Fishing – trapping – and vermin destroying – Fishing – Rod
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-24
2001-11-27
Poon, Peter M. (Department: 3643)
Fishing, trapping, and vermin destroying
Fishing
Rod
Reexamination Certificate
active
06321482
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to the field of sporting goods, and more particularly to an apparatus for convenient conveyance of fishing rods on a vehicle.
Fishing rods, because of their long and fragile construction, have always been difficult for fishermen to conveniently transport without damage, particularly rods for ocean surf fishing, which are typically 11 feet or longer. As a result, devices were first developed for carrying these long rods horizontally on top of the vehicle in clamps. Later, devices were developed to be attached to the front or rear bumper for transporting fishing rods in a vertical position. The vertical position has come to be preferred because it allows quick access. The rods stand up vertically on the vehicle bumper at waist level, versus being clamped horizontally on top of the vehicle above one's head. In addition, the vertical position does not require supplemental clamping devices since the rods will stay in place due to gravity.
These prior vertical transport devices use systems of horizontal and vertical pipe welded together and mounted to the bumper of a vehicle. These prior pipe system devices have generally been constructed of aluminum, however PVC plastic pipe has also been used. The older horizontal clamping devices have declined significantly in use.
While the pipe system devices provide convenient access to one's fishing rods on a vehicle, they introduce many problems for the vehicle owner, especially owners of today's beautiful, expensive and luxurious sport utility vehicles (SUV's) which are used extensively for surf fishing. First, the pipe system devices are quite unattractive and overwhelming additions to an otherwise beautiful vehicle. Second, the pipe system devices are extremely heavy (50 pounds or more), unwieldy and extend the overall vehicle length by as much as one foot regardless of whether being used to carry rods or not. Third, the pipe system devices are very expensive due to the large amount of material employed and the cutting, fitting and welding operations required. Fourth, the pipe system devices, due to their massive weight and size, often necessitate extensive vehicle modification for mounting, resulting in physical damage to the vehicle. Fifth, the pipe system devices often hide the vehicle's license tag and otherwise interfere with access to the section of the vehicle behind it. Finally, the pipe system devices are not designed for carrying portable rod holders (known as “sand spikes”) in conjunction with fishing rods.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An apparatus for convenient conveyance of fishing rods on a vehicle is disclosed comprising: a base plate with mounting slots for bolting or strapping the apparatus on the bumper of an automobile or truck, threaded holes for mounting a standard automobile or truck license tag and an area for a trademark; an upper row of round apertures for receiving portable fishing rod holders into which the fishing rods are easily inserted for transport; and a lower row of “D” shaped apertures, to prevent movement of the portable rod holders other than upward after the portable rod holders are inserted in the apertures.
The primary object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus for conveniently transporting fishing rods on a vehicle. Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that is unobtrusive and inconspicuous compared to current devices so as not to detract from the overall beauty of the vehicle. Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that is more compact and lighter in weight than currently available. A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that is significantly easier to manufacture and inexpensive compared to current devices. Yet another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that minimizes drilling or other damage to the vehicle resulting from mounting the apparatus on the vehicle. Still yet another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that also allows display of the vehicles license tag. And finally, an object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that also allows convenient transportation of portable fishing rod holders in conjunction with the fishing rods.
My invention accomplishes all the above objectives while, at the same time, overcoming the problems introduced by the prior pipe system devices. Whereas the prior pipe system devices are quite unattractive and overwhelming when mounted on today's beautiful SUV's, my invention blends into the existing lines of the vehicle and is, in fact, almost unnoticeable when not being used to carry fishing rods. In contrast to the heavy weight and bulkiness of the prior pipe system devices, my invention weighs about 3 pounds and does not add significantly to the vehicle length, even when being used to carry fishing rods. Whereas the prior pipe system devices often cost hundreds of dollars, my invention, due to it's simple design, can be very easily and inexpensively manufactured from a minimum of standard materials, with a preferred embodiment profitably sold for one-tenth the price of the prior devices. In contrast to the extensive modifications and damage caused to the vehicle in mounting the prior pipe system devices, my invention, due to it's compact design and light weight uses the vehicles existing license plate bracket mounting apertures resulting in no modifications or damage to the vehicle. In contrast to the prior pipe system devices that hide the vehicle's license tag and otherwise interfere with access to the section of the vehicle behind the device, my invention provides a place with mounting apertures for the vehicles license tag and is not much larger than the tag itself, allowing easy access to the vehicle behind it. And, finally, whereas the prior pipe system devices require the fisherman to carry portable rod holders (known as “sand spikes”) elsewhere in the vehicle, my invention allows portable rod holders to be inserted in the apertures so as to be used to transport the fishing rods and then be removed for use as “sand spike” portable rod holders for fishing on the beach.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5732927 (1998-03-01), Purpura
patent: 5815976 (1998-10-01), Jernigan et al.
Angler's Aluminum Products P O Box 698 Wanchesg NC Internet Web Site showing prior pipe system devices. http://www.Fishtradewinds.com/aap/index.htm.
Copier Floris C
Poon Peter M.
LandOfFree
Apparatus for convenient conveyance of fishing rods on a... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Apparatus for convenient conveyance of fishing rods on a..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Apparatus for convenient conveyance of fishing rods on a... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2612344