GB2581978A

GB2581978A - Support device for angling stand

Info

Publication number: GB2581978A
Application number: GB1902954.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Leese Tom
Original assignee: Preston Innovations Ltd
Current assignee: Preston Innovations Ltd
Priority date: 2019-03-05
Filing date: 2019-03-05
Publication date: 2020-09-09
Also published as: GB201902954D0

Abstract

A support device for an angling stand configured, in use, to hold and support an elongate rod (10, fig 1). The support comprises a generally tubular, substantially rigid base member 14 having an opening at one end for receiving an end portion of said elongate rod (16, fig 1) and means, located at a longitudinally opposing end, for securing said base member on a ground surface. The support device further comprises a resiliently flexible, open-ended sleeve 18 concentrically located within said opening, and a cam lock mechanism 20 coupled to said sleeve and configured to be selectively moved from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration in which it causes the diameter of the sleeve to be reduced to generate a radial force, in use, on said portion of said elongate rod located therein, thereby to secure said portion of said elongate rod within said base member. A further support device is provided having angularly adjustable means (46, fig 5) between the base member and said means for securing said base member on a ground surface, the angularly adjustable means being configured to enable the angle of the base member relative to the ground surface, in use, to be selectively adjusted.

Description

SUPPORT DEVICE FOR ANGLING STAND

Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to a support device, such as a bank stick, stage stand or stabilizing stick, for use in an angling stand configured, in its assembled state, to facilitate hands-free support of a fishing rod, in use.

Background of the Invention

Angling stands are used to stabilize and support an angling set up. Typically, such a set up would comprise two horizontal rods, often called buzz bars, which have butt grips arranged to grip one or more fishing rods. Each buzz bar typically has a single central support called a bank stick, which has a pointed end that can be driven into the ground. Two buzz bars are usually used to provide two points of attachment for each fishing rod. Angling stands, or "rod pods", may include one or more stabilizing sticks which can be used to improve the stability of the angling stand by securing the lower ends of the bank sticks and inhibiting relative movement thereof Such stabilizing sticks are typically configured to be driven into the ground by means of a spike and have an opening therein for receiving an end of a bank stick. Angling stands can also be used in situations where banks sticks and stabilizing sticks cannot be driven into the ground, for instance on hard or stony ground or on a concrete or wooden jetty. In these situations, a stage stand may be utilized to provide a means for securing the lower end of each bank stick.

A typical bank stick, for example, comprises an elongate pole which is pointed at one end, and has an opening at the longitudinally opposing end for receiving a fitting of a buzz bar that, when assembled, would extend transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the buzz bar. One or more rod supports may then be affixed to the buzz bar to support, in use, a portion of a fishing rod. A stabilizing stick may additionally be utilized, especially in inclement weather, to add further stability to the angling stand. A stabilizing stick comprises an elongate bar, having a spike at one end and extending generally orthogonally thereto. The elongate bar typically includes a through-hole therein. In use, the spike is driven into the ground, such that the elongate bar extends substantially parallel to the ground surface. The pointed end of a bank stick is then pushed through the through-hole in the stabilizer stick and driven into the ground. One or more buzz bar/rod support assemblies can then be mounted between pairs of spaced-apart bank sticks as required.

Buzz bars, and similar angling stand components, are typically inserted into an opening at a 113 distal end of a bank stick (which may be telescopically height adjustable) and then screwed to secure them in the desired configuration. However, one of the problems associated with this arrangement, is that specific accessories are required to be used together, in order to secure a fit and, even then, manufacturing tolerances can lead to some discrepancies in the fittings, resulting in a lack of rigidity and stability due to some "play in the resultant assembly.

There is a desire to provide "universal" fittings for an angling stand and it is an object of the present invention to address this issue, at least to some extent.

Statement of Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a support device for an angling stand configured, in use, to hold and support and elongate rod, the support device comprising a generally tubular, substantially rigid base member having an opening at one end for receiving an end portion of said elongate rod and means, located at a longitudinally opposing end, for securing said base member on a ground surface, the support device further comprising a resiliently flexible, open-ended sleeve concentrically located within said opening, and a cam lock mechanism coupled to said sleeve and configured to be selectively moved from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration in which it causes the diameter of the sleeve to be reduced to generate a radial force, in use, on said portion of said elongate rod located therein, thereby to secure said portion of said elongate rod within said base member.

Thus, a support device of the present invention provides a universal support that can receive and securely support an elongate rod (e.g. a bank stick) of an angling stand of any diameter.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least the sleeve may comprise a hollow, generally cylindrical member having a longitudinal break at a location along its circumference to define two longitudinal side edges. In an exemplary embodiment, the break runs along substantially the entire length of the hollow cylindrical member, such that a longitudinal gap is defined between said free longitudinal side edges (at a location on the circumference of the sleeve), at least when said cam lock mechanism is in said unlocked configuration The cam lock mechanism may comprise an elongate coupling member that extends transversely between said free longitudinal side edges of said sleeve, coupling them together.

The cam lock mechanism may beneficially comprise an actuating lever,coupled to said coupling member, and configured to rotate about an axis substantially parallel to said coupling member from said unlocked to said locked configuration in which said longitudinal gap is at least reduced. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuating lever rests on, or immediately adjacent to, a side wall of said base member when said cam lock mechanism is in said locked configuration.

Optionally, both the base member and the sleeve comprise respective hollow, generally cylindrical members, each with a longitudinal break at a location at a location on their respective circumferences, to define a respective pair of adjacent free longitudinal edges, the free longitudinal edges of said sleeve and those of said base member being substantially aligned, wherein the cam lock mechanism is pivotally coupled across a circumferential gap between the longitudinal side edges of said base member, and said actuating lever is configured to pivot about an axis defined by said pivotal coupling from said unlocked configuration to said locked configuration in which said gap between said longitudinal side edges of said base member and, therefore, said gap between said longitudinal side edges of said sleeve, are at least reduced to generate a radial force, in use, on a portion of a said elongate rod located within said base member and sleeve, thereby to substantially rigidly secure (or clamp) it therein. The sleeve is beneficially formed of a rubber, or rubber-like, material to generate a degree of friction between said sleeve and said portion of said elongate rod when said cam lock mechanism is in said locked configuration.

In an exemplary embodiment, the means for securing said base member on a ground surface may comprise a spike or elongate pointed member configured to be driven into said ground surface. Alternatively, or in addition, such means for securing said base member on a ground surface may comprise fastening means configured to secure said base member to a substantially solid ground surface.

In some exemplary embodiments, the support device may further comprise angularly adjustable means between said base member and said means for securing said base member on a ground surface, the angularly adjustable means being configured to enable the angle of the base member relative to the ground surface in use, to be selectively adjusted Indeed, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a support device for an angling stand configured, in use, to hold and support an elongate rod, the support device comprising a generally tubular base member having an opening at one end for receiving an end portion of a said elongate rod and means, located at a longitudinally opposing end, for securing said base member on a ground surface, the support device further comprising angularly adjustable means between said base member and said means for securing said base member on a ground surface, the angularly adjustable means being configured to enable the angle of the base member relative to the ground surface, in use, to be selectively adjusted.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed

description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a bank stick according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic partial diagram illustrating a support member for use in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a stabilizer stick according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an angle stand according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an angle stand according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an angling stand utilising exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, a support device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a bank stick 10 comprising an elongate rigid pole having a pointed end portion or spike 12 that enables the bank stick to be driven into relatively soft ground. At an upper end of the bank stick 10 (when oriented for use), there is provided a generally tubular support member 14 having an opening at one end for receiving a second end of a bank stick portion 16. The support device 14, which is generally indicated at A in Figure 1, further comprises a resiliently flexible, open-ended sleeve 18 concentrically located within said opening, as best seen in Figure 2 of the drawings. The sleeve 18 is beneficially formed of rubber or rubber-like material. The sleeve 18 comprises a hollow, generally cylindrical member having a longitudinal break 18a at a location along its circumference to define two longitudinal side edges. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the break runs along substantially the entire length of the hollow cylindrical member (sleeve 18) such that a circumferential gap is defined between the free longitudinal side edges 18a, at least when the cam lock mechanism 20 is in the unlocked configuration.

The cam lock mechanism 20 comprises an elongate coupling member 22 that extends transversely between the longitudinal free ends 18a of the sleeve 18. The cam lock mechanism 20 comprises an actuating lever 24, coupled to said coupling member 22, and configured to rotate about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said coupling member 22 from said locked configuration (illustrated) to said unlocked configuration in which said circumferential gap between said longitudinal free edges 18a of the sleeve 18 is at least increased. In the embodiment illustrated, support member 14, which is also generally tubular, also has a longitudinal break corresponding to the longitudinal break in the sleeve 18. Across which the coupling member 22 also extends.

Referring now to Figure3 of the drawings, a support device according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention, comprises a stabilizer stick 10'. The stabilizer stick 10' forms another (optional) component of an angling stand of the type described above. A stabilizer stick 10' is typically used in inclement weather/conditions wherein additional support of the angling stand may be required. A stabilizer stick 10' of this type comprises an elongate rigid stake or pole 30 having a pointed end portion or spike 32. The stabilizer stick 10' of Figure 3 comprises a generally tubular base member 34n located at an 'upper' end of the stake 30, and extending substantially orthogonally thereto. At the distal end of the base member 34, there is provided a support member 14 of the type described above. In use, a user may simply drive a plurality bank sticks 10 (of the type described above in relation to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings) into the ground, and build their angling stand on that support basis.

In an alternative configuration, a stabilizing stick 10' of the type illustrated in Figure 3 of the drawings, my be driven into the ground, and then a bank stick (of the type described above in relation to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings) may be inserted into the open end of the support member 14 and sleeve 18 (with the cam lock mechanism in the unlocked configuration), and the actuating lever 24 subsequently rotated 'downwardly', to pull the two free longitudinal ends 18a of the sleeve together and clamp the end of the bank stick within the support member 14. The configuration and operation of the support member 14 is substantially the same as that described above in relation to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, and will not be described herein in detail again Referring now to Figure 4 of the drawings, yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a stage stand 40. Stage stands are used to support an angling stand in environments where angling is performed from a solid platform, or wherein the surrounding ground surface is too hard or stony to adequately drive a bank stick or stabilizer stick to the ground to provide the required base support for an angling stand. Referring then to Figure 4 of the drawings, a stage stand according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, comprises a generally tubular or cylindrical base member 42 which is oriented generally upright', in use (i.e. with its longitudinal axis substantially vertical). At the 'lower' end of the base member 42, there is provided a flange 44 concentrically and integrally formed. It cannot be seen in Figure 4 of the drawings, but the flange 44 includes at least one aperture for receiving a screw (or similar fixing means) to enable the stage stand to be mounted on a solid ground surface At the 'upper' end of the base member 42, a support member 14 of the type described above is mounted or otherwise provided, with the open end of the tubular member and sleeve 18 exposed at the top, for receiving a bank stick, as before.

Referring to Figure 5 of the drawings, a stage stand 40' according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated. In this case, and once again, the stage stand 40' comprises a generally tubular or cylindrical base member 42 which is oriented generally upright' in use (i.e. with its longitudinal axis substantially vertical). At the 'lower' end of the base member 42, there is provided a flange 44 concentrically and integrally formed. In Figure 5 it can be seen that a pair of screw holes 46 is provided in the flange 44. The base member 42 and the flange 44 are coupled together by a ball and joint linkage 46, comprising a ball joint 49 nestled in a socket 48 for rotational movement therein), the socket 48 being comprised of an opening within a concentric collar 50 provided on the flange 44, between the flange 44 and the base member 42. The ball joint linkage 46 enables angular adjustment of the base member 42 (and support member 14) relative to the flange 44 (which would be affixed to a solid ground surface). As before, the support member 14 is configured to receive therein, and clamp, a bank stick, and this element will not be described any further herein.

The provision of the angular adjustment, facilitated by the ball joint linkage 46, enables a degree of adjustment, in use, to ensure that the resultant angling stand can be assembled in a solid and substantially horizontal configuration, even when the ground surface is uneven, for example.

Referring to Figure 6 of the drawings, an angling stand is illustrated schematically, utilizing support devices according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In the illustrated example, an angling stand comprises a first bank stick 10a and a second bank stick 10b, the bank sticks 10a, 10b being substantially parallel and longitudinally aligned in spaced apart relation. Across each of the bank sticks 10a, 10b there is provided a so-called buzz bar and each buzz bar 50 extends transversely (substantially orthogonally) across the top of, and relative to, a respective bank stick 10a, 10b. A plurality of butt grips is provided along each buzz bar 50 (the number being dependent on the number of rods required to be supported), each pair of respective butt grips being longitudinally aligned and in spaced apart fo relation, to support a respective fishing rod 54 therebetween. The relative height(s) of the banks sticks la, 10b can, of course, be altered using the support member 14a, 14b associated therewith.

In some exemplary embodiments, of course, the bank sticks 10a, 10b may be simply driven into the ground surface in which the stand is to be utilized. However,this may not be possible/practical in many cases. Thus, in the example illustrated, stage stands are used to support the assembled angling stand on a solid platform, using the angularly adjustable stage stand to enable the assembly to b made entirely horizontal (and stable), irrespective of the ground surface itself In the example shown, the first bank stick 10a is mounted within a 'fixed' stage stand 40 of the type described in relation to Figure 4 of the drawings, whereas the second bank stick 10b is mounted in an angularly adjustable stage stand 40' of the type described in relation to Figure 5 of the drawings. In view of the fact that the second stage stand 40' is angularly adjustable, via the ball joint linkage incorporated therein, it enables the assembled stand to be angularly adjusted to (almost) perfect horizontal alignment to ensure that the fishing rods mounted thereon are precisely mounted for use.

It will be apparent to person skilled in the art, from the foregoing description, that modifications and variations can be made to the described embodiments, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims

Claims

CLAIMS1 A support device for an angling stand configured, in use, to hold and support an elongate rod, the support device comprising a generally tubular, substantially rigid base member having an opening at one end for receiving an end portion of said elongate rod and means, located at a longitudinally opposing end, for securing said base member on a ground surface, the support device further comprising a resiliently flexible, open-ended sleeve concentrically located within said opening, and a cam lock mechanism coupled to said sleeve and configured to be selectively moved from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration in which it causes the diameter of the sleeve to be reduced to generate a radial force, in use, on said portion of said elongate rod located therein, thereby to secure said portion of said elongate rod within said base member.
2 A support device according to claim 1,wherein at least the sleeve comprises a hollow, generally cylindrical member having a longitudinal break at a location along its circumference to define two longitudinal side edges.
3 A support device according to claim 2, wherein said break runs along substantially the entire length of the hollow cylindrical member, such that a longitudinal gap is defined between said free longitudinal side edges, at least when said cam lock mechanism is in said unlocked configuration 4 A support device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cam lock mechanism comprises an elongate coupling member that extends transversely between said free longitudinal side edges of said sleeve, coupling them together.A support device according to claim 4, wherein the cam lock mechanism comprises an actuating lever, coupled to said coupling member, and configured to rotate about an axis substantially parallel to said coupling member from said unlocked to said locked configuration in which said longitudinal gap is at least reduced 6 A support device according to claim 5, wherein the actuating lever rests on, or immediately adjacent to, a side wall of said base member when said cam lock mechanism is in said locked configuration.7 A support device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein both the base member and the sleeve comprise respective hollow, generally cylindrical members, each with a longitudinal break at a location on their respective circumferences, to define a respective pair of adjacent free longitudinal edges, the free longitudinal edges of said sleeve and those of said base member being substantially aligned, wherein the cam lock mechanism is pivotally coupled across a circumferential gap between the longitudinal side edges of said base member, and said actuating lever is configured to pivot about an axis defined by said pivotal coupling from said unlocked configuration to said locked configuration in which said gap between said longitudinal side edges of said base member and, therefore, said gap between said longitudinal side edges of said sleeve, are at least reduced to generate a radial force in use, on a portion of a said elongate rod located within said base member and sleeve thereby to substantially rigidly secure (or clamp) it therein.8 A support device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve is formed of a rubber, or rubber-like, material to generate, in use, a degree of friction between said sleeve and said portion of said elongate rod when said cam lock mechanism is in said locked configuration.9 A support device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said means for securing said base member on a ground surface comprises a spike or elongate pointed member configured to be driven into said ground surface.10. A support device according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein said means for securing said base member on a ground surface comprises fastening means configured to secure said base member to a substantially solid ground surface.11 A support device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising angularly adjustable means between said base member and said means for securing said base member on a ground surface, the angularly adjustable means being configured to enable the angle of the base member relative to the ground surface, in use, to be selectively adjusted.12 A support device for an angling stand configured, in use, to hold and support an elongate rod, the support device comprising a generally tubular base member having an opening at one end for receiving an end portion of a said elongate rod and means, located at a longitudinally opposing end, for securing said base member on a ground surface, the support device further comprising angularly adjustable means between said base member and said means for securing said base member on a ground surface, the angularly adjustable means being configured to enable the angle of the base member relative to the ground surface, in use, to be selectively adjusted.