AU2014101636A4 - Fishing tackle holder - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A fishing tackle holder for removable attachment to a fishing rod comprising a tip and a butt, the fishing tackle holder comprising at least one containment region bounded by one or more side 5 walls and one or more lower walls, and having an opening of sufficient size to receive fishing tackle into the containment region; wherein, when attached to the fishing rod, the fishing tackle holder is configured to be positioned such that the opening faces substantially along the fishing rod in the direction of the tip.

Description

FISHING TACKLE HOLDER

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a holder for fishing tackle which can be removably attached to a fishing rod. More particularly, the invention relates to a cup shaped holder provided with means to clip onto a fishing rod such that the fishing tackle attached to the fishing line can be safely stored in the cup while not in the water.

Background to the Invention

Fishing is a very popular sport and pastime in many parts of the world. A very common method of recreational fishing involves the use of a fishing rod and reel, fishing line, and a number of possible items attached to the line, such as hooks, sinkers, floats, lures, bait or other items.

Fishing tackle attached to the end of a fishing line is often called terminal tackle.

For the majority of the time while fishing, the terminal tackle is located in the water, which is conveniently out of the way. However, during periods of time while fishing when the terminal tackle is out of the water, for example while traveling aboard a boat to a new fishing location, or simply while resting, it is desirable for the terminal tackle to be appropriately restrained.

If not appropriately restrained, the terminal tackle will be suspended on the fishing line and free to swing away from the rod. The long length of fishing rods exacerbates this problem as the terminal tackle is often able to swing with a large radius, covering a large area. This is undesirable for multiple reasons, for example the terminal tackle often contains at least one hook, which can become snagged on nearby objects or injure people. Additionally, the terminal tackle may include weighted items such as sinkers, which while swinging can collide with people, objects or the boat, potentially causing damage or inconvenience if it becomes tangled on nearby objects or other fishing lines. Furthermore, if the terminal tackle includes a lead sinker, there is risk of corrosion if it is in contact with a metallic boat.

It would therefore be advantageous if a means to hold the terminal tackle on a fishing line was available. It would be particularly advantageous if the means were conveniently located on the fishing rod and capable of being removed and reattached.

2014101636 10 Sep 2014

US 5,056,256 discloses a fishing tackle holder which comprises a hollow tubular body with a closed end and an open end, a longitudinal slot that may extend across the closed end, and a clip to removably attach the holder to the fishing rod. The document teaches to attach the holder such that the closed end is nearer the upper end of the fishing rod so that the line can be 5 extended such that the tackle enters the holder from the lower open end, the line enters through the longitudinal slot, and tension is applied to the line by the reel until the tackle hangs securely inside the holder.

While this device is useful in preventing the fishing line and terminal tackle from swinging away from the person fishing, there are a number of associated disadvantages.

Firstly, the terminal tackle hangs freely, with no surface beneath it. This allows items of the terminal tackle to fall if not secured on the line properly. Two examples of items that are particularly important to prevent from falling are bait and lead sinkers. It may be easy for bait to fall from a hook due to the easily separable nature of the bait, and make the surface on which it falls become messy. Secondly, it is important to prevent lead sinkers from falling to the floor, as metallic boats may be susceptible to damage or corrosion caused by contact with a lead sinker.

Secondly, the fishing line is required to be tensioned. It would be advantageous if this step was eliminated, allowing the person fishing to more quickly secure the terminal tackle.

Thirdly, the prior art holder does not provide the person fishing with a convenient place to hold other fishing tackle items not connected to the fishing line at a given moment, for example bait or other lures or sinkers.

It would be advantageous therefore if there was a fishing tackle holder that provided at least some of the advantages of preventing a fishing line equipped with terminal tackle from swinging away from the person fishing, while overcoming disadvantages associated with prior art devices.

Object of the Invention

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved fishing tackle holder.

Alternatively, it is an object to provide an improved method of holding fishing tackle.

2014101636 10 Sep 2014

Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to address at least some of the foregoing problems or at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a fishing tackle holder for removable attachment to a fishing rod comprising a tip and a butt, the fishing tackle holder comprising at least one containment region bounded by one or more side walls and one or more 0 lower walls, and having an opening of sufficient size to receive fishing tackle into the containment region;

wherein, when attached to the fishing rod, the fishing tackle holder is configured to be positioned such that the opening faces substantially along the fishing rod in the direction of the tip.

Preferably, the one or more lower walls comprise one or more drainage holes.

Preferably, the one or more side walls comprise one or more slits.

Preferably, the one or more slits are dimensioned to hold one or more items of fishing tackle.

Preferably, the side walls comprise two slits located substantially opposite each other across the containment region.

Preferably, each slit has an open end at the opening of the containment region.

Preferably, the fishing tackle holder comprises one or more clips for removably attaching the fishing tackle holder to the fishing rod.

Preferably, the fishing tackle holder comprises a plurality of clips for removably attaching the fishing tackle holder to the fishing rod, each clip being configured to removably attach the fishing tackle holder to a fishing rod or part thereof having a different diameter.

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Preferably, the fishing tackle holder comprises two clips sharing a common portion and each comprising a clip arm extending away from the common portion to define an inner cylindrical shape of each clip.

Preferably, the inner cylindrical shape of each of the clips comprises a taper such that when the clip is attached to the fishing rod, the taper substantially matches a taper in the diameter of the fishing rod.

Preferably, the one or more clips are integrally formed with the side wall(s) of the fishing tackle holder.

Preferably, the one or more side walls of the fishing tackle holder comprise one or more retaining lips positioned to further define the inner cylindrical shape of each clip.

Preferably, the one or more clips are configured to friction fit onto the fishing rod.

Preferably, the one or more lower walls are sloped inwardly to direct collected water and/or unwanted material to the drainage hole(s).

In some embodiments, the fishing tackle holder comprises a single cylindrically shaped side wall and an inwardly curving single dome shaped lower wall.

In some embodiments, the fishing tackle holder comprises a single frustoconical shaped side wall and an inwardly curving single dome shaped lower wall, the inside diameter of the side wall at the opening to the containment region being larger than the inside diameter of the side wall where the side wall meets the lower wall.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of holding fishing tackle comprising:

removably attaching a fishing tackle holder to a fishing rod comprising a tip and a butt, the fishing tackle holder comprising at least one containment region bounded by one or more side walls and one or more lower walls, and having an opening of sufficient size to receive fishing tackle into the containment region; and inserting fishing tackle in the fishing tackle holder;

2014101636 10 Sep 2014 wherein the fishing tackle holder is configured to be positioned such that the opening faces substantially along the fishing rod in the direction of the tip.

Preferably, the method of holding fishing tackle comprises removably attaching a fishing tackle 5 holder to a fishing rod by inserting the fishing rod into a clip on the fishing tackle holder.

Preferably, the method comprises selecting one of a plurality of clips based on a diameter of the fishing rod.

Preferably, the method comprises selecting one of a plurality of clips based on a desired location of the fishing tackle holder on the fishing rod.

Preferably, the method comprises inserting one or more items of fishing tackle into one or more slits formed in the fishing tackle holder.

Preferably, the method comprises inserting one or more hooks into one or more slits formed in the fishing tackle holder, and applying bait to the one or more hooks.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of a fishing tackle holder 0 comprising at least one containment region bounded by one or more side walls and one or more lower walls, and an opening of sufficient size to receive fishing tackle into the containment region, wherein the use of the fishing tackle holder comprises removably attaching the fishing tackle holder to a fishing rod such that the opening faces substantially along the fishing rod in the direction of the tip.

Preferably, the use comprises holding fishing tackle in the fishing tackle holder.

Preferably, the use comprises removably attaching a fishing tackle holder to a fishing rod by 30 inserting the fishing rod into a clip on the fishing tackle holder.

Preferably, the use comprises selecting one of a plurality of clips based on a diameter of the fishing rod.

2014101636 10 Sep 2014

Preferably, the use comprises selecting one of a plurality of clips based on a desired location of the fishing tackle holder on the fishing rod.

Preferably, the use comprises inserting one or more items of fishing tackle into one or more slits formed in the fishing tackle holder.

Preferably, the use comprises inserting one or more hooks into the one or more slits formed in the fishing tackle holder, and applying bait to the one or more hooks.

Further aspects of the invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading of the following description which provides at least one example of a practical application of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

One or more embodiments of the invention will be described below by way of example only, and without intending to be limiting, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side view illustration of a fishing tackle holder according to an embodiment of 0 the invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view illustration of a fishing tackle holder according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a side view illustration of the fishing tackle holder in use according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 is a side view illustration of the fishing tackle holder in use according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 shows orthographic views of a fishing tackle holder according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a fishing tackle holder according to an embodiment of the 35 invention.

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Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

In a preferred embodiment of the invention there is a fishing tackle holder comprising a containment region bounded by a cylindrical side wall and a dome shaped lower wall, and having an upper opening. Extending from the side wall are a large clip and small clip. The fishing tackle holder can be removably attached to a fishing rod using one of the clips, and is intended to be attached such that the opening of the fishing tackle holder faces substantially along the fishing rod towards the tip. There are two slits formed in the side wall that can be used to hold fishing tackle, and a drainage hole in the centre of the lower wall to allow water and unwanted material to drain out of the fishing tackle holder.

Various embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the Figures. Although the Figures may show different embodiments of the invention, like features may be assigned like reference numerals.

Attaching the Fishing Tackle Holder to a Fishing Rod

Figures 1 and 2 show side and plan view illustrations of fishing tackle holders, respectively, according to embodiments of the invention. Figures 3 and 4 show side view illustrations of fishing tackle holders in use according to embodiments of the invention.

Fishing tackle holder 10 comprises containment region 20 bounded by side wall 21, lower wall 22, and opening 23.

Formed integrally with side wall 21 is clip trunk 30, which extends outwards radially from and vertically along the side wall. Branching out about vertical axes on opposite sides of the clip trunk 30 are small clip arm 33 and large clip arm 34. On the surface of side wall 21 adjacent each side of the clip trunk 30 are small retaining lip 35 and large retaining lip 36 corresponding to small clip arm 33 and large clip arm 34 respectively. Together with clip trunk 30, small clip arm 33 and small retaining lip 35 form small clip 31, and large clip arm 34 and large retaining lip 36 form large clip 32. Clip trunk 30 is therefore a common portion shared by both clips 31 and 32.

2014101636 10 Sep 2014

Small clip 31 and large clip 32 define generally cylindrically-shaped channels able to receive cylindrically shaped objects. Small clip 31 is therefore able to be removably attached to a fishing rod or part thereof having a smaller diameter than the fishing rod or part thereof to which the large clip 32 is able to be removably attached.

The different diameters of the two clips 31 and 32 provide the option for the fishing tackle holder 10 to be attached at the same or a similar axial location to two different fishing rods each comprising a different diameter at the aforementioned axial location. Additionally, the different diameters provide the option for the fishing tackle holder 10 to be attached to one of two 0 different locations on a single fishing rod, as many fishing rods comprise a smaller diameter near the tip than at the butt.

The tips of the clip arms 33 and 34 comprise a greater material thickness than the rest of the clip arms, which allows the tips to comprise a large radius. The large radius assists in preventing the clip arms from curling towards the side wall 21 when brought into contact with a fishing rod, instead assisting the clip arms to deform outwardly and enlarge the opening to allow entry of the fishing rod into the cylindrical channel formed by the clip. The greater material thickness also advantageously provides strength to the tips, which may be required as the tips may receive substantial force when the clips are first brought into contact with a fishing rod, often quickly.

In alternative embodiments, the tips may instead comprise the same or similar material thickness as the rest of the clip arms, yet point outwardly to produce the same effect assisting the clip arms to deform away from the side wall, allowing the fishing rod to enter the cylindrically shaped channel formed by the clip.

Small retaining lip 35 and large retaining lip 36 further define the inner cylindrical channels formed by the clips 31 and 32 and separate the cylindrical channels from the side wall 21. While the invention is not limited to embodiments comprising retaining lips, a retaining lip may advantageously provide better retention of the fishing rod in the cylindrically shaped channel formed by the clips, and therefore prevent the fishing tackle holder from becoming separated from the fishing rod.

While small retaining lip 35 and large retaining lip 36 each comprise a sharp corner between the inner cylindrical shape formed by the clip and the outer surface between the top of the lip and

2014101636 10 Sep 2014 the side wall 21, there are many shapes within the scope of the invention. For example, in some embodiments the retaining lips may be advantageously rounded to allow for easy entry of a fishing rod into the clip, and to prevent wear on the lips.

A user can attach the fishing tackle holder 10 to a fishing rod using one of either the small clip 31 or the large clip 32 by pushing the cylindrical channel formed by the clip around the fishing rod at the appropriate location, the appropriate location being an axial location on the fishing rod where the diameter of the fishing rod matches the internal diameter of the cylindrical channel of the chosen clip.

Alternatively, the user can push the cylindrical channel formed by the clip around a fishing rod at a location with a smaller diameter than the internal diameter of the clip, and slide the clip downwards along the fishing rod until it reaches a location on the fishing rod where the internal diameter of the cylindrical channel formed by the clip matches the diameter of the fishing rod at that location.

In this way, the fishing tackle holder 10 may be secured with a friction fit. The increasing diameter of the fishing rod causes the fishing tackle holder 10 to be secured on the fishing rod axially, and friction may prevent it from rotating about the axis of the fishing rod.

The clip is prevented from separation from the fishing rod by the resistance to deformation of the clip itself. An appropriate resistance to deformation determined by the properties of the material used and the dimensions of the clip will be easily achieved by a skilled person.

In some embodiments, the inner cylindrical shape of the clip or clips may not be perfectly cylindrical, and may instead comprise a gradual taper to an appropriate extent that the internal cylindrical shape matches the gradual taper of a typical fishing rod. The diameter of the inner cylindrical shape of such a clip is therefore smaller nearer the opening of the containment region than nearer the opposite end of the clip, so that the direction of the taper of the inside of the clip is complimentary to the taper of the fishing rod when the fishing tackle holder is attached with the opening facing along the fishing rod towards the direction of the tip. The side walls in such an embodiment would be frustoconical, with the inside diameter of the side wall at the opening to the containment region being larger than the inside diameter of the side wall where the side wall meets the lower wall.

2014101636 10 Sep 2014

While any type of clip or means to attach the fishing tackle holder to a fishing rod is within the scope of the invention, it may be advantageous to use this type of clip, as the clip can be comprised of only a single part, and can be formed integrally with the rest of the fishing tackle holder. Furthermore, it may be easier for the user to insert a fishing rod into this type of clip or 5 push the clip onto a fishing rod than for the user to operate mechanisms which are used on other types of clips, for example clasps, latches, Velcro® or other hook and loop fastener systems, various quick-release mechanisms or those with multiple components that must be tightened together, among others which could be present in alternative embodiments of the present invention.

In various embodiments there may only be one clip, or there may be any number of clips extending from the side wall(s) of the containment region of the fishing tackle holder, and may be formed in pairs of different diameters extending from common trunks, or formed as individual clips.

In some embodiments there may be two clips of similar diameter with aligned cylindrical axes. A gap between them may advantageously allow the fishing tackle holder to be removably attached to a fishing rod at the location of a line guide on the fishing rod.

In some embodiments each clip of a single fishing tackle holder may comprise different features or combinations of the various different features described herein.

It is advantageous to form clips as branches from a shared portion such as a central trunk to reduce the amount of material required, and if the fishing tackle holder is provided with multiple clips, the required circumferential space per clip can be reduced, allowing more clips to be added.

In some embodiments the clips or pairs of clips may be formed integrally with the side wall(s), whereas in other embodiments clips may be formed separately and assembled with the side walls of a containment region using any assembly technique performed by the user, distributer or manufacturer.

Using the Fishing Tackle Holder

2014101636 10 Sep 2014

In use, the fishing tackle holder 10 may be removably attached to a fishing rod such that the opening 23 to the containment region 20 faces substantially along the fishing rod towards the tip. The tip should be understood to refer to the end of the fishing rod from which the fishing line extends. If a fishing rod is positioned at any orientation, and the fishing tackle holder 10 is 5 attached such that the opening 23 is more proximate the tip of the fishing rod than the lower wall 22 is proximate to the tip, then the opening 23 is facing along the fishing rod towards the tip.

Containment region 20 is a cylindrical volume into which fishing tackle can be inserted through the opening 23, and then held within the containment region by side wall 21 and lower wall 22 0 together. As the fishing tackle holder 10 is oriented such that the opening 23 faces towards the tip of the fishing rod, the side wall 21 prevents the fishing tackle from moving away from the fishing rod, and the lower wall 22 prevents the fishing tackle from falling lower than the fishing tackle holder. The fishing tackle will therefore be held by the fishing tackle holder 10 for at least the orientations of the fishing rod where the tip of the fishing rod is vertically higher than the butt 5 with respect to height from the ground or sea.

In a preferred embodiment the fishing tackle holder 10 is attached to a fishing rod and used to hold fishing tackle that is attached to the fishing line with which the fishing rod is equipped. This allows the user to hold the fishing tackle in a safe place while the fishing tackle is out of the water, preventing the fishing tackle from swinging on the fishing line and colliding with people, equipment or the boat or becoming tangled on other fishing lines or nearby objects. It also provides a convenient place to hold the tackle while the user is applying bait to the fishing hook.

The fishing tackle holder according to embodiments of the invention can also be used to hold fishing tackle not connected to a fishing line, for example bait or spare equipment such as sinkers, lures or hooks.

Figure 3 shows a fishing tackle holder according to an embodiment of the invention attached to a fishing rod and in use. Fishing tackle holder 10 is attached to fishing rod 40 with large clip 32.

Large clip arm 34 is wrapped around the fishing rod 40, and large retaining lip 36 assists in retaining the fishing rod within large clip 32.

Equipped to fishing rod 40 is fishing line 41, with sinker 42 at the end thereof Sinker 42 is held in containment region 20 after being inserted via opening 23. Side wall 21 and lower wall 22 hold

2014101636 10 Sep 2014 the sinker 42 within the containment region, preventing it from falling or swinging away on fishing line 41 from fishing rod 40.

Side wall 21 of fishing tackle holder 10 is a single cylindrical wall that curves inwards radially to form lower wall 22 in the shape of dome. Any shape of the side wall(s) and lower wall(s) surrounding the containment region 20 are within the scope of the invention. They may be integrally formed with each other or formed as separate parts and assembled. There may be one or more discontinuities in shape formed by the transition between side wall(s) and lower wall(s), or it may be a smoothly shaped transition such as in fishing tackle holder 10. While many variations are within the scope of the invention, a shape without corners may be advantageously easy to clean.

The upper surface of fishing tackle holder 10 is substantially flat and corresponds only to the cross section of the side wall 21 with slits 25 and features surrounding the clips. In other embodiments the top of the fishing tackle holder may comprise additional features, such as a tapering opening to allow easy entry of fishing tackle into the containment region, reinforcement to the top of the fishing tackle holder or part of it, or any other features which may provide additional functionality. Tapering side walls, with a larger diameter at the opening of the containment region, are also advantageous for allowing the fishing tackle holder to be manufactured by injection moulding. In this case the taper, or draft, makes it easier for the fishing tackle holder to be removed from the tooling.

Additional Features of the Fishing Tackle Holder

The lower wall 22 of fishing tackle holder 10 also comprises a drainage hole 24, which is a hole only large enough to allow water and small pieces of loose material to fall through, preventing the fishing tackle holder 10 from collecting water or unwanted loose material, but not so large to affect retention of the fishing tackle.

The dome shape of lower wall 22 advantageously directs water or other unwanted material to the drainage hole 24. The side wall(s) and lower wall(s) may be any shape within the scope of the invention, but it is particularly advantageous for the shape of the fishing tackle holder to direct water to the drainage hole.

2014101636 10 Sep 2014

In some embodiments there may be no drainage hole, while in others there may be more than one drainage hole. Drainage holes may be located anywhere on the fishing tackle holder, regardless of the shape of the fishing tackle holder, however it would be advantageous if the location, shape and/or size of the drainage hole(s) were chosen to most effectively allow water 5 or other unwanted material or fluid to drain from the fishing tackle holder, while still retaining and not interfering with items of fishing tackle desired to be retained.

The side walls 21 of the fishing tackle holder 10 also comprise two slits 25, located substantially opposite each other across the containment region, and extending approximately halfway down 0 the side walls from the opening 23. These slits may be used for holding items of fishing tackle, for example hooks, bait or any other items of fishing tackle which are able to be held by the slits.

Figure 4 shows an example of the fishing tackle holder in use with a fishhook 43 placed in one of the slits 25. The containment region 20 of the fishing tackle holder retains the sinker, while the fishhook is retained by the slot yet may protrude outwardly such that bait can be applied to it.

In some embodiments of the invention the fishing tackle holder may not have slits, while in others there may be any number of slits, comprising any geometric property or combination of properties for example being oriented at angles, comprising curves or becoming wider or narrower.

In some embodiments the fishing tackle holder may comprise one or more partitions to form multiple containment regions. This would allow a user to retain items of tackle not connected to the fishing rod’s fishing line while not hindering the user’s ability to use the fishing tackle holder to hold the fishing tackle connected to the fishing line. Furthermore, the multiple containment regions would allow the user to separate the various items of the fishing tackle attached to the fishing line while in the fishing tackle holder. In some embodiments the partitions may extend only a portion of the distance between the opening and the lower wall.

An advantage of preferred embodiments of the invention is the ease of manufacturing, for example the ability to use injection moulding to produce the fishing tackle holder 10 in large quantities at a very low cost per unit. The lack of assembly required further keeps the cost to produce the fishing tackle holder 10 very low compared to related prior art devices which comprise multiple parts. Additionally, embodiments of unitary construction are advantageous in the ease of use for the end user, as no parts can be lost and there is no assembly of the fishing tackle holder 10 required.

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Alternative Embodiment

Figures 5 and 6 show another embodiment of a fishing tackle holder according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 shows left, front, top and bottom orthographic views of fishing tackle holder 100, and Figure 6 shows a perspective view of fishing tackle holder 100.

Many features of fishing tackle holder 100 are similar to those of fishing tackle holder 10, however there are a number of differences.

The cylindrical side walls 21 of fishing tackle holder 100 are not perfectly cylindrical, but rather comprise a slight outward taper towards the opening of the containment region. There are multiple advantages of this. It is easier for tackle to be inserted into the containment region when the side walls are slightly tapered such that the opening diameter is larger than the diameter near the domed lower wall 22. It is also easier for the fishing tackle holder to be produced by injection moulding, as the taper enables easier ejection of the part from the tooling.

The inner cylindrical shapes formed by small clip 31 and large clip 32 are also not perfectly cylindrical in this embodiment. The inner cylindrical shapes formed by small clip 31 and large clip 32 taper slightly outwardly towards the closed (domed) end of the fishing tackle holder 100. By tapering outwardly towards the closed end of the containment region, the clips have inner shapes that compliment and can match the tapering shape of a typical fishing rod. This helps the clips achieve a tighter and more secure frictional fit on the fishing rod. In this embodiment the outside surfaces of the clips 31 and 32 also tapers outwardly towards the closed end of the containment region. These tapers are also advantageous when the fishing tackle holder is produced by injection moulding by allowing for easier ejection from the tooling.

Another type of feature is shown in Figure 5 that relates to production of the fishing tackle holder by injection moulding are ejector pin spacers 101 visible in the top, left and front views, which provide surfaces for ejector pins to act on when ejecting the part from the mould core.

The fishing tackle holder 100 also differs from fishing tackle holder 10 in that the containment region is slightly larger as a result of the side walls being slightly longer. The skilled person

2014101636 10 Sep 2014 would understand that the particular dimensions and aspect ratios of fishing tackle holders according to various embodiments of the invention may vary widely.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications cited above and below, if any, are herein incorporated by reference.

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the present invention.

Claims (18)

1. Claims

   1. A fishing tackle holder for removable attachment to a fishing rod comprising a tip and a butt, the fishing tackle holder comprising at least one containment region bounded by

   5 one or more side walls and one or more lower walls, and having an opening of sufficient size to receive fishing tackle into the containment region;

   wherein, when attached to the fishing rod, the fishing tackle holder is configured to be positioned such that the opening faces substantially along the fishing rod in the direction of the tip.
2. 2. The fishing tackle holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more lower walls comprise one or more drainage holes, the one or more lower walls being sloped inwardly to direct collected water and/or unwanted material to the drainage hole(s), and the one or more side walls comprising one or more slits dimensioned to hold one or more items

   5 of fishing tackle.
3. 3. The fishing tackle holder as claimed in claim 2, wherein the side walls comprise two slits located substantially opposite each other across the containment region, and wherein each slit has an open end at the opening of the containment region.
4. 4. The fishing tackle holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 -3, wherein the fishing tackle holder comprises one or more clips for removably attaching the fishing tackle holder to the fishing rod.

   25 5. The fishing tackle holder as claimed in claim 4, wherein the fishing tackle holder comprises a plurality of clips for removably attaching the fishing tackle holder to the fishing rod, each clip being configured to removably attach the fishing tackle holder to a fishing rod or part thereof having a different diameter.

   6. The fishing tackle holder as claimed in claim 5, wherein the fishing tackle holder comprises two clips sharing a common portion and each comprising a clip arm extending away from the common portion to define an inner cylindrical shape of each clip, and the inner cylindrical shape of each of the clips comprises a taper such that when the clip is attached to the fishing rod, the taper substantially matches a taper in the diameter of the fishing rod.

   2014101636 10 Sep 2014

   7. The fishing tackle holder as claimed in any one of claims 4-6, wherein the one or more clips are integrally formed with the side wall(s) of the fishing tackle holder, the one or more clips being configured to friction fit onto the fishing rod, and the one or more side
5. 5 walls of the fishing tackle holder comprise one or more retaining lips positioned to further define the inner cylindrical shape of each clip.
6. 8. The fishing tackle holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 -7, wherein the fishing tackle holder comprises a single cylindrically shaped side wall and an inwardly curving single

   0 dome shaped lower wall.
7. 9. The fishing tackle holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 -7, wherein the fishing tackle holder comprises a single frustoconical shaped side wall and an inwardly curving single dome shaped lower wall.
8. 10. A method of holding fishing tackle comprising:

   removably attaching a fishing tackle holder to a fishing rod comprising a tip and a butt, the fishing tackle holder comprising at least one containment region bounded by one or more side walls and one or more lower walls, and having an opening of sufficient

   0 size to receive fishing tackle into the containment region; and inserting fishing tackle in the fishing tackle holder;

   wherein the fishing tackle holder is configured to be positioned such that the opening faces substantially along the fishing rod in the direction of the tip.

   25
9. 11. The method of holding fishing tackle as claimed in claim 10, wherein the method of holding fishing tackle comprises removably attaching a fishing tackle holder to a fishing rod by inserting the fishing rod into a clip on the fishing tackle holder.
10. 12. The method of holding fishing tackle as claimed in claim 11, wherein the method 30 comprises selecting one of a plurality of clips based on a diameter of the fishing rod, or based on a desired location of the fishing tackle holder on the fishing rod.
11. 13. The method of holding fishing tackle as claimed in any one of claims 10-12, wherein the method comprises inserting one or more items of fishing tackle into one or more slits

    35 formed in the fishing tackle holder.

    2014101636 10 Sep 2014
12. 14. The method of holding fishing tackle as claimed in claim 13, wherein the method comprises inserting one or more hooks into the one or more slits formed in the fishing tackle holder, and applying bait to the one or more hooks.
13. 15. The use of a fishing tackle holder comprising at least one containment region bounded by one or more side walls and one or more lower walls, and an opening of sufficient size to receive fishing tackle into the containment region, wherein the use of the fishing tackle holder comprises removably attaching the 0 fishing tackle holder to a fishing rod such that the opening faces substantially along the fishing rod in the direction of the tip.
14. 16. The use of a fishing tackle holder as claimed in claim 15, wherein the use comprises holding fishing tackle in the fishing tackle holder.
15. 17. The use of a fishing tackle holder as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the use comprises removably attaching a fishing tackle holder to a fishing rod by inserting the fishing rod into a clip on the fishing tackle holder.

    0
16. 18. The use of a fishing tackle holder as claimed in claim 17, wherein the use comprises selecting one of a plurality of clips based on a diameter of the fishing rod, or based on a desired location of the fishing tackle holder on the fishing rod.
17. 19. The use of a fishing tackle holder as claimed in any one of claims 15-18, wherein the

    25 use comprises inserting one or more items of fishing tackle into one or more slits formed in the fishing tackle holder.
18. 20. The use of a fishing tackle holder as claimed in claim 19, wherein the use comprises inserting one or more hooks into the one or more slits formed in the fishing tackle holder,

    30 and applying bait to the one or more hooks.