Abstract
A compound, adjustable fishing sinker comprised of a plurality of weights. All of the weights have a hole through which a fishing line may be tied, allowing any of the weights to be the initial weight put on a line. All of the weights have threaded screw shanks and threaded screw sockets, allowing the weights to be screwed together in any order, interchangeably. The system is designed to be durable and inexpensive. The weight elements, in aggregate, have a large enough mass to cause the hook to sink, but a small enough mass that they can be cast with the fishing line.
Claims
1. A compound, adjustable fishing sinker, comprised of a plurality of metallic weight elements, wherein each weight element, itself, weighs 56 grams or less; and wherein all of the weight element, individually, have at least two flat circular surfaces; and at least one other surface extending, continuously between the two flat circular surfaces; wherein protruding orthogonally from one of the flat circular surfaces of each weight element is a threaded screw shank through which there is an aperture; and wherein, centered on the other flat circular surface of each weight element is a screw-threaded socket being sized to accept any of the threaded screw shanks from any of the other weight elements.
2. The compound, adjustable fishing sinker in claim 1, wherein the weight elements are frusto-conical in shape.
3. The compound, adjustable fishing sinker in claim 2, wherein the threaded screw shank of each weight element is orthogonally centered on the smaller of the two flat circular surfaces; and wherein the screw-threaded socket is centered on the larger of the two flat circular surfaces.
4. The compound, adjustable fishing sinker in claim 1, wherein the weight elements are cylindrical.
5. The compound, adjustable fishing sinker in claim 1, wherein at least one of the surfaces of the weight elements is textured, in order to facilitate gripping them when they are wet.
6. The compound, adjustable fishing sinker in claim 1, wherein the metallic weight elements are constructed from lead.
7. The compound, adjustable fishing sinker in claim 1, wherein the metallic weight elements are constructed from bronze.
8. The compound, adjustable fishing sinker in claim 1, wherein the metallic weight elements are constructed from steel.
9. The compound, adjustable fishing sinker in claim 8, wherein a corrosion coating is applied to the exposed steel of each weight element using one or more of powder coating, hexavalent chromium coating, chromium (III and IV) coating, zinc coating (galvanizing), or a conversion coating.
10. A compound, adjustable fishing sinker, comprised of a plurality of metallic weight elements, wherein each weight element, itself, weighs 56 grams or less; and wherein all of the weight element, individually, have at least two non-flat surfaces; wherein protruding orthogonally from one of the non-flat surfaces of each weight element is a threaded screw shank through which there is an aperture; and wherein, centered on another non-flat surface of each weight element is a screw-threaded socket being sized to accept any of the threaded screw shanks from any of the other weight elements.
11. The compound, adjustable fishing sinker in claim 10, wherein each weight element has a cylindrical surface, a convex surface, and a concave surface.
12. The compound, adjustable fishing sinker in claim 11, wherein the convex surface and the concave surface of each weight elements are opposed to each other at opposite ends of the cylindrical surface.
13. The compound, adjustable fishing sinker in claim 12, wherein the convex surface has an apex; the threaded screw shank extends orthogonally from the apex of the convex surface; the concave surface has a point that extends furthest inside the cylindrical surface; and the screw-threaded socket is centered on the point at which the concave surface extends furthest into the cylindrical surface.
14. The compound, adjustable fishing sinker in claim 10, wherein at least one of the surfaces of the weight elements is textured, in order to facilitate gripping them when they are wet.
15. The compound, adjustable fishing sinker in claim 10, wherein the metallic weight elements are constructed from lead.
16. The compound, adjustable fishing sinker in claim 10, wherein the metallic weight elements are constructed from bronze.
17. The compound, adjustable fishing sinker in claim 10, wherein the metallic weight elements are constructed from steel.
18. The compound, adjustable fishing sinker in claim 17, wherein a corrosion coating is applied to the exposed steel of each weight element using one or more of powder coating, hexavalent chromium coating, chromium (III and IV) coating, zinc coating (galvanizing), or a conversion coating.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] There are thirteen (13) relevant drawings. FIG. 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of a compound adjustable fishing sinker. FIG. 2 is an exploded side view of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is top view of a single weight of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a single weight of the first embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a side view of a second embodiment of a compound adjustable fishing sinker. FIG. 6 is a side view of a first single element of the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a side view of a second single element of the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a side view of a third single element of the second embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a side view of a third embodiment of a compound adjustable fishing sinker. FIG. 10A is a side view of a first element of the third embodiment. FIG. 10B is a side view of a second element of the third embodiment. FIG. 11A is an isometric view of a first element of the third embodiment. FIG. 11B is an isometric view of a second element of the third embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] The following description represents the inventor's current preferred embodiment. The description is not meant to limit the invention, but rather to illustrate its general principles of operation and construction. Examples are illustrated with the accompanying drawings.
[0027] FIG. 1 shows the side view of the first embodiment 100, with three frusto-conical weight elements 4, 5, 6, screwed together. The top-most weight element 4 has an exposed screw shank 1. The screw shank 1 has a continuous threaded screw groove 3. A through-hole eyelet 2 through the screw shank 1 allows the fishing line (not shown) to be attached to the top-most weight element 4.
[0028] From FIG. 2, is an exploded view of the first embodiment 100, with the top-most weight element 4, middle weight element 5, and bottom weight element 6, arranged about a centerline. Each weight element 4, 5, 6 of the first embodiment 100 has a top surface 14, 15, 16, a bottom surface 24, 25, 26, and a lateral surface 44, 45, 46 defined by a lateral edge 34, 35, 36. Each weight element 4, 5, 6, has an identical screw shank 1 with an eyelet 2 in the screw and a continuous screw thread 3. In the lower surface 14, 15, 16, of each weight element 4, 5, 6 is a screw receptacle 54, 55, 56. The screw shank 1 with continuous screw thread 3 threads or screws into the screw receptacle 54, 55, 56. The weight elements 4, 5, 6 can be screwed together by screwing the screw 1, 3 from one weight element 4, 5, 6 into the screw receptacle 54, 55, 56 of another weight element 4, 5, 6. The fishing line can be threaded through the eyelet 2 in the top-most weight 4. The eyelet 2 is integral to the screw shank 1, itself.
[0029] FIG. 3 shows a top view of a single weight element 6. The screw shank 1 is centered on the top surface 16 of the weight element 6. The lateral surface 46 meets the top surface 16. The screw has a slight taper, to assist with threading of the screw.
[0030] FIG. 4 shows the bottom view of a single weight element 6. The screw receptacle 56 is centered on the bottom surface 26. There is a slight taper 76 at the lip of the screw receptacle 56, to assist with threading the screw. The bottom surface 26 is defined by its perimeter edge 66.
[0031] FIG. 5 shows the side view of the second embodiment 101 of the compound adjustable fishing sinker, with three cylindrical weight elements 7, 8, 9, screwed together. The top-most weight element 7 has an exposed screw shank 1. The screw shank 1 has a continuous threaded screw groove 3. A through-hole eyelet 2 through the screw shank 1 allows the fishing line (not shown) to be attached to the top-most weight element 7.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a lateral view of middle weight element 8 of the second embodiment 101 of the compound adjustable fishing sinker, shown in FIG. 5. The middle weight element 8 of the second embodiment 101 has a top surface 18, a bottom surface 28, and a lateral surface 48 defined by a lateral edge 38. The weight element 8 has a screw shank 1 with an eyelet 2 in the screw and a continuous screw thread 3. In the lower surface 18 of the weight element 8 is a screw receptacle 58. The fishing line (not shown) can be threaded through the eyelet 2 if the weight element 8 is the top-most weight element 8 of the second embodiment 101. The eyelet 2 is integral to the screw shank 1, itself.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a lateral view of top weight element 7 of the second embodiment 101 of the compound adjustable fishing sinker, shown in FIG. 5. The top weight element 7 of the second embodiment 101 has a top surface 17, a bottom surface 27, and a lateral surface 47 defined by a lateral edge 37. The weight element 7 has a screw shank 1 with an eyelet 2 in the screw and a continuous screw thread 3. In the lower surface 17 of the weight element 7 is a screw receptacle 57. The fishing line (not shown) can be threaded through the eyelet 2 if the weight element 8 is the top-most weight element 8 of the second embodiment 101. The eyelet 2 is integral to the screw shank 1, itself.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a lateral view of bottom weight element 9 of the second embodiment 101 of the compound adjustable fishing sinker, shown in FIG. 5. The top weight element 9 of the second embodiment 101 has a top surface 19, a bottom surface 29, and a lateral surface 49 defined by a lateral edge 39. The weight element 9 has a screw shank 1 with an eyelet 2 in the screw and a continuous screw thread 3. In the lower surface 19 of the weight element 9 is a screw receptacle 59. The fishing line (not shown) can be threaded through the eyelet 2 if the weight element 9 is the top-most weight element 9 of the second embodiment 101. The eyelet 2 is integral to the screw shank 1, itself.
[0035] The screw elements 1, 3 of FIGS. 6-8 can fit, interchangeably, into the screw receptacles 57, 58, 59, located in the lower surface 27, 28, 29, of the weight elements 7, 8, 9. The weight elements 7, 8, 9 can be added and subtracted simply by screwing them together or taking them apart. The lateral surface 47, 48, 49, of each weight element 7, 8, 9 can be textured to assist with gripping when the weight element 7, 8, 9 is wet. The screw 1, 3 and screw receptacles 57, 58, 59 are designed to remain together when they have been finger tightened. In other words, the screw 1, 3 and screw receptacles 57, 58, 59 are not load bearing, and they are designed to remain in contact when screwed together with low torque.
[0036] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the third embodiment 102 of the compound adjustable fishing sinker, with two dome-topped cylindrical weight elements 104, 105, screwed together. The top-most weight element 104 has an exposed screw shank 1. The screw shank 1 has a continuous threaded screw groove 3. A through-hole eyelet 2 through the screw shank 1 allows the fishing line (not shown) to be attached to the top-most weight element 104.
[0037] FIG. 10A and 10B show weight elements 104 and 105, respectively.
[0038] FIG. 10A is a lateral view of top weight element 104 of the third embodiment 102 of the compound adjustable fishing sinker, shown in FIG. 9. The top weight element 104 of the third embodiment 102 has a curved, dome-like, top surface 114, a bottom surface 124, and a lateral surface 144 defined by a lateral edge 134. The weight element 104 has a screw shank 1 with an eyelet 2 in the screw and a continuous screw thread 3. In the lower surface 124 of the weight element 104 is a screw receptacle 154. The fishing line (not shown) can be threaded through the eyelet 2 if the weight element 104 is the top-most weight element 104 of the third embodiment 102. The eyelet 2 is integral to the screw shank 1, itself.
[0039] FIG. 10B is a lateral view of bottom weight element 105 of the third embodiment 102 of the compound adjustable fishing sinker, shown in FIG. 9. The bottom weight element 105 of the third embodiment 102 has a curved, dome-like, top surface 115, a bottom surface 125, and a lateral surface 145 defined by a lateral edge 135. The weight element 105 has a screw shank 1 with an eyelet 2 in the screw and a continuous screw thread 3. In the lower surface 125 of the weight element 105 is a screw receptacle 155. The fishing line (not shown) can be threaded through the eyelet 2 if the weight element 105 is the top-most weight element 105 of the third embodiment 102. The eyelet 2 is integral to the screw shank 1, itself.
[0040] FIG. 11A and 11B show isometric views of weight elements 104 and 105, respectively. FIG. 11A is a lateral view of top weight element 104 of the third embodiment 102 of the compound adjustable fishing sinker, shown in FIG. 9. The top weight element 104 of the third embodiment 102 has a curved, dome-like, top surface 114, a bottom surface 124, and a lateral surface 144. The weight element 104 has a screw shank 1 with an eyelet 2 in the screw shank 1 and a continuous screw thread 3. In the lower surface 124 of the weight element 104 is a screw receptacle 154. The fishing line (not shown) can be threaded through the eyelet 2 if the weight element 104 is the top-most weight element 104 of the third embodiment 102. The eyelet 2 is integral to the screw shank 1, itself.
[0041] FIG. 11B is a lateral view of bottom weight element 105 of the third embodiment 102 of the compound adjustable fishing sinker, shown in FIG. 9. The bottom weight element 105 of the third embodiment 102 has a curved, dome-like, top surface 115, a bottom surface 125, and a lateral surface 145 defined by a lateral edge 135. The weight element 105 has a screw shank 1 with an eyelet 2 in the screw shank 1 and a continuous screw thread 3. In the lower surface 125 of the weight element 105 is a screw receptacle 155. The fishing line (not shown) can be threaded through the eyelet 2 if the weight element 105 is the top-most weight element 105 of the third embodiment 102. The eyelet 2 is integral to the screw shank 1, itself.
[0042] Each of the three embodiments 100, 101, 102 of the compound adjustable fishing sinker have weight elements 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 104, 105. Additional weight elements, similar to the shown weight elements 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 104, 105 can be used with each of the three embodiments 100, 101, 102.
[0043] The present invention, a compound adjustable fishing sinker, weighs less than 100 grams, when all weight elements are added together. In fact, for a three weight element embodiment, such as those shown in 100, 101, the weight is between 49-56 grams (1 ounce-2 ounces) for all three weight elements 4, 5, 6, and 7, 8, 9. The largest weight elements 4, 7, 105 all weigh approximately 28 grams or 1 ounce. The medium weight element 5 for the first embodiment 100 weighs 14 grams or ounce. The medium weight element 8 for the second embodiment weights 21 grams or ounce. The small weight 104 for the third embodiment 102 weighs 14 grams or ounce. For each of the three embodiments 100, 101, 102, the respective weight is 49 grams (1 ounce), 56 grams (2 ounces) and 42 grams (1 ounce).
[0044] The weight elements 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 104, 105 can be fabricated from any common metallic material, including steel, lead, zinc, tungsten, bronze, aluminum, or a combination of one or more of the above materials. All of the materials would lend themselves to screw-machine and lathing. Of course, steel is commonly used in screw machines and lathes as a material. Modern lathes and screw machines can turn lead shapes very quickly and easily, with high precision, because lead is softer than steel. For steel weight elements 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 104, 105, the top surface 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 114, 115, bottom surface 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 124, 125, lateral surfaces 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 144, 145, screw shank 1, 2, 3, and screw receptacle 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 154, 155, can all be corrosion coated, using powder coating, hexavalent chromium, chromium (III and IV), zinc plating, or a conversion coating.
[0045] The cylindrical weight elements 7, 8, 9, 104, 105 of the second 101 and third 102 embodiments are designed to have the sinker fall through the water smoothly. The frusto-conical shape of the first embodiment 100 will cause that sinker to undulate from side-to-side as it sinks.
