GB2618336A - Improved fishing rod support - Google Patents

Abstract

A fishing rod support apparatus 10 comprises two or more rod supporting points 11, 12, occupying a substantially straight line 13, suitable for supporting a fishing rod at respective points along its length, and a light source directing element 16 for directing a light source 19 at an angle from the line occupied by the rod supporting points; wherein the rod supporting points and the light directing element are pivotably connected 14 such that the angle between the light source direction and the line occupied by the rod supporting points is adjustable. The apparatus may further comprise a ground support attachment member 20 in order to allow the apparatus to be connected to a ground engaging support structure (Figure 4). The ground support attachment member may comprise an elongate cylindrical bar with a circumferential groove 22 proximate its distal end to allow engagement, in use, with a quick-release clamping mechanism of a ground engaging support structure.

Description

Improved fishing rod support Field of the invention [1] The invention relates to an improved apparatus for supporting a fishing rod. In particular, the invention relates to an improved apparatus for supporting a fishing rod suitable for use while fishing at night. Specifically, the invention relates to an apparatus for supporting a fishing rod for use while fishing at night which facilitates improved illumination of the tip of a supported fishing rod.

Background of the invention

[2] Fishing with a rod is a popular leisure activity in the United Kingdom and 10 around the world. Like many popular hobbies, it requires certain accessories, not least the fishing rod itself, and it can be enhanced by additional accessories.

[3] A fishing rod is a long and narrow, sometimes telescopically extendable, supporting along its length a fishing line. The rod may be narrower at its distal end than at its proximal end. Fishing line is thin and flexible and is typically stored in a reel at the proximal end of the fishing rod, and deployable from the distal end of the rod. Usually, at least one lure and at least one hook are attached towards the distal end of the fishing line. These are deployed to the water for use while fishing.

[4] When fishing with a rod, it is often desirable to keep the rod still and steady so as not to cause the lure to move in the water in a way that would deter fish from biting the lure and thus ensnaring themselves on the hook. It may be some considerable time between 'bites', and it is therefore often desirable to mount a fishing rod on a stable support structure while it is in use, rather than attempting to hold it still manually for several hours.

[5] Support structures, such as that shown in Figure 1, are common for use in 25 fishing. They typically comprise a ground engaging support structure, such as a tripod, and a rod-support element, such as a branch or arm having a rod-receiving clip or ring.

[006] The instance of a bite may be indicated in a number of ways, but typically a movement at the distal end of the rod indicates that the line is being pulled by a fish attempting to escape a hook. The user then knows to take action by drawing the line back onto the reel in order to lift the fish from the water.

[007] Fishing at night is increasingly popular around the world, providing different challenges and a different atmosphere to enthusiasts. One of the challenges, perhaps the most notable challenge, is that night fishing takes place in the dark. Since a bite is typically indicated by movement at the distal end of the rod, and since any problems with the deployment of the line must be addressed in order to fish successfully, it is important for the user to be able to see the distal end of the fishing rod, even in the dark.

[8] Illuminating the distal end of a fishing rod for the purposes of fishing at night is typically achieved in one of two ways. Some night fishers attach small lights to the distal tips of their fishing rods. These, however, can interfere with the deployment of the line, and alter the weight distribution of the fishing rod, which can reduce the ease of 'casting', the manoeuvre in which the line is deployed.

[9] Others use a conventional torch or flash-light, positioned near the proximal end of the fishing rod and directed towards the distal end. The torch my, for example, be propped up against one of the legs of the tripod, or otherwise supported at a suitable angle. During night fishing competitions, however, it is necessary to adjust the angle of the rod very frequently, even every few minutes, in order to reach different kinds of fish. Those using a torch for illumination in this way will have to adjust the angle of the torch as often as they adjust the angle of the rod, which is inconvenient and time consuming and therefore disadvantageous during a competitive event.

[10] A solution is required to provide illumination of the tip of a fishing rod for night fishing, which does not interfere with the weight distribution of the rod, nor with the deployment of the line, but which does not require separate adjustment by the user every time the position of the rod is changed. The present invention seeks to meet at least some of these requirements.

Summary of the invention

[11] The invention provides a fishing rod support apparatus comprising two or 5 more rod supporting points, occupying a substantially straight line, for supporting a fishing rod at respective points along its length, and a light source directing element for directing a light source at an angle from the line occupied by the rod supporting points; wherein the rod supporting points and the light directing element are piyotably connected such that the angle between the light source 10 direction and the line occupied by the rod supporting points is adjustable.

[12] Providing a light source directing element which is connected to the rod supporting points means that a light source can be supported at an angle with respect to a fishing rod supported by the rod supporting points in use. Thus, the light source does not need to be attached to the rod itself, interfering with line deployment and weight distribution.

[13] Because the light source directing element is pivotably connected to the rod supporting points such that the angle between the light source direction and the line occupied by the rod supporting points can be adjusted, the rod supporting apparatus can be adapted for use with rods of different lengths. No matter the length of the rod, the light source direction can be adjusted with respect to the line occupied by the rod supporting points, so that the light is directed to the distal end of the rod. Preferably, the pivotable attachment is lock-able, so that once a suitable angle is selected, it can be maintained until it is no longer required. In this way, the angle of the light source needs only to be selected once, and then it remains fixed with respect to the angle at which the rod is supported in use, until a new angle is required, for example if a new rod with a different length is selected.

[14] Because the light source directing element is connected to the rod supporting points and can be angled with respect to the line occupied by the rod supporting points, the power and size of a light source directed by the light source directing element can be considerably reduced. With prior art rod supporting structures used at night, a very large torch or flood light is often necessary because it cannot easily be precisely directed. Such light sources are large, heavy, difficult to carry and expensive to power.

[15] In some embodiments, the two or more rod supporting points are discrete. That is, in some preferred embodiments, the at least two rod supporting points are distinct, separate points for engagement, in use, with a rod. In some other embodiments, however, the at least two rod supporting points are continuous; for example, the rod supporting points may be points along an elongate channel for receiving a rod in use.

[16] At least two rod supporting points are necessary because, as will become apparent, the rod supporting points serve to support a rod at a selected angle, both with respect to the light source direction, and with respect to a support structure such as a tripod, as will be discussed below. An elongate rod cannot be supported at a fixed orientation by only a single contact point, unless that contact point has a certain minimum extension in the rod's axial direction, which for the purposes of this specification is considered to be two or more rod supporting points in a continuous configuration.

[017] The minimum distance between the at least two rod supporting points will be determined by the length and weight distribution of the rod to be supported. The distance must be sufficient that the net forces acting on the ends of the rod when supported by the rod supporting points is not sufficient to cause the rod to pivot about the rod support points.

[018] In some such embodiments, all of the two or more rod supporting points are configured to support, in use, respective points along a side surface of a fishing rod.

[19] Tn these embodiments, the rod supporting surfaces of the at least two rod supporting points are parallel with each other. They may be shaped so as to make contact with the side surface of a cylindrical rod at multiple points around its circumference. This is advantageous because it increases the frictional engagement between the rod supporting points and a rod being supported by them in use. Tt may also, in some such configurations, reduce the likelihood that a rod will roll sideways out of engagement with the rod supporting points.

[20] As such, in some such embodiments, each of the two or more rod supporting points comprises a V-shaped rest clement.

[021] ln other embodiments, one of the at least two rod supporting points may be configured to support a proximal end of a fishing rod. In such embodiments, this one of the at least two rod supporting points may have a rod supporting surface which is substantially perpendicular to the others, against which the proximal end surface of a fishing rod can rest, in use.

[022] In some embodiments, the light source directing element comprises a light source attachment means to which a light source can be attached.

[23] Tt is convenient to use a detachable light source with the rod support apparatus of the invention, because a detachable light source, such as a torch, can be put to other uses when not attached to the rod support apparatus.

Furthermore, light sources of different powers can be selected for different lengths of rod, with more power. Any suitable attachment means can be selected, and many such will be apparent to the skilled person. Any conventional clamp or sleeve or strap may be selected, to name only a few examples.

[24] The suitability of any particular attachment means depends on the nature of 25 the light source to be attached. The most commonly used light source in the prior art methods of illuminating rods during night fishing, as mentioned above, is an electrical torch or flash light.

[25] Conventional electrical torches come in all shapes and sizes, but a typical hand-held torch comprises a housing containing a light source, such as an LED, behind a transparent face of the housing, a battery compartment, and circuitry connecting the two, includirng a switch to activate and deactivate the light source. 5 The housing usually comprises a handle, which is typically cylindrical for ease of holding. Although there can be significant variations in the dimensions of torches, there are limits to the possible variations in the dimensions of a useful torch handle. In some embodiments, a suitable attachment means might therefore be selected or designed to engage with a torch handle, and be adjustable or adaptable 10 within the parameters of a useful torch handle.

[26] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the attachment means of the light source directing element might be specifically configured to engage with one particular model of torch.

[27] Thus, in some embodiments, the light source attachment means is 15 configured to receive a conventional electrical torch having a substantially cylindrical housing.

[28] Rather than attachment means, in some embodiments the light source directing element may comprise an integral light source, such as an LED. Such a light source directing element would preferably also include an electrical energy storage system. For example, the light source directing element may include an accessible compartment for receiving disposable or rechargeable batteries. Alternatively, it may contain a rechargeable battery and a charging circuit with a suitable port for connection to an external source of electrical power. Other adaptations, such as the provision of a dynamo and crank system, will be apparent to the skilled person.

[29] In some embodiments, the fishing rod support apparatus further comprises a ground support attachment member, for releasably attaching the fishing rod support apparatus to a ground engaging support structure.

[30] Tn such embodiments, the rod supporting apparatus is attachable to a ground engaging support structure, for example, the rod supporting apparatus may be mounted on a tripod. Such arrangements are particularly advantageous when fishing from land, on the shore or bank by a body of water. A rod can be arranged in almost any location using the apparatus of these embodiments, not relying on any existing infrastructure for support.

[31] These same advantages apply to the embodiments in which the rod supporting apparatus comprises an integral ground engaging support structure, such as an integral tripod. This may make assembly easier, in use, but could reduce the portability and versatility of the apparatus.

[32] It may be desirable to mount the rod supporting apparatus on a structure rather than directly on the ground. For example, if the user is fishing from a boat, it may be convenient to mount the apparatus to a structure on the boat. A tripod deployed on the deck of a boat may be less stable than one deployed on land, since the deck of a boat is likely to be in constant motion. For this reason, some embodiments of the rod supporting apparatus comprise integral mounting means, such as clamps, for mounting the rod supporting apparatus to a structure.

[33] When mounting the apparatus to a structure is required, it may be more convenient to provide the rod supporting apparatus with a mounting attachment means rather than an integral mounting means. Thus, the rod supporting apparatus can be attached to a structure mounting means, such as a clamp. It will be apparent to the skilled reader that a particularly convenient set of embodiments comprise a ground support attachment means which is sufficiently versatile to function also as a mounting attachment means.

[034] In some such embodiments, the ground support attachment member is rotatably secured to the fishing rod support apparatus such that when, in use, the ground support attachment member is attached to a ground engaging support structure, the angle between the line occupied by the two or more rod supporting points and the ground plane is adjustable.

[35] The need to adjust the angle of a fishing rod occasionally while fishing, and frequently during competitive fishing, has been discussed above. This is achieved easily in embodiments of the invention in which the ground support attachment member is rotatable, or lock-ably rotatable, with respect to either the ground support structure or the rod support apparatus so that, when the apparatus is mounted on the ground in use, supporting a rod, the angle between the rod and the ground plane can be adjusted, and optionally secured until the next adjustment is required.

[36] Because the light source direction is adjusted and set in relation to the line occupied by the at least two rod supporting points, when the angle between the line occupied by the at least two rod supporting points and the ground plane is adjusted, the light source direction is automatically adjusted too, so as to follow, in use, the distal end of the rod as the latter moves. This considerably reduces the burden of necessary adjustments on the user while fishing, and is therefore considerably more convenient than the rod support apparatuses of the prior art.

[37] The same advantages of providing the facility to adjust the orientation of the line occupied by the at least two rod supporting points with respect to the support 20 structure can be extended to the alternative support structures discussed above, as well as many other embodiments of the invention.

[38] In some such embodiments, the ground support attachment member comprises an elongate bar of circular cross section, rotatably secured at its proximal end to the fishing rod support apparatus.

H391 Some such embodiments further comprise at least one circumferential groove proximate the distal end of the elongate bar, for engagement, in use, with a quick-release clamping mechanism of a ground engaging support structure.

[0401 Providing a mechanically simple quick release mechanism such as this is particularly convenient, because it makes mounting and demounting quick and easy, and keeps manufacturing costs lower when compared with more complex mounting mechanisms.

Brief description of the drawings

[41] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures.

[42] Figure 1 depicts a prior art fishing rod support.

[43] Figure 2 depicts a fishing rod support apparatus of the invention from a first 10 perspective.

[44] Figure 3 depicts the same fishing rod support apparatus of the invention from a second perspective.

[45] Figure 4 depicts the same fishing rod support apparatus of the invention connected to a ground engaging support structure.

Detailed description

[46] Throughout this specification, relative terms such as 'upper', 'lower', 'top', 'bottom', should be understood with reference to an 'in-use' orientation of the apparatus.

[47] Figure 1 depicts a prior art fishing rod support or fishing rod holder 1. This fishing rod support 1 is configured to hold two fishing rods at once, in use. As such, it comprises two sets of two fishing rod supporting points, each set comprising an upper rod supporting point 2 and a lower rod support* point 3.

[48] The upper rod supporting points 2 are U-or V-shaped holders for partially encircling a portion of the side surface of a fishing rod.

[049] The lower rod supporting points 3 are hollow cylinders closed at their lower circular faces and open at their upper circular faces (a 'cup' arrangement). In use, the proximal end of the handle of a fishing rod is slidingly received into an open upper circular face of the lower rod supporting point 3, so as to rest against the lower circular face, while being encircled by the side wall.

[50] The rod supporting points 2, 3 are attached to a tripod 4 having two front 5 legs 5 and one rear leg 6. The three legs 5, 6 meet at a hinge point 7 at the top of the tripod 4.

[51] The upper rod supporting points 2 are attached to the hinge point 7 or, alternatively, close to the top of the rear leg 6. The lower rod supporting points 3 are attached close to the bottom of the rear leg 6. Thus, when a fishing rod is supported by one of the sets of rod supporting points 2, 3, it is held substantially parallel to the rear leg 6. The angle of the fishing rod is adjusted, in use, either by adjusting the angle between the plane containing the two front legs 5 and the rear leg 6, or by removing the proximal end of the fishing rod from the lower rod supporting point 3, adjusting the angle of the upper rod supporting point 2, and resting the proximal end of the fishing rod on the ground. The former method involves disrupting the legs 5, 6 of the tripod 4, which is unwieldy and time consuming.

[52] Prior art rod supporting points 2, 3 may be detachable from their support structures 1 in some instances. Typically they will be slidably removed or 20 unscrewed. They are not typically connected using a 'quick release' mechanism.

[53] When conventional fishing rod supports 1 such as this are used for fishing at night, a torch or similar light source is typically propped up or supported on a separate structure, so as to be directed at the distal end of the rod. Each time the angle of the fishing rod is adjusted, the angle of the light source has to be adjusted too. Because a fishing rod will extend far beyond the top of the tripod 4, and because it will generally bend under its own weight and the weight of the line and the attachments thereto, the direction of the light source is not typically parallel with the rear leg 6, but will often define a smaller angle with the ground plane than the rear leg does.

[54] This specification has already explored the need for at least two rod supporting points in order to adequately support a fishing rod in use. The inventor 5 has found, however, that it is not necessary for the at least two rod supporting points to be separated by the entire height, or close to it, of the conventional ground engaging support structures (i.e. tripods). Greater separation of the rod supporting points may provide increased stability but it causes the angular adjustment of a fishing rod, in use, to be difficult and time consuming. The 10 present invention, and particularly the embodiment described below, provides an improved balance between stable rod support and easy rod adjustment. It also removes the need for separately adjusting the angle of a torch or other light source when fishing at night.

[55] Figures 2 and 3 show a rod support apparatus 10 according to a preferred 15 embodiment of the invention.

[56] The apparatus 10 comprises first 11 and second 12 rod supporting points, secured to opposite respective ends of an upper side of an elongate separator 13.

[57] The rod supporting points 11, 12 comprise V-shaped rests. In use, respective points along the length of a fishing rod are received between the arms of each rod supporting point 11, 12. V-shaped rests arc advantageous over securing means such as clamps because they contain no moving parts, making them cheaper to make and easier to use. A rod can be placed on the rests, or removed from the rests, in less than a second Gravity and friction are sufficient to keep the rod in place on the rests.

[058] The V-shaped clamps are preferably formed of plastics, for example polylactic acid (PLA). This can be 3D printed and produced from sustainable sources (for example, plant based source, such as corn starch sugarcane or sugar beet pulp). 3D printing allows for advantageous weight reduction techniques in manufacture.

[59] A pivot mechanism 14 is secured to a lower side of the elongate separator 13. The pivot mechanism 14 has a rod attachment part 15 and a light source attachment part 16, and the two parts are pivotably connected to one another. The axis about which they are pivotable is perpendicular to the line occupied by the two V-shaped rests 11, 12, so that the light source can be directed along the length of a rod in use.

[60] The pivot mechanism 14 further comprises a pivot lock 17 so that, when the desired relative angle is achieved between the rod attachment part 15 and the light source attachment part 16, it can be secured. Many locking mechanisms known to the skilled person are suitable for this purpose, but in the depicted embodiment a locking screw 17 is provided.

[61] A pair of snap fit connectors 18 is provided on the light source attachment part 16, for attaching a light source, in this case an electric torch 19. The skilled reader will appreciate that many other suitable connectors could be used.

[62] The attachment mechanism 14 is preferably made from plastics. PIA is preferred, although alternatives such as ABS nylon polycarbonatc could be considered. The internal mechanisms of the pivot, including springs and screws, are preferably made from metals, most preferably stainless steel. The material should be selected for resistance to corrosion in a saltwater environment.

[63] A support structure attachment element 20 is rotatably received through a receiving hole in the pivot mechanism 14, in particular in the rod attachment part 15. In the depicted embodiment, it takes the form of a connecting shaft 20, extending parallel to the axis about which the parts 15, 16 of the pivot mechanism 14 rotate.

[64] The shaft 20, and the elongate separator 13, are preferably made from metals, most preferably aluminium. As with all components of the apparatus, the materials should be selected for resistance to corrosion in a saltwater environment. Materials should also be selected to keep the weight of the apparatus to a minimum, since a user may have to carry it for some distance in use. Cost should also be taken rnto consideration, in order to increase market acceptability.

[65] The first end of the connecting shaft 20 is connected to a first rod supporting apparatus 10 in use, and its second end may be connected to a second rod supporting apparatus (not shown) so that a user can control two fishing rods simultaneously. Each of the rod supporting apparatuses will be rotatable about the shaft 20 independently.

[66] A support structure connecting portion 21 is disposed at the centre of the shaft 20. A hole is formed through this portion 21, so that the shaft can be fixed to a support structure such as a tripod, for example using a nut and bolt arrangement. Variations in the support structure connecting portion 21 can of course be selected, in order to accommodate the various kinds of support structure available.

[67] Grooves or recesses 22 are formed circumferentially around the rod, close to both its first and second ends. The pivot mechanism 14 provides a quick release mechanism, comprising a flange which protrudes into the shaft receiving hole to engage with one of the grooves 22, allowing the shaft to rotate but preventing any axial movement. In order to insert an end of the shaft 20 into the receiving hole, or remove it, the user squeezes the pivot mechanism 14, urging the light source attachment part 16 towards the rod attachment part 15 as indicated by the arrow in Figure 2. This causes the flange to retract.

[68] One of the many advantages of the invention is the fact that both rod supporting points 11, 12 are integral to an apparatus 10 with a single connection 20 to a support structure 1. Thus, they can be removed easily in a single operation, unlike prior art rod support apparatuses. Nevertheless, as shown in Figure 4, a cup-type lower connector 3 as shown in Figure 1 can also be use to provide additional support to a fishing rod in use, at least when the fishing rod is at its maximum angle from the ground plane.

[069] When fishing at night, the user will: erect the tripod 1; attach a torch to the snap fit connectors 18 (switching it on as required); connect the connecting shaft 20 to the tripod 1 (if it is not already connected); connect the rod supporting apparatus 10 to the shaft 20 using the quick release mechanism; deploy the line of a fishing rod and then rest the fishing rod on the V-shaped rests 11, 12; adjust the angle of the torch 19 using the pivot mechanism 14, so that the torch illuminates the distal end of the rod; and then lock the pivot mechanism 14. When it is time to adjust the angel of the fishing rod, the user simply adjusts the angle of the apparatus 10 with respect to the tripod 1 by rotating it about the shaft 20. The torch will automatically follow the angle of the fishing rod, meaning that only one adjustment needs to be made.

[070] Although the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment. The invention is limited by the scope of the claims.

Claims (10)

1. Claims 1. A fishing rod support apparatus comprising two or more rod supporting points, occupying a substantially straight line, for support a fishing rod at respective points along its length, and a light source directing element for directing a light source at an angle from the line occupied by the rod supporting points; wherein the rod supporting points and the light directing element are pivotably connected such that the angle between the light source direction and the line occupied by the rod supporting points is adjustable.
2. 2. A fishing rod support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the two or 10 more rod supporting points are discrete.
3. 3. A fishing rod support apparatus according to claim 2, wherein all of the two or more rod supporting points are configured to support, in use, respective points along a side surface of a fishing rod.
4. 4. A fishing rod support apparatus according to claim 3, wherein each of the 15 two or more rod supporting points comprises a V-shaped rest element.
5. 5. A fishing rod support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the light source directing element comprises a light source attachment means to which a light source can be attached.
6. 6. A fishing rod support apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the light 20 source attachment means is configured to receive a conventional electrical torch having a substantially cylindrical housing.
7. 7. A fishing rod support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the fishing rod support apparatus further comprises a ground support attachment member, for releasably attaching the fishing rod support apparatus to a ground 25 engaging support structure.
8. 8. A fishing rod support apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the ground support attachment member is rotatably secured to the fishing rod support apparatus such that when, in use, the ground support attachment member is attached to a ground engaging support structure, the angle between the line occupied by the two or more rod supporting points and the ground plane is adjustable.
9. 9. A fishing rod support apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the ground support attachment member comprises an elongate bar of circular cross section, rotatably secured at its proximal end to the fishing rod support apparatus.
10. 10. A fishing rod support apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a circumferential groove proximate the distal end of the elongate bar, for engagement, in use, with a quick-release clamping mechanism of a ground engaging support structure.