Fishing rod

Abstract

To provide a fishing rod comprising high intensity and responsiveness, and a production method of the same.SOLUTION: A fishing rod 10 includes: a rod body 20; and one or more guides 22 optionally. The rod body 20 extends from a handle end or a grip end 24 to a chip end 26. In some embodiments, for example, at least a part of the rod body 20 includes or comprises a shape memory material in a form of a shape memory member formed of a shape memory material. More generally, the shape memory member is configured to be along at least a part of an operation length L, optionally extends along the whole operation length L, and optionally, following to application and removal of a load on the chip end 26 under an external simulation (for example, heat), the shape memory member promotes desired level of flexibility and responsiveness to the rod body 20, including maintaining of a desired shape or curving in a longitudinal direction of the rod body 20 in a consistent manner and restoring to an original shape.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates to fishing rods, and more particularly to strong, responsive fishing rods and methods of making same. [Background technology]

[0002] The basic construction of the fishing rod and reel has been known and used by sport anglers for some time. As sport fishing has become more sophisticated, modifications to the equipment have become increasingly important to optimize the experience and ability to catch different types of fish in different conditions.

[0003] Avid anglers desire fishing rods that are lightweight, durable, and exhibit the desired level of action, stiffness, and flexibility (or "responsiveness"); for example, stiffness and flexibility to cast and place lures in the water, and strength and structural soundness to lift catches out of the water. "Action" is a term used to describe how much a rod bends or deflects when force is applied to the rod tip. A slow action rod will deflect less than a fast or moderate action rod of the same type. Rod responsiveness generally refers to the ability of the entire rod to deflect when a load is applied and to return to its original shape or state when the load is removed or released.

[0004] A fishing rod generally includes one or more rod bodies that carry a fishing line guide (e.g., a metal ring) or form an internal fishing line guide passage. In some cases, a single long rod body is provided, while in other fishing rod designs, two or more rod bodies are provided and connected together. The rod bodies may be solid or hollow. In either case, the single rod body or the connected rod bodies extend from a handle or butt end (where a fishing reel is attached) to a tip end, and generally taper in diameter from the handle end to the tip end. The rod body or bodies are usually formed of a reinforced fiber material, such as fiberglass or carbon fiber sheets. Although conventional rod body constructions are widely accepted, they do not meet all the performance characteristics desired by experienced anglers. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The inventors of the present disclosure have recognized a need to address one or more of the problems set forth above.

[0006] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to fishing poles that include a rod body, the construction of which in some embodiments includes a shape memory material such as a shape memory metal, a metal alloy, a shape memory polymer, or any combination of carbon fiber, fiberglass, and a metal, metal alloy, or polymer with shape memory attributes.

[0007] In some fishing rods of the present disclosure, particularly rod bodies, the shape memory material provides or exhibits the same performance characteristics as a conventional (e.g., fiberglass) fishing rod, but with a lighter and / or more compact construction (e.g., the addition of shape memory material can make the rod body of the present disclosure more compact or lighter and exhibit the same performance characteristics as a larger or heavier rod body made with a conventional or existing rod body material). Thus, a user may beneficially fish for longer periods of time with less fatigue using a fishing rod of the present disclosure than with a conventional fishing rod.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally, the fishing rods of the present disclosure, particularly the rod bodies, can exhibit improved or longer casting performance characteristics compared to conventional fishing rods. For example, the shape memory material incorporated in the rod bodies of the present disclosure essentially self-acts to return to or toward a pre-set or fixed natural orientation or shape after removal of an applied load. For example, if the rod body is configured to naturally assume a straight or rectilinear shape in the absence of an applied load, when energy is applied to the rod body during a backward casting motion, the shape memory material essentially self-returns to or toward its natural or normal shape, thereby doubling the force applied to the fishing rod line during a forward casting motion. These features, for example, allow a fishing lure to be cast farther compared to conventional fishing rods.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally, the fishing rods of the present disclosure, and in particular the rod bodies, in some embodiments may exhibit more accurate casting characteristics as compared to conventional fishing rods, for example, by applying force in a forward casting motion as described above, the user may aim the rod tip at a desired location with less force, resulting in increased accuracy in casting a lure as compared to conventional fishing rods.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally, the fishing rod of the present disclosure, and in particular the rod body, in some embodiments, can enhance the ability to retrieve a caught fish compared to a conventional fishing rod. For example, the shape memory material incorporated in the rod body of the present disclosure can generate additional back force compared to a conventional fishing rod, as it essentially self-acts and returns to a pre-set or fixed natural position or shape after the applied load is removed. This additional back force results in a reduction in the force required by the user to retrieve a caught fish.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, the fishing rod of the present disclosure, particularly the rod body, in some embodiments, can reduce the possibility of a caught fish coming off the fishing line compared to a conventional fishing rod. For reference, one of the difficulties in reeling in a caught fish is that the fish often jumps out of the water and swings or swims quickly towards the rod. These actions temporarily release the force that the fish exerts on the hook, resulting in the fish coming off the hook before being reeled in. The shape memory material(s) incorporated in the rod body of the present disclosure essentially self-acts to return or move towards a preset or fixed natural position or shape, so that applying a continuous force to the fishing line when reeling in the fish can reduce the possibility that the movement of the fish will cause the fish to come off the hook.

[0012] Some fishing rods of the present disclosure, particularly the rod body, are significantly superior to traditional carbon fiber constructions, which are sensitive and responsive but prone to snapping and breaking. By adding metal, metal alloys, or other shape memory materials according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, small tubular or rod-like shafts can be significantly less likely to break and more durable, while still maintaining responsiveness and sensitivity. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a simplified side view of a fishing rod according to the principles of the present disclosure; [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a rod body according to the principles of the present disclosure, useful with the fishing rod of FIG. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a rod body according to the principles of the present disclosure, useful with the fishing rod of FIG. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a rod body according to the principles of the present disclosure, useful with the fishing rod of FIG. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a rod body according to the principles of the present disclosure, useful with the fishing rod of FIG. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a rod body according to the principles of the present disclosure, useful with the fishing rod of FIG. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a rod body according to the principles of the present disclosure, useful with the fishing rod of FIG. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a rod body according to the principles of the present disclosure, useful with the fishing rod of FIG. [Figure 5B] FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a rod body according to the principles of the present disclosure, useful with the fishing rod of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a rod body according to the principles of the present disclosure, useful with the fishing rod of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a rod body according to the principles of the present disclosure, useful with the fishing rod of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a simplified perspective view of a portion of a rod body according to the principles of the present disclosure, useful with the fishing rod of FIG. [Figure 9A] FIG. 2 is a simplified side exploded view of a rod body according to the principles of the present disclosure and useful with the fishing rod of FIG. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a simplified cross-sectional view of the rod body of FIG. 9A in its final assembly. [Figure 10A] FIG. 2 is a simplified side exploded view of a rod body according to the principles of the present disclosure and useful with the fishing rod of FIG. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a simplified side view of the rod body of FIG. 10A in its final assembly. [Figure 11A] FIG. 10C is a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of the rod body of FIG. 10B. [Figure 11B] FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of a rod body according to the principles of the present disclosure, useful with the fishing rod of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of a rod body according to the principles of the present disclosure, useful with the fishing rod of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a simplified longitudinal cross-sectional view of a rod body according to the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 1 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a fishing rod according to the principles of the present disclosure; [Figure 15A] FIG. 15 is a simplified side view of the fishing rod of FIG. 14 in use. [Figure 15B]FIG. 15 is a simplified side view of the fishing rod of FIG. 14 in use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to fishing rods. An example of a fishing rod 10 according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 1. The fishing rod 10 includes a rod body 20 and, optionally, one or more guides 22. The rod body 20 extends from a handle or grip end 24 to a tip end 26. A handle or grip region 28 adjacent the handle end 24 is generally configured to receive a reel (not shown) as known in the art. The rod body 20 can be provided as a single uninterrupted component or comprised of two (or more) rod body portions that are formed separately and then assembled. Nevertheless, the diameter (or maximum lateral dimension in embodiments where the rod body 20 has a non-circular cross-sectional configuration) of the rod body 20 generally tapers from the handle region 28 to the tip end 26, defining a working length L from the handle region 28 to the tip end 26. The fishing line guides 22 are of a type known in the art (e.g., metal rings) attached to and protruding from the rod body 20. Any number of line guides 22 may be provided. The line guides 22 may be located at various intervals along the rod body 20, and are generally aligned with one another on one "side" of the rod body 20. In some embodiments, the location of the line guides 22 is on the "forward" side of the rod body 20. When provided as part of a rod and reel assembly, a reel (not shown) is attached to the handle region 28, and a fishing line (not shown) wound on the reel is threaded through the line guides 22. The leading end of the line extends beyond the line guides 22 at the tip end 26 and is secured to a hook, lure, or the like. In still other embodiments, the fishing rods of the present disclosure may be of the internal line guide type (e.g., at least a portion of the rod body 20 is hollow, and the fishing line is fed through the rod body 20 to the tip end 26), and in these and similar embodiments, the line guides 22 may be omitted.Additionally, fishing rods of the present disclosure may incorporate various features known in the art that are suitable for a particular end use (e.g., spinning rods (for use with spinning reels), casting rods (for use with casting reels), baitcasting rods (for use with baitcasting reels), etc.).

[0015] With the above in mind, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the rod body 20 includes or comprises a shape memory material, for example, in the form of a shape memory member made of a shape memory material. Various embodiments of shape memory members incorporated into the rod body 20 are described below. More generally, the shape memory member extends along at least a portion of the actuation length L, and optionally along the entirety of the actuation length L, and promotes a desired level of flexibility and responsiveness to the rod body 20, including allowing the rod body 20 to more consistently maintain and return to a desired longitudinal shape or curvature upon application and removal of a load at the tip end 26, optionally in the presence of an external stimulus (e.g., heat). Shape memory members of the present disclosure are characterized by their ability to deflect or change in one direction from a predetermined natural or normal shape in response to an applied load, and to self-return to or toward a predetermined natural or normal shape upon removal of the applied load. Shape memory materials of the present disclosure can include shape memory metals or metal alloys such as titanium, titanium alloys, nickel-titanium alloys (e.g., NiTi™ or Nitinol™), aluminum, aluminum alloys, iron, iron alloys, steel, chromium, chromium alloys, cobalt, cobalt alloys, platinum, platinum alloys, copper-zinc-aluminum alloys, copper-aluminum-nickel alloys, and iron-manganese-silicon alloys. Other shape memory materials of the present disclosure can include shape memory polymers (e.g., linear block copolymers such as polyurethanes). Shape memory members of the present disclosure can be provided as single structural components or can be incorporated into composite structures such as fiber-reinforced polymer composites that include thin shape memory members (metals, metal alloys, or thin shape memory polymers), shape memory alloys embedded in fibrous materials such as carbon fiber or glass fiber. In yet other embodiments, the shape memory material may be combined with other materials to form the rod body 20 or portions thereof (e.g., the rod body 20 or segments thereof may be formed as a mixture of conventional rod body fiber materials (e.g., carbon fiber) and shape memory material fibers (e.g., Nitinol fibers)).In the following description, references to a "shape memory member" include any structure that incorporates or includes the shape memory materials described above. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the "shape memory member" need not include materials traditionally referred to as "shape memory materials," but instead is a metal, such as steel (e.g., spring steel) or titanium. For example, in some embodiments, the "shape memory member" is a metal, or a combination of carbon fiber or glass fiber and a metal.

[0016] A portion of one embodiment of a rod body 20a according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown in cross section (along line AA in FIG. 1) in FIG. 2A. The rod body 20a has a shaft 40 and a shape memory member 42. The shaft 40 can be a tubular body as shown, but in other embodiments, the shaft 40 is solid. The shaft 40 can have a construction similar to conventional rod bodies, such as a carbon fiber material, a glass fiber material, a urethane material, or the like. The shape memory member 42 can have a rod-like shape and is embedded within the thickness of the shaft 40. The shape memory member 42 can extend along some or all of the working length L (FIG. 1).

[0017] A portion of another embodiment of a rod body 20b according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown in cross section (along line AA in FIG. 1) in FIG. 2B. The rod body 20b comprises a shaft 40 and a shape memory member 42, as described above (e.g., the shape memory member 42 can have a rod-like shape). In the embodiment of FIG. 2B, the shape memory member 42 is secured (e.g., glued, bonded, molded, etc.) to an inner surface of the shaft 40. The shape memory member 42 can extend along some or all of the working length L (FIG. 1).

[0018] A portion of another embodiment of a rod body 20c according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown in cross section (along line AA in FIG. 1) in FIG. 3A. The rod body 20c includes a shaft 40 and a plurality of shape memory members 42 (e.g., the shape memory members 42 can have a rod-like shape) as described above. In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, each of the plurality of shape memory members 42 is embedded within the thickness of the shaft 40. The shape memory members 42 can each extend along part or all of the working length L (FIG. 1), and one or more of the shape memory members 42 can have different lengths. Although four of the shape memory members 42 are shown, any other number, greater or less, is permissible. Although the shape memory members 42 are shown as being equidistantly spaced from one another (around the circumference of the shaft 40), in other embodiments, the shape memory members 42 are non-uniformly spaced from one another.

[0019] A portion of another embodiment of a rod body 20d according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown in cross section (along line AA in FIG. 1) in FIG. 3B. The rod body 20d has a shaft 40 and a plurality of shape memory members 42 (e.g., the shape memory members 42 can have a rod-like shape) as described above. In the embodiment of FIG. 3B, each of the plurality of shape memory members 42 is fixed (e.g., glued, bonded, molded, etc.) to the inner surface of the shaft 40. The shape memory members 42 can each extend along some or all of the working length L (FIG. 1), and one or more of the shape memory members 42 can have different lengths. Although four of the shape memory members 42 are shown, any other number, greater or less, is permissible. Although the shape memory members 42 are shown as being equidistantly spaced from one another (around the circumference of the shaft 40), in other embodiments, the shape memory members 42 are non-uniformly spaced from one another.

[0020] A portion of another embodiment of a rod body 20e according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown in cross-section (along line AA in FIG. 1) in FIG. 4A. The rod body 20e includes a shaft 40 and a shape memory member 44, as described above. The shape memory member 44 can have a band-like shape (e.g., a non-circular cross-section) and is embedded within the thickness of the shaft 40. The shape memory member 44 can extend along some or all of the working length L (FIG. 1).

[0021] A portion of another embodiment of a rod body 20f according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown in cross section (along line AA in FIG. 1) in FIG. 4B. The rod body 20f comprises a shaft 40 and a shape memory member 44, as described above (e.g., the shape memory member 44 can have a band-like shape). In the embodiment of FIG. 4B, the shape memory member 44 is secured (e.g., glued, bonded, molded, etc.) to an inner surface of the shaft 40. The shape memory member 44 can extend along some or all of the working length L (FIG. 1).

[0022] A portion of another embodiment of a rod body 20g according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown in cross section (along line AA in FIG. 1) in FIG. 5A. The rod body 20g has a shaft 40 and a plurality of shape memory members 44 (e.g., the shape memory members 44 can have a band-like shape) as described above. In the embodiment of FIG. 5A, each of the plurality of shape memory members 44 is embedded within the thickness of the shaft 40. The shape memory members 44 can each extend along part or all of the working length L (FIG. 1), and one or more of the shape memory members 44 can have different lengths. Although four of the shape memory members 44 are shown, any other number, more or less, is permissible. Although the shape memory members 44 are shown as being equidistantly spaced from one another (around the circumference of the shaft 40), in other embodiments, the shape memory members 44 are non-uniformly spaced from one another.

[0023] A portion of another embodiment of a rod body 20h according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown in cross section (along line AA in FIG. 1) in FIG. 5B. The rod body 20h has a shaft 40 and a plurality of shape memory members 44 (e.g., the shape memory members 44 can have a band-like shape) as described above. In the embodiment of FIG. 5B, each of the plurality of shape memory members 44 is fixed (e.g., glued, bonded, molded, etc.) to the inner surface of the shaft 40. The shape memory members 44 can each extend along some or all of the working length L (FIG. 1), and one or more of the shape memory members 44 can have different lengths. Although four of the shape memory members 44 are shown, any other number, more or less, is permissible. Although the shape memory members 44 are shown as being equidistantly spaced from one another (around the circumference of the shaft 40), in other embodiments, the shape memory members 44 are non-uniformly spaced from one another.

[0024] A portion of another embodiment of a rod body 20i according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown in cross section (along line AA in FIG. 1) in FIG. 6. The rod body 20i has a shape memory member 50, an inner coating 52, and an outer coating 54. The shape memory member 50 can be a braided or coiled shape memory material (e.g., braided or coiled Nitinol™) and is formed into a tubular shape as needed. The inner coating 52 and the outer coating 54 are applied to the shape memory member 50 and can be a carbon fiber material, a glass fiber material, a urethane material, or the like. The coatings 52, 54 serve to protect the shape memory member 50 and to hold the shape memory member 50 in a tubular fashion. In a related embodiment, the wall of the rod body 20i is made of a braided shape memory material, or a braided shape memory material embedded in another material, such as urethane. Alternatively, the wall can be made of braids alone, without the use of one or both of the inner coating 52 and / or the outer coating 54. In yet other embodiments, the rod body 20i is formed by an electroplated or welded braided mesh and fixed, for example, in an elongated tapered shape. In still other embodiments, the rod body 20i can have a more rigid structure in cross-section (e.g., not tubular) and the shape memory member 50 is a braided or coiled shape memory material that may or may not be covered by an outer coating 54.

[0025] A portion of another embodiment of a rod body 20j according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown in cross section (along line AA in FIG. 1) in FIG. 7. The rod body 20j has a shape memory member 60 and a coating 62. The shape memory member 60 can be a solid body of shape memory material that serves as a core of the rod body 20j and extends along a portion or the entirety of the working length L (FIG. 1). The shape memory member 60 can have a generally cylindrical shape, as reflected in FIG. 7. The coating 62 can be a carbon fiber material, a glass fiber material, a urethane material, or the like, that is applied to the exterior of the shape memory member 60 and serves to protect the shape memory member 60. In some embodiments, the thickness of the coating 62 can taper in the direction of the tip end 26 (FIG. 1). For example, the shape memory member 60 can have a constant or uniform diameter, and the thickness of the coating 62 tapers to mimic the tapered shape of a conventional fishing rod.

[0026] A portion of another embodiment of a rod body 20k according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 8. The rod body 20k includes a shaft 70 and a shape memory member 72 (generally referred to as a shaft 70). The shaft 70 can be a tubular body, and in other embodiments, the shaft 70 is solid. The shaft 70 can have a structure similar to conventional rod bodies, such as a carbon fiber material, a fiberglass material, a urethane material, or the like. The shape memory member 72 can be a shape memory material in the form of a wire or braid (e.g., Nitinol™ wire or braid) that is wrapped or wound around the shaft 70. The shape memory member 72 can be attached to the shaft 70 in a variety of ways (e.g., welding, gluing, bonding, mechanical attachment, etc.) related to the material used. The shape memory member 72 can be applied along the entire length of the shaft 70 (e.g., extending along the entire length of the working length L (FIG. 1)) or can be applied to one or more selected portions of the shaft 70. Although the shape memory member 72 is shown as being applied to the exterior of the shaft 70, in other embodiments, the shape memory member 72 may be disposed along or within the interior of the shaft 70.

[0027] Another embodiment of a rod body 20l according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown partially exploded in FIG. 9A. The rod body 20l has a shaft 80 and a shape memory member 82. The shaft 80 is a tubular body having a tapered shape as shown (e.g., tapered toward the tip end 26 (FIG. 1)). The shaft 80 can have a structure similar to that of a conventional rod body, such as a carbon fiber material, a glass fiber material, a urethane material, or the like. The shape memory member 82 is a sheet or film of a shape memory material (e.g., a Nitinol™ sheet or film) that is rolled or wrapped on itself for insertion into the central passageway of the shaft 80. When finally assembled, the rolled shape memory member 82 is disposed within the shaft 80, as shown in FIG. 9B. The shape memory member 82 can extend along a portion or the entirety of the working length L (FIG. 1). Shape memory member 82 can be secured to shaft 80 in a variety of ways (eg, adhesively bonded, welded, mechanically attached, frictionally connected, etc.) depending on the material used.

[0028] Another embodiment of a rod body 20m according to the principles of the present disclosure is partially shown exploded in FIG. 10A. The rod body 20m has a shaft 90 and a shape memory member 92. The shaft 90 can be solid or tubular and can have a tapered shape as shown (e.g., tapered toward a tip region 94). The shaft 90 can have a construction similar to conventional rod bodies, such as carbon fiber material, fiberglass material, urethane material, etc. The shape memory member 92 is a tubular body of shape memory material or other metal sized and shaped for mounting on at least the tip region 94 of the shaft 90. When finally assembled, the shape memory member 92 is disposed on the shaft 90, as shown in FIG. 10B. The shape memory member 92 can extend along at least a portion of the tip region 94, and in other embodiments, the shape memory member 92 can extend beyond the tip region 94, optionally along the entire working length L (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the shape memory member 92 can have a length greater than 25% of the working length L, for example, the shape memory member 92 can have a length that is at least 30% of the working length L, alternatively at least 40% of the working length L, alternatively in the range of 30-100% of the working length L. Surprisingly, it has been found that forming the shape memory member 92 to have a length greater than 25% of the working length L improves the performance characteristics implied by the present disclosure. While the shape memory member 92 is generally shown to be a complete, uniform tube (e.g., continuous sidewalls having a uniform thickness over 360 degrees), in other embodiments, the shape memory member 92 can be an incomplete or non-uniform tube (e.g., the shape memory member 92 can be a tube having a non-uniform wall thickness, a portion of the tubular shape memory member 92 can be removed, etc.). The shape memory member 92 can be secured to the shaft 90 in a variety of ways (e.g., adhesively bonded, welded, mechanically attached, frictionally connected, etc.) depending on the material used.

[0029] The shape memory member 92 may have a tapered shape or may be shaped like a right cylinder. As shown in FIG. 11A, the shaft 90 and the shape memory member 92 may be configured such that, upon final assembly, the entire shape memory member 92 nests or contacts a surface or structure of the shaft 90. FIG. 11B illustrates an alternative embodiment of the shape memory member 92 assembled to a shaft 100. The shaft 100 may have any of the structures described above (e.g., similar to a conventional rod body such as a carbon fiber material, a glass fiber material, a urethane material, etc.) and terminates at a shaft end 102. A receiving area 104 of the shaft 100 adjacent the shaft end 102 has a reduced outer diameter that matches the inner diameter of the shape memory member 92. Upon final assembly, the shape memory member 92 is mounted over the receiving area 104 with a portion of the shape memory member 92 extending beyond the shaft end 102. Thus, in these and any other configurations, at least a portion of the shape memory member 92 is not in direct contact with or directly supported by the shaft 100. In some related embodiments, the outer diameter of the shape memory member 92 can be comparable to the outer diameter of the shaft 100 just proximal to the containment area 104.

[0030] A portion of a rod body 20n of a related embodiment is shown in FIG. 12 and includes a shaft 110 and a shape memory member assembly 112. The shaft 110 can be solid or tubular and can have a tapered shape toward the shaft end 114. The shaft 110 can have a construction similar to conventional rod bodies, such as carbon fiber material, fiberglass material, urethane material, etc. The shape memory member assembly 112 can include two or more shape memory members, such as shape memory members 116a, 116b, 116c. The first shape memory member 116a is assembled to the shaft end 114 as described above, and the remaining shape memory members 116b, 116c are telescopically connected to each other (as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 12). These and related structures allow a user to select the overall length and / or responsiveness of the rod body 20n by manipulating the shape memory members 116a-116c relative to each other.

[0031] In the embodiment of Figures 10A-12, the rod body 20m, 20n can be or include a tip on a thin inner carbon fiber shaft. The tip can be a Nitinol tip, a metal tip, a carbon fiber filled Nitinol tip, or a carbon fiber filled metal tip. The tip and / or shaft can have a tapered shape or can have a telescoping design.

[0032] In some embodiments, the rod bodies of the present disclosure are configured to exhibit different flexibility or stiffness characteristics along opposing sides thereof. For example, rod bodies 20a (FIG. 2A), 20b (FIG. 2B), 20e (FIG. 4A), 20f (FIG. 4B) can exhibit reduced flexibility (or increased stiffness) along the "side" thereof where the corresponding shape memory member 44 is located. Along these same lines, a portion of another rod body 20o according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 13. The rod body 20o has a shaft 120 and a shape memory member 122. The shaft 120 is a tubular or solid body having a tapered shape as shown (e.g., tapered toward the tip end 124). The shaft 120 can have a construction similar to conventional rod bodies, such as carbon fiber material, fiberglass material, urethane material, etc. The shape memory member 122 may be constructed from any of the shape memory materials disclosed herein and may be secured to the shaft 120 in a variety of ways (e.g., embedded within the thickness of the shaft 120, glued or bonded or welded to a surface of the shaft 120, etc.). As shown at 126, the segment 126 of the rod body 20o is characterized by an absence of a shape memory member 122, although in other embodiments, the segment 126 may be defined by a shape memory member or material having different stiffness characteristics as compared to the remainder of the shape memory member 122 (or the entirety of the same). In any event, the elongated shape of the shaft 120 (or the rod body 20o as a whole) defines a longitudinal axis A. The segment 126 is located on a first "side" 130 of the longitudinal axis A. With respect to a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A and passing through the segment 126, the shape memory member 122 resides on an opposing second "side" 132 of the longitudinal axis. In this and similar structures, the shape memory member 122 is configured and arranged relative to the shaft 120 such that the rod body 20o exhibits a first degree of flexibility in a direction toward a first side 130 relative to the longitudinal axis A and a second degree of flexibility in a direction toward a second side 132 relative to the longitudinal axis A. The first direction is opposite the second direction, and the first degree of flexibility is greater than the second degree of flexibility.

[0033] For reference, some anglers may desire certain fishing rod performance attributes under normal casting conditions. A casting motion is generally considered to begin with a rearward motion in which the user applies a torque or moment force to the handle region 140 to move the tip end 124 rearward, toward and behind the user's body. Once the rearward motion is completed, a forward motion is then performed in which the user applies a reverse torque or moment force to the handle region 140 to move the tip end 124 toward the front (front) of the user's body. As part of the forward motion, a reel (not shown) is operated to release the fishing line, thereby propelling or casting a hook, lure, bait, etc., forward from the tip end 124 (and thus the user). In relation to this casting action, the orientation of the user's hands while gripping the handle region 140 and the reel effectively defines which of the sides 130, 132 will primarily affect the rearward and forward casting action, and the orientation of the user's hands is determined by the position and arrangement of the reel (not shown) and therefore the line guide 22 (if provided). For example, when the rod body 20o is used with a spinning reel, the reel (and line guide 22) will be pointing downwards as the rod is naturally held by the user in a normal forward-facing fishing position. In other words, the first side 130 is "below" the second side 132. When casting with the rod and reel assembly thus configured, the rod body 20o is forced to assume a curved shape in the direction of the second side 132 during the rearward action (i.e., once the rearward casting action is completed, the second side 132 defines a concave curve and the first side 130 defines a convex curve). A subsequent forward casting operation creates an opposite curved shape (i.e., after the forward casting operation is completed, the second side 132 defines a convex curve and the first side 130 defines a concave curve). By forming or disposing the increased flexibility segment 126 on the first side 130, the rod body 20o can flex more easily during a rearward casting operation compared to a forward casting operation.If the opposite performance attributes are desired, the more flexible (or less stiff) segments 126 can instead be formed on the second side 132 of the rod body 20o (again, in the context of the rod body 20o being used with a spinning reel disposed on the first side 130). It will be appreciated that the above description can be reversed in view of other rod and reel configurations. For example, when the rod body 20o is used with a casting reel, the rod will naturally be held by the user in a normal forward-facing fishing position, such that the reel (and line guide 22) faces upward. In other words, the first side 130 is "above" the second side 132.

[0034] In other related embodiments, the fishing rods of the present disclosure may include locking features or mechanisms that prevent or limit bending of the rod body in one direction. For example, fly fishers often desire a significant amount of flexing or curving of the rod body during a backward casting motion, but prefer minimal flexing or curving of the rod body during a subsequent forward casting motion. Any of the rod bodies described above may have corresponding shape memory members formed and / or positioned to facilitate this desired performance characteristic. Alternatively, or additionally, the rod body may carry or incorporate a locking mechanism that allows flexing or curving during or toward a backward casting motion and limits flexing or curving during or toward a forward casting motion. For example, two complementary strips of fastening material (e.g., like cable or zip tie strips) may be applied to the side of the rod body that forms a concave curve during a backward casting motion, and may be positioned such that the strips slide easily past each other during a backward casting motion, but lock when the rod body straightens (e.g., at the "top" of a forward casting motion).

[0035] The locking features or mechanisms of the present disclosure may assume other configurations, such as that shown in rod 150 of FIG. 14. Rod 150 includes a rod body 152, an optional line guide 22, and a locking mechanism 154. Rod body 152 may take any of the forms described elsewhere in this disclosure (e.g., may include a shape memory member as described above) and is not limited to the form reflected by FIG. 14. Locking mechanism 154 may be attached to rod body 152 on the desired "side" (e.g., the side opposite line guide 22 (not shown) where rod 150 is used as a spinning rod (with a spinning reel (not shown)) and may include a leading member 160 and a trailing member 162. Leading member 160 is attached to rod body 152 near tip end 164 and extends from that attachment point to locking body 166. Trailing member 162 is attached to rod body 152 opposite leading member 160 and carries or forms receiver 168. Leading member 160 extends through a passage in receiver 168, with locking body 166 being larger in shape or size than the passage in receiver 168. This configuration allows leading member 160 / locking body 166 to slide freely relative to trailing member 162 / receiver 168 in a first direction (e.g., downward relative to the orientation in FIG. 14 ). In the reverse direction, locking body 166 abuts receiver 168 preventing further movement.

[0036] During use, when the fishing rod 150 is subjected to a force at the tip end 164 tending to deflect the rod body 152 in the direction shown in FIG. 15A (e.g., a rearward casting motion), the locking mechanism 154 causes the locking body 166 to slide away from the receiver 168 to allow the desired deflection. When the fishing rod 150 is subsequently subjected to a force at the tip end 164 tending to deflect the rod body 152 in the opposite direction (e.g., a forward casting motion), the locking mechanism 154 prevents the rod body 152 from deflecting excessively to one side. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 15B, when the rod body 152 returns from the deflected cast-back configuration of FIG. 15A with a force applied at the tip end 164 reflected by the arrow in FIG. 15B, the locking body 166 slides against the receiver 168 to prevent the rod body 152 from deflecting or deflecting beyond the illustrated configuration. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 154 is configured to "hold" the rod body 152 in a generally straight alignment during a forward casting motion.

[0037] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, two or more of the features of the rod body described above may be combined in one rod body. As a non-limiting example, the rod body of the present disclosure may include a combination of a shape memory member tube (e.g., the features of Figures 10A-11B) assembled on the tip region of the shaft and a shape memory member braid (e.g., the features of Figures 6-8) secured to the exterior or interior of the shaft, and the two (or more) shape memory members may be provided in different regions of the shaft or in the same region.

Claims

1. A fishing rod, 1. A fishing rod comprising: a rod body extending from a handle end to a tip end, at least a portion of the rod body comprising a shape memory material configured to self-return toward a normal shape upon removal of an applied load.

2. The fishing rod of claim 1 , wherein the rod body comprises a shaft and a shape memory member.

3. 3. The fishing rod of claim 2, wherein the shape memory member is embedded within a thickness of the shaft.

4. The fishing rod of claim 2 , wherein the shape memory member is attached to a surface of the shaft.

5. 3. The fishing rod of claim 2, wherein said shaft is a coating applied to said shape memory member.

6. 3. The fishing rod of claim 2, wherein the shape memory member is a wire braid secured to the shaft.

7. 3. The fishing rod of claim 2, wherein the shape memory member is a tubular body secured onto the tip region of the shaft.

8. 8. The fishing rod of claim 7, wherein the length of said shape memory member is at least 30% of the working length of said rod body.

9. 8. The fishing rod of claim 7, wherein the shape memory member is exposed along an exterior of the rod body.

10. 8. The fishing rod of claim 7, wherein an outer diameter of said rod body at said tip end is defined by said shape memory member.

11. 8. The fishing rod of claim 7, wherein said rod body extends to said tip end and is characterized by a uniformly tapered shape, and further wherein said shape memory member defines a portion of said uniformly tapered shape.

12. 8. The fishing rod of claim 7, further comprising a line guide secured directly to the exterior of said shape memory member.

13. 3. The fishing rod of claim 2, wherein said shaft defines a longitudinal axis, and further wherein said shape memory member is constructed and arranged relative to said shaft such that said rod body exhibits a first degree of flexibility in a first direction relative to said longitudinal axis and a second degree of flexibility in a second direction relative to said longitudinal axis, said first direction being opposite said second direction, said first degree of flexibility being greater than said second degree of flexibility.

14. The fishing rod of claim 1 , wherein the shape memory material comprises a shape memory metal alloy.

15. 15. The fishing rod of claim 14, wherein the shape memory metal alloy is a nickel-titanium alloy.

16. The fishing rod of claim 1 , wherein the shape memory material comprises a shape memory polymer.

17. 2. The fishing rod of claim 1, wherein the rod body is formed from a mixture of non-shape memory material fibers and shape memory material fibers.

18. 18. The fishing rod of claim 17, wherein said non-shape memory material fibers are carbon fibers and further wherein said shape memory material fibers are nickel titanium alloy fibers.

19. 2. The fishing rod of claim 1, wherein the rod body comprises a shaft, a first shape memory member formed as a tube and assembled onto the shaft, and a second shape memory member formed as a braid and secured to the shaft.

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