CA3034080A1 - A mounting assembly for a fishing reel - Google Patents

Abstract

A mounting assembly for a fishing reel, the assembly including a mounting rod, a reel mounting portion rotatably associated with the mounting rod and an elongate arm extending in the same plane but opposite direction to the reel mounting portion, the elongate arm having at least one line guide having an opening through which line from the fishing reel passes.

Description

A MOUNTING ASSEMBLY FOR A FISHING REEL
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to fishing generally and more particularly to mounting a fishing reel relative to a surface for use.
BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A fishing reel is a device used for the deployment and retrieval of a fishing line using a spool mounted on an axle. Fishing reels are traditionally used in the recreational sport of angling. They are most often used in conjunction with a fishing rod, though some specialized reels are mounted directly to boat gunwales or transoms.

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a useful alternative to a mounting assembly to mount a fishing reel relative to a surface which allows a user to use a fishing reel without a fishing rod.

[0004] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] The present invention is directed to a mounting assembly for a fishing reel, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0006] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a mounting assembly for a fishing reel, the assembly including a mounting rod, a reel mounting portion rotatably associated with the mounting rod and an elongate arm extending in the same plane but opposite direction to the reel mounting portion, the elongate arm having at least one line guide having an opening through which line from the fishing reel passes.

[0007] The mounting assembly of the present invention is preferably used for mounting a fishing reel relative to a surface. The surface may be part of a boat, jetty or any other surface adjacent the body of water.

[0008] Typically, the mounting assembly is mounted relative to the surface using the mounting rod. Normally, this is achieved through insertion of the mounting rod into an opening

9 PCT/AU2016/050761 or hole, into or through the surface. However, the mounting rod may be fixed to the surface. The mounting rod may be fixed to or relative to the surface, into the opening or hole or it may remain unfixed and simply rest through its own weight.
[0009] The mounting assembly is used to mount a fishing reel. The fishing reel will normally be of the type that would otherwise be mounted to a fishing rod. Any type of fishing reel may be used with the mounting assembly of the present invention for example, an overhead or "baitcaster" reel, a spinning reel, a centrepin reel, a spin cast reel or and underspin reel. The common features of all these types of fishing reels is that they typically possess a reel foot which is mounted on a support arm extending from the body of the fishing reel which allows the reel to be fixed to a rod. The reel foot may be a unitary member extending substantially in the same direction as the line from the fishing reel and normally, the reel foot tapers in thickness at either end. Alternatively, the reel foot may be a pair of divergent members extending from the fishing reel tapering in thickness at the respective outer ends.

[0010] The mounting rod of the mounting assembly of the present invention is typically elongate and may be manufactured from a single or multiple parts. The mounting rod may be a two-part component interconnected using a pivot attachment. Preferably, the lower rod portion is used to mount the mounting rod and the upper rod portion is used to adjust the angle of use.
Preferably, the mounting rod is a unitary member with a radially extending flange at an upper end thereof.

[0011] Preferably, the low end of the mounting rod may be provided with a groove or slot in order to assist with mounting the mounting rod relative to the surface.

[0012] The reel mounting portion is rotatably associated with the mounting rod. Preferably, the reel mounting portion is mounted relative to the flange at the upper end of the mounting rod via a low friction washer or shim which abuts an underside of a reel mounting portion and a swivel plate, the underside of which is located adjacent to the upper side of the flange. A
fastener portion, preferably threaded, extends from a portion of the reel mounting portion, through the swivel plate to attach the reel mounting portion to the swivel plate and the swivel plate is attached to the flange on the mounting rod. This allows the reel mounting portion to the mounting rod whilst being able to freely rotate.

[0013] The reel mounting portion is used to mount the reel relative to the mounting assembly and will typically have the form of an elongate arm.

[0014] The reel mounting portion typically has a reel seat and one or more reel seat mounts.

These reel seat mounts will typically be adjustable in order to receive and mount reels of different types and configurations. Any type of reel seat mounts may be used.

[0015] Common reel seats typically feature a pair of adjustable seat mounts. One common variety utilizes screw-type clamps. Adjustable seat mounts each have a collar.
Generally, the reel is attached by inserting a leading edge of the reel foot into an adjustable seat mount between the collar and the surface of reel seat. The adjustable seat mount is then advanced along the length of the reel mounting portion using a screwing motion until it locks the reel foot into place.
Normally, the reel mounting portion has male threads along the seat, and female threads are used on the inside surface of the adjustable seat mounts. The adjustable seat mounts clamp the reel foot firmly to the reel mounting portion so that reel cannot move up or down or rotate angularly about the reel mounting portion.

[0016] Although screw-type clamps are most common, adjustable seat mounts may assume many different configurations. An alternative and preferred configuration is to have one fixed seat mount and one movable seat mount.

[0017] The seat mounts may have a collar shaped to receive the reel foot and internally threaded screw member in order to move and position the collar.

[0018] The reel mounting portion is preferably attached to the mounting rod in order to define an angle therebetween. Typically, the angle is more than 90 but less than 180 .
Typically, the reel mounting portion will extend rearwardly with the elongate arm having the line guide extending forwardly in use.

[0019] Preferably, the reel mounting portion will be integrally formed with the elongate arm having the line guide. Preferably, an angle is maintained between the reel mounting portion and the elongate arm which is typically more than 900 but less than 180 .

[0020] The length of the reel mounting portion is preferably defined by the length of the reel seat. Normally, a number of configurations will be available for different sized reels.
Alternatively, a single length will be provided with the adjustable reel seat mounts used to receive reels of different sizes.

[0021] As mentioned previously, there is a rotatable mount provided between the reel mounting portion and the mounting rod. There are many configurations which can be used to achieve this end but preferably, a circumferential flange is provided on an upper end of the upper mounting rod portion. A circumferential slot or similar (for example a radially extending flange) can be provided on the reel mounting portion with an annular fixing member seated in the slot (or over the radially extending flange). The annular fixing member is preferably attached to the flange of the upper mounting rod portion in order to allow rotation of the reel mounting portion within the annular fixing member.

[0022] It is further preferred that the reel mounting portion is rotatable relative to the mounting rod about a substantially horizontal axis. The reel mounting portion may allow tilting of the reel mounting portion from side to side as well as rotation. This can be achieved by providing a ball or swivel joint for example.

[0023] The rotation and tilting of the reel mounting portion may be free or a fixing mechanism may be provided for one or both in order to temporarily fix the position of the reel mounting portion relative to the mounting rod.

[0024] The reel mounting portion may include a handle or similar. In use, the handle may provide a user with the ability to steady the apparatus, particularly when retrieving line and also provide the user with the ability to brace themselves against something whilst retrieving line.
Preferably the handle will extend transversely, usually substantially perpendicularly to the reel mounting portion. The handle may be removable from the reel mounting portion.
The handle will preferably be attachable to the reel mounting portion in order to allow a user to have the handle extend on either lateral side of the reel mounting portion with the elongate arm located forwardly of the reel mounting portion for users with different dominant hands. The handle will normally be located above the seat mounts.

[0025] The reel mounting portion is associated with an elongate arm having a line guide.
The reel mounting portion may be integrally formed with the elongate arm or the two may be separate components attached together.

[0026] At least one line guide is provided and typically at least at the end of the elongate arm. Any form of line guide may be provided.

[0027] The elongate arm may be rigid or partially resilient. In a preferred embodiment, the elongate arm may be a sprung arm. The elongate arm having the line guide may preferably be mounted to a shorter arm which is attached to or relative to the reel mounting portion. The shorter arm and the elongate arm are preferably parallel and spaced apart over their respective lengths. The elongate arm preferably has an arcuate portion at the end mounted to the shorter arm. This configuration will provide a sprung elongate arm capable of some small resilient deformation during use, particularly when retrieving line with a weight (fish or similar) present.

[0028] The line guide of the preferred embodiment is preferably located at or toward an outer end of the elongate arm. In a preferred embodiment, the outer end of the elongate arm will preferably have an angled portion, angled upwardly relative to the elongate arm. The line guide will preferably be located relative to the angled portion.

[0029] The line guide will preferably include a low friction assembly. In a preferred form, the line guide includes a substantially arcuate eyelet or similar located in an opening formed in the elongate arm. The eyelet will preferably be substantially circular. The eyelet will preferably be partially torus shaped. In particular, the preferred shape will be that of a surface of revolution generated by revolving a parabola in three-dimensional space about an axis coplanar with the parabola such that the inner surface is convex and the outer surface is concave. The outer surface will normally be substantially U-shaped and will allow the eyelet to be seated within the opening securely but also allow the eyelet to rotate within the opening.

[0030] The reel mounting portion may be reciprocated during retrieval of the line particularly when catching a fish in order to decrease fatigue by allowing the line to be retrieved more easily.

[0031] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0032] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0034] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0035] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a mounting assembly for a fishing reel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 is an isometric view of the mounting assembly illustrated in Figure 1 with a fishing reel mounted thereto for use.

[0037] Figure 3 is a front elevation view of the mounting assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

[0038] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the mounting assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

[0039] Figure 5 is a side elevation view of mounting assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

[0040] Figure 6 is an isometric view of a reel mounting assembly and elongate arm forming a part of mounting assembly illustrated in Figure 1 illustrated in Figure 1.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0041] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a mounting assembly 10 for a fishing reel 11 is provided.

[0042] The assembly 10, according to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the accompanying Figures includes a mounting rod 12, a reel mounting portion 13 rotatably associated with the mounting rod 12 and an elongate arm 14 extending in the same plane but opposite direction to the reel mounting portion 13, the elongate arm 14 having at least one line guide 15 having an opening through which line (indicated by arrow 16 in Figure 2) from the fishing reel 11 passes.

[0043] The mounting assembly 10 is mounted relative to the surface using the mounting rod 12. Normally, this is achieved through insertion of the mounting rod 12 into an opening or hole, into or through the surface. However, the mounting rod 12 may be fixed to the surface. The mounting rod 12 may be fixed to or relative to the surface, into the opening or hole or it may remain unfixed and simply rest through its own weight.

[0044] The mounting assembly 10 is used to mount a fishing reel 11 as illustrated in Figure 2. The fishing reel 11 will normally be of the type that would otherwise be mounted to a fishing rod. Any type of fishing reel may be used with the mounting assembly of the present invention for example, an overhead or "baitcaster" reel, a spinning reel, a centrepin reel, a spin cast reel or and underspin reel. The common features of all these types of fishing reels is that they typically possess a reel foot which is mounted on a support arm extending from the body of the fishing reel which allows the reel to be fixed to a rod. The reel foot is typically a unitary member extending substantially in the same direction as the line from the fishing reel and normally, the reel foot tapers in thickness at either end. Alternatively, the reel foot may be a pair of divergent members extending from the fishing reel tapering in thickness at the respective outer ends.

[0045] The mounting rod 12 is typically elongate and manufactured from a single part with a radially extending flange 18 at an upper end thereof. As illustrated, the lower end of the mounting rod 12 is provided with a notch or slot 17 in order to assist with mounting the mounting rod 12 relative to the surface.

[0046] The reel mounting portion 13 is rotatably associated with the mounting rod 12.
Preferably, the reel mounting portion 13 is mounted relative to the flange 18 at the upper end of the mounting rod 12 via a low friction washer 19 which abuts an underside of a mounting portion 20 of the reel mounting portion 13 and a swivel plate 21, the underside of which is located adjacent to the upper side of the flange18. A threaded fastener portion 22 extends from the underside of the mounting portion 20 of the reel mounting portion 13 through the washer 19 and the swivel plate 21 to attach the reel mounting portion 13 to the swivel plate 21 and is held there by a washer 23 and nut 24. The swivel plate 21 is attached to the flange 18 on the mounting rod 12 using a number of bolts and corresponding nuts extending through aligned openings in the swivel plate 21 and the flange 18. This allows the reel mounting portion 13 to be securely attached to the mounting rod 12 whilst being able to freely rotate.

[0047] The reel mounting portion 13 is used to mount the reel 11 relative to the mounting assembly 10 and will typically have the form of a central elongate arm 25 with a tubular reel seat 26 attached to the central elongate arm 25 using a rivet 27 similar and having one or more reel seat mounts 28. At least one of the reel seat mounts 28 are adjustable in order to receive and mount reels of different types and configurations. Any type of reel seat mounts may be used.

[0048] Common reel seats typically feature a pair of adjustable seat mounts. One common variety utilizes screw-type clamps. Adjustable seat mounts each have a collar.
Generally, the reel is attached by inserting a leading edge of the reel foot into an adjustable seat mount between the collar and the surface of reel seat. The adjustable seat mount is then advanced along the length of the reel mounting portion using a screwing motion until it locks the reel foot into place.
Normally, the reel mounting portion has male threads along the seat, and female threads are used on the inside surface of the adjustable seat mounts. The adjustable seat mounts clamp the reel foot firmly to the reel mounting portion so that reel cannot move up or down or rotate angularly about the reel mounting portion.

[0049] The reel mounting portion 13 is attached to the mounting rod 12 at an angle therebetween. Typically, the angle is more than 90 but less than 180 .
Typically, the reel mounting portion 13 will extend rearwardly with the elongate aim 14 having the line guide 15 extending forwardly in use.

[0050] Preferably, the reel mounting portion 13 is provided in a single construction or integrally formed with the elongate arm 14 having the line guide 15 as illustrated in Figure 6.
Preferably, an angle is maintained between the reel mounting portion 13 and the elongate arm 14 which is typically more than 900 but less than 180 .

[0051] The reel mounting portion 13 of the illustrated embodiment includes a handle 29. In use, the handle 29 may provide a user with the ability to steady the mounting assembly 10, particularly when retrieving line and also provide the user with the ability to brace themselves against something whilst retrieving line. As illustrated, the handle 29 extends transversely, usually substantially perpendicularly to the reel mounting portion 13. The handle 29 preferably attachable to and detachable from the reel mounting portion 13 through the provision of a threaded assembly 30 in order to allow a user to have the handle 29 extend on either lateral side of the reel mounting portion 13 with the elongate arm 14 located forwardly of the reel mounting portion 13 for users with different dominant hands. The handle 29 will normally be located above the reel seat 26.

[0052] The reel mounting portion 13 is associated with an elongate arm 14 having a line guide 15. The line guide 15 is provided at of toward the outer end of the elongate arm 14.

[0053] The elongate arm 14 may be rigid or partially resilient. In a preferred embodiment, the elongate arm 14 is a sprung arm. The elongate arm 14 having the line guide 15 of the illustrated embodiment is mounted to a shorter arm 31 which is attached to or relative to the reel mounting portion 13. The shorter arm 31 and the elongate arm 14 are preferably parallel to one another and spaced apart over their respective lengths. The elongate arm 14 as illustrated has an arcuate portion 33 at the end mounted to the shorter arm 31 and is normally welded 34 to the shorter arm 31. This configuration provides a sprung elongate arm 14 capable of some small resilient deformation during use, particularly when retrieving line with a weight (fish or similar) present.

[0054] The line guide 15 of the preferred embodiment is located at or toward an outer end of the elongate arm 14. In a preferred embodiment, the outer end of the elongate arm 14 has an angled portion, angled upwardly relative to the elongate arm 14 with the line guide 15 located relative to the angled portion.

[0055] In the preferred form, the line guide 15 includes a substantially arcuate eyelet 32 or similar located in an opening formed in the elongate arm 14. The eyelet 32 is substantially circular. The eyelet 32 is partially torus shaped. In particular, the preferred shape will be that of a surface of revolution generated by revolving a parabola in three-dimensional space about an axis coplanar with the parabola such that the inner surface is convex and the outer surface is concave. The outer surface will normally be substantially U-shaped and will allow the eyelet 32 to be seated within the opening in the elongate arm 14 securely but also allow the eyelet 32 to rotate within the opening.

[0056] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0057] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention.
Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0058] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

and an elongate arm having a line guide extending in an opposite direction in use.
11. A mounting assembly for a fishing reel as claimed in claim 13 wherein the reel mounting portion is integrally formed with the elongate arm having the line guide.
12. A mounting assembly for a fishing reel as claimed in either claim 13 or claim 14 wherein an angle is maintained between the reel mounting portion and the elongate arm which is more than 90° but less than 180°.
13. A mounting assembly for a fishing reel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein rotation of the reel mounting portion can be fixed using a fixing mechanism provided to temporarily fix the position of the reel mounting portion relative to the mounting rod.
14. A mounting assembly for a fishing reel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further including a handle assembly provided on the reel mounting portion to brace a user against the mounting assembly.
15. A mounting assembly for a fishing reel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further including at least one line guide provided on an elongate arm substantially opposed to the reel mounting portion.
16. A mounting assembly for a fishing reel as claimed in claim 15 wherein the elongate arm is a sprung arm.
17. A mounting assembly for a fishing reel as claimed in either claim 15 or claim 16 wherein the elongate arm is mounted to a shorter arm attached to or relative to the reel mounting portion.
18. A mounting assembly for a fishing reel as claimed in claim 17 wherein the shorter arm and the elongate arm are parallel and spaced apart over their respective lengths, the elongate arm having an arcuate portion at the end mounted to the shorter arm.
19. A mounting assembly for a fishing reel as claimed in claim 1 wherein the eyelet has shape of a surface of revolution generated by revolving a parabola in three-dimensional space about an axis coplanar with the parabola such that an inner surface of the eyelet is convex and an outer surface is concave, the outer surface being substantially U-shaped such that the eyelet is seated within the opening formed in the elongate arm securely and rotatably.

portion is integrally formed with the elongate arm having the line guide.
12. A mounting assembly for a fishing reel as claimed in either claim 13 or claim 14 wherein an angle is maintained between the reel mounting portion and the elongate arm which is more than 90° but less than 180°.
13. A mounting assembly for a fishing reel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein rotation of the reel mounting portion can be fixed using a fixing mechanism provided to temporarily fix the position of the reel mounting portion relative to the mounting rod.
14. A mounting assembly for a fishing reel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further including a handle assembly provided on the reel mounting portion to brace a user against the mounting assembly.
15. A mounting assembly for a fishing reel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further including at least one line guide provided on an elongate arm substantially opposed to the reel mounting portion.
16. A mounting assembly for a fishing reel as claimed in claim 15 wherein the elongate arm is a sprung arm.
17. A mounting assembly for a fishing reel as claimed in either claim 15 or claim 16 wherein the elongate arm is mounted to a shorter arm attached to or relative to the reel mounting portion.
18. A mounting assembly for a fishing reel as claimed in claim 17 wherein the shorter arm and the elongate arm are parallel and spaced apart over their respective lengths, the elongate arm having an arcuate portion at the end mounted to the shorter arm.
19. A mounting assembly for a fishing reel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the line guide includes a substantially arcuate eyelet or similar located in an opening formed in the elongate aim.
20. A mounting assembly for a fishing reel as claimed in claim 19 wherein the eyelet has shape of a surface of revolution generated by revolving a parabola in three-dimensional space about an axis coplanar with the parabola such that an inner surface of the eyelet is convex and an outer surface is concave, the outer surface being substantially U-shaped such that the eyelet is seated within the opening formed in the elongate arm securely and rotatably.