Abstract: A Brunnian link is a link formed from a closed loop doubled over itself to capture another closed loop to form a chain. Elastic bands can be utilized to form such links in a desired manner. The example device provides a means of creating items using Brunnian links of complex configurations. Moreover, the example kit provides a device that allows for the successful creation of unique linked items.

Abstract: A surgical filament snare assembly including an anchor capable of being fixated in bone and having a filament engagement feature. A first filament has a noose on a first portion of at least a first limb and has a second portion connected to the filament engagement feature of the anchor. Preferably, at least one free filament limb, which in some embodiments is a length of the first filament and in other embodiments is a second filament, is capable of being passed through tissue to be repaired and has at least one end passable through the noose to enable incremental tensioning of the tissue after the anchor is fixated in bone. The noose strangulates the free filament limb when tension is applied to at least one of the free filament limb and the noose.

Abstract: Implementations disclosed herein provide a hammock system, which comprises two spreader bars defining a length of a base area of the hammock system, two border rope defining a width of the base area of the hammock system, a plurality of longitudinally extending structural lines connecting the first spreader bar to the second spreader bar, and a weaving rope defining a repeating array of quadrilateral formations within the base area, each quadrilateral formation bisected by one of the structural lines.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in the preparation of a knot in at least one length of material, wherein the apparatus includes a base portion, the base portion including; a) a loop former configured in use to form an open loop in the length of material; and; b) at least one restraining device configured to restrain the length of material on the loop former, and wherein the apparatus includes a twister configured to intercept and twist at least two portions of the length of material.

Abstract: There is herein described a fishing aid. More particularly, there is described a fishing aid capable of tying knots in fishing lines to connect the fishing line to hooks, flies and/or lures.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of devices and kits for making knotted string accessories. Embodiments of a device comprise a base that has a substantially planar surface, a perimeter, and a center axis. Furthermore the embodiments include a plurality of holders connected to the substantially planar surface proximate to the perimeter of the base, located at a distance from the center axis, wherein the plurality of holders are configured to retain individual strings. Embodiments of a kit comprise the device, a plurality of strings for use with the device, and storage compartments.

Abstract: A Brunnian link is a link formed from a closed loop doubled over itself to capture another closed loop to form a chain. The example kit provides for the successful creation of unique wearable articles using Brunnian link assembly techniques and includes several pin bars that are supported in a desired special orientation by at least one base. The desired special orientation is dependent on the desired linked configuration of the completed article. The pins may be assembled in various combination and orientations to provide endless variation of completed link orientations.

Abstract: Novel water balloon filling devices and tying fixtures are disclosed herein. Preferred filling devices are configured to attach to a water spigot or hose and include a spring valve that is protected from internal water flow. Preferred tying fixtures can include two prongs having diverging end sections.

Abstract: A disclosed device for creating an item consisting of a series of links includes at least two posts spaced part from each other in a first direction with each of the posts including a first arm and a second arm and an access slot.

Abstract: A system includes a knot tying device for tying a filament in a knot around an article and a filament delivery device from which is drawn the filament. The filament delivery device may be in the form of a cartridge having a housing sized and arranged to be releasably attached to the knot tying device where the housing has an opening through which pre-cut or loosely coupled lengths of the filament can be drawn. The knot tying device includes a shuttle attachable to the filament where the shuttle is caused to be moved during a knot tying process around an article to be tied and a device for at least pulling the filament away from the article at appropriate times during the knot tying process.

Abstract: A Brunnian link is a link formed from a closed loop doubled over itself to capture another closed loop to form a chain. The example kit provides for the successful creation of unique wearable articles using Brunnian link assembly techniques and includes several pin bars that are supported in a desired special orientation by at least one base. The desired special orientation is dependent on the desired linked configuration of the completed article. The pins may be assembled in various combination and orientations to provide endless variation of completed link orientations.

Abstract: A Brunnian link is a link formed from a closed loop doubled over itself to capture another closed loop to form a chain. The example kit provides for the successful creation of unique wearable articles using Brunnian link assembly techniques and includes several pin bars that are supported in a desired special orientation by at least one base. The desired special orientation is dependent on the desired linked configuration of the completed article. The pins may be assembled in various combination and orientations to provide endless variation of completed link orientations.

Abstract: An instrument for use in minimally-invasive procedures generally including a pair of coaxially arranged shafts, an end-effector at the distal ends of the shafts, and an actuator at the proximal ends of the shafts. The end-effector is in the form of a suture holder which includes a first, fixed arm at a distal end of a first, fixed outer shaft, and a second, movable arm at a distal end of a second, movable inner shaft. The fixed arm includes a u-shaped end, which defines an opening adapted to receive a portion of an elongate flexible suture material. A closure pin fixed at an end of the movable arm moves back and forth, opening and closing the opening in the u-shaped end of the fixed arm. The closure pin extends from the movable arm into a pin guide opening through one leg of the u-shaped end of the fixed arm.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved knot tying device consisting of an elongated rigid body containing a silicon rubber insert with an aperture, a U-shaped member containing a side notch, a top notch, a bottom notch, and a groove in and around the U-shaped member with the device incorporating a rear tubular hook holder and index finger grip. This knot tying device enables an angler to quickly join a monofilament fishing line, braided or super braided fishing line, or fluorocarbon fishing line securely to that of a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader. The disclosed knot tying device also allows for an angler to safely attach a fish hook to a monofilament fishing line, braided fishing line, or fluorocarbon fishing line and, by the use of the aperture in the silicon rubber insert, allows for an angler's “third hand” as the fishing lines are held in place and without damage.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved knot tying implement consisting of an elongated rigid body containing a silicon rubber insert, bottom and side notches, bottom cavity, a concave grip, and a hook holder which enables an angler to tie a variety of fishing knots such as the modified Hangman's knot, modified Snell knot, modified Nail knot, and modified Blood knot using either monofilament fishing lines, braided or super braided fishing lines, or fluorocarbon fishing lines in an array of fishing line strengths and diameters. This knot tying implement, by the use of an aperture in the silicon rubber insert, allows for an angler's “third hand” as the fishing line, fishing lines, or fish hook are held, in place and without damage, while the angler forms their choice of the desired fishing knot.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a knot, the apparatus comprising: a first pathway for receiving a first element, and a second pathway for receiving a second element, wherein the first pathway and the second pathway have configurations which correspond to the paths to be followed by the first element and the second element, respectively, in order to form a knot; a shuttle for moving the second element; and a mechanism for moving the shuttle through the second pathway, whereby, when the first element is received in the first pathway and the second element is connected to the shuttle, movement of the shuttle through the second pathway causes the second element to be moved through the second pathway so as to form a knot around the first element.

Abstract: A Brunnian link is a link formed from a closed loop doubled over itself to capture another closed loop to form a chain. The example kit provides for the successful creation of unique wearable articles using Brunnian link assembly techniques and includes several pin bars that are supported in a desired special orientation by at least one base. The desired special orientation is dependent on the desired linked configuration of the completed article. The base and pin bars may be assembled in various combination and orientations to provide endless variation of completed link orientations. Additional bases and pin bars can be to further expand possible completed article creation.

Abstract: A balloon tying article is provided with a first wall, a second wall and a cavity therebetween whereby a balloon is tied using each of the walls to knot the balloon neck.

Abstract: An installer, securing radiant heat tubing to wire mesh while standing, uses an apparatus with an adjustable telescoping housing. The installer, by actuating a power drill, or other electrically driven device, rotates a shaft that is attached to a drive roller in close proximity to an idler roller. These rollers frictionally engage an end of a preformed plastic binding coil. The preformed plastic binding coil end is advanced through a feeding tube that allows the end of the preformed plastic binding coil to wrap around the intersection where the radiant heat tubing and wire mesh meet. As the preformed plastic binding coil resumes its coiled configuration, the tying operation is complete. A cutter blade actuated by the user frees the apparatus from the tied radiant heat tubing and wire mesh.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of devices and kits for making barrettes covered with ribbon. One embodiment of a device for making decorated barrettes comprises a base having a substantially planar surface with a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a securing member connected to the substantially planar surface proximate to the first end and configured to secure a barrette and at least one elongated holder connected to the substantially planar surface proximate the second end. The at least one elongated holder comprises a plurality of raised portions extending outward from the substantially planar surface in close proximity to one another to define slits there between configured to retain an individual ribbon.

Abstract: A Brunnian link is a link formed from a closed loop doubled over itself to capture another closed loop to form a chain. Elastic bands can be utilized to form such links in a desired manner. A disclosed kit includes a template for mounting an initial band and a hook utilized for attaching additional bands to the initial bands placed on the template. The template includes pins that hold the initial band in place while additional bands are linked onto each other. The kit further includes a clip utilized to attach ends once the desired length is formed.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in the preparation of a knot in at least one length of material, wherein the apparatus includes a base portion, the base portion including; a) a loop former configured in use to form an open loop in the length of material; and; b) at least one restraining device configured to restrain the length of material on the loop former, and wherein the apparatus includes a twister configured to intercept and twist at least two portions of the length of material.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a balloon with a fluid and tying a knot in the neck of the balloon, having a filling device body engaging a source of fluid under pressure. A balloon barb extends outwards from the body, and a fluid passageway in the body communicates with a control to allow the passage of fluid from the source to the balloon barb. A tying device extends from the body substantially parallel to the balloon barb, the tying device being detachable from and reattachable to a receptacle in the body of the filling device. A keyway is located either the tying device or an inner surface of the receptacle, and a key is located in the other of the tying device or the receptacle. The key corresponds in dimensions to fit in the keyway, where the key removably fits into the keyway when the tying device is inserted in the receptacle of the body of the filling device.

Abstract: A balloon-tying device for assisting in tying a balloon is provided, the balloon having a filling end. The balloon-tying device comprises a base having a top surface and a bottom surface substantially opposite the top surface. A pair of spaced tying prongs is provided with each having a base end and a top end and the base ends of the tying prongs secured to the top surface of the base. A ridge extends from the top end of each of the tying prongs wherein the filling end of the balloon is wrappable around the tying prongs and fed between the tying prongs and wherein the ridges maintain the filling end of the balloon from inadvertently slipping from the tying prongs during the tying process.

Abstract: An implement for manipulating a knotted suture during a surgical procedure, includes an elongated shaft having a proximal end engageable by the user for manipulating the instrument, and a distal end engageable with the knotted suture to be manipulated. The distal end of the elongated shaft has an end face formed with a recess for receiving the knot of the suture. The distal end of the elongated shaft is formed with an open slot starting from a location spaced from the end face and leading to the recess in the end face, such as to enable the knotted suture to be introduced into the slot and the recess by effecting a sidewise movement. The implement further includes a tubular cutter member enclosing the elongated shaft and formed with an annular cutting edge engageable with a suture in the open slot of the shaft upon movement of the elongated shaft with respect to the tubular cutter member, or by vice-versa.

Abstract: A Brunnian link is a link formed from a closed loop doubled over itself to capture another closed loop to form a chain. The example kit provides for the successful creation of unique wearable articles using Brunnian link assembly techniques and includes several pin bars that are supported in a desired special orientation by at least one base. The desired special orientation is dependent on the desired linked configuration of the completed article. The base and pin bars may be assembled in various combination and orientations to provide endless variation of completed link orientations. Additional bases and pin bars can be to further expand possible completed article creation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of devices and kits for making knotted string accessories. One embodiment of a device for making knotted string accessories from a plurality of individual strings comprises a substantially planar member with a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a securing member carried by the substantially planar member proximate to the first end and configured to secure a first end of the plurality of individual strings; and an elongated holder carried by the substantially planar member proximate the second end, the elongated holder comprising a plurality of individual holders each configured to retain at least one of the plurality of individual strings at a location a spaced distance from the first end, wherein the securing member and elongate holder are configured such that a distance between the securing member and the elongated holder is changeable.

Abstract: An apparatus for practicing tying knots includes a base board having a horizontal upper surface, a first post coupled to the board and extending upwardly from the horizontal upper surface, a second post coupled to the board and extending upwardly from the horizontal upper surface, a crossbar extending laterally from the first post to the second post, and a rope having a first end secured to the base board and second end that is free to allow the rope to be tied to one or more of the first and second posts.

Abstract: A device and method for sealing an inflated balloon includes providing a balloon-tying pump nozzle that has an air nozzle defining an air passageway adapted for communicating air between an air-collection chamber of an air pump and the environment and a balloon-neck-engaging extension adjacent to and extending substantially parallel to the air nozzle, the balloon-neck-engaging extension defining a channel between the balloon-neck-engaging extension and the air nozzle, wherein the channel is sized to accept a neck of a standard party balloon therein while inhibiting a lip of the standard party balloon from passing therebetween.

Abstract: A handheld device is provided for aiding in attaching a fishing line to a fishing hook having an eye. The device includes a holder having a first end and a second end. At least one of the first end and the second end includes an opening through which the hook can be securely coupled. An end of the fishing line is inserted through the eye of the fishing hook to tie a fishing knot. The device can also include a fishing lure extending from at least one of the first end and the second end. The opening can be one of a slit, a groove, a slot, a hole, and a notch.

Abstract: A water balloon fill and knot device has a housing, a hose connector disposed on the housing and also a connector base. A plurality of flanges or noses are disposed on the housing and flanges may include a flange sidewall and a flange bottom wall. A stem has a water channel formed through the stem terminating at a stem opening. The plurality of noses can be two noses placed at 120° from each other or three noses placed at 120° from each other. A ball pivot valve formed on the stem is ball shaped and forms a ball pivot face that pivots relative to a housing pivot lower face. A ball cap fits over the ball pivot valve, and the ball cap has a ball cap lower surface forming a ball cap face. The ball cap face is spherical in profile.

Abstract: The invention is securing apparatus to quickly and efficiently tying a knot or bow to securely wrap a package or parcel. The securing apparatus is configured as a planar element having an opening through it. A number of securing slits extend from the opening. When a person wants to tie a knot or bow in a ribbon, string or twine, he or she places the ends of the ribbon through the opening and secures each end in a slit. Then a person can tie the knot or bow without assistance from another person.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tying a necktie knot are provided. The apparatus includes a substantially triangular base having a front face, a back face, three edges and three corners. The apparatus also includes an integrated clip extending from an area of the back face of the substantially triangular base that is proximate to one of the three edges and between two of the three corners. The integrated clip has a flexibility that enables reception of at least one end of a necktie between the integrated clip and the substantially triangular base, and a rigidity that enables retention of the at least one end between the integrated clip and the substantially triangular base. The substantially triangular base maintains a substantially triangular structure of a necktie knot that is tied around and encases the substantially triangular base and the integrated clip.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for tying a Windsor knot. In particular, an apparatus and method for tying a Windsor knot for a necktie, with the knot being symmetric, and the tie hanging straight and of proper length for the wearer or the necktie. The apparatus and method are universal for neckties, not requiring a special necktie to be used in conjunction with the apparatus and method.

Abstract: A balloon tying article is provided with a first wall, a second wall and a cavity therebetween whereby a balloon is tied using each of the walls to knot the balloon neck

Abstract: A knot tying apparatus for tying a pair of fishing lines to one another is provided. The apparatus includes a tubular body having a through passage extending between opposite first and second ends with a slot extending from the first end toward the second end. Further, the apparatus has an actuator coupled to the tubular body for sliding movement between the first and second ends. The actuator is moveable between the first and second ends via application of an external force to removed loops of the one of the lines from the tubular body onto the other of the lines.

Abstract: A suture trimmer having a shaft with a groove formed in the side thereof, a cutting member movably disposed within the shaft, and a suture retainer slidably disposed within the shaft. The suture trimmer may be used to position knots formed within a suture loop prior to trimming the free end(s) of the suture loop, and to deliver an agent near the location where the suture is severed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of devices and kits for making knotted string accessories. One embodiment of a device for making knotted string accessories from a plurality of individual strings comprises a substantially planar member with a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a securing member carried by the substantially planar member proximate to the first end and configured to secure a first end of the plurality of individual strings; and an elongated holder carried by the substantially planar member proximate the second end, the elongated holder comprising a plurality of individual holders each configured to retain at least one of the plurality of individual strings at a location a spaced distance from the first end, wherein the securing member and elongate holder are configured such that a distance between the securing member and the elongated holder is changeable.

Abstract: A balloon tying device has a base adapted for attaching to a support structure. A cantilever, supported by the base and protruding away from the support structure, is attached to the base. The cantilever has a U-shaped cross section and two ears defining generally parallel planes extending outwardly and terminating at the tip for retaining a loop of balloon material. Inside the U-shape of the cantilever is an axially oriented recess for passing ribbon and providing clearance for tucking the overhand knot. A brace tab extends downward from the lower edge of the base. A ribbon retainer is disposed on the device for integrating spooled or pre-cut ribbon into the balloon knot. The support structure can be human fingers, a station stanchion, a tank stand, or a caddy leg.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device and a method for forming elongated material. A device (824-864) according to the present invention for forming elongated material, is characterised in that the device comprises a track (821) for guiding the material in the device, wherein the track is arranged to guide the movement of the material into a desired form when the material is fed into the device, and the device comprises an opening (823, 824) along the entire length of the track for removing the elongated material from the device after the formation. With this invention it is possible to make knots and other structures of desired geometry easily and efficiently.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tying a necktie knot are provided. The apparatus includes a substantially triangular base having a front face, a back face, three edges and three corners. The apparatus also includes an integrated clip extending from an area of the back face of the substantially triangular base that is proximate to one of the three edges and between two of the three corners. The integrated clip has a flexibility that enables reception of at least one end of a necktie between the integrated clip and the substantially triangular base, and a rigidity that enables retention of the at least one end between the integrated clip and the substantially triangular base. The substantially triangular base maintains a substantially triangular structure of a necktie knot that is tied around and encases the substantially triangular base and the integrated clip.

Abstract: The invention is securing apparatus to quickly and efficiently tying a knot or bow to securely wrap a package or parcel. The securing apparatus is configured as a planar element having an opening through it. A number of securing slits extend from the opening. When a person wants to tie a knot or bow in a ribbon, string or twine, he or she places the ends of the ribbon through the opening and secures each end in a slit. Then a person can tie the knot or bow without assistance from another person.

Abstract: A shoe can be tied using only one hand if provided with a tying aid in the form of a generally T-shaped unit comprising a leg having two laterally extending ears. The leg is secured between rows of eyelets on the opposed flaps of the shoe by one or more of the lengths of lace extending across the gap between the flaps. The lengths of shoelace that would otherwise be tied in a bow are instead wrapped around the ears of the tying aid in alternating fashion, preferably twice around each ear, in a manner similar to the manner in which a mooring line is secured to the cleat of a boat.

Abstract: A suture passer comprises a longitudinally extending hollow cannula having a central passage slidingly receivable of a surgical suture; a manually graspable handle connected to the hollow cannula for manipulation thereof, the handle having an upper surface; first guide means, connected to the upper surface of the handle, proximate a distal end of the handle for releasably, guidingly, holding the surgical suture; second guide means, connected to the upper surface of the handle, proximate to the first guide means, for releasably, guidingly, holding the surgical suture. The suture passer can be provided in a kit, for use in the suturing of internal tissue, along with a cannula bender, various hollow surgical needles and surgical suture material. The suture passer finds particular use in the suturing of internal tissues which are at least partially accessible through a body cavity, e.g. arthroscopic surgery.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for connecting a fish hook to a line. The apparatus includes a body of pen like configuration. The body has a first and a second end and defines a bore which extends from the first to the second end of the body. A shaft is slidably disposed within the bore, the shaft having a first and a second extremity. The first extremity of the shaft is disposed adjacent to the first end of the body and the second extremity of the shaft is disposed adjacent to the second end of the body. A biasing device is provided for urging the shaft in a direction from the first towards the second end of the body. The first extremity of the shaft defines a transverse slot such that in use of the apparatus, when the line has been threaded through an eye defined by the fish hook, the line is then passed around the body so that the line generates a loop, the body is then turned so that the loop attains a plurality of twists. The shaft is then urged through the bore in opposition to the biasing device.

Abstract: A device to aid in the demonstration of the tying of knots is described. The device encompasses a tower with a base, a length of rope or twine, and eyelets on the tower to accept the rope. Optional features include a latch at the end of the rope, and a device for storage of the rope.

Abstract: A balloon tying tool has a method for tying a balloon, the method comprising the steps of: After the balloon is inflated with either air, helium or water; The neck of the balloon is wrapped over the top of the cylindrical body of either the large or small end of the invented balloon tying tool. The neck of the balloon is then wrapped over (away from the operator) toward the underside of the invented balloon tying tool. The neck of the balloon continues to be wrapped around the underside of the invented balloon tying tool and back up toward the operator and is stretched up next to the balloon neck portion that was initially stretched over the top. The balloon neck is then stretched toward the tip of the invented balloon tying tool and the balloons outstretched neck is placed into the J hook slot in the invented balloon tying tools tip, capturing the balloons nipple on the underside of the invented balloon tying tool.

Abstract: A knot tying apparatus for tying a pair of fishing lines to one another is provided. The apparatus includes a tubular body having a through passage extending between opposite first and second ends with a slot extending from the first end toward the second end. Further, the apparatus has an actuator coupled to the tubular body for sliding movement between the first and second ends. The actuator is moveable between the first and second ends via application of an external force to removed loops of the one of the lines from the tubular body onto the other of the lines.

Abstract: A knot making device for quickly and efficiently tying a knot in a line. The device may be portable and capable of being secured to a stable surface such as a table or railing allowing for a user, such as an angler, to utilize the device while in the field. The device may comprise an extension arm having a loop holding assembly and a standing line holding assembly disposed at opposing ends of the extension arm. Both the loop holding assembly and the standing line holding assembly may further comprise a first and second tensioning member, respectively, for securely retaining the line. The device may further comprise a twist compactor element disposed along the extension arm and between the loop holding assembly and the standing line holding assembly. The twist compactor element may function to compress at least one twist present in the line while forming the knot.

Abstract: A knot tying device includes a base adapted for attaching firmly to a human hand by sliding over at least two fingers, and a cantilever supported by the base and protruding away from the palm of the hand, the cantilever having a U-shaped cross section, the cantilever having a proximal region closest to the base and a distal region, the proximal region having two ears defining generally parallel planes extending outwardly therefrom, each of the ears terminating in a distal retaining edge for retaining a loop of balloon material, the cantilever defining inside the U-shape an axially oriented recess, the recess extending from the proximal region and between the ears to the distal region A spool is attached to the device with ribbon threaded through proximal and distal guides and can be tied integral with the knot This device can be used with a station, caddy and tank stand