WO1997029631A1

WO1997029631A1 - Compound fishing rod

Info

Publication number: WO1997029631A1
Application number: PCT/US1997/002259
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jerome C. Kollodge; Deborah J. Kollodge
Original assignee: Kollodge Jerome C; Kollodge Deborah J
Priority date: 1996-02-16
Filing date: 1997-02-14
Publication date: 1997-08-21
Also published as: AU2271697A

Abstract

A novel and improved apparatus for use in fishing poles is disclosed wherein a flexible secondary rod (12) is suspended from, and at least partially adjacent to, a stiffer primary rod (11). Thereby a shorter compound fishing rod (10) comprising substantial flexibility, stiffness, and strength can be produced. With a handle (18), a reel (19), and a fishing line (20) installed, and an increasing tension in the fishing line, the rods (11) and (12) react in parallel. The reaction transfers more directly from flexible secondary rod (12) to stiffer and stronger primary rod (11) with increasing fishing line tension. The compound rod (10) thereby changes from a flexible condition to a stiffer condition with a substantially small displacement (26b). The smaller displacement is useful for improving success in setting the hook when fishing. With the parallel reaction, flexibility is a property mostly of secondary rod (12) and, stiffness and strength are properties mostly of primary rod (11). Thereby a high performance fishing rod, that is useful with differing fishing conditions, fish species, and lure weights, can be produced more cost effectively. A rod joining (13) comprises an adapter (21) having receptacle (23) provisions whereby rods (11) and (12) can be detachably secured for detachable compounding. Detachable compounding has advantages in the utility of the compound rod (10) wherein rods (11) and (12) may be used either in the compound rod (10) or in conventional fishing rods.

Description

Patent Application of Jerome C. Kollodge and Deborah J. Kollodge for COMPOUND FISHING ROD

Background - Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to fishing poles and, in particular, to a novel and improved apparatus for use in fishing poles.

Background - Description of the Related Art

The terms, fishing pole and fishing rod, are often used interchangeably. However, a distinction between the two terms is made and used herein.

A conventional fishing pole comprises a fishing rod, a handle, and a reel adapter. The handle and reel adapter are joined with the base portion of the fishing rod.

A conventional fishing rod comprises a rod and an eyelet, or line guide. The line guide is joined with the tip end of the rod. Fishing rods longer than 30.5 mm (1 ft) may have additional line guides that are joined at intermittent locations along the rod body. The rod body typically has a tapered shape and comprises flexibility near the tip and stiffness near the base. The line guides and tapered rod accommodate various operations that are involved in the process of fishing. Some fishing poles comprise a multi-sectional fishing rod. A multi-sectional rod comprises a plurality of rod sections wherein the rod sections are detachably secured, end-to-end.

For fishing, a reel is adapted to the fishing pole and a fishing line is installed. One end of the fishing line is attached to the reel and the other end is sequentially threaded through the line guides and attached to a lure or a fish hook.

When fishing, the lure is deployed and the fishing pole is held rigidly by the handle with the fishing rod pointing generally perpendicular to the direction to the lure. The flexible tip portion of the rod is useful in sensing, or detecting, a small force from the fishing line. The stiffer base portion is useful for supporting the application of a large force to the fishing line. The line guides and the taper of the rod provide for the transfer of reaction from the flexible tip portion to the stiffer base portion.

The small force is typical of that which is produced by a fish biting or nibbling on the lure and may be as small as 2.8 gm (0.1 oz) . The large force is typical of that which is needed to set the hook or retrieve a hooked fish and may be as large as 22.7 kg (50 lb.). The transfer of reaction is needed to accommodate the detecting and the application of such forces.

Reaction comprises an interaction of fishing rod and fishing line forces. When an ever increasing force is applied to the lure end of the fishing line, an ever increasing tension in the fishing line is developed. The tension causes a force on tr~ line guides at which the fishing line bends, or forms an angle. The force is in a direction that is perpendicular to the rod and, consequently, the rod is caused to bend. The ever increasing tension causes the bending to progress from the flexible tip portion toward the stiffer base portion of the rod. Thereby the reaction transfers progressively, or sequentially, from the flexible tip portion toward the stiffer base portion of the rod.

Background - Characteristics of the Related art

A fishing rod that comprises substantial flexibility, stiffness, and strength may have a length greater than 274.3 cm (9 ft) and have more than 10 line guides. A substantial portion of the rod, between the flexible tip and stiffer base portions, is mostly useful to avoid damage by bending the rod too severely during the transfer of reaction. Such a rod is generally longer than is needed for the detection and application of forces when fishing. Further, it is difficult to quickly apply a larger force for setting the hook with a long and flexible rod.

When a fish is detected nibbling on the lure, an abrupt application of a generally large force is needed to set the hook. A large displacement of the rod tip is needed to bend the rod to a condition of stiffness that will support such a large force. The displacement can be as large as 152.4 cm (5 ft) and performing such a large displacement consumes an amount of time during which the fish may reject the lure before being hooked. A shorter displacement would therefore be useful for improving success in setting the hook.

Long fishing rods often comprise multi-sectional rods so that they can be disassembled for ease in transporting or storing them. However when fishing, the assembled long rod is inconvenient to manipulate, especially when fishing from the confines of a boat, through an ice fishing hole, or near obstructions such as bushes and trees.

In shorter fishing rods the flexibility, stiffness, and strength are often compromised to reduce the rod length. Such shorter fishing rods are generally flexible but vulnerable to damage from a large force, or are strong but too stiff to detect a small force. Therefore, there are limitations to providing the combination of substantial flexibility, stiffness, strength, and convenience in a conventional fishing rod. Consequently, a variety of fishing rods are needed for differing fishing conditions, fish species, and lure weights. The limitations for conventional fishing rods comprises the progressive, or sequential, transfer of reaction and the relatively long length of rod that is needed to accommodate it.

Background - Conclusion for the Related Art

While conventional fishing rods are very useful, they have the following disadvantages:

a) flexible and long fishing rods have a displacement, to obtain a stiffer condition, that is larger than desired;

b) fishing rods that comprise substantial flexibility, stiffness, and strength are inconveniently long for some fishing conditions;

c) shorter and more flexible fishing rods are generally vulnerable to damage from a large force;

d) shorter and stronger fishing rods are generally too stiff to detect small forces; and

e) there is a limited range of fishing conditions, fish species, and lure weights over which a fishing rod can be used effectively.

There is, therefore, a need for a sensitive and strong fishing rod that has a smaller displacement for setting the hook. Further, there is a need for a shorter fishing rod wherein the combination of substantial flexibility, stiffness, strength, and convenience is provided. Such a fishing rod would improve success in setting the hook and would satisfy the needs for differing fishing conditions, fish species, and lure weights. Prior patents which relate to various types of fishing poles include the following U.S. Pat. Nos.: 1,463,084, 1,527,463; 1,640,350; 1,731,173; 2,632,273; 2,680,923, 2,724,203; 2,874,507; 2,902,789; 3,060,617; 3,121,290, 3,447,254; 3,557,483; 3,778,916; 4,024,666; 4,027,419; 4,067,133; 4,183,163; 4,738,046; 4,800,668; 4,860,485; and 5,195,267. However, none of such patents describe or suggest viable solutions to the combination of disadvantages described in the forgoing paragraphs. For example, U.S. patent 4,860,485 to Rhoton et al. (1989) shows a flexible rod tip section that is detachably secured to a stiffer and stronger rod base section. Thereby a substantially short, flexible, and stiff rod is produced. However it is not substantially strong because the tip portion can bend too severely and the rod could fracture with a force that is substantially less than the strength of the rod base section.

Other patents show a variety of force transducers and sensing devices that have been incorporated into conventional fishing rods and fishing poles. Such unconventional fishing rods, with transducers and sensors, lead away from the present invention.

Further, such prior patents relate to fishing rods that comprise the sequential transfer of reaction from the flexible tip toward the stiffer base. Consequently, fishing rods of such patents lead away from the present invention.

Summary - Objects and Advantages

Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present invention for use in fishing poles are:

(a) to provide an apparatus that comprises a smaller displacement to obtain a stiff condition; thereby improving success in hooking a fish; (b) to provide an apparatus that inherently precludes large fishing line tension from damaging sensitive portions; thereby reducing the rod length needed to avoid damage;

(c) to provide an apparatus that is useful for differing fishing conditions, fish species, and lure weights; thereby improving utility;

(d) to provide an apparatus wherein the properties of flexibility and stiffness need not be combined in one rod; thereby making production easier and more cost effective; and

(e) to provide an apparatus that can be compact and short while yet comprising substantial flexibility, stiffness, strength, and convenience for use when fishing from the confines of a boat, through an ice fishing hole, or near obstructions.

Further objects and advantages are to provide an apparatus that can be easily produced with parts from conventional fishing rods and can be easily converted to the operation of a conventional fishing rod. Still further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from consideration of the figures and ensuing description.

Summary - Description of the Invention

To achieve the foregoing objects a secondary rod is suspended from, and at least partially adjacent to, a primary rod to produce a compound fishing rod of the present invention. The compound fishing rod comprises provisions for a parallel reaction to fishing line tension The parallel reaction has a small displacement to obtain a s- ^~. condition when setting the hook, inherently precludes damage 5m large force, and allows making a high performance fishing rod that can be substantially short.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compound fishing rod is described. In further embodiments of the invention, a detachable compounding of rods is described.

Drawing Figures

In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes.

Figs la and lb show an embodiment of the invention wherein the compound fishing rod is realized and illustrate its use in a fishing pole.

Figs 2a to 2c illustrate embodiments of the invention comprising an adapter for detachable compounding of rods.

Figs 3a and 3b illustrate the operation of the compound fishing rod.

Reference Numerals in Drawings

10 Compound fishing rod 11 Primary rod

12 Secondary rod 13 Rod joining

14 Primary line guide 15 Secondary line guide

16 Tip separation 17 Joining distance

18 Handle 19 Reel

20 Fishing line 21 Adapter

22 Permanent joining 23 Receptacle

24 Detachably secured 25a Small force

25b Larger force 26a Small displacement

26b Larger displacement

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a variety of compounding arrangements and geometry can be used to produce the compound fishing rod. One such arrangement will be described in detail in the ensuing sections to illustrate the prominent features of the compound fishing rod.

Detailed Description - Figs la and lb

A typical embodiment of the compound fishing rod of the present invention is illustrated in Fig la. The use of the compound fishing rod in a fishing pole is illustrated in Fig lb. The compound fishing rod 10 (Fig la) comprises a primary rod 11, a secondary rod 12, and rod joining 13.

Primary rod 11 comprises an elongated body having a primary line guide 14 joined with its tip end. Secondary rod 12 comprises an elongated body having a secondary line guide 15 joined with its tip end. Secondary rod 12 comprises a predetermined flexibility and length to provide sensitivity in detecting a small force. Primary rod 11 comprises a predetermined stiffness and strength to provide support for applying a large force.

The bodies of rods 11 and 12 are placed at least partially adjacent to each other and with a predetermined tip separation 16. Rods 11 and 12 are joined together by rod joining 13 at a predetermined joining distance 17 from primary line guide 14. Thereby secondary rod 12 is suspended from, and at least partially adjacent to, primary rod 11.

Substantial flexibility, stiffness, and strength can be incorporated in a very short overall length for the compound rod 10. A minimum length comprises tip separation 16 and joining distance 17 which can be of equal value, and each can be as short as 25.4 mm (1 in). Therefore the overall length of the compound rod can be as short as 50.8 mm (2 in) . However, dimensions are typically determined of larger values so that substantial convenience is also incorporated. The compound fishing rod 10 can be produced with conventional fishing rods and has been reduced to practice in a prototype fishing pole. Fig lb illustrates the prototype fishing pole comprising compound rod 10 and a handle 18. A reel 19 and a fishing line 20 are also illustrated, as in preparation for fishing. In the prototype, primary rod 11 and handle 18 comprise a conventional stiff and strong fishing pole, secondary rod 12 comprises a conventional flexible fishing rod tip, and rod joining 13 comprises a conventional multi-sectional rod adapter.

With reference to Fig la, the dimensions of the prototype comprise: tip separation 16 of 228.6 mm (9 in), joining distance 17 of 228.6 mm (9 in) and an overall compound rod length of 143.3 cm (4.7 ft). The properties of flexibility, stiffness, and strength for the prototype are summarized in the Operation section which follows.

Detailed Description - Figs 2a to 2c

Figs 2a to 2c illustrate further embodiments of the invention wherein portions of rods 11 and 12 are shown with rod joining 13. In those embodiments, rod joining 13 comprises an adapter 21 having receptacle 23 provisions whereby rods 11 and 12 can be detachably secured for detachable compounding. Detachable compounding has an advantage wherein rods 11 and 12 may be used either in the compound rod or in conventional fishing rods. It also has an advantage wherein a conventional fishing rod may easily be converted to a compound fishing rod.

In the embodiment of Fig 2a, adapter 21 is permanent joining 22 with primary rod 11 and receptacle 23 is detachably secured 24 with secondary rod 12.

In the embodiment of Fig 2b, adapter 21 is permanent joining 22 with secondary rod 12 and receptacle 23 is detachably secured 24 with primary rod 11.

In the embodiment of Fig 2c, adapter 21 comprises two of receptacle 23 and is thereby detachably secured 24 with both of rods 11 and 12.

Rod joining 13 may therefore comprise, in combination, permanent joining and detachable joining. A variety of conventional provisions are available for permanent joining 22 and receptacle 23.

Examples of provisions for permanent joining 22 comprise; molding, casting, fusing, bonding, and binding. Examples of provisions for receptacle 23 comprise; threaded, bayonet, sleeve, clamp, clip and fastener type adapters. Figs 2a to 2c illustrate the use of a conventional clip type receptacle 23 for adapter 21. Operation - Figs 1, 3a, and 3b

Figs 3a and 3b illustrate a fishing pole comprising compound fishing rod 10, handle 18, reel 19, and fishing line 20. Also illustrated are a small force 25a and a larger force 25b being applied to fishing line 20.

Fig 3a illustrates the reaction of compound rod 10 to small force 25a wherein compound rod 10 is in a flexible and sensitive condition. Reaction is mostly from flexible secondary rod 12 because the fishing line forms a more perpendicular angle at secondary line guide 15 than at primary line guide 14. Fishing line tension from small force 25a therefore applies a greater force perpendicular to the tip portion of secondary rod 12 than to that of primary rod 11. The force has caused an observable bending and small displacement 26a of secondary rod 12. The bending and displacement are useful in detecting a small force such as that from a fish nibbling a lure when fishing. They are also useful in effecting a more direct transfer of reaction from secondary rod 12 to primary rod 11 when the force on fishing line 20 is increased.

Fig 3b illustrates the reaction of compound rod 10 to larger force 25b wherein compound rod 10 is in a stiffer and stronger condition. Reaction is mostly from stiffer and stronger primary rod 11 because fishing line 20 now forms a more perpendicular angle at primary line guide 14 than at secondary line guide 15. Increased fishing line tension has caused a larger bending and larger displacement 26b of secondary rod 12. The bending and displacement have moved secondary line guide 15 to a position wherein fishing line tension at secondary line guide 15 is mostly parallel with the tip portion of secondary rod 12. In that condition a further increase in force on fishing line 20 can apply little increased force on secondary rod 12. Therefore, reaction to force 25b has been transferred mostly to stiffer and stronger primary rod 11. Further, secondary rod 12 is protected from yet larger, and possibly damaging, forces that may be applied to fishing line 20.

The reaction to fishing line force thereby comprises a parallel reaction from rods 11 and 12. However, at a force greater than larger force 25b, the reaction is mostly from primary rod 11. Therefore the strength of compound rod 10 is determined mostly by the strength of primary rod 11 and the sensitivity is determined mostly by the flexibility of secondary rod 12.

Large displacement 26b of secondary rod 12 which changes compound rod 10 from a flexible to a stiffer condition is equivalent to that needed when setting the hook. With reference also to Fig la, displacement 26b comprises joining distance 17 and tip separation 16 and may be determined as small as 25.4 mm (1 in) . Such a small displacement is useful for improving success in setting the hook when fishing.

The compound fishing rod has been reduced to practice in a prototype fishing pole. The prototype and its dimensions were described in the prior Detailed Description section. The properties of flexibility, stiffness, and strength for the prototype comprise the following characteristics.

With reference to Figs 3a and 3b, the prototype secondary rod 12 has an observable small displacement 26a with a small force 25a of 2.83 gm (0.1 oz) . The change from flexible to stiffer condition occurs with a larger force 25b of 1.36 kg (3 lb) and displacement 26b of 254 mm (10 in) . With yet a further increase in force on the fishing line, the prototype has a strength of greater than 22.7 kg (50 lb). Summary, Ramifications, and Scope

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the parallel reaction in the compound fishing rod has substantial advantages over the progressive, or sequential, reaction in conventional fishing rods. Further advantages are gained with the embodiments for the detachable compounding of rods.

Accordingly, the compound rod comprises the following improvements and advantages over a conventional fishing rod.

a) The parallel reaction provides for a substantially small displacement needed to obtain a stiff condition; thereby performance in setting the hook is improved.

b) The parallel reaction inherently protects the more sensitive secondary rod from potentially damaging fishing line forces; thereby a shorter fishing rod that comprises substantial flexibility, stiffness, and strength can be produced.

c) The properties of flexibility, stiffness, and strength can be determined generally independent of each other to produce a fishing rod that is useful with differing fishing conditions, fish species, and lure weights; thereby the utility is improved.

d) With the parallel operation, flexibility is a property mostly of the secondary rod, and stiffness and strength are properties mostly of the primary rod. Therefore the need to incorporate such properties, in combination, into one rod has been substantially reduced making production easier and more cost effective.

e) By removing the secondary rod, the primary rod can be used as a conventional fishing rod, or conversely, a secondary rod can be adapted to a conventional fishing rod to produce a compound fishing rod; thereby adding to the utility and cost effectiveness of the invention. f) The realization of the compound rod provides a fishing rod with substantial flexibility, stiffness, strength and convenience for use when fishing from the confines of a boat, through an ice fishing hole, or near obstructions.

While several embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many variations and enhancements are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Several examples are summarized in the following paragraphs.

• The tip line guide for the secondary rod can be of an open, or split, configuration that would allow installation and removal of the secondary rod while the fishing line is deployed for fishing.

• The compounding arrangement and geometry may be varied, such as forming a more perpendicular angle between primary and secondary rods and joining the secondary rod at a different position on the primary rod circumference. Further compounding advantages can be achieved by adding more line guides to the rods and changing the sequence for threading the fishing line.

• The method for compounding can be expanded to include mechanical, electo-optical and electro-mechanical mechanisms to further enhance performance.

• A further adapter can be incorporated to join the primary rod tip end with the secondary rod and thereby convert to the operation of a conventional rod, without removing the secondary rod.

• The compound rod may comprise more than one suspended rod. Such a compound rod, as one comprising three rods, would comprise an additional, tertiary, rod that is suspended from either the primary rod or the secondary rod.

Claims

CLAIMS: We claim:

1) An apparatus, for use in fishing poles, comprising:

a) a plurality of rods, each rod comprising an elongated body having a line guide joined with its tip end;

b) the elongated body of a secondary said rod placed at least partially adjacent to the elongated body of a primary said rod;

c) the tip end of said secondary rod placed to a predetermined distance of separation from the tip end of said primary rod; and

d) means for suspending said secondary rod from, and at least partially adjacent to, said elongated body of said primary rod.

2) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for suspending comprises an improved said rod, wherein the elongated body of said improved rod comprises adapter means for said suspending.

3) The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said elongated body comprises a rod section from a multi-sectional said rod.

4) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for suspending comprises an adapter means, and said adapter means comprises; a first adapter means for detachably securing to the elongated body of said primary rod; and a second adapter means for detachably securing to the elongated body of said secondary rod.

5) In a conventional fishing rod; the improvement wherein an adapter means is joined with the elongated body of said conventional fishing rod; and said adapter means comprises means for suspending a second fishing rod from, and at least partially adjacent to, said conventional fishing rod. 6) The improvement of claim 5 wherein said elongated body comprises a rod section for a multi-sectional said conventional fishing rod.

7) In combination with a plurality of rods, wherein each rod comprises an elongated body having a line guide joined with its tip end; a method for compounding said plurality of rods; said compounding comprises an apparatus for use in fishing poles; and said method comprises the steps of:

a) placing the elongated body of a secondary said rod at least partially adjacent to the elongated body of a primary said rod;

b) placing the tip end of said secondary rod to a predetermined distance of separation from the tip end of said primary rod; and

c) suspending said secondary rod from, and at least partially adjacent to, said primary rod.