Adaptor for securing an equipment to a fishing reel

Abstract

[Problem] The present invention relates to an adapter (100) for fixing an item to a fishing reel (300). [Solution] The adapter (100) includes a plate having a first opening (101) that accommodates a male fastener (201) of a fastening assembly mounted on a fishing reel (300), and a second opening (102) configured to accommodate an item.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an adapter used as a fishing accessory, particularly an adapter used to secure items to a fishing reel. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, to catch fish, an angler requires fishing tools such as a fishing rod, reel, fishing line, hook, lure, or bait. These fishing tools are assembled at a fishing site, such as a boat, beach, breakwater, or pier, before starting fishing activities. With the fishing line wound on the reel's spool, the reel is mounted on the fishing rod. With the hook mounted on the tip of the fishing line, a lure or bait is attached to the hook to attract fish.

[0003] When fishing gear needs to be installed at a specific location on a fishing site, a safety line is secured between the fishing rod and / or reel and the desired anchoring spot to prevent the loss of the fishing gear, particularly the loss of the fishing rod and reel. Additionally, a safety line may be applied to connect two sets of different fishing gear to combine them into one. A prior art related to this is Japanese Patent Publication No. JP 2012-231692 (November 29, 2012). The problem to be solved

[0004] Even though different fishing tools are assembled to combine them into a single unit and the fishing tools are installed at the fishing site using safety lines, the fishing tools, particularly flexible fishing tools or the end fishing tools attached to flexible fishing tools, can be easily lost. Flexible fishing tools include fishing lines, strings, ropes, chains, and straps. These flexible fishing tools typically hold the end fishing tool at their ends. The end fishing tool may be a hook, ring, or clip. Since flexible fishing tools are fragile and prone to breakage, the end fishing tool attached to them is easily lost. Additionally, the flexible fishing tool may become twisted or entangled with other fishing tools, such as fishing rods. Furthermore, since the end of the flexible fishing tool to which the end fishing tool is attached is not fixed in place while sagging, there is a risk that the flexible fishing tool and the end fishing tool may be easily damaged.

[0005] Currently, as a method to solve these problems, there is a method of mounting flexible fishing tools or end fishing tools using the holes of a reel clamp or a rod clamp. Flexible fishing tools are secured to the holes of the reel clamp or the rod clamp. Additionally, end fishing tools are secured to the holes by hooking them around the circumference of the holes or by wrapping around the circumference of the holes. However, since the main bodies of the reel clamp and the rod clamp have thickness, it is difficult to mount the fishing tools to the holes. Since additional accessories such as rings must be secured around the circumference of the holes, the fishing tools are secured by using thin additional accessories instead. The additional accessories function as links for mounting the fishing tools to the holes of the reel clamp or the rod clamp. Multiple additional accessories may be required to mount multiple fishing tools to the holes of the reel clamp or the rod clamp. However, when there are no unused holes for mounting flexible fishing tools, end fishing tools, or their combinations, the holes of the reel clamp or the rod clamp cannot be used.

[0006] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide an adapter used as a fishing accessory for securing items to a fishing reel, and an adapter kit equipped with said adapter. Another objective of the present invention is to provide an adapter that is detachably mounted to a protruding element of a fishing reel, such as a bolt. With this adapter, items, particularly fishing items, can be mounted to the reel using existing elements of the fishing reel. On the other hand, an adapter kit equipped with mounting elements including male and female fasteners is intended to secure items, particularly fishing items, to the fishing reel without using existing elements of the fishing reel. The use of the adapter kit is suitable when there is no suitable protruding element on the fishing reel for mounting the adapter to the reel. According to the present invention, items such as strings, fishing lines, straps, chains, and flexible fishing tools in the form of ropes are secured to the adapter. Fishing tools with ends such as hooks, rings, and clips are engaged with the adapter. By doing so, problems such as loss of fishing items, entanglement of fishing items, particularly entanglement of flexible fishing tools, and damage to fishing items can be solved. In addition, due to the thick outer edge of the hole in the fishing reel, additional accessories such as rings for attaching fishing gear are required in the hole of the fishing reel. However, with this adapter, the hole in the fishing reel for securing gear becomes unnecessary. The function of this adapter realizes the purpose of the present invention, which is to provide convenience and simple attachment of gear, and the purpose of the present invention, which is to prevent damage to gear. In addition, it is also an objective of the present invention to ensure safety in use of the adapter and adapter kit. means of solving the problem

[0007] At least one of the aforementioned objectives is satisfied wholly or partially by the present invention. In one aspect of the present invention, an adapter for securing an article to a fishing reel is provided. The adapter comprises a plate having a first opening for receiving a male fastener of a fastening assembly mounted on a fishing reel, and a second opening configured to receive an article.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the adapter is mounted on the leg portion of a fishing reel.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adapter is formed with a pair of stoppers on both sides of the plate. The pair of stoppers protrude in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the plate so as to contact the leg portion of a fishing reel.

[0010] Preferably, the plate is divided into a mounting portion formed with a first opening and a receiving portion formed with a second opening. The receiving portion is inclined at a predetermined angle from the mounting portion.

[0011] Preferably, the article comprises any one of a fishing line, a strap, a string, a chain, a rope, a hook, a ring, and a clip, or a combination of a fishing line, a strap, a string, a chain, a rope, a hook, a ring, and a clip.

[0012] In another aspect of the present invention, an adapter kit for securing an article to a fishing reel is provided. The adapter kit comprises an adapter having a plate having a first opening and a second opening configured to receive an article, and a fastening assembly having a male fastener inserted into the first opening of the adapter to mount the plate to the fishing reel.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the adapter kit, the fastening assembly further comprises a primary female fastener for securing a plate to a male fastener, a washer disposed between the primary female fastener and the plate, and a secondary female fastener disposed adjacent to the primary female fastener and configured to surround the end of the male fastener, or a combination of the primary female fastener, the washer, and the secondary female fastener.

[0014] According to another preferred embodiment of the adapter kit, the fastening assembly further comprises a first primary female fastener, a first washer disposed between the first primary female fastener and a first surface of a plate, a second washer disposed on another surface of a plate, a second primary female fastener disposed adjacent to the second washer, and a secondary female fastener configured to surround the end of a male fastener, or a combination of the first primary female fastener, the first washer, the second washer, the second primary female fastener, and the secondary female fastener.

[0015] Preferably, the adapter is formed with a pair of stoppers on both sides of the plate. The pair of stoppers protrude in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the plate so as to contact the leg portion of the fishing reel on which the adapter is mounted.

[0016] Preferably, the plate is divided into a mounting portion formed with a first opening and a receiving portion formed with a second opening. The receiving portion is inclined at a predetermined angle from the mounting portion.

[0017] Preferably, the article comprises any one of a fishing line, a strap, a string, a chain, a rope, a hook, a ring, and a clip, or a combination of a fishing line, a strap, a string, a chain, a rope, a hook, a ring, and a clip. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0018] The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adapter according to a first preferred embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an adapter having a stopper according to a second preferred embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a first preferred configuration of a fastening assembly for securing an adapter of a first preferred embodiment to a fishing reel. FIG. 4 is an exploded assembly view showing a second preferred configuration of a fastening assembly for fixing the adapter of the first preferred embodiment to a fishing reel. FIG. 5 is a side view showing a second preferred configuration of a fastening assembly for securing the adapter of the first preferred embodiment to a fishing reel. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a preferred configuration of a fastening assembly for securing an adapter of a second preferred embodiment to a fishing reel. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0019] To better understand the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings will be described in detail.

[0020] In this specification, an adapter (100) for securing an item to a fishing reel (300) is disclosed. As a fishing accessory, the adapter (100) is detachably mounted to any protruding element of the fishing reel (300) as a male fastener (201). The adapter (100) can be fastened to a protruding member using a fastening assembly. In addition, the present invention introduces an adapter kit including the adapter (100) and a fastening assembly. The item may be any item such as a name tag, a key ring, or an electronic device, but it is preferred to be a fishing item. The term "fishing item" should be understood to include fishing tools or gear used in fishing activities by a fisherman. The term "fishing item" is not limited to thin, long, flexible fishing tools such as fishing lines, straps, cords, chains, cables, ropes, and bands. The term "fishing item" is not limited to end fishing tools mounted on the ends of flexible fishing tools such as hooks, clips, and rings. For example, a flexible fishing tool includes a strap for a fishing harness and a safety line for connecting various fishing tools or installing fishing tools at a fixed position on the fishing site.

[0021] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the adapter (100) comprises a plate having a first opening (101) for receiving a male fastener (201) of a fastening assembly mounted on a fishing reel (300), and a second opening (102) configured to receive an item. The plate is divided into a mounting portion (110) formed together with the first opening (101) and a receiving portion (120) formed together with the second opening (102). Each of the openings (101, 102) is individually positioned at the front end of the mounting portion (110) and the receiving portion (120). To easily mount the plate on the fishing reel (300), the receiving portion (120) is inclined at a predetermined angle from the mounting portion (110) so as to be away from the fishing reel (300). Also, due to the slope of this receiving section (120), the space for fitting items from the receiving section (120) to the second opening (102) is widened.

[0022] A flexible fishing tool can be attached to the first opening (101). The adapter (100) can serve as a support for the flexible fishing tool. For example, when a safety line is attached to the first opening (101), the adapter (100) functions as a support for the safety line. A fishing tool at the end, such as a hook, ring, or clip, can be fitted around the circumference of the first opening (101). In this case, the adapter (100) functions as a support for the fishing tool at the end. When a hook is mounted on the first opening (101), the adapter (100) functions as a support for the hook. To ensure safe use of the adapter (100), it is preferable that the plate be composed of a smooth, rounded bullnose-shaped edge rather than a sharp edge that could cause injury or damage to other items.

[0023] The adapter (100) shown in FIG. 1 is a first preferred embodiment of the adapter (100). In this figure, the plate does not have a stopper (103) installed. FIG. 2 shows a second preferred embodiment of the adapter (100) formed with a pair of stoppers (103) on both sides of the plate.

[0024] In this embodiment, the stopper (103) protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the plate so as to contact the fishing reel (300), particularly the leg portion (310) of the fishing reel (300). The purpose of the stopper (103) is to stabilize the adapter (100). When fishing is being performed with the adapter (100) mounted on the fishing reel (300), the stopper (103) reduces vibrations of the adapter (100) caused by the operation of the fishing reel (300) or other equipment. Since the stopper (103) is positioned on both sides of the plate, the load of the adapter (100) can be evenly distributed between both sides of the plate.

[0025] The adapter (100) is preferably mounted to the leg portion (310) of the fishing reel (300), which serves as the base of the fishing reel (300), using a fastening assembly. The male fastener (201) is an element provided by the fishing reel (300) or the adapter kit. Additionally, except for the male fastener (201) inserted into the first opening (101), the fastening assembly includes a primary female fastener (202) for securing a plate to the male fastener (201). Optional elements of the fastening assembly include at least one washer (203) to prevent the adapter (100) and the primary female fastener (202) from loosening and to reduce vibration, and a secondary female fastener (204) to make the connection of the adapter (100) to the male fastener (201) tighter.

[0026] Since the adapter (100) of the first preferred embodiment does not have a stopper (103), it is preferable that the washer (203) be included in the fastening assembly. FIG. 3 shows a first preferred configuration in a fastening assembly for fixing the adapter (100) of the first preferred embodiment to a fishing reel (300). According to this configuration, the fastening assembly includes a male fastener (201), a primary female fastener (202), a washer (203), and a secondary female fastener (204). Referring to FIG. 4, which shows an exploded assembly of this configuration, the adapter (100), washer (203), primary female fastener (202), and secondary female fastener (204) are arranged in this order when the adapter (100) is positioned closest to the fishing reel (300). A washer (203) is clamped between the adapter (100) and the primary female fastener (202). A secondary female fastener (204) is positioned adjacent to the primary female fastener (202). The secondary female fastener (204) is configured to surround the end of the male fastener (201) for aesthetic purposes. Additionally, the secondary female fastener (204) is configured to prevent exposure of the male fastener (201), which could cause injury or damage to other items.

[0027] In the second preferred configuration of the fastening assembly shown in FIG. 5, two primary female fasteners (202a, 202b) and two washers (203a, 203b) are applied to prevent the adapter (100) of the first preferred embodiment from loosening to the male fastener (201). The first washer (203a) is positioned between the first primary female fastener (202a) and the first surface of the plate. The second washer (203b) is positioned on the other surface of the plate. The first primary female fastener (202a) is positioned closest to the leg portion (310) of the fishing reel (300). In this configuration, the second primary female fastener (202b) is positioned adjacent to the second washer (203b). Additionally, the secondary female fastener (204) is configured to surround the end of the male fastener (201).

[0028] In FIG. 6, which illustrates a preferred configuration in a fastening assembly for securing the adapter (100) of a second preferred embodiment to a fishing reel (300), the adapter (100) has a stopper (103), so a washer (203) is not applied. However, it should be understood that a washer (203) may be applied when there is a need or demand for load distribution to reduce vibration of the adapter (100) or vibration of either or both of the female fasteners (202, 204). The adapter (100) closest to the leg portion (310) of the fishing reel (300) includes a stopper (103) that contacts the leg portion (310) to stabilize the adapter (100). In FIG. 6, the leg portion (310) and the mounting portion (110) of the adapter (100) overlap while the side of each stopper (103) is in contact with the leg portion (310). The primary female fastener (202) is positioned between the adapter (100) and the secondary female fastener (204).

[0029] To facilitate the disassembly and assembly of the adapter (100) and the female fasteners (202, 204) around the male fastener (201), it is preferable to use a screw fastener. The screw fastener includes a male fastener (201) having screw threads on its outer surface and female fasteners (202, 204) having screw threads on their inner surface. When a screw male fastener (201) is used, the shape and dimensions of the inner circumference of the first opening (101) must correspond to the screw threads of the male fastener (201) in order to engage the adapter (100) with the male fastener (201). It should be understood that the fastening assembly is not limited to screw fasteners and that non-screw fasteners may also be used. For example, the male fastener (201) includes bolts, screws, studs, bosses, and pins. The nut is used as a female fastener (202, 204). The washer (203) is preferably a spring washer.

[0030] It is most preferable that the adapter (100) be manufactured by press forming. However, processes such as casting, forging, and molding may be applied to the manufacture of the adapter (100). A preferred casting process is die casting. A preferred molding process is injection molding.

[0031] Although the above description includes various specific examples, preferred embodiments may be modified within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the invention.

Claims

Claim 1 An adapter (100) for securing an item to a fishing reel (300), comprising a plate having a first opening (101) for receiving a male fastener (201) of a fastening assembly mounted on the fishing reel (300), a second opening (102) configured to receive the item, and a pair of stoppers (103) installed to contact the leg portion (310) of the fishing reel (300). Claim 2 In claim 1, the adapter (100) is an adapter (100) mounted on the leg portion (310) of the fishing reel (300). Claim 3 In claim 1, the pair of stoppers (103) are formed together with the plate on both sides of the plate and are adapters (100) that protrude in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the plate so as to contact the leg portion (310) of the fishing reel (300). Claim 4 In claim 1, the plate is divided into a mounting portion (110) formed together with the first opening (101) and a receiving portion (120) formed together with the second opening (102), and the receiving portion (120) is an adapter (100) inclined at a predetermined angle from the mounting portion (110). Claim 5 In claim 1, the article comprises an adapter (100) including any one of a fishing line, a strap, a string, a chain, a rope, a hook, a ring, and a clip, or a combination of the fishing line, the strap, the string, the chain, the rope, the hook, the ring, and the clip. Claim 6 An adapter kit for securing an item to a fishing reel (300), comprising: an adapter (100) having a plate including a first opening (101), a second opening (102) configured to receive said item, and a pair of stoppers (103) installed to contact a leg portion (310) of said fishing reel (300); and a fastening assembly having a male fastener (201) inserted into the first opening (101) of said plate to mount said adapter (100) to said fishing reel (300). Claim 7 In claim 6, the fastening assembly further comprises one of a primary female fastener (202) for fixing the plate to the male fastener (201), a washer (203) disposed between the primary female fastener (202) and the plate, and a secondary female fastener (204) disposed adjacent to the primary female fastener (202) and configured to surround the end of the male fastener (201), or a combination of the primary female fastener (202), the washer (203), and the secondary female fastener (204). Claim 8 In claim 6, the fastening assembly comprises any one of a first primary female fastener (202a), a first washer (203a) disposed between the first primary female fastener (202a) and a first surface of the plate, a second washer (203b) disposed on another surface of the plate, a second primary female fastener (202b) disposed adjacent to the second washer (203b), and a secondary female fastener (204) configured to surround the end of the male fastener (201), or an adapter kit further comprising the first primary female fastener (202a), the first washer (203a), the second washer (203b), the second primary female fastener (202b), and the secondary female fastener (204). Claim 9 In claim 6, the pair of stoppers (103) are formed together with the plate on both sides of the plate and are adapter kits that protrude in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the plate so as to contact the leg portion (310) of the fishing reel (300) on which the adapter (100) is mounted. Claim 10 In claim 6, the plate is divided into a mounting portion (110) formed together with the first opening (101) and a receiving portion (120) formed together with the second opening (102), and the receiving portion (120) is inclined at a predetermined angle from the mounting portion (110) in an adapter kit. Claim 11 In claim 6, the above article is an adapter kit comprising any one of a fishing line, a strap, a string, a chain, a rope, a hook, a ring, and a clip, or a combination of the fishing line, the strap, the string, the chain, the rope, the hook, the ring, and the clip.

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