Fishing rod cover with enhanced tip protection

Abstract

Abstract A fishing rod cover combining a neoprene base with a high-density foam tip, designed to provide enhanced protection for the rod tip, featuring an elastic loop for secure attachment. 4 4 5 10 15 20 25 30 20 24 26 47 10 1 8 Ja n 20 25 4 1 2025 2024264710 18 Jan 2 4 3 5 4

Description

FIELD 5 This invention relates to a case for a fishing rod. More specifically, to protective covers designed to safeguard fishing rod tips from damage. BACKGROUND Current fishing rods are generally made of a graphite or fibreglass material. 10 Notwithstanding these materials possessing the properties to make suitable fishing rods, both graphite and fibreglass are susceptible to damage and breaking. By way of example, rods may rub against each other or bounce around during transport in or on a vehicle or boat, which may lead to micro-fractures in the graphite or fibreglass material. Furthermore, damaged or broken fishing rod guides can be a relatively common 15 occurrence for anglers. In certain instances, graphite rods can get micro-fractures that can occur by a simple knock or bump. Furthermore, these micro-fractures may only become noticeable when a rod is loaded under weight, such as that of a hooked fish, leading to a rod breaking at 20 these small weaknesses in the material. The top 50cm of fishing rods are susceptible to breakage as these can be the lighter section of material as rods taper. Various forms of rod sleeves or cases are known in the art for protecting fishing rods from such damage. For example, such prior art sleeves may include a flexible sack into which all or a portion of the fishing rod and / or reel combination may be inserted for storage. These 25 prior art sleeves or cases, however, suffer from a number of drawbacks. More particularly, prior art rod cases or sleeves are typically made from one core material and leave the most fragile part unprotected. An improved rod case that overcomes one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art, such as those previously described, is required. 30 SUMMARY The present invention is broadly directed to a case for protecting an associated fishing rod and / or reel. It would be readily apparent that the case may be used with any fishing 2024264710  18 Jan 2025 rod known in the art, including those with traditional and split grip handles, Baitcast Reel or Spinning Reel. In one aspect is provided a case for storing and protecting a fishing rod, comprising: 5 an elongated tubular sleeve member comprising a flexible and neoprene base with a high-density foam section at the tip, designed to prevent rod breakage during handling, said sleeve member having an open end and a closed end, the open end having a fabric-lined portion extending therearound, attached to the hem portion an elastic loop to extend over fishing reel handles. 10 In one embodiment, the retaining member is capable of being reversibly connected to the sleeve member. In alternative embodiments, the retaining member is generally irreversibly connected to the sleeve member. Suitably, the cover also has a denser foam transition section between the neoprene and the high-density foam at the tip, allowing 15 smooth rod insertion and removal. Suitably, the sleeve component is constructed of neoprene, a synthetic rubber material derived from polymerised chloroprene, a chlorinated monomer sourced from butadiene. Neoprene has chemical stability and maintains flexibility over a broad temperature range, making it ideal for applications requiring durability against oils, chemicals, and weather conditions. The combination 20 of the high-density foam is manufactured primarily from polyurethane, a polymer produced by reacting polyols with diisocyanates. Characterised by its compact structure, this foam provides superior durability and support. Its high density allows for enhanced performance in cushioning, impact absorption, and longevity, typically for use in furniture, bedding, and various industrial applications. The elastic loop is 25 constructed from a stretch-resistant material, maintaining a consistent grip over time. 30 2024264710  18 Jan 2025 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that the present invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying illustrations, wherein like 5 reference numerals are used to refer to like elements. 10 15 20 25 30 Figure 1: is a perspective view of an embodiment of a rod case of the invention. 2024264710  18 Jan 2025 DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to Figure 1, there is provided a perspective view of the preferred embodiment 5 of a rod case of the present invention. As can be observed, the case comprises an elongated, hollow tube or sleeve 4 which has a generally open end and a closed end 1 to thereby define a space therebetween for receiving a rod. In the embodiment provided, the closed end 1 has a substantially high-density foam that effectively ties or closes off the case 1 at the closed end (see Figure 1). As illustrated in Figure 1, the sleeve has a 10 length that extends from the tip of the assembled fishing rod 1 to be encased therein to just adjacent or proximate the connection point or reel seat of an associated reel. The high-density foam section is present at the top extending from 3 to 1, where the most fragile part of the fishing rod is encapsulated by the foam. 15 The sleeve is preferably formed from a suitable neoprene material. To this end, the neoprene material employed is suitably sufficiently durable to afford protection to the underlying rod 1 and associated guides and eyelets from most impacts. Further to this, the rod can easily be removed from the case 5 by removing the elastic at the handle of the fishing rod and applying a separating or pulling force between it and the sleeve. 20 Preferably, the neoprene material of the sleeve 4 and high-density foam 2 is sufficiently flexible to allow it to be rolled up for easy storage in, for example, a tackle box. As can be observed in Figure 1, the open end 4 of the sleeve is flared slightly outwardly to define a funnel-shaped opening, which facilitates insertion of the distal end of the fishing rod 1 therein. The open end 4 further includes an inverted or hem portion that 25 is formed by stitching. Contrary to the above, prior art rod cases are designed and do not encompass a high-density foam or EVA portion to protect the specific part of the rod tip 1. This can create a dilemma for consumers as they cannot accurately predict if the particular prior art rod 30 case will adequately protect their rod. The retaining member 5 further includes an elastic handle extending from the base of the neoprene and connected to the fishing reel. The loop portion 5 suitably comprises an elastic material as are known in the art so as to facilitate retaining the sleeve in an appropriate and desired position over the rod. 2024264710  18 Jan 2025 Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the preferred embodiments of the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. It will therefore be appreciated by those of skill in the art that, in 5 light of the instant disclosure, various modifications and changes can be made in the particular embodiments exemplified without departing from the scope of the present invention. All computer programs, algorithms, patent and scientific literature referred to herein is incorporated herein by reference. 10 15 20 25 30 2024264710  18 Jan 2025 DESCRIPTION OF BEST METHOD The best method involves integrating a 50 cm high-density foam stitched to a neoprene base sleeve, secured with reinforced stitching, with an elastic loop for attachment.

Claims

1. A fishing rod cover comprising a neoprene base and a high-density foam 5 tip section, wherein the foam section is positioned to provide enhanced protection to the rod tip.

2. The fishing rod cover of claim 1, further comprising an elastic loop positioned near the base for securing the cover around the rod handle.

3. The fishing rod cover of claim 1, wherein the high-density foam is10 cylindrical, approximately 50 cm in length, and securely mounted within the neoprene.

4. The fishing rod cover of claim 1, further comprising a transitional foam cylinder positioned between the neoprene base and the high-density foam tip.15202530

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