the invention the or each contact means are cone shaped. In another form of the invention the contact means may be short cylinders or disc shaped.
Preferably, in one form of the invention, the holding means includes at least one resilient means, and in use, the or each resilient means is adapted to act on the or each contact means to urge the contact means towards the sides of the reel. Preferably, the or each resilient means increases the resistance against rotation of the reel applied by the or each contact means to the sides of the reel. The or each resilient means may take any suitable form. Preferably, the or each resilient means is at least one spring. Preferably, the spring is a metal tension spring.
Preferably, in this form of the invention, the holding means includes at least one bolt means and the or each bolt means is passed through a tube means of the body means, before a spring is threaded over an end of the bolt means and a contact means is attached to the end of the bolt means whereby the spring is held on the bolt means between the tube means and the contact means. Preferably, in use, the spring acts to keep the contact means pressed towards the sides of the reel. The spring may also increase the resistance to rotation of the reel when the or each contact means contact the sides of the reel.
The holding means may include one or more washers or bush. A washer or bush may be included between any of the nuts, clamp, clamp lock and reel etcetera, as appropriate. Preferably, in one form, the or each spring is threaded on a bolt means with a washer at either end of the spring.
Preferably, in one form of the invention the or each contact means includes bearing means. Preferably, the holding means includes at least one bolt means, having an end, and the end of the bolt means acts on the bearing means. Preferably, the bearing means includes a seat ring, having a recess, and a bearing, and the recess of the seat ring is adapted to receive the bearing therein. The end of the bolt means may attach into the bearing whereby rotation of the bearing rotates the seat ring.
The bearing means may include one or more projections. The projections may be of any suitable shape or form. Preferably, the projections are short cylindrical discs. In use, the one or more projections may contact the sides of the reel to hold the reel and or to apply resistance against rotation of the reel. The projections may move in response to the movement of the or each bolt means. The bearing means may be made of any suitable material or combination of materials including metal or plastic. Preferably, the bearing means are made substantially of stainless steel or sintered metal.
Preferably, in one form of the invention at least one adaptor is included and it is the or each adaptor that contacts the reel in use. The adaptor may take any suitable form. The adaptor may assist use of the invention with a wider range of types and sizes of reel. Preferably, the or each adaptor includes a plurality of spokes and, in use, the spokes of the or each adaptor contact a side of the reel. The adaptor may contact the sides of the reel. The or each adaptor may attach to a contact means of the holding means. The adaptor may attach to the projection of a contact means. The or each adaptor may be made of any suitable material including metal, plastic or combinations thereof. Preferably, the or each adaptor is made substantially of plastic.
Preferably, in one form of the invention the body means includes a clip means for anchoring the body means to the object Preferably, the clip means is adapted to removably hold part of the object, to anchor the body means to the object The clip means may take any suitable form. Preferably, the clip means allows an object to be readily anchored and removed from the clip means, without undue difficulty. Preferably, the clip means is a substantially C-shaped dip attached to the body means. The dip means may indude arms each arm being attached across the body means. Most preferably, in one form of the invention, the body means is U- shaped and the C-shaped dip means has arms attached across the curve of the U-shape and the holding means is attached across the open face of the U-shape. Preferably, in this form of the invention the object is a fishing rod of a fishing rod and reel and the C-shaped clip is adapted to removabl receive the fishing rod whereby the body means is anchored to the fishing rod by the C-shaped clip and line can be reeled, under tension, from the reel held in the holding means, to the reel of the fishing rod and reel.
Preferably, the tension generated in the line is a tension suitable for replacing a line on a fishing rod and reel. Preferably, the tension generated is a substantially even tension. Preferably, the tighter the holding means holds the reel of line, the greater the resistance to the rotation of the reel of line when line is pulled or reeled from the reel. Preferably, the greater the resistance to rotation, the greater the tension applied to the lineA
Preferably, the line on the reel of line can be reeled on to the reel of a fishing rod and reel without the need for a second person. Preferably, the line tensioning device is portable.
All or any of the components of the line tensioning device may be assembled before use. Preferably, the device is supplied flat packed for assembly by the consumer. In one form of the invention, a pin, two contact means, two locking dials and two parts of a clamp means are supplied flat packed and before use the pin is threaded through the core of the reel, a contact means is threaded on to the pin on either side of the reel and on one side tightened by a loclong dial, on the other side the two parts of the clamp means are threaded on to the pin next to one contact means and are adjusted capture the fishing rod between them in the grip sections by use of the second locking dial, whereby adjustment of either of the locking dials enables adjustment to the resistance against rotation applied to the reel. Alternatively, some or all of the components of the line tensioning device may be made integrally with one another. The body means and the holding means may be made integrally with one another.
The present invention, in a second aspect, also provides a line tensioning device for a line on a reel, including
a body means which can be removably anchored to an object and a holding means, joined to the body means, the holding means being adapted to removably hold the reef of line
a resistance means connected to the body means and or the holding means
wherein, in use, the body means is anchored to the object and the holding means holds the reel of line, and the resistance means acts on the reel such that if line is pulled or reeled from the reel, rotation of the reel is resisted to at least some degree by the action of the resistance means on the reel, whereby tension is generated in the line pulled or reeled from the reel.
The present invention also provides a method of using a line tensioning device for installing line from a reel onto a reel of a fishing rod and reel including the steps of: a) anchoring the reel containing the line to an object by use of a body means of the line tensioning device; b) holding the reel in a holding means of the line tensioning device joined to the body means so that if line is pulled or reeled from the reel rotation of the reel is resisted to at least some degree, whereby tension is generated in the line pulled or reeled from the reel; c) attaching a free end of the line to the reel of the rod and reel; and d) reeling in the Hne from the reel to the reel of the rod and reel under the generated tension.
Preferably, the method incfudes the additional step of: e) adjusting the holding means whereby the tension generated in the line as the Ire is pulled or reeled from the line is also adjusted.
Preferably, the method also includes the additional step of: f) removing the reel from the holding means and freeing the body means from being anchored to the object, and cutting or freeing an end of the line from the reel.
Preferably the line tensioning device used in the method of the invention is the line tensioning device as described above in the first or second aspect of the invention in any of there many variants.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
The invention provides a device for putting line on to a reel that enables a person to perform the task alone, while applying tension to the line. The device can be readily manufactured and sold through retail outlets.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described in connection with non-limiting preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of a line tensioning device according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, used with a cleat on a boat and holding a reel of line;
Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of the device of Figure 1 removed from the cleat, the reel also removed for ease of illustration;
Figure 3 is a plan view from above of the line tensioning device of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the line tensioning device of Figures 2 and 3, illustrating the various components;
Figure 5 is a perspective view from above of a line tensioning device according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, being used on a fishing rod and reel, only part of the fishing rod being shown;
Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the line tensioning device of Figure 5, removed from the rod and reel illustrating various components;
Figure 7 is an exploded plan view from above of the device of Figure 6;
Figure 8 is a perspective view from above of a line tensioning device according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the device of Figure 8;
Figure 10 is a plan view from above of the line tensioning device of Figures 8 and 9, as assembled;
Figure 11 is a perspective view from above of the line tensioning device of Figures 8, 9 and 10 as assembled, and used with an adaptor;
Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the line tensioning device and adaptor of Figure 1 , illustrating the various components;
Figure 13 is a perspective view from above of a line tensioning device according to a fourth preferred embodiment, installed on a rod and reel; Figure 14 is a detailed plan side view of the device of Figure 13; and
Figure 15 is a plan view from above of the view of the device as contained in flat pack packing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION INCLUDING A BEST METHOD FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Referring to Figures 1 to 4, a first preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, where line tensioning device 1 is shown having body 10, a pair of bolts 12, a pair of springs 14 and a pair of cones 16. Body 10 has a pair of pipes 18, for receipt of a body 20 of bolt 12 therethrough. Body 20 of bolt 12 may be passed through pipe 18 or screwed through on rotation of head 22 of bolt 12. Two pairs of washers 24 are included, as is illustrated in particular in Figure 4, one washer 24 on either side of each spring 14. Each washer 24 has hole 25 of a suitable size to receive body 20 of bolt 12.
To assemble line tensioning device 1, bolt body 20 is passed or screwed through pipe 18 of body 10 until end 26 of body 20 of bolt 12 projects through pipe 8, towards the other pipe 8. Washer 24 is threaded on end 26 through hole 25, followed by spring 14 through centre 28. Further washer 24 is threaded on end 26 through hole 25 and finally end 26 is screwed into recess 30 in cone 16. Once end 26 is screwed into recess 30, the assembly of bolt 12, spring 14 and cone 16, together with a pair of washers 24 is held together. The aforementioned action is repeated to assemble the other bolt 12, with spring 14 and cone 6, and the other pair of washers 24.
In use, as is illustrated in Figure 1, body 10 of line tensioning device 1 can be looped around cleat 32 of boat 34 (only a small part of boat 34 is shown) for example. The line tensioning device 1 can be used with any suitable object that can provide an anchor point Examples of suitable anchor points may be any pole, post, bollard, chair leg, ring, loop, hook, handle, part of a building or any suitable article or structure on a boat, on land or indoors or being held in the hand of a person. In the illustrated example, cleat 32 provides an anchor point for line tensioning device 1.
Assuming line tensioning device 1 is already assembled, bolts 12 are unscrewed slightly, if necessary, so that there is sufficient gap between pair of cones 16 to allow line tensioning device 1 to fit around cleat 32, in the example. Reel 36, containing line 38, can be positioned between the pair of cones 16, and bolts 12 tightened such that a cone 16 contacts centre points 40, one on either side of reel 36 to hold reel 36 in place. Centre points 40 of reel 36 differ from reel to reel from a fiat surface, a dimple or depression, a hollow core or a spindle type arrangement. Adjustment of bolts 12 by tightening or loosening changes the distance between, and the pressure appied by, cones 1 to reel 36.
Springs 14 act between pair of washers 24 so that if the length of body 20 of bolt 12 between the washers 24 is shortened to a length shorter than the relaxed state of spring 12 then spring 12 will be compressed and under tension so as to act against the washers 24. Adjustment of bolts 2 is made so that reel 36 is held firmly between cones 1 but allowed to rotate so line 38 can be drawn freely from reel 36. The tension can be tested by pulling the line out of reel 36 by hand and feeling the resistance. Adjustment to bolts 2 increases or decreases the resistance to the pulling of the line out of the reel and this resistance creates tension in the line 38. If the reel 36 is held too tightly it will not be able to rotate at all or only with significant force applied. If the reel is held too loosely the reel 36 may fall out, or it may be held and rotate freely, without resistance. Bolts 12 can be adjusted until a user is satisfied that line 38 can be pulled off reel 36 with a suitable tension. Reel 36 is illustrated as a standard reel size: there are numerous other reel dimensions and constructions. The adjustable nature of line tensioning device 1 enables adjustment of the distance between cones 16 such that reel 36 may be a reel of a range of widths and sizes and appropriate tension can still be applied by adjustment of bolts 12. To replace line on a fishing rod and reel (not shown), end 42 of line 38 is secured to the reel of the fishing rod and reel, line tensioning device 1 is anchored to an object, and reel 36 put in place, as described above. Adjustment of bolts 12 is made until the person is satisfied with the tension applied to the reel, testing by pulling on line 38 and feeling the resistance. Winding in of line 38 in the usual manner can draw the line 38 under the created tension, from reel 36 onto the reel of the fishing rod and reel. Transfer of the entire line , 38, or any desired length from reel 36 can be achieved with the appropriate tension being maintained. A person can replace line 38 quickly, easily, and without the need for a second person to hold reel 36 while the line 38 has a suitable tension applied and maintained. Also, importantly, line 38 can be reeled in without the need to hold line 38 between the finger and thumb to maintain tension; friction bums are, therefore, avoided. The tension or resistance on reel 36 is set before reeling in of line 38 and so will be consistent tension applied throughout to line 38.
In an alternative form of the invention, body 10 may be held in one hand of a person, instead of using an object, and the line 38 can be pulled or reeled from the reel with the other hand.
Body 10, as illustrated is made of metal but could readily be made of other materials, such as wood or plastic or combinations thereof. The U-shape of body 0 has been found to be useful to anchor line tensioning device 1 to objects. However, any suitable shape may be used such as semicircular, rectangular including square, irregular or otherwise. Body 10 as illustrated is approximately 180 mm tall by 180 mm wide with a thickness of about 10 mm. The dimensions as illustrated are suitable for most fishing reels but any suitable dimensions may be used if it is desired to use the invention with larger or smaller reels. Body 10 may take any suitable form.
Pipes 18 as illustrated are short cylindrical pipes, attached to body 1 , suitable for receipt of bolts 12. In an alternative form of the invention, pipes 18 may be formed integral with body 10. Pipes 18 are illustrated as being quite short, but clearly longer pipes could be used. In an alternative form of the invention, pipes 18 may be replaced by one or more hoops or loops or any other means of joining bolts 12 to body 10.
Bolts 12 as illustrated are made of stainless steel, but could be made of other metal, or any other suitable material. Bolts 12 are convenient but other suitable fixings may be used to act on spring 14 and cones 16. Springs 14 are shown as tension springs made of metal but may be any suitable form of spring, Including plastic springs. Cones 6 are shown made of metal but any other suitable material including wood or plastic may be used. The particular shape of cones 16 Is beneficial to hold reel 36, such that reel 36 can readily rotate but is firmly held at the same time. Cones 16 could be any suitable shape, such as rectangular including square, irregular of hemispherical. Washers 24 are illustrated as conventional stainless steel washers; any suitable washers may be used, or the washers may be omitted. As illustrated, line tensioning device 1 is assembled from several components before use. Alternatively, device 1 could be preassembled or one or more of the components formed integrally.
Referring to Figures 5 to 7, a second preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, where line tensioning device 101 has body 10, pair of bolts 112, pair of springs 114 and pair of cones 116. Body 110 has pair of pipes 118 into which body 120 of bolt 112 is passed or screwed during assembly, by rotation of head 122 of bolt 112. Each spring 114 has pair of washers 124, one at either end when assembled, each washer 124 having holes 125. Line tensioning device 101 is assembled exactly as for the first preferred embodiment, with bolt 112 passed or screwed through pipe 118 until end 126 projects out. Washer 124 is passed onto end 126 of bolt body 120, followed by spring 114 through centre 128, and another washer 124. Finally end 126 is screwed into recess 130 of cone 116 so bolt 112, spring 114 and cone 116 are held together and attached to body 110. The process is repeated with the other bolt 112, spring 114, cone 116 and pair of washers 124, until line tensioning device 101 is fully assembled. In an alternative form of the invention line tensioning device 101 may be preassembled or all or some of the components of the line tensioning device 101 may be made integrally.
In use, and referring to Figure 5 in particular, a reel 136 is illustrated containing line 138 having centre point 140. An end (not shown) of line 138 is attached to a reel 144, of reel mechanism 146, fitted to fishing rod 148. Different to the first preferred embodiment, clip 150 is included in line tensioning device 101 making line tensioning device 101 particularly useful with fishing rod 148. Clip 150 is attached by arms 152 to body 110 having holder 154 between arms 152. Alternatively, clip 150 may be made integral to body 110. Holder 154 as illustrated is C-shaped such that rod 148 can be pushed into holder 154, but once in place does not fall out until manually pulled out of the hold of holder 154. The particular shape of clip 150, arms 152 and holder 154 is beneficial as it allows for quick and easy insertion and , removal of rod 148. However, clip 150 could take any suitable form to hold rod 148. Clip 150 is shown made of metal but could equally be made of a suitably strong and possibly slightly resilient plastic, to facilitate insertion and removal of rod 148 from clip 150,
Rod 148 is installed in holder 154, as shown in Figure 5, before reel 136 is put in position between cones 116. Bolts 112 are tightened to hold reel 136 firmly but so that line 138 can be pulled or reeled from reel 136 in the same manner as described for the first preferred embodiment. Once the tension applied to reel 136 is suitable, the end (not shown) of line 38 is attached to reel 144 of reel mechanism 146. Turning of handle 156, of reel mechanism 146 reels in line 138 from reel 136 onto reel 144. Handle 156 is steadily rotated until all line 738 is wound onto reel 144, or as much as is desired. When an end (not shown) of line 138 on reel 136 is reached it may be cut or untied, and at this point reel 136 can be removed from line tensioning device 101 by loosening bolts 12. Rod 148 can be freed from holder 54 of clip 150 by pulling out through the C-shaped part. The line tensioning device 101 may then be put aside, and a new trace applied to the free end of line 136, ready to start fishing again.
Body 1 0, as for the first embodiment is illustrated made of metal but could readily be made of other materials, such as wood or plastic. The U-shape of body 110 is particularly suitable to fit around fishing rod 148 and hold reel 136. However, any suitable shape may be used such as semicircular, rectangular including square, irregular or otherwise. Body 1 0 may take any suitable form. Bolts 1 2 as illustrated are bolts made of stainless steel; any other suitable fixings may be used. Bolts 112 may be made of any other suitable materials such as other metal or plastic. Springs 114 are metal tension springs of a known form. Other suitable forms of spring 114 may be used, including plastic springs. Cones 116 are shown made of metal but any other suitable material including wood or plastic may be used. The particular shape of cones 116 is beneficial to hold reel 136. However, cones 116 could be any suitable shape, such as rectangular including square, irregular of hemispherical, for example. Washers 124 are conventional stainless steel washers as illustrated; any suitable washers may be used, or the washers may be omitted. Any or all parts of line tensioning device 101 may be made integrally, rather than assembled from components.
Line tensioning device 101 is particularly adapted for use with a fishing rod and reel. However, line tensioning device 101 can be used clipped or otherwise attached to other objects by clip 50, so as to be anchored as for the first and second embodiments of the invention.
Referring to Figures 8 to 10, a third preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, where line tensioning device 201 has body 210 and bolts 212, bolts 212 having body 220, head 224 and end 226 as for the first two preferred embodiments. A pair of tubes 258 can be seen on body 2 0, in particular in Figure 8, being similar to the pipes of the first two embodiments. Different to the first two embodiments, springs, washers and cones are replaced with a pair of bearings 260 and pair of seat rings 262 for bearings 260. Bearings 260 sit in recess 264 of seat ring 262 and are pushed on by end 226 of bolt 212. Line tensioning device 201 can be assembled in a simrlar manner to the first two embodiments with end 226 of bolt 212 passed or screwed through tube 258 pushing against bearing 260 which is seated in seat ring 262. In this way bolts 212, seat rings 262 and bearings 260 are held together and to body 210. Projections 266 on seat rings 262 project towards one another (refer Figure 8).
In use, as for the first embodiment, body 210 is anchored around a suitable object and a reel (not shown) is put between projections 266. Bolts 212 are adjusted to shorten the distance between projections 266, so that the reel can be held between the two projections 266, similar to the cones of the previously described embodiments. Projections 266 are illustrated as flat discs and are suitable to hold many different forms of reel, such as those having a small aperture through the core, spindle, or a flat surface. Projections 266 may be other shapes such as rectangular including square, irregular or any other shape in cross-section. Appropriate tension for winding in the line from the reel (neither shown) can be created by screwing bolts 212 towards the reel until firmly held and the reel can rotate but the action is resisted by projections 266, assisted by bearings 260 in seat rings 262. The tension applied to the line (not shown) can be tested by pulling on the line and feeling the resistance of the reel, as applied by the bolts 212 through projections 266. Tension is created in the line by the holding of the reel and also the tension created on projections 266 by the action of bolt 212 through bearings 260 in seat rings 262. In this way the reel is not just held but also an even and consistent tension is created in the line as the line is pulled or reeled from the reel.
Referring in particular to Figures 10 and 11 , adaptor 268 is also included. Adaptor 268 has hole 270 and spokes 272, hole 270 being adapted to fit on projection 266. Adaptor 268 may be used when, due to the nature of the core of a reel, use of the first and second embodiment of the invention may not be suitable. Use of the adaptor with the third embodiment is exactly as previously described for the third embodiment. However, projections 266 do not contact the reel in this form of the invention, instead spokes 272 contact the reel. The contact may be to the sides of the reel or to fit inside the hollow core of the reel. Either way tension is applied to the reel and line by the resistance of the line tensioning device 201 to rotation of the reel.
As illustrated body 210, bolts 212, tubes 258, bearings 260, seat rings 262 and projections 266 are all formed of a suitable metal, such as stainless steel. In an alternative form of the invention any of the aforementioned may be made of other suitable metals, wood or strong plastics or a combination thereof. Body 210 may take other forms and shapes and is not limited to the illustrated U-shape. Body 210 may be rectangular including square, irregular or any suitable shape to anchor to objects. Bearings 260, seat rings 262 and projections 266 may take any suitable form or shape. Each of the aforementioned components may be preassembled or formed integrally.
Adaptor 268 as illustrated is made of a suitable plastic but may be made of any suitable material including metal. Although reference has been made here to use of the invention with a reel of fishing line, there are many types of line supplied on a reel. The described embodiments may be used to wind on many different types of line to reels of different shapes and sizes, depending on their application. The line tensioning device may be made in any suitable dimensions to suit the size or shape of the reel of line.
Referring to Figures 13 to 15, a fourth preferred embodiment illustrates line tensioning device 301, having body 310 including pin 312 and cones 316 and 317. Line tensioning device 301 is used in the same way as described for the previous three embodiments. Cones 316 and 317 include holes 319 and 321 (not labelled) through which pin 312 can be passed, in use. Reel 336 can be seen to have pin 312 threaded through core 340 before cone 316 is tightened towards reel 336 by use of clutch adjustment dial 374, to hold reel 336 with resistance. Clutch adjustment dial 374 includes indents (not labelled) which assist a person to grip and rotate the dial and adjust the resistance applied by cone 316 to reel 336. One or more washer or bush could be used between clutch adjustment dial 374, cone 316 and reel 336, as appropriate.
Cone 317 is tightened against reel 336 in a similar manner to cone 31 but by being held in place by damp 376 in the first instance. Clamp 376 includes first part 378 and second part 380 which are adapted to close around an object so as to be anchored thereto. In this case the object is fishing rod 382 and clamp 376 includes grips 384 suitable to surround and damp to fishing rod 382. A rubber rod protector 386 is included on the inner surface of grips 384 to prevent damage to rod 382 while device 301 is in use. Alternative forms of clamp 376 may be used. E-clip 388 on pin 312 is used to hold first part 378 of damp 376 so as to be fixed in place. E-clip 388 may be omitted. Clamp lock 390 is used to adjust the tension applied to the second part 380 of damp 376 whereby the tension applied via clamp 376 may to tightened to hold rod 382 firm or loosened to enable rod 382 to be released.
In use, line tensioning device 301 is supplied in flat packed packaging 383 for assembly by the consumer. To assemble device 301, pin 312, two cones 316 and 317, clutch adjustment dial 374, clamp lock 390 and first part 378 and second part 380 of clamp 376 are removed from the flat packed packaging. Pin 312 is threaded through the core of reel 336 and cones 316 and 317 are threaded onto pin 312 on either side of reel 336, through holes 319 and 321 (not labelled) respectively. Clutch adjustment dial 374 can be tightened against cone 316 to urge cone 316 towards reel 336. On the other side parts 378 and 380 of clamp 376 are threaded onto pin 312 next to cone 317 and are adjusted to capture fishing rod 382 between them in grip sedions 384 by use of damp lock 390. The particular order in which the parts are assembled can be varied as convenient Adjustment of clutch adjustment dial 374 and or clamp lock 390 enables adjustment to the resistance against rotation applied to the reel 336. In this way tension is applied to reel 336 so that as line (not labelled) is pulled or drawn from reel 336, reel 336 can rotate but not freely so that tension is created between reel 336 and the end of the line. Therefore, as the line is applied to another reel 394 (the reel of line to be used for fishing) and handle 392 of reel 394 turned line is transferred from reel 336 to reel 394 under tension so that in use the line is suitably tensioned for fishing:
The invention provides an easy to use and convenient means of putting fishing line onto a fishing reel without the assistance of another person, the line being kept under appropriate tension. The fisher can adjust the tension easily through use of clutch adjustment dial 374 and or clamp lock 390 until the fisher is happy with the particular tension being applied. The device therefore can enable tension to be applied more evenly than if line is put on to the reel by hand where the particular tension may vary with the grip of the person applying tension on the line.
As illustrated pin 312 is made of stainless steei and all the other parts of device 301 are made of a suitable plastics material except for rod protectors 380 which are made of rubber. Alternative materials may be used as appropriate. The advantages of use of the line tensioning devices as described above are apparent, enabling line to be put on a reel under appropriate and even tension without the need for the assistance of another person, or the inconvenience and cost of going to a specialist store to have the line wound on to a reel.
It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its various aspects.
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