GB2532446A

GB2532446A - Fishing pole bung

Info

Publication number: GB2532446A
Application number: GB1420523.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Harrison Robert
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: WENDY ETCHELLS
Priority date: 2014-11-19
Filing date: 2014-11-19
Publication date: 2016-05-25
Anticipated expiration: 2034-11-19
Also published as: GB2532446B; GB201420523D0

Abstract

A fishing pole bung 1 that comprises a connection section 2 and a protection section 3. At Least one resiliently biased engagement member 4 extends from the connection section 2 to engage with the inner surface of the rearmost section of a fishing rod 5 and hold the stopper in place. The biasing means may comprise at least one spring (12 figure 4). An alignment section 6 may extends between the connection section 2 and the protection section 3, to align the bung in the pole 5. Also provided is a method of fitting the disclosed bung to a section of fishing pole.

Description

Fishing Pole Bung

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a fishing pole bung. Background to the Invention Fishing poles can be subject to damage and can pick up debris when used to fish.

In particular, the rear ends of fishing poles are particularly susceptible to damage. Fishing poles are generally made of several sections, for example, many poles are made up of 1 1 sections, each of which is a lightweight (e.g. carbon fibre composite) tapered tube, which combine together to form a long tapering pole. Anglers may not always wish to fish with the pole at the maximum length and may therefore only use a certain number of the sections depending on conditions. For example, a pole with a maximum length of 16 metres, formed from 11 sections may be used at between 10 and 16 metres, by only using a certain number of the sections. Since each section tapers (with the rearmost section having the largest diameter) the diameter of the rearmost section of the rod may be quite different depending on the length used. Typically, the diameter of each section may differ by 0.4mm for each section.

Bungs are available which can be inserted into the rearmost section of the pole. They are generally mushroom shaped, being provided with a protective portion shaped like the head of a mushroom, which extends beyond the rear of the pole to protect against damage, and a cylindrical connection portion (i.e. the stem of the mushroom shape), which is inserted into the rearmost section of the pole. In order to allow use with pole sections of varying diameters, pole bungs have been provided with expandable connection portions. In these expandable pole bungs, a screw is provided, which when turned expands the diameter of the cylindrical connection portion outwards. Thus, in use, the screw can be turned to adjust the diameter of the connection portion such that it is slightly smaller than the diameter of the rearmost section of the pole, then the connection portion can be introduced to the pole, held in contact with the inside of the pole, and the screw can be turned further to expand the connection section to form an interference fit with inner diameter of the pole. The Mayer (RTM) skid bung is an example of this type of bung.

Summary of the Invention

According to the invention, there is provided a fishing pole bung comprising a connection section and a protection section, wherein the connection section comprises at least one resiliently biased engagement member which extends from the connection section to engage with the inside surface of a section of a fishing pole.

The provision of a resiliently biased engagement member allows the connection section to be inserted quickly into a fishing pole, since the engagement member is resiliently biased outwardly, it engages with the inside section rapidly, owing to the resilient bias acting to force the engagement member outwards to engage with the inside surface of the fishing pole. This can be especially beneficial in match fishing, when time is of the essence, but is also more convenient generally than having to use either a bung especially sized for the particular section that is rearmost, or spending time adjusting a screw to expand the connection portion to fit the relevant section of the pole.

The resiliently biased engagement member may al so serve a secondary purpose as a stress reliever or a finger/hand strengthener, since when not being used in a fishing pole, squeezing the engagement member inwards against the resilient bias can be therapeutic and can improve muscle tone.

The fishing pole bung may comprise at least two resiliently biased engagement members extending from the connection section. The at least two resiliently biased engagement members may extend in radially opposite directions to engage with radially opposite sides of the inside surface of the fishing pole. Two engagement members, especially when extending in opposite directions, can improve the strength of the connection.

The connection section may be cylindrical and the resiliently biased engagement members may be resiliently biased radially outwardly from the axis of the cylindrical section.

The engagement members may be provided with a gripping portion to grip the inside surface of the fishing pole. The gripping portion may have a higher coefficient of friction than another part of the engagement member(s), and/or the connection section.

For example, the gripping portion may be formed of rubber, silicone, or the like and the rest of the bung may be formed of a plastic, such as ABS or PLA.

The fishing pole bung may comprise an alignment section located between the connection section and the protection section, to align the fishing pole bung with the pole.

The alignment section may comprise a stepped portion having steps of greater diameter extending from the connection section to the protection section. The steps may be between 0.5 and 5 mm long, preferably between 1 mm and 3mm long and most preferably about 2mm long. The steps may be between 0.1 and lmm wide, preferably between 0.2 and 0.8mm and most preferably about 0.4mm wide.

These steps assist in aligning the bung in the end of the pole and achieve a better alignment, and better strengthening of the delicate end of the pole, than a smooth taper.

The protection section may be curved, e.g. hemi-spherical.

A high-friction portion may be provided between on the outer surface between the alignment section and the protection section and may be formed for example from a rubber o-ring.

The resilient bias may be provided by one or more helical springs, preferably two or more helical springs.

The connection section may be provided with a cavity therein and apertures in its sides opening onto the cavity, the cavity being wider than the apertures and the resiliently biased engagement members may have a T-shaped cross section, having wider portions located in the cavity and resiliently biased away from each other, and narrower portions which extend through the apertures, but can be pushed at least partially into the aperture to reduce the width of the part of the bung that is inserted into the pole to that of the cylindrical connection section.

The connection section and/or the engagement section(s) may have rounded or tapered ends to aid entrance into the rearmost pole section.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of fitting a bung in a section of a fishing pole comprising squeezing at least one resiliently biased engagement member inwardly, to retract it into the connection section of a fishing pole bung, inserting the connection section of the bung at least partially into the section of fishing pole, and allowing the resiliently biased engagement member to spring back outwardly to engage with the inside surface of the fishing pole.

The method may further comprise the step of pushing the connection section fully into the pole, after the engagement member has sprung back into engagement with the inside surface of the fishing pole.

The fishing rod bung used in the method may be a fishing rod bung according to the first aspect of the invention, having any of the additional optional features set out above.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood an embodiment thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows a side view of a fishing pole bung according to the embodiment of the invention in a first configuration, with the engagement members fully extended; Figure 2 shows a side view of a fishing pole bung as shown in figure 1 in a second configuration, with the engagement members fully retracted; Figure 3 shows another side view of the fishing pole bung of figures 1 and 2 from another angle; Figure 4 shows a cross section through the fishing pole bung of figures 1-3; Figure 5 shows a side view of the fishing pole bung of figures 1-4 in a pole.

With reference to figures 1-5, a fishing pole bung 1 comprises a connection section 2 and a protection section 3. Resiliently biased engagement members 4 extend outwardly from the connection section 2, resiliently biased away from the central axis of the connection section to engage with the inner surface of the rearmost section of a fishing pole 5 and hold the bung in place. An alignment section 6 extends between the connection section 2 and the protection section 3, to align the bung lin the pole 5. The fishing pole 5 is shown transparent in figure 5 so that the bung 1 can be seen.

The connection section 2 of the bung 1 is generally cylindrical, and has a size chosen depending on the side of pole it is intended to fit. For example, for large poles, it may have a diameter of 40.8mm and a length of 40mm. The connection section 2 has a bevelled tip 7 to aid insertion into a fishing pole 5. Referring to figure 4, the cylindrical connection section 2 is provided with a cavity 8 extending along the length of the cylindrical connection section 2. The cavity 8 is cub oid, with a rectangular cross section, such that two shorter ends are closer to the sides of the connection section 2 and the two longer sides of the cavity 8 are located further inward -the cavity may for example have dimension of 38mm x 30mm x 18mm (with the long sides of the rectangle which are located most inwardly, being 30mm long and the shorter ends which are closer to the sides being 18mm long. Two diametrically opposed rectangular apertures 9 extend through the sides of the connection section 2 to meet the shorter ends of the cuboid cavity 8. The width of the apertures 9 is less than the width of the cavity 8, e.g. the apertures may be 12mm wide, whilst the cavity is 18mm wide.

Continuing to refer to figure 4, the resiliently biased engagement members 4 extend through the apertures 9. The engagement members 4 have a T-shaped cross section, with wider portions 10 which are enclosed in the cavity 8 and narrower portions 11 which extend through the apertures 9 e.g. by 8mm.

The diametrically opposed resiliently biased engagement members 4, each have two recesses (not shown) provided therein, on their diametrically opposed surfaces, such that the recesses of one engagement member face the recesses (not shown) in the opposite engagement member 4. Inserted into these recesses and extending between the two engagement members 4, are a pair of helical springs 12 (only one shown in figure 4), which resiliently bias the engagement members 4 away from each other and outward. The engagement members 4 are retained within the cavity 8 despite the resilient bias, because of the width of the wider portions 10 of the engagement members 4, which cannot fit through the apertures 9. Two springs are used, to reduce the prospect of the engagement members 4 simply tilting when squeezed, rather than moving inwardly, and to provide the requisite outward force.

As best seen in figures 1 and 5, the narrower portions of the engagement members 4 are provided with curved surfaces towards the tip of the bung 1 which, in use, is inserted into the pole 5. As best seen in figure 3, a gripping portion 15 formed of rubber, or the like, extends along the length ofthe outermost surface of the engagement members 4 to provide a high-friction outer surface, which engages with the inner surface of the pole 5.

A base plate 14 is covers the tip of the bung 1 to close the cavity 8 at that end, so that the engagement members 4 cannot escape.

At the opposite end of the cylindrical connection section 2 from the tip where the base plate 14 is provided, the alignment section 6 extends. The alignment section 6 is formed of a series of steps 16, or rings, the first step 16 being slightly wider than the cylindrical connection section 2, and each step being progressively wider, by 0.4mm, than the previous step 16. Each step has a length, in this example of 2mm, which in use sits within the inner circumference of the tip of the rearmost section of a pole 5. In this example, ten steps 16 are provided, so the radius of the alignment section increases by a total of 4mm, such that the diameter increases by 8mm.

At the end of the alignment section 6, a hemispherical protection section 3 is provided, with its base attached to the end of the alignment section 6. Where the base of the hemispherical protection section 3 and the end of the alignment section 6 meet, a recess is formed, in which an o-ring 17 is located.

According to this embodiment of the invention, the connection section 2, and alignment section 6 are integrally formed by 3D printing from ABS, and the hemispherical protection section 3 and base plate 14 are 3D printed separately from ABS. The engagement members 4 are 3D printed from PLA. To assemble the fishing pole bung 1, the protection section 3 is adhered to the alignment section 6 using acetone; the helical springs 12 are inserted between the recesses of opposing engagement members 4; the engagement members 4 are squeezed together and slid into the cavity 8 from the tip end of the connection section 2; then the base 14 is adhered to the connection section 2 using acetone (which will not adhere either part to the PLA engagement members); and finally, the grippy rubber portions 15 and the o-ring 17 may be inserted into respective recesses in the engagement members 4 and the area where the alignment section 6 and the protection section 3 meet.

Of course, alternative methods and materials may be used, for example, the parts could be extruded or injection moulded and alternative plastics or methods of adhesion could be used.

In use, the resiliently biased engagement members 4 are squeezed inwardly towards each other and against the bias of the helical springs 12, such that, as shown in figure 2, the outer surfaces having the gripping portions 15 are located within the circumference ofthe cylindrical connection section 2. The cylindrical connection section 2 is then introduced to the rearmost section of the fishing pole 5. At this point, the angler grips the end of the engagement members 4 closest to the alignment section, so that his fingers do not obstruct introduction of the cylindrical connection section 2 into the pole 5. With the front part of the connection section 2 and engagement members 4 introduced into the rearmost section of the fishing pole 5, the angler's grip on the engagement members 4 is released and the resilient bias pushes them outwards, into engagement with the inner surface of the fishing pole 5.

Next, the angler pushes the protection section 3 of the fishing pole bung 1 deeper into the pole 5, (against the resistance caused by the engagement between the engagement members 4 and the inside surface of the pole 5), until the end of the fishing pole 5 comes into engagement with one of the steps 16, such that its inside edge rests upon the length of a step 16 and the end of the pole 5 abuts the adjacent step 16.

The pole 5 may then be used for angling, with the end protected from damage caused by impact on the end of the pole 5 because the protection section extends from the end of the pole 5 preventing the end of the pole itself from impacting anything, and also from damage through squeezing the sides of the pole 5 at its end, because, at the end of the pole 5, the sides are supported by the alignment section 6.

Once the angler finishes fishing and wants to pack up his equipment, or if he wishes to change the length of the pole 5, he simply grips the bung 1 around the o-ring 17 and any part of the alignment section 6 that is extending out of the pole 5 and withdraws the bung 1 from the pole 5. This requires him to pull against the resistance caused by the engagement of the gripping portions 15 of the engagement members 4 and the inside of the pole 5, and the bung 1 comes out. The curved surfaces of the engagement members 4 towards the tip of the bung 1 allow a relatively smooth withdrawal, popping the bung 1 out at the end of the withdrawal action.

If the angler is changing the length of pole 5 rather than packing up his equipment, he will either take off one or more sections of the pole 5, or add one or more sections of the pole 5, such that a new section of the pole 5 (having either a narrower or a wider diameter) is rearmost. Then, the same action will be followed as set out above, squeezing the engagement members 4 inwardly, inserting the connection section 2 into the pole 5 and pushing on the protection section 3, to put the bung 1 into the new rearmost section of the pole 5.

As set out above, if, for example the angler is engaged in a match, this quick-release and quick nsert on of a single bung I into pole sections of various diameters can be extremely useful. If the angling is recreational, the speed of release and insertion is a great deal more convenient than using the expandable pole bungs of the prior art and vastly more convenient than carrying a series of different sized bungs for different sections of the pole. I 1

The above embodiment is described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A fishing pole bung comprising a connection section and a protection section, wherein the connection section comprises at least one resiliently biased engagement member which extends from the connection section to engage with the inside surface of a section of a fishing pole.
A fishing pole bung according to claim 1 comprising at least two resiliently biased engagement members extending from the connection section.
3. A fishing pole bung according to claim 2 wherein the at least two resiliently biased engagement members extend in radially opposite directions to engage with radially opposite sides of the inside surface of the fishing pole.A fishing pole bung according to any of the preceding claims wherein the connection section is cylindrical 5. A fishing pole bung according to claim 4 wherein the or each resiliently biased engagement member is resiliently biased radially outwardly from the axis of the cylindrical section.A fishing pole bung according to any of the preceding claims wherein the or each engagement member is provided with a gripping portion to grip the inside surface of the fishing pole.7. A fishing pole bung according to claim 6 wherein the gripping portion has a higher coefficient of friction than another part ofthe engagement member, and/or the connection section.A fishing pole bung according to any of the preceding claims further comprising an alignment section located between the connection section and the protection section, to align the fishing pole bung with the pole.9. A fishing pole bung according to claim 8 wherein the alignment section comprises a stepped portion having steps of greater diameter extending from the connection section to the protection section.10. A fishing pole bung according to claim 9 wherein the steps are between 0.5 and 5 mm long, preferably between lmm and 3mm long and most preferably about 2mm long.11. A fishing pole bung according to claim 9 or 10 wherein the steps are between 0.1 and 1mm wide, preferably between 0.2 and 0.8mm and most preferably about 0.4mm wide.12. A fishing pole bung according, to any of the preceding claims wherein the protection section is. hemi-spherical.13. A fishing pole bung according to any of the preceding claims wherein a high-friction portion is provided between on the outer surface between the alignment section and the protection section.14. A fishing pole bung according to any of the preceding claims wherein the resilient bias is provided by one or more springs 15. A fishing pole bung according to claim 14 wherein the one or more springs is helical 16. A fishing pole bung according to claim 14 or 15 comprising two or more springs.17. A fishing pole bung according to any of the preceding claims wherein the connection section may be provided with a cavity therein and apertures in its sides opening onto the cavity, the cavity being wider than the apertures.18. A fishing pole bung according to claim 17 wherein the resiliently biased engagement members have a T-shaped cross section, having wider portions located in the cavity and resiliently biased away from each other, and narrower portions which extend through the apertures, but can be pushed at least partially into the aperture to reduce the width of the connection section.19. A fishing pole bung according to any of the preceding claims wherein the connection section and/or the or each engagement section has a rounded or tapered end to aid entrance into the rearmost pole section.20. A method of fitting a bung in a section of a fishing pole comprising squeezing at least one resiliently biased engagement member inwardly, to retract it into the connection section of a fishing pole bung, inserting the connection section of the bung at least partially into the section of fishing pole, and allowing the resiliently biased engagement member to spring back outwardly to engage with the inside surface of the fishing pole.21. A method according to claim 20 further comprising the step of pushing the connection section fully into the pole, after the engagement member has sprung back into engagement with the inside surface of the fishing pole.22. A method according to claim 20 or 21 wherein the fishing rod bung is a fishing rod bung according to any of claims 1 to 19. I523. A fishing pole bung substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.