Fishing – trapping – and vermin destroying – Fishing – Rod
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-18
2001-07-03
Ark, Darren W. (Department: 3643)
Fishing, trapping, and vermin destroying
Fishing
Rod
C248S213200, C248S538000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06253484
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a device for holding rods or poles during fishing operations. The invention finds particular application in a fishing rod holder adapted to be removably secured to a pail, bucket, or similar container with a vertical side. It will be appreciated, however, that the invention will also find application in conjunction with rod and pole holders that mount on other types of support structures.
Commonly, fishing rods include an elastic fiberglass or graphite elongated rod having a series of graduated line guides attached along their length. A handle is disposed at one end allowing the fisherman to hold the rod during operation. The handle includes a rearward butt and a forward grip. Between the butt and foregrip of a conventional fishing rod is a reel seat adapted to secure the foot of a spin casting reel. When such a fishing rod is used by a right-handed operator, the operator's left hand grasps the butt end of the handle while the operator's right hand selectively grasps the foregrip or the crank handle of the spin cast reel. When a fisherman's hands are in this position, he may maneuver and position the fishing line extending through the graduated guides along the pole.
A well known type of fishing involves casting. During casting, a fisherman casts his line into the water and reels the line in by turning the crank handle. However, fisherman frequently wish to fish without holding a rod in their hands. Holding the rod during repeated casting and long periods of inactivity can be tiring causing fatigue. In addition, a fisherman needs to tend to other chores while fishing, such as cutting and preparing bait, which generally requires letting go of the fishing rod. During these times of fatigue and conducting other tasks, which require the fisherman to put his pole down, it is desirable to continue fishing. In addition, it is often desirable to fish more than one fishing rod at a time.
In order to free themselves from having to hold a fishing rod at all times during fishing, fisherman have devised a variety of rod-holding devices. Originally, fisherman impaled their fishing rods in the ground or braced their fishing rods with rocks, railings, or the like. Over the years, however, fishing rod holders have become more developed.
The conventional holding device for use on a fishing boat consists of a holding receptacle that is adapted to receive the fishing rod. A bracket is used to secure this receptacle to the boat or optionally the receptacle is built into the gunwales of the boat. Conventional rod holders are commonly secured to the boat through the use of screws, brackets, or holes drilled or molded into the gunwales. These devices suffer from several drawbacks. One such drawback is the need to drill holes or make other modifications to facilitate the attachment of the holding devices to the boat. Another drawback is the inability to move the device to another location without making further modifications to the boat.
Similar devices have also been used when fishing from shore. One conventional rod holder used when fishing from shore includes a hollow tube which is thrust into the ground. The rod is inserted into the opened end of the tube and is supported by the tube while the fisherman waits for a fish to strike the bait. This allows the fisherman to carry on other activities without holding onto the rod. When a fish strikes the bait, the rod is removed from the rod holder and the fish is played in a normal manner.
The foregoing conventional fishing rod holders are complicated in structure, expensive to manufacture, and difficult to use. Many are large or awkward to carry. Some require multiple parts or moving parts in a complex configuration increasing costs and complexity. Many are not capable of effective use on both a boat and on shore.
Thus, a need exists to provide a new and useful rod holder that is simple, easy to manufacture, easy to carry and use, and effective. The present invention contemplates a new apparatus which overcomes the above-referenced problems and others.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a fishing rod holder includes a first leg. The first leg has an inner edge for direct contact with an inner surface of a vertical sidewall of a support object. The rod holder also includes a second leg having a shorter length than the first leg and disposed parallel to the first leg. The second leg has an upright edge for direct contact with an outer surface of the vertical sidewall of the support object. The first leg and the second leg define a slot. An elbow protrudes upward from the second leg. The elbow includes a first portion extending upward from the second leg at an angle away from the first leg. The elbow also includes a second portion extending upward from the first portion of the elbow at a negative angle. The first portion and the second portion each have an inner side and an outer side. A bridge spans a top end of the first leg and an upper end of the second leg interconnecting the first and second legs. The bridge has an edge extending upward from the inner side of the first portion of the elbow. The edge of the bridge and the inner sides of the first and second portions of the elbow define a channel for receiving a fishing rod.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a fishing rod holder includes a body that has first and second parallel surfaces. The first and second surfaces define a first slot dimensioned for receiving an upper edge of a sidewall of a bucket. The holder further has third and fourth surfaces that define a second slot for receiving a fishing rod. The second slot is offset from the first slot and extends in an opposing direction. As such, when the first slot is received on the bucket sidewall, the second slot is displaced outward from the bucket sidewall and opens upward so that the fishing rod can rest by gravity therein.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention a portable fishing rod holder includes a first leg. The first leg has an inner edge frictionally engaging an inner surface of a vertical sidewall of a support object. The rod holder further includes a second leg disposed parallel to the first leg. The second leg has an upright edge frictionally engaging an outer surface of the vertical sidewall of the support object. The first leg and the second leg define a slot. A bridge spans a top end of the first leg and an upper end of the second leg interconnecting the first and second legs. An arm having an inner side and an outer side protrudes upward from the second leg of the fishing rod holder. A surface extends upward from the inner side of the arm. The surface and the inner side of the arm define a channel.
One advantage of the present invention resides in its simplicity.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it is easy and cost effective to manufacture.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it is amenable to carrying advertising messages.
Another advantage of the present invention resides in its ready portability.
Another advantage of the present invention is that a fisherman can use the fishing rod holder on a boat or on land.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is the unique design of the fishing rod holder which prevents the fishing pole from inadvertently popping out of the rod holder.
Still further advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description.
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paten
Ark Darren W.
Fay Sharpe Fagan Minnich & McKee LLP
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