WO2013006063A1

WO2013006063A1 - A winding device for use with a fishing rod

Info

Publication number: WO2013006063A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2012/000093
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Gregory FRATER
Original assignee: The Crucible Limited
Priority date: 2011-07-05
Filing date: 2012-06-11
Publication date: 2013-01-10
Also published as: NZ593897A

Abstract

A winding device, for use with a fishing rod, adapted to drive a fishing reel upon rotational movement of a fishing rod. The rod may pivot about a mounting point of a gimbal belt attached to a user. The winding device may convert a reciprocating rotary potion into a unidirectional winding motion to retrieve a fishing line.

Description

A WINDING DEVICE FOR USE WITH A FISHING ROD FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a winding device for use with a fishing rod. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fishing is both an important means for gathering resources and a popular pastime. A wide variety of methods and mechanisms are employed and are well known in the art.

A commonly used and well known tool used in fishing is a fishing rod (also known as a fishing pole). Typically a fishing rod includes a fishing reel and a fishing line. The fishing reel is used to house and retrieve the fishing line.

There are many types of fishing reel mechanisms available. Fishing reels can include complex internal mechanisms that control variables such as drag on the fishing line or free rotating directions.

Various mechanisms for driving a fishing reel have been described. Most commonly, a crank handle is manually wound by the user. This normally requires the user to hold the fishing rod with one hand, whilst the other hand is used to wind the crank handle. This raises difficulty in that both hands are engaged and winding can cause muscle strain, particularly for heavier and more eager fish.

A common practice to assist the retrieval process is to 'pump' the fishing rod in a generally vertically fashion by consecutively raising and lowering the tip of the fishing rod. Raising the fishing rod gains advantage over the fish; winding the crank handle on the downward stroke gains fishing line. Since the fishing rod grip is towards the butt of the fishing rod, the motion of the fishing rod is normally a generally rotational motion centred roughly about the fishing rod's butt, achieved through movement of the user's forearms and torso. Naturally, each user will vary the movement to suit their particular strengths.

In some instances, the butt of the fishing rod can engage with a specialised belt (known variously as a gimbal belt, gaming belt, fighting belt) attached to the user. Such belts provide a cradle, which the user can utilise as a fulcrum and therefore gain further leverage with the fishing rod. Alternatively, the fixed point can be located on a specialised chair, which the user sits in when retrieving a fish. Conceivably, any fixed point (for example, a point on the edge of a boat) could be designed to engage with the butt of a fishing rod and therefore act as a fulcrum.

In addition, or separately, to the belt and chair, the fishing rod can be attached to the user by a harness. The harness is strapped about the user's torso and or shoulders, and clips to various points on the fishing rod and fishing reel. Such harnesses allow the user to utilise other muscles to assist with the pumping movement and overall line retrieval. They also allow the possibility of resting the hand and arm muscles since the fishing rod can be released without being lost.

Though the above arrangements all assist with the retrieval process, there are some major setbacks:

^■ The fishing rod must still be held by two hands: one to hold the fishing rod and the other to wind the crank handle.

^■ Winding the crank handle is difficult and economically inefficient. ^■ Since one hand is dedicated to winding, less force can be applied to the fishing rod and vice versa.

^■ The arrangement can be difficult or impossible for partly-abled users, particularly those who have limited or no use of one arm or hand.

Alternative winding mechanisms to the traditional crank handle have been proposed. US 733,836 (Hall) discloses a winding mechanism wherein a sleeve is slid up and down the shaft of the fishing rod actuating the fishing reel. Though this design could be used by one-hand, it is a difficult action with poor ergonomics.

US 2,71 6,301 (Lockwood) discloses a winding mechanism which includes a plunger placed concentrically inside the shaft of the fishing rod, wherein the plunger extends from the butt. Depression of the plunger against a user's stomach actuates the fishing reel. This design allows both hands to hold the fishing rod and to be used for the 'depressing' action, the 'pumping' action, or both. Again, it is a difficult action with poor ergonomics.

US 5,303,877 / US 5,443,21 8 (Ciocca) discloses a trigger operated fishing reel. The trigger mechanism is operated by a user's fingers. Conceivably, this means a single hand could hold the fishing rod and operate the trigger mechanism simultaneously. However, this would place significant stress on a user's fingers. It is also seen in the prior art to use motorised winding mechanisms in various embodiments. Though such mechanisms ease difficulties associated with line retrieval, they also remove skill and the physical involvement of the user. This can negatively impact the enjoyment that a user might derive from the act of fishing (which is not solely about the gathering of fish). In addition such machines can be bulky and expensive. It is an object of the invention to provide a winding device for retrieving a fishing line on a fishing rod which alleviates the problems associated with the above mentioned winding devices, that is to say, to provide a winding device that minimises stresses on a user's body, is ergonomically efficient and is able to be used by users of varying abilities, or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one exemplary embodiment there is provided a winding device for use with a fishing rod adapted to retrieve a fishing line upon rotational movement of the fishing rod. According to another embodiment there is provided a fishing rod including a shaft and a reel wherein a drive coupling is provided in the shaft which conveys input force to drive the reel.

It is acknowledged that the terms "comprise", "comprises" and "comprising" may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, these terms are intended to have an inclusive meaning - ie they will be taken to mean an inclusion of the listed components which the use directly references, and possibly also of other non-specified components or elements.

Reference to any prior art in this specification does not constitute an admission that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and constitute part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Figure 1 shows a schematic of the winding device and fishing rod; Figure 2 shows a first perspective view of the winding device;

Figure 3 shows a rear perspective view of the conversion mechanism, being part of the winding device shown in figure 2;

Figure 4a illustrates the movement of components of the conversion mechanism of figure 3 upon downward movement of the connecting portion; Figure 4b illustrates the movement of components of the conversion mechanism of figure 3 upon upward movement of the connecting portion; and

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a fishing rod.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring to figure 1 , there is shown a schematic of the winding device 1 according to the present invention. The winding device 1 includes three functional parts: a connecting portion 2, body portion 3 and a motion transfer portion 4. The winding device 1 is connected to a fishing rod 5 and a mounting point 6. There is also shown a fishing reel 7 and a fishing line 8. Generally speaking, the device is a motion converter. The connecting portion 2 connects to the fishing rod 5 in such a way that rotational movement of the fishing rod causes movement of the connecting portion. The body portion 3 includes a conversion mechanism that converts the movement of the connecting portion 2 (being a first type of motion ie the motion of the fishing rod) to movement of the motion transfer portion 3 (being a second type of motion). The motion transfer portion 3 is configured to engage with the fishing reel 7 such that the second type of motion drives the fishing reel.

Referring to figure 2, there is shown a realisation of the winding device 3 wherein the connecting portion 9 is configured with a protrusion 10 designed to engage with the butt of the fishing rod (not shown). In this embodiment, the butt of the fishing rod includes a coupling 24 (see figure 5) centrally located in the shaft of the fishing rod. The coupling can be specifically designed to engage with the protrusion 10. An existing fishing rod could be modified to include such a coupling or the fishing rod could be manufactured at first instance with one. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an example fishing rod 5 and fishing reel 7 designed for use with the present invention, including a coupling 24. Engaging the connecting portion with the coupling results in a connection between the fishing rod and the connecting portion, such that movement of the fishing rod will cause movement of the connecting portion.

In other realisations of the winding device, the means for engaging the fishing rod with the connecting portion can take any number of possible forms, and the invention is not limited in this respect. For example, the fishing rod can be adapted with a male portion that engages with a female coupling incorporated in the connecting portion. The connection between the fishing rod and the connecting portion may be readily severable, or may include a snap-fit or locking mechanism to create a more secure connection. Other possible means of engaging the connecting portion with the fishing rod include screws, cl ips or ties. Preferably, the connection is located towards the butt of the fishing rod.

It is apparent that the connection between the connecting portion and the fishing rod constrains the movement of the fishing rod to the range of motion of the connecting portion (this being the first type of motion). So that the movement of the fishing rod can cause the connecting portion to move relative to the body portion, the body portion is connected to a mounting point (described below). Referring to figure 2, it is apparent that in the shown embodiment of the winding device 3, the movement is constrained to rotation about a pivot 1 1 . In one realisation of the winding device 3, this rotational motion corresponds to the 'pumping' action employed by users of fishing rods. Other types of rotational motional are consistent with the present invention, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that rotational motion encompasses more than purely circular motion about a single pivot. For example, the axis of rotation need not necessarily be perpendicular to the length of the fishing rod nor does the orientation and location of the axis of rotation need to be fixed.

Referring again to figure 2, the body portion 3 includes a conversion mechanism 1 2 for converting the movement of the connecting portion 9. In the shown embodiment the body portion 3 includes a support frame 1 3, that includes a mounting side 14 adapted to be attached to a mounting surface (not shown).

Referring to figure 3 there is shown another view of a realisation of the conversion mechanism 12, including the connecting portion 9 described above. In this realisation, the connecting portion 9 is constrained to rotate about the pivot 1 1 that extends perpendicular to the connecting portion. Thus, in an embodiment of the winding device that has the connecting portion engaging with the butt of the fishing rod, the connecting portion will rotate about an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the length of the fishing rod. As will be seen from figure 3, the conversion mechanism 12 in this particular realisation is generally symmetric and it is thus necessary to describe one half of the mechanism. Fixed to the connecting portion 9 is an arm 1 5. The arm rotates about the same pivot 1 1 , and along with the connecting portion 9 forms a single rotating member. Pivotal ly attached to the arm 1 5 on a shaft 16 is a gear 1 7. The gear is configured to engage with a curved rack 18, which is fixed in relation to the support frame (as shown in figure 2). The curved rack 18 is shaped such that when the arm 1 5 rotates about the pivot 1 1 , the gear 1 7 is compelled to mesh with curved rack, which in turn causes the gear to rotate. Adjacent to the gear 1 7 is a primary bevel gear 19. The primary bevel gear 19 includes a ratchet mechanism 20, such that when the gear 1 7 rotates in one direction, the primary bevel gear 1 9 is compelled to rotate by the gear. Conversely, when the gear 1 7 rotates in the opposite direction, the primary bevel gear 19 is not compelled to rotate by the gear. The primary bevel gear 19 engages with a secondary bevel gear 21 , so that when the primary bevel gear rotates, the secondary bevel gear rotates with a perpendicular axis of rotation. The secondary bevel gear 21 is fixed to a driving shaft 22, which extends to the end of the connecting portion 9, ie the motion transfer portion 23. In this particular realisation of the winding device there is no clear distinction between the connecting portion 9 and the motion transfer portion 23, and they both terminate with the protrusion 10 described above. As will be described below, the motion transfer portion drives the fishing reel. Referring to figures 4a and 4b, there is shown the same realisation of the conversion mechanism as described above with arrows indicating the ranges of motion for different components of the conversion mechanism. As wil l be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the ratchet mechanism ensures that for both directions of movement of the connecting portion there is a resulting identical movement of the motion transfer portion. That is to say, the conversion mechanism can be adapted to convert a reciprocating rotational motion (being the pumping action of the fishing rod ie the first type of motion) to a unidirectional rotational motion (ie the second type of motion). An alternative possibility has the conversion mechanism adapted so that one direction of the reciprocating movement is converted to the second type of motion, whereas for the other direction there is no resulting motion in the motion transfer portion. For example, if the winding device is adapted to be driven by the 'pumping' action of the fishing rod, the downward stroke could cause the motion transfer portion to rotate, and thus cause the fishing reel to retrieve the fishing line, whereas on the upward stroke the motion conversion portion could be prevented from moving such that the fishing line is neither released nor retrieved as the fishing rod is raised. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many ways such a result could be achieved, and includes further variations such as being able to switch the winding device between different modes of operation.

Having described a conversion mechanism of a realisation of the winding device, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many types of commonly known mechanisms that convert motion and could be implemented instead whilst still being consistent with the present invention. Such mechanisms commonly include: gears, racks, pinions, pawls, pulleys, chains, clutches, pivots, shafts, pneumatics and hydraulics. The design of the particular conversion mechanism will be dependent on considerations including: the bulk of the winding device, the amount of mechanical advantage that may be needed, and the required input motion (ie the first type of motion) and output motion (ie the second type of motion).

In one realisation, the motion transfer portion is included in the same component as the connecting portion. Referring to figure 5, the motion transfer portion engages with a coupling 24 placed in the shaft of the fishing rod 5. Referring to figure 2, the protrusion 10 may be keyed such that it can nest with the coupling 24, yet rotation of the protrusion will cause the coupling to rotate too. Included in the shaft of the fishing rod are further components that are necessary to transfer the movement of the motion transfer portion to the gearing of the fishing reel. A possible implementation could be an arrangement of drive shaft 26 and gears 25 associated with the fishing reel 7. Those skilled in the art wil l appreciate that there are many ways that this could be achieved, and the invention is not specific to any. The essential requirement is that the movement of the motion transfer portion drives the fishing reel and causes the fishing line to be retrieved.

The fishing reel and fishing rod could be special ly manufactured to fit a particular type of motion transfer portion. More complex fishing reels might dictate a more complex relationship between the motion transfer portion and the fishing reel. Those skilled in the art wil l appreciate that things such as internal drag mechanisms and lock mechanisms complicate the design of a fishing reel. The design of the motion transfer portion and its connection to the fishing reel will be dependent on considerations including: the type of fishing reel and the second type of motion.

In practice, the mounting point can be any point which a fishing rod can be moved relative to and the invention is not limited to any in particular. Some examples include: the side of a boat, the edge of a wharf, a stand fixed to the deck of a boat or the seat of a chair. It wi ll be appreciated that the winding device can be manufactured with dimensions suitable for a particular mounting point or points, and the invention is not limited in this respect. Similarly, there is any number of possibilities for the design of the mounting point to best suit the particular winding device. For example, the mounting point could be an existing surface and the winding device could be designed to attach directly thereto. Alternatively, the mounting point could be manufactured to match a certain design of winding device. For example, a specialised chair with an area specifically intended for the winding device to attach to. Further, the method of attaching the winding device will be dependent upon the particular mounting point, the design of the winding device and the design of the mounting point. However, some possibilities include nuts and bolts, screws, clips or adhesive.

In a possible realisation of the winding device, the mounting point is a gimbal belt that is attached to a user. Such gimbal belts come in a variety of designs and configurations, and those skilled in the art wi ll appreciate that the method of attaching the winding device to the gimbal belt wil l be dependent on the gimbal belt itself. The gimbal belt can be designed to 'fit' the winding device. Alternatively, the gimbal belt could be manufactured incorporating all or part of the winding device. As discussed above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are any number of possible design configurations and means of attachment, and the invention is not limited to any. The benefit of having a gimbal belt as the mounting point is that it is currently commonplace to use a gimbal belt to provide a fulcrum, with which to exert leverage on the fishing rod whilst 'pumping' the fishing rod when retrieving a catch. Thus, the same or similar pumping action can be utilised to operate the present invention. Also, a user of the present invention would not have to learn a new range of motion to operate the winding device.

Further, the mounting point, winding device and fishing rod may be designed accounting for the possible use of a harness. A harness, which typically clips onto points on a fishing rod or fishing reel, means that a user is not limited to using their arms and hands to move the fishing rod. Those skilled in the art will appreciate how a harness, in certain realisations of the winding device, can assist in the use of the winding device.

There is thus provided a winding device for a fishing rod where there is no requirement for a user to move one part with one hand, whilst holding the fishing rod with another hand. Therefore, both hands can be used to hold the fishing rod and exert force to rotate the fishing rod. In the preferred embodiment, this rotational force pumps the fishing rod and operates the winding device. This is efficient and ergonomic in that a single action achieves two results. Secondly, users with the use of only one arm or hand will be able to operate the device and therefore the present invention is suitable for partly-abled users as well.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departure from the spirit or scope of the Applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

A winding device, for use with a fishing rod, adapted to drive a fishing reel upon rotational movement of a fishing rod.

A winding device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the winding device is adapted to connect the fishing rod pivotally to a mounting point.

The winding device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the rotational movement of the fishing rod is generally centred about the mounting point.

The winding device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the winding device converts a first type of motion associated with the rotational movement of the fishing rod to a second type of motion.

The winding device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the winding device engages with a component associated with the fishing rod, and due to the second type of motion the component is caused to move, which in turn causes a fishing line to be retrieved.

The winding device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the rotational movement of the fishing rod is a reciprocating movement.

The winding device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second type of motion is a unidirectional movement.

The winding device as claimed in claims 5, wherein the winding device is adapted to convert all or part of the first type of motion to the second type of motion.

9. The winding device as claimed in claims 8, wherein the second type of motion is a rotational motion.

10. The winding device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the mounting point is attached to the user.

1 1 . The winding device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the mounting point is a gimbal belt.

12. The winding device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the mounting point is a point on a boat or wharf.

13. The winding device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein a fishing rod is removably engageable with the winding device.

14. The winding device of any one of the preceding claims including an output coupling for engagement with a complimentary drive coupling of a fishing rod.

1 5. A fishing rod including a shaft and a reel wherein a drive coupling is provided in the shaft which conveys input force to drive the reel.

16. A fishing rod as claimed in claim 15 wherein the drive coupling is provided at the proximal end of the fishing rod.

1 7. A fishing rod as claimed in claim 16 wherein rotational motion is conveyed from the drive coupling to the reel by a drive shaft within the rod.

18. A fishing rod as claimed in claim 17 including a gear assembly that transfers rotational movement of the shaft into rotation to drive the reel.

19. A fishing assembly comprising a winding device of any one of claims 1 to 14 and a fishing rod of any one of claims 15 to 18.