US20160286777A1

US20160286777A1 - Waterproof and buoyant rod and reel carrying case and seat cushion combination

Info

Publication number: US20160286777A1
Application number: US15/180,038
Authority: US
Inventors: Kenneth J. Potempa
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-10-23
Filing date: 2016-06-12
Publication date: 2016-10-06
Also published as: US20160113263A1; US9392782B2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a soft and durable carrying case for transporting one or more fishing rods (typically a 2 piece rod) and reels that affords protection as well as buoyancy if dropped in the water. The inner foam material is specially made, placed and secured into the nylon shell to aid in buoyancy and protecting the rods and reels from damage. The carrying case can also be used to transport other types if equipment that are a maximum of 43 inches in length. The present invention can be reconfigured into a seat cushion after taking out the rods and reels. Said seat cushion is designed in such a manner as to prevent pain to the tailbone. The dual usage capability of the present invention allows for the consumer to alleviate 2 problems (carrying a fishing rod and reel easily) and preventing pain to the tailbone when sitting down while fishing. Another feature of the present invention is a 3rd or 4th use whereby, the carrying case can be further reconfigured as a blanket or poncho. The case is made of nylon, polyester and foam construction or other suitable materials for cushioning and warming effect.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/460,619, filed Oct. 23, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a soft case for transporting a maximum 43 inch long per piece fishing rod (typically a 2 piece rod) and reel or multiple rods and reels that affords rod protection as well as buoyancy of the case if dropped in the water. Also, the case can be refolded into a seat cushion after taking out the rods and reels. Said cushion is designed in such a manner as to prevent pain to the tailbone. The dual usage capability of the present invention allows for the consumer to alleviate 2 problems (carrying a fishing rod and reel easily) and preventing pain to the tailbone when sitting down while fishing. Another feature of the carrying case is that it can be used as a blanket or poncho. The case is made of nylon, polyester and foam construction or other suitable materials for cushioning and warmth effect.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is specifically designed to act in a myriad of modes e.g., carrying fishing rods and reels, convert to a seat cushion for use while fishing, use as a blanket after fishing to keep warm or for sleep, and a poncho to protect against the elements.
To eliminate the sinking of the device if dropped in water, a foam element is employed for rod protection as well as to as facilitate the buoyancy of the carrying case. Fishing rods and reels can be family heirlooms or expensive and loss by sinking is a reality that is prevented by the present invention while, the rods and reels are in the present invention.
In addition, the present invention to provide the following benefits not encompassed by the prior art:
1. Can be transportable and/or mobile:
2. Can be self-contained unit to serve as a multitude of functions:
3. In contrast to other carrying apparatus, which perform one function.
4. The present invention can be transformed into a seat cushion for use while fishing, boating, camping etc.
5. The present invention can be used as a poncho in a third embodiment in which a zippered hole is constructed to allow for protection against the elements when the rod and reels are removed.
Another key feature of the Invention relates to the function of a poncho or rain gear when not employed as a rod and reel carrier or seat cushion. This feature is unique to the present invention and not seen with other rod and reel carriers.
A further key feature of the present Invention involves is the buoyancy of the device whether the rods and reels are being carried, or used as a seat cushion The device will not sink due to the foam insulation material and construction of the device employing “hook and loop” and/or zipper closures.
The present invention has several compartments that allow for storage and placement of more than one rod and reel of varying sizes. The carrier can hold up to 4 rod and reels, and still comport with the buoyancy aspect of the invention. A fisherman may have multiple rods and reels that need transporting, or just one. The present invention allows for this choice. Also, for convenience of carrying their rods and reels to and from their car. Further, the present invention can be reconfigured or made larger to accommodate deep sea fishing that requires larger rods and reels.
The foam insert is made of a special material that allows for buoyancy while, maintaining its foam qualities for use as a blanket or seat cushion. In combination with the nylon outer shell, makes for the water proof aspect and floating ability. The foam insert also protects the rods and reels from damage when dropped.
Further, the present invention can be made with -hook and loop” fasteners that allow for quicker and easier wrapping and unwrapping the rods and reels, converting into the seat cushion and poncho. The use of -hook and loop” does not affect the buoyancy of the invention, and still maintains the non-sinking feature of the invention when loaded with rods and reels. The present invention will not sink when empty.
The present invention can hold up to 4.5 pounds of rods and reels without sinking if, dropped into a lake, stream or ocean. The weight of 4.5 pounds is a standard weight for 4 rods and reels.
The present invention can be used to carry other equipment that are linear at 43 inches in length maximum per piece such as, rifles, shotguns, bows and arrows, etc.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Normal carrying cases are made of rigid material such as leather, plastic or metal, and have a propensity to sink. Most are rectangular in shape and do not serve other purposes like the present invention. Further, other prior art devices are usually not water-proof or made of material to prevent the case from sinking if dropped into the water. While most prior art carriers can protect against the weather, most are not water tight and cannot be used for other purposes, such as a blanket, poncho or seat cushion. Most prior art rod and reel carriers are one-dimensional.
An example is U.S. Pat. No. 7,877,922 to Petrie et al that describes a weather tight storage device and carrier for a single or multiple rods that attach to a vehicle roof, and can be dismounted and carried to a desired location. This is a limited, one-dimensional use and does not have other uses such as the present invention.
Another example is U.S. Pat. No. 6,668,481 to Garcia which describes a hard shell case for an assembled fishing rod and reel that includes forward and rearward rod cover tubes and a laterally hinged reel case. This prior art is specifically designed to protect and carrier the rods and reels, and has no other uses.
Lastly, a final example of a one-dimensional use rod and reel carrier is U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,728 to Carbone which describes a support bag for the enclosure and controlled support of a fishing rod and reel arrangement. The elongated flexible enclosure bag has a first end and a second end, each of the ends being open for receipt of a fishing rod therethrough. The enclosure bag is defined by a first and a second multilayer sidewall. A reel-enclosing pouch compartment is located adjacent the first end of the elongated bag, arranged to protectively enclose the reel.
This invention does not have the buoyancy feature of the present invention, and lacks the multi-use features of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention that is shown in the closed position after placement of the rod and reels.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention that is shown lying flat and without any rod and reels.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of FIG. 1 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the slots for placing the rods and reels prior to closing the carrier.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the first folding or closing procedure.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention after the first folding or closing procedure.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating the second folding or closing procedure.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention after the second folding or closing procedure.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the last folding or closing aspect prior to transport.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the second embodiment of the present invention showing the carrying case prior to being reconfigured into a seat cushion.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the second embodiment of the present invention showing the case prior to the second folding procedure for reconfiguring into a seat cushion.

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of the second embodiment of the present invention showing the second folding procedure for reconfiguring the carrying case into a seat cushion.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the second embodiment of the present invention after the second folding procedure for reconfiguring the carrying case into a seat cushion.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the second embodiment of the present invention showing the last folding procedure for reconfiguring the carrying case into a seat cushion.

FIG. 14 is a top view of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the second embodiment of the present invention with zippers.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the second embodiment of the present invention with hook and loop fasteners.

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing placement of rods and reels.

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing placement of rods and reels and other equipment.

FIG. 20 is a front view of the third embodiment of the present invention showing the poncho configuration.

FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 22-24 show the placement of the padding in the all embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a side view of the second embodiment of present invention showing a person sitting on the cushion.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention generally provides a way to store, protect and carrier fishing rods and reels.
FIG. 1 illustrates the present invention containing the rods and reels forming the waterproof and buoyant feature as described herein.
FIG. 2 illustrates the present invention without the rods and reels and showing the nylon shell material as described herein.
FIG. 3 illustrates the present invention without the rods and reels and showing the reverse side foam material with the slits for placing the rods and reels between the foam inserts as described herein.
FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the present invention without the rods and reels and showing the closing procedure as described herein.
FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the present invention without the rods and reels and showing the final closing procedure prior to the use of the zipper or hook and loop fasteners as described herein.
FIG. 8 illustrates the present invention without rods and reels closed prior to transport as described herein.
FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the second embodiment of the present invention showing the folding procedure to convert from a rod and reel carrier to a seat cushion as described herein.
FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 illustrate the second embodiment of the present invention showing the final folding procedure as described herein.
FIGS. 14-17 illustrate the second embodiment of the present invention with the zipper or hook and loop fasteners as described herein.
FIG. 18 illustrates the present invention containing the rods and reels as described herein.
FIG. 19 illustrates the present invention containing other fishing equipment as described herein.
FIG. 20 illustrates the third embodiment of the present invention as described herein.
FIG. 21 illustrates the fourth embodiment of the present invention as described herein.
Different embodiments may include different numbers of other uses described herein.
It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and the modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. A carrier adapted to store at least one piece of outdoor equipment, such as fishing equipment, rifles, shotguns, bows, arrows and the like, the carrier comprising:

(a) a waterproof outer shell having an inner surface and an outer surface; and

(b) at least one fastening element coupled to the outer shell;

(c) wherein the waterproof outer shell is adapted to be disposed between first condition in which the outer shell is in a generally flat configuration, a second condition in which the outer shell is in at least one of a generally folded and generally rolled configuration, and a third condition in which the outer shell is in a poncho-like configuration, the outer shell being retained in the second and third conditions by the at least one fastening element.

3. The carrier as claimed in claim 2 wherein the waterproof outer shell includes a central opening through which can be inserted the head of a user when the outer shell is in the third condition.

4. The carrier as claimed in claim 3 wherein the central opening is adapted to be selectively secured closed.

5. The carrier as claimed in claim 4 wherein the central opening is adapted to be selectively secured closed by at least one fastening element.

6. The carrier as claimed in claim 5 wherein the central opening is adapted to be selectively secured closed by a zipper.

7. The carrier as claimed in claim 6 wherein the poncho-like configuration includes a central torso section and a pair of opposing sleeve members.

8. The carrier as claimed in claim 7 wherein the at least one fastening element includes hook and loop fasteners.

9. The carrier as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inner surface of the outer shell is provided with at least one of a plurality of slots, cutouts, and hook and loop fasteners through which the at least one piece of outdoor equipment can be inserted and secured.

10. The carrier as claimed in claim 9 wherein, with the at least one piece of outdoor equipment inserted through the at least one of the plurality of slots, cutouts, and hook and loop fasteners in the outer shell, configuration of the outer shell in its second condition serves to substantially enclose the at least one piece of outdoor equipment.

11. The carrier as claimed in claim 10 wherein the at least one of the plurality of slots, cutouts, and hook and loop fasteners defines several compartments that allow for the storage and placement of multiple pieces of outdoor equipment.

12. The carrier as claimed in claim 11 wherein the at least one of the plurality of slots, cutouts, and hook and loop fasteners is arranged such that the outer shell is adapted to receive and retain four separate pieces of outdoor equipment in a generally parallel relationship.

13. The carrier as claimed in claim 12 wherein the outer shell comprises a waterproof layer constructed out of at least one of a nylon and polyester material.

14. The carrier as claimed in claim 13 wherein the outer shell comprises at least one foam insert disposed inside the waterproof layer.