Knots and knot tying – Miscellaneous
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-28
2001-04-17
Calvert, John J. (Department: 3765)
Knots and knot tying
Miscellaneous
C289S001200, C289S001500
Reexamination Certificate
active
06217086
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention pertains generally to tying knots with a rope, and in particular to an apparatus that provides a user with a convenient structure upon which nautical knot tying may be realistically practiced.
BACKGROUND ART
Tying knots with a rope is well known in the art. A variety of specialized knots are found particularly useful for application aboard boats or ships, such as in sailing. In challenging waters, the ability to tie the right knot for the situation, and to do so quickly, is often critically important. To perfect and retain nautical knot tying skills, the user must practice frequently. One method is to practice while on board the boat or ship using actual boat lines to tie knots to actual shipboard fixtures such as rails, anchor chains, D-rings, cleats, and the like. This practice method is quite effective in that actual regulation sized ropes and actual shipboard fixtures are used. However, when the vessel is not being utilized or is otherwise unavailable, this method is not possible and the time between practice sessions can resultantly extend to months. During these protracted periods, knot tying skills can diminish considerably.
To properly maintain knot tying skills, supplemental knot tying practice away from the boat is therefore required. This can be accomplished by utilizing commercially available knot tying aides, which typically comprise a collection of small sticks and strings, coupled with various knot tying instructions. Major drawbacks exist, however, in that the sticks and strings do not represent actual-sized shipboard fixtures and ropes, and consequently realistic knot tying cannot be practiced. Oftentimes the string will break in the effort of cinching a knot or cannot securely hold the sticks. Also, the sticks do not represent actual shipboard fixtures, and therefore association with an application on a boat is quite impossible.
Another possible method of practicing knot tying would consist of individually providing ropes and shipboard related fixtures. This too is troublesome in that many items have to be individually supplied, utilized, and then collected and commonly stored after each practice session.
Several prior art patents disclose inventions that relate to knot tying. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,449,547 describes a process for tying a bow tie about a package. U.S. Pat. No. 2,595,235 illustrates a device for holding a package while tying a cord around it. U.S. Pat. No. 3,688,357 comprises a macrame loom, which offers round structures for tying knots. U.S. Pat. No. 3,700,272 describes a fisherman's knot tying device for monofilament line which requires that the manufacturer's recommendations for knot tying be strictly observed in order to retain the full line strength. The knots described are quite complicated, and require a special rig to effect the tying process. U.S. Pat. No. 3,752,516 shows a knot tying jig for tying one type of special fisherman's knot on the end of a fishing line.
None of the prior art devices provide a device upon which the art of nautical knot tying may be realistically practiced. It is toward this objective that the present invention is targeted.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a jig like apparatus for practicing the tying of nautical knots which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. The present invention, known as a “KnotMaster”, provides a platform which allows a user to practice tying commonly used knots. The invention provides simulated horizontal and vertical shipboard rails upon which realistic knot tying skills may be practiced. A simulated anchor chain is also provided to practice tying a rope to as well as a point to which a rope can be secured to practice bends (the joining of two ropes together). The present invention is exceptionally sturdy allowing a user to pull hard on a rope to cinch a knot. Additionally, the invention is easy to assemble and disassemble, and may be conveniently transported from location to location in a self-contained storage container. While the invention is primarily intended to elevate and maintain nautical knot tying skills, it may also be utilized by others in vocations such as truck driver to practice securing cargo with rope using knots.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for practicing knot tying comprises a base having two spaced upwardly opening couplings. A substantially U-shaped member has two ends which are removably received by the couplings, so that the U-shaped member may be rigidly connected to the base.
In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the base is rectangular and the couplings are opposingly mounted along one side. The couplings are angled at an angle of between substantially 30° and 60° from the vertical, so as to angle the U-shaped member away from the user.
In accordance with an important feature of the invention, two additional vertically oriented couplings are provided.
In accordance with another important aspect of the invention, a simulated anchor chain is connected between the two arms of the U-shaped member.
In accordance with another important feature of the invention, a plurality of ready reference knot tying instruction cards is disposed upon the base.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
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Calvert John J.
Masters Ted
Tyson Timothy Thut
Welch Gary L.
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