Fishing rod holder

Abstract

A fishing rod holder assembly includes two handle holding brackets, an adjustable handle holding tension member, and at least one rigid telescoping base section. The two handle holding brackets may be mounted at distance apart from each other on a connecting bracket. Each handle holding bracket may include an opening and a tapered profile configured to hold a handle of a fishing rod in such a manner it prevents twisting. The adjustable handle holding tension member may be affixed at a first end to the tapered profile and may be adjustable at a second end.

Description

FISHING ROD HOLDERCROSS REFERENCES AND PRIORITIES

[0001] This Application claims priority from United States Provisional Application No.63 / 615,582 filed on 28 December 2023, the teachings of which are incorporated byreference herein in their entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Fishing rods are known to be several feet long, and typically comprise a rigidhandle with a reel assembly attached to a flexible rod or blank which is relatively light incomparison to the handle and reel. When installed, a sharp hook is attached to a fishingline proximate to the lighter and more flexible end of the rod.

[0003] As fishing by its nature is an activity conducted on a body of water, it is commonfor fishermen to travel some distance to the location where they will fish. Fishing is alsoan activity in which several people may participate together, or where one fisherman mayutilize several rods simultaneously. Multiple fishing rods are therefore often transportedtogether in vehicles over some distance with hooks installed. A need for safely andefficiently storing fishing rods during such transportation is inherently necessary.

[0004] Existing devices used to secure fishing rods in transit vary in style. Certain typesof devices comprise a tube or recess in which the rigid handle is inserted and a bar orplatform on which the flexible blank is laid. It has been found that such devices do notsufficiently secure the fishing rod allowing it to move in transit, leading to inconvenienceand / or danger, particularly when a fisherman is required to grasp the hooked end of apoorly secured fishing rod. Some variations of these styles of fishing rod holders requirethe flexible blank end of fishing rod to be inserted or threaded into a holder, increasinginconvenience and potentially damaging the fishing rod. Still other types of devicescomprise cylinders which mechanically tighten around one end of the handle, and do nottherefore sufficiently balance the fishing rod around the relatively heavy reel duringtransit, resulting in similar inconveniences and / or unsafe situations. Such mechanicalfastening devices also require the fisherman to operate their fastening mechanisms tosecure and release the fishing rod(s), increasing the inconvenience of such devices.

[0005] It is also common that existing fishing rod holders do not conveniently attach toor interact with a fisherman’s vehicle, increasing the chances of inconvenient ordangerous fishing rod movement during transit.

[0006] Accordingly, the need exists for a fishing rod holder which secures a fishing rodeffectively, efficiently, and safely during transit and in storage; for a fishing rod holderwhich can so secure a plurality of fishing rods; and a fishing rod holder whichFISHING ROD HOLDERconveniently and safely attaches to or otherwise interacts with a fisherman’s vehicle orstorage location.SUMMARY

[0007] Described herein is a fishing rod holder assembly. The fishing rod holder assemblyincludes two handle holding brackets, an adjustable handle holding tension member, andat least one mounting solution. Each of said handle holding brackets includes an openingand a tapered profile configured to hold a handle of a fishing rod in such a manner itprevents twisting. The adjustable handle holding tension member is affixed at a first endto the tapered profile and is adjustable at a second end. The at least one mountingsolution is configured to connect he two handle holding brackets to a surface. In someembodiments, the fishing rod holder assembly is a singular support method of the fishingrod.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the fishing rod holder assembly may include a pluralityof fishing rod holder assemblies. In such embodiments, each fishing rod holder assemblymay be connected to the mounting solution.

[0009] In some embodiments, the mounting solution may include at least one rigidtelescoping base section. In certain such embodiments, the fishing rod holder assemblymay further include at least two vacuum cups mounted at opposing ends of the rigidtelescoping base section. In some such embodiments, the fishing rod holder assembly mayinclude at least two rigid brackets mounted to opposing ends of the rigid telescoping basesection.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the mounting solution may include at least one MOLLE-or PALS-styled panel or wall.

[0011] In some embodiments, the fishing rod holder assembly may include a connectingbracket. When present, the two handle holding brackets may be mounted a distance apartfrom each other on the connecting bracket. The connecting bracket may be configuredto connect to the mounting solution.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the fishing rod holder assembly may be fixed within avehicle interior. In other embodiments, the fishing rod holder assembly may be fixed toa boat. In still other embodiments, the fishing rod holder assembly may be fixed to astationary wall.

[0013] In some embodiments, the fishing rod may be held in a horizontal or verticalconfiguration.FISHING ROD HOLDERBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0014] Figure 1 is a side view of a fishing rod holder assembly.

[0015] Figure 2 is a side view of a fishing rod holder assembly in use holding a fishingrod.

[0016] Figure 3 is an isometric view of a fishing rod holder assembly.

[0017] Figure 4A is a side view of a fishing rod holder assembly with an elastic cord in afirst tension position.

[0018] Figure 4B is a side view of a fishing rod holder assembly with an elastic cord in asecond tension position.

[0019] Figure 4C is a side view of a fishing rod holder assembly with an elastic cord in athird tension position.

[0020] Figure 5 is an isometric view of an adjustable assembly of multiple fishing rodholders.

[0021] Figure 6A is a side view of an adjustable assembly of multiple fishing rod holdersset at a first length.

[0022] Figure 6B is a side view of an adjustable assembly of multiple fishing rod holdersset at a second length.

[0023] Figure 7A is a side view of a first step in attaching a fishing rod to a fishing rodholder assembly.

[0024] Figure 7B is a side view of a second step in attaching a fishing rod to a fishing rodholder assembly.

[0025] Figure 7C is a side view of a third step in attaching a fishing rod to a fishing rodholder assembly.

[0026] Figure 7D is a side view of a fourth step in attaching a fishing rod to a fishing rodholder assembly.

[0027] Figure 8 is a side view of an assembly of multiple fishing rod holders installed ina vehicle.

[0028] Figure 9 is an isometric view of an adjustable assembly of multiple fishing rodholders in use holding multiple fishing rods.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Disclosed herein is a fishing rod holder assembly and an assembly of multiplefishing rod holders. As described herein and in the claims, the following numbers referto the following structures as noted in the Figures.

[0030] 1 refers to a fishing rod.FISHING ROD HOLDER

[0031] 2 refers to an elastic cord.

[0032] 3 refers to a cylindrical handle of a rod.

[0033] 4 refers to a tapered surface.

[0034] 5 refers to a holder bracket.

[0035] 6 refers to a holder opening.

[0036] 7 refers to a fishing rod holder assembly.

[0037] 8 refers to a pull tab.

[0038] 9 refers to slots.

[0039] 10 refers to a connector bracket.

[0040] 11 refers to a telescoping beam.

[0041] 12 refers to a vacuum cup.

[0042] Figure 1 and Figure 2 show a fishing rod holder assembly in the free and activelyholding state respectively. The fishing rod holder assembly operates to hold a fishing rod(1) via displacement of an elastic cord (2) to exert a load on a surface of the cylindricalhandle or rod (3) of the fishing rod into the inside tapered surface (4) of the holder bracket(5). The tapered surface(s) (4) cause a camming or wedging action on the cylindricalhandle preventing it from twisting or becoming loose in the aforementioned taperedsection of the holder. While Figure 1 and Figure 2 show one embodiment of a fishingrod holder assembly, naturally, the shape, size, and profile of the holder can change basedon optimal solution geometry. Additionally, while an elastic cord (2) is shown, anynumber of different flexible materials may be utilized in place of an elastic cord – non-limiting examples of which include a string, a rope, a cable, and a zip-tie.

[0043] Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the fishing rod holder assembly (7). Thefishing rod holder assembly may include two holder brackets (5), which may be mountedto a connector bracket (10) which creates a fishing rod holder assembly (7). The connectorbracket (10) may allow for mounting on a telescoping beam (11), or a similar mountingsolution, including but not limited to MOLLE- or PALS-styled panels or walls. MOLLE– as used herein and in the claims – being an acronym for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment developed by the United States Army Soldier Systems Center(Natick) and used for load-bearing equipment and backpacks by several NATO armedforces. PALS – as used herein and in the claims – being an acronym for Pouch AttachmentLadder System – also developed by the United States Army Soldier Systems Center(Natick) and commonly used by NATO armed forces for attaching smaller equipmentonto load-bearing platforms such as a MOLLE panel. In certain embodiments, eachFISHING ROD HOLDERfishing rod holder bracket (5) may be attached directly to the interior or exterior of avehicle, or to a stationary wall, without the presence of a connector bracket (10). In suchembodiments the holder bracket may attach directly to a MOLLE- or PALS-styled panel.One example of a MOLLE- or PALS-styled panel or wall is disclosed in United StatesPatent No. 10,933,796 B2, the teachings of which are incorporated by reference hereinin their entirety.

[0044] The holder brackets (5) and connector bracket (10) can be joined by differentmeans, such as but not limited to screws, bolts and nuts, snap fits, twist fits, or adhesive.The two holder brackets (5) may be attached via a connector bracket (10) which acts toresolve the moment of a fishing rod center of gravity external to the mounting solution.Because of this it can be the sole mounting apparatus and no secondary fishing rodsupport further towards the front of the vehicle or storage area is necessary. There maybe no secondary support to thread the tip of the fishing rod through or place on topotentially damage it. The holder brackets (5) can be constructed of plastic, composite,metal, or any other rigid material. The connector bracket (10) can be constructed ofplastic, composite, metal, or any other rigid material.

[0045] Figure 4A through Figure 4C shows the adjustable tension aspect of the fishingrod holder in its multiple different settings. The rod holder brackets (5) may haveadjustable tension via changing the position of the elastic cord (2) using a handheld pulltab (8). This changes the level of mechanical advantage on the object being held allowinga variety of different diameter handles (3) or rod diameters to be held in a singularmechanism. The fixed end of the elastic cord is at the tapered surfaces while the movablepositions are at the opposite end of the holder (5) in order to create a large mechanicaladvantage for the user. This can consist of varying numbers of slots (9), pinholes, or aslider to change where the elastic cord terminates. The elastic cord (2) may be integral tothe holder bracket (5) and can be fully released from the slots (9) to remove all tensionon the fishing rod (1).

[0046] Figure 5 and Figures 6A and 6B show the overall assembly of one possible systemcomprising multiple fishing rod holder assemblies. The fishing rod holder assemblies (7)may be mounted to a telescoping beam (11) or similar mounting solution – such as aMOLLE- or PALS-styled panel. A varying number of fishing rod holder assemblies (7) canbe attached to the mounting solution to allow a different quantity of fishing rods to beinstalled. When the mounting solution is a telescoping beam, the telescoping beam allowsthe overall assembly to change width and fit in a variety of vehicles. Attached to the endFISHING ROD HOLDERof each telescoping tube may be a mounting solution, in this specific case a vacuum cup(12) which can attach to a variety of vehicle surfaces including, but not limited to, therear quarter window of a vehicle. This vacuum cup (12) secures each tube to opposingwindows. This resolves the moment of a center of gravity external to the solution.Utilizing a vacuum cup removes the need for modification to a vehicle or necessity forrear grab handles to mount the apparatus. Many modern wagons, SUVs and crossoverslack rear handles or mounting options. However, the mounting solution couldencompass many forms such as bolted or screwed bracketry or magnetics. The angle ofthe system and rod can be adjusted to best fit each and every vehicle as shown in Figure8.

[0047] As shown on Figure 7A through Figure 7D, installation of the fishing rod (1) intothe fishing rod holder assembly (7) is done by inserting the fishing rod (1) into theopening (6) of the rod holder (5), pushed into the elastic cord (2), displacing it past thetapered surfaces (4) and then moved down and back and rested into the tapered surfaces(4). Removal of the rod can be accomplished through the same motion in reverse orundoing the pull tab (8) and moving it through the opening (6) on the holder bracket (5)in order to have no tension on the handle (3).

[0048] The fishing rod holder assemblies described herein allow for safe, efficient, andeffective storage and transport of one or more fishing rods. By connecting the fishingrod(s) solely at the cylindrical handle to the pair of handle holding brackets, the need forthreading the flexible blank end of the fishing rod into a holder is eliminated. In addition,the variable tension provided by the elastic cord and the slots in the handle holdingbrackets allows for secure holding of fishing rods of varying shapes and sizes. The fishingrod holder assemblies may also be easily adapted to a variety of different vehicles usingdifferent mounting solutions such as a telescoping rod and / or a a MOLLE- or PALS-styled panel with or without a connector bracket.

[0049] While the fishing rod holder assembly has been described as having one or moreexemplary designs, the present assembly may be further modified within the spirit andscope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations,uses, or adaptations of the assembly using its general principles.

Claims

FISHING ROD HOLDERCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A fishing rod holder assembly comprising:two handle holding brackets, each of said handle holding bracketscomprising an opening and a tapered profile configured to hold a handleof a fishing rod in such a manner it prevents twisting;an adjustable handle holding tension member affixed at a first end tothe tapered profile and adjustable at a second end; andat least one mounting solution configured to connect the two handleholding brackets to a surface.

2. The fishing rod holder assembly of claim 1, wherein the fishing rod holderassembly is a singular support method of the fishing rod.

3. The fishing rod holder assembly of any of claims 1 to 2, comprising a plurality offishing rod holder assemblies, each fishing rod holder assembly thereof beingconnected to the mounting solution.

4. The fishing rod holder assembly of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mountingsolution comprises at least one rigid telescoping base section.

5. The fishing rod holder assembly of claim 4, further comprising at least twovacuum cups mounted to opposing ends of the rigid telescoping base section.

6. The fishing rod holder assembly of any of claims 4 to 5, further comprising atleast two rigid brackets mounted to opposing ends of the rigid telescoping basesection.

7. The fishing rod holder assembly of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mountingsolution comprises at least one MOLLE- or PALS-styled panel or wall.

8. The fishing rod holder assembly of any of claims 1 to 7, further comprising aconnecting bracket, wherein the two handle holding brackets are mounted adistance apart from each other on the connecting bracket, and wherein theconnecting bracket is configured to connect to the mounting solution.

9. The fishing rod holder assembly of any of claims 1 to 8, the fishing rod holderassembly is fixed within a vehicle interior.

10. The fishing rod holder assembly of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fishing rodholder assembly is fixed to a boat.FISHING ROD HOLDER11. The fishing rod holder assembly of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fishing rodholder assembly is fixed to a stationary wall.

12. The fishing rod holder assembly of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the fishing rodis held in a horizontal or vertical configuration.

Images