| |
| United States Patent
|
7,383,658 |
| Reichert , et al. |
June 10, 2008 |
Fishing rod and reel protection systems
Abstract
A housing system related to the protective housing of a fishing
rod and reel, particularly, a fly-fishing rod and reel, during
transport. The system comprises a two-part housing adapted to
separately compartmentalize the fishing rod and attached fishing
reel. A specialized access slot allows easy installation into, and
removal from, the housing. The specialized access slot also
functions to fixably suspend the fishing reel in the housing
interior, thus providing improved protection against damage during
transport. A method of manufacture and sale is also disclosed.
| Inventors: |
Reichert; Michael T.
(Phoenix, AZ), Pimsner; John R. (Phoenix, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
|
11/330,981 |
| Filed: |
January 11, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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60643216 |
Jan., 2005 |
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| Current U.S.
Class: |
43/26 |
| Field of
Search: |
43/26,21.2,54.1
206/315.11,315.1,315.2 220/324 224/922 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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1604273 |
|
Dec., 1981 |
|
GB |
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2224916 |
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May., 1990 |
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GB |
|
Primary Examiner: Luu; Teri Pham
Assistant Examiner: Michener; Joshua
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman Volk Patent Group Stoneman; Martin L. Volk, Jr.;
Michael D.
Parent Case Text
The present application is related to and claims priority from prior
provisional application Ser. No. 60/643,216, filed Jan. 11, 2005,
entitled "FISHING ROD AND REEL PROTECTION SYSTEMS", the content of
which is incorporated herein by this reference and is not admitted
to be prior art with respect to the present invention by the mention
in this cross-reference section.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A housing system, related to the protective housing of at least
one fishing rod having at least one rod portion and at least one
attached reel portion, wherein the at least one attached reel
portion comprises at least one spool portion and at least one
rod-mountable foot extending from the at least one spool portion,
said system comprising: a) at least one encasement to substantially
encase the at least one fishing rod; b) wherein said at least one
encasement comprises i) at least one first compartment adapted to
compartmentalize the at least one rod portion, ii) at least one
second compartment, having at least one second opening, adapted to
compartmentalize substantially all of the at least one attached reel
portion, iii) at least one passage having at least one first opening
adapted to allow passage of the at least one rod portion through
only said at least one first compartment to a position of
substantial encasement within said at least one first compartment,
and iv) at least one continuous blocker adapted to continuously
block the removal of the at least one rod portion from said at least
one first compartment when at least one portion of the at least one
attached reel portion is compartmentalized within said at least one
second compartment; v) wherein said at least one passage comprises
at least one interstitial channel connecting said at least one first
compartment with said at least one second compartment; vi) wherein
said at least one interstitial channel comprises at least one foot
contact adapted to contact essentially only the at least one
rod-mountable foot of the at least one attached reel portion; vii)
wherein said at least one foot contact comprises at least one fixed
suspender adapted to assist fixed suspension of the at least one
spool portion within said at least one second compartment; viii)
wherein said at least one encasement further comprises (1) at least
one elongated tubular sleeve comprising, (2) at least one first end,
(3) at least one second end, and (4) at least one tubular wall,
having at least one first longitudinal axis, (5) wherein said at
least one elongated tubular sleeve defines said at least one first
compartment; and (6) at least one cylindrical sleeve comprising (a)
at least one cylindrical wall, having at least one second
longitudinal axis, (b) wherein said at least one cylindrical sleeve
defines said at least one second compartment; (7) wherein said at
least one elongated tubular sleeve and said at least one cylindrical
sleeve are conjoined; (8) wherein said at least one first end
comprises said at least one opening; (9) wherein both said at least
one elongated tubular sleeve and said at least one cylindrical
sleeve comprise said at least one interstitial channel; (10) wherein
said at least one elongated tubular sleeve comprises an essentially
L-shaped slot aperture having at least one first slot portion and at
least one second slot portion; (11) wherein said at least one first
slot portion extends from said at least one first end, essentially
parallel with said at least one first longitudinal axis; (12)
wherein said at least one second slot portion extends from said at
least one first slot portion, essentially parallel with said at
least one second longitudinal axis; (13) wherein said at least one
second slot portion comprises said at least one interstitial
channel; ix) wherein said at least one foot contact of said at least
one interstitial channel comprises at least one size-matcher adapted
to size-match said at least one foot contact to the at least one
rod-mountable foot of the at least one attached reel portion.
2. The housing system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one
size-matcher comprises at least one interstitial channel width.
3. The housing system according to claim 1 wherein: a) said at least
one first compartment has an interior length of about thirty inches;
and b) said at least one first compartment has an interior diameter
of about one-and-one-half inches.
4. The housing system according to claim 1 wherein: a) said at least
one second compartment has an interior length of about two inches;
b) said at least one second compartment has an interior diameter of
about three-and-one-half inches; c) said at least one interstitial
channel is about centered adjacent said at least one second
longitudinal axis; and d) said at least one second longitudinal axis
is located about two-and-one-half inches from said at least one
first end.
5. The housing system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one
passage comprises at least one guide structured and arranged to
guide the at least one reel portion to a position within said at
least one second compartment.
6. The housing system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one
encasement comprises at least one support adapted to support said at
least one encasement from at least one body-portion of a user.
7. The housing system according to claim 1 wherein: a) said at least
one encasement further comprises at least one removable cover
adapted to removably cover said at least one second opening.
8. The housing system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one
encasement further comprises at least one substantially rigid
material.
9. The housing system according to claim 8 wherein said at least one
substantially rigid material comprises at least one plastic.
10. The housing system according to claim 1 wherein said at least
one first longitudinal axis and said at least one second
longitudinal axis are essentially perpendicular.
Description
BACKGROUND
This invention relates to providing a system for improved protection
of fishing rods and reels.
There are a great variety of fishing rods available and each rod has
its own specific rod and reel arrangement. Fly-fishing rods and
reels have a unique arrangement as the fly-fishing rod and reel is
proportioned differently than other types of fishing rods and reels.
On a fly-fishing rod, the mounting for the reel portion is located
very near the end of the rod (since a fly-fishing rod is typically
gripped only slightly above the reel) between the reel and the rod
eyelets. On other commonly used rods, such as spin-casing rods, the
reel is mounted about a third of the way up the rod (as the rod is
gripped by the handle portion below the reel) typically extending
some distance beyond the reel.
Typically, fishing rods must be transported to and from the point of
use. During transportation, the rod and reel are susceptible to
damage. Designing a system to limit the amount of damage and
unnecessary contact of the rod and reel with potentially damaging
elements during transport would greatly benefit many fishing
sportsmen.
OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION
A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide
a system to overcome the above-described problems.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a system related to the protective housing of at least
one fishing rod comprising at least one rod portion and at least one
attached reel portion, the at least one attached reel portion
comprising at least one spool portion and at least one rod-mountable
foot extending from the at least one spool portion. It is a further
object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system
that separately compartmentalizes the fishing rod and reel. It is
another object and feature of the present invention to provide such
a system that isolates the fishing reel from the protective housing
by contacting essentially only the rod-mounted foot of the reel. It
is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide
such a system that allows quick installation to, and removal of, the
fishing rod and reel from the protective housing. It is yet another
object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system
adapted to protectively house a fly-fishing rod and reel.
A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to
provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive, and handy.
Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent
with reference to the following descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention
provides a housing system, related to the protective housing of at
least one fishing rod having at least one rod portion and at least
one attached reel portion, wherein the at least one attached reel
portion comprises at least one spool portion and at least one
rod-mountable foot extending from the at least one spool portion,
such system comprising: encasement means for substantially encasing
the at least one fishing rod; wherein such encasement means
comprises, first compartment means for compartmentalizing the at
least one rod portion, second compartment means, having at least one
second opening, for compartmentalizing substantially all of the at
least one attached reel portion, passage means having at least one
first opening for allowing passage of the at least one rod portion
through only such first compartment means to a position of
substantial encasement within such first compartment means, and
continuous blocker means for continuously blocking the removal of
the at least one rod portion from such first compartment means when
any portion of the at least one attached reel portion is
compartmentalized within such second compartment means.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a housing system, related to the protective
housing of at least one fishing rod having at least one rod portion
and at least one attached reel portion, wherein the at least one
attached reel portion comprises at least one spool portion and at
least one rod-mountable foot extending from the at least one spool
portion, such system comprising: at least one encasement to
substantially encase the at least one fishing rod; wherein such at
least one encasement comprises, at least one first compartment
adapted to compartmentalize the at least one rod portion, at least
one second compartment, having at least one second opening, adapted
to compartmentalize substantially all of the at least one attached
reel portion, at least one passage having at least one first opening
adapted to allow passage of the at least one rod portion through
only such at least one first compartment to a position of
substantial encasement within such at least one first compartment,
and at least one continuous blocker adapted to continuously block
the removal of the at least one rod portion from such at least one
first compartment when any portion of the at least one attached reel
portion is compartmentalized within such at least one second
compartment.
Moreover, it provides such a housing system wherein such at least
one passage comprises at least one interstitial channel adapted to
provide at least one interstitial channel connecting such at least
one first compartment with such at least one second compartment.
Additionally, it provides such a housing system wherein such at
least one first opening comprises at least one removable blocker
adapted to removably block access to or from such at least one first
opening. Also, it provides such a housing system wherein such at
least one passage comprises at least one guide structured and
arranged to guide the at least one reel portion to a position within
such at least one second compartment.
In addition, it provides such a housing system wherein such at least
one encasement comprises at least one support adapted to support
such at least one encasement from at least one body-portion of a
user. And, it provides such a housing system wherein: such at least
one encasement further comprises at least one removable cover
adapted to substantially removably cover such at least one second
opening. Further, it provides such a housing system wherein: such at
least one interstitial channel comprises at least one foot contact
adapted to contact essentially only the at least one rod-mountable
foot of the at least one attached reel portion; and such at least
one foot contact comprises at least one fixed suspender adapted to
assist fixed suspension of the at least one spool portion within
such at least one second compartment.
Even further, it provides such a housing system wherein such at
least one encasement further comprises: at least one elongated
tubular sleeve comprising, at least one first end, at least one
second end, and at least one tubular wall, having at least one first
longitudinal axis, wherein such at least one elongated tubular
sleeve defines such at least one first compartment; and at least one
cylindrical sleeve comprising, at least one cylindrical wall, having
at least one second longitudinal axis, wherein such at least one
cylindrical sleeve defines such at least one second compartment;
wherein such at least one elongated tubular sleeve and such at least
one cylindrical sleeve are conjoined; wherein such at least one
first end comprises such at least one opening; and wherein both such
at least one elongated tubular sleeve and such at least one
cylindrical sleeve comprises such at least one interstitial channel.
Moreover, it provides such a housing system wherein such at least
one encasement further comprises at least one substantially rigid
material.
Additionally, it provides such a housing system wherein such at
least one substantially rigid material comprises plastic. Also, it
provides such a housing system wherein such at least one first
longitudinal axis and such at least one second longitudinal axis are
essentially perpendicular. In addition, it provides such a housing
system wherein: such at least one elongated tubular sleeve comprises
an essentially "L"-shaped slot aperture having at least one first
slot portion and at least one second slot portion; such at least one
first slot portion extends from such at least one first end,
essentially parallel with such at least one first longitudinal axis;
and such at least one second slot portion extends from such at least
one first slot portion, essentially parallel with such at least one
second longitudinal axis.
And, it provides such a housing system wherein such at least one
second slot portion comprises such at least one interstitial
channel. Further, it provides such a housing system wherein: such at
least one foot contact of such at least one interstitial channel
comprises at least one size-matcher adapted to size-match such at
least one foot contact to the at least one rod-mountable foot of the
at least one attached reel portion. Even further, it provides such a
housing system wherein such at least one size-matcher comprises at
least one interstitial channel width.
Even further, it provides such a housing system wherein: such at
least one first compartment has an interior length of about thirty
inches; and such at least one first compartment has an interior
diameter of about one-and-one-half inches. Even further, it provides
such a housing system wherein: such at least one second compartment
has an interior length of about two inches; such at least one second
compartment has an interior diameter of about three-and-one-half
inches; such at least one interstitial channel is about centered
adjacent such at least one second longitudinal axis; and such at
least one second longitudinal axis is located about two-and-one-half
inches from such at least one first end.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a method related to the protective housing of at
least one fishing rod comprising at least one rod portion and at
least one attachable reel portion, the at least one attachable reel
portion comprising at least one spool portion and at least one rod
mountable foot extending from the at least one spool portion, such
method comprising the steps of: identifying a commercially available
plurality of the at least one attachable reel portions; assembling
measurement data for each at least one rod-mountable foot of such
commercially available plurality; designing and manufacturing, based
on such measurement data, at least one rod and reel protection
system to protectively hold the at least one fishing rod attached to
a specific one of such commercially available plurality of the at
least one attachable reel portions, such at least one rod and reel
protection system comprising, at least one first compartment adapted
to compartmentalize the at least one rod portion, at least one
second compartment adapted to compartmentalize substantially all of
the at least one attachable reel portion, and at least one passage
adapted to allow passage of the at least one attachable reel
portion, to a position of substantial encasement within such at
least one second compartment, wherein such at least one passage
comprises at least one selected passage size adapted match each such
at least one rod mountable foot of the commercially available
plurality of the at least one attachable reel portions, and wherein
such at least one selected size assists in isolating the at least
one spool portion from essentially all contact with such at least
one second compartment; and offering for sale such at least one rod
and reel protection system. And it further provides a method
comprising the step of offering for sale with such at least one rod
and reel protection system at least one fishing rod and fishing reel
comprising the at least one rod portion and the at least one
attachable reel portion.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention
provides each and every novel feature, element, combination, step
and/or method disclosed or suggested by this provisional patent
application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a rod and reel protection system
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows perspective view of a typical fly-fishing reel and
partial perspective view of a fly-fishing rod.
FIG. 3 shows a sectional view, through a longitudinal section of the
rod and reel protection system protectively encasing the typical
fly-fishing reel and fly-fishing rod of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the typical fly-fishing reel and
fly-fishing rod of FIG. 2 partially inserted into the rod and reel
protection system, according to a preferred step in the method of
using the present invention.
FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the typical fly-fishing reel and
fly-fishing rod of FIG. 2 partially inserted into the rod and reel
protection system, according to a preferred step in the method of
using the present invention.
FIG. 6 shows perspective view of the typical fly-fishing reel and
fly-fishing rod of FIG. 5 protectively encased within the rod and
reel protection system, according to a preferred step in the method
of using the present invention.
FIG. 7 shows a side view of the rod and reel protection system
according to the embodiment of FIG. 1.
FIG. 8 shows a sectional view through the section 8-8 of FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 shows a sectional view through the section 9-9 of FIG. 7.
FIG. 10 shows a diagram illustrating a preferred method of
designing, manufacturing and selling the rod and reel protection
system according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF
THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of rod and reel protection system
100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Preferably, rod and reel protection system 100 is adapted to
protectively encase a fishing rod having an attached reel during
transportation. Most preferably, rod and reel protection system 100
is adapted to protectively encase a fly-fishing rod and fly-fishing
reel, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as, user
preference, commercial trends, etc., arrangements to protectively
house other fishing rod and reel combinations, such as, for example,
spin-casting rods/reels, open faced rods/reels, bait-casting
rods/reels, game fishing rods/reels, etc. may suffice.
Preferably, rod and reel protection system 100 comprises; housing
102, first compartment cover 104, and second compartment cover 106,
as shown. Preferably, outer housing 102 (at least embodying herein
encasement means for substantially encasing the at least one fishing
rod with attached reel) is arranged to comprise two essentially
separate interior compartments, as shown. Preferably, outer housing
102 comprises first compartment 108 adapted to protectively encase
the rod portion of a fly-fishing rod and reel, and second
compartment 110 adapted to protectively encase essentially all of
the fly-fishing reel portion of the fly-fishing rod and reel (see
also FIG. 3 for additional illustrations presenting preferred use of
the present invention).
Preferably, first compartment 108 comprises an elongated tubular
sleeve consisting of one open end 112, and one closed end 114, as
shown. Preferably, first compartment 108 is enclosed by outer wall
116, preferably constructed from at least one protective material.
Preferably, exterior wall 116 comprises a lightweight and
substantially rigid material with plastic being preferred. Most
preferably, exterior wall 116 comprises an impact resistant moldable
plastic such as Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) or
Poly-Vinyl-Chloride (PVC). Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues
such as, consumer preference, intended use, etc., other material
selections, such as, for example, other plastics including nylon or
polyamide, polycarbonate, polyethylene (PE), polyethylene
terepthalate glycol (PETG), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, PTFE,
polyurethane or urethane, resin/fabric composites such as carbon
fiber, aluminum, wood, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, first compartment 108 comprises first longitudinal axis
118, as shown. Preferably, first longitudinal axis 118 runs through
the center of first compartment 108 preferably defining the primary
axis of rotation for exterior wall 116, as shown.
Preferably, housing 102 further comprises second compartment 110, as
shown. Preferably, second compartment 110 comprises cylindrical wall
120 forming a hollow cylinder for protectively housing the
fly-fishing reel portion of the fly-fishing rod and reel, as shown.
Preferably, cylindrical wall 120 is generally cup-shaped comprising
open side 130 and closed side 132, as shown. Cylindrical wall 120 is
preferably constructed from a similar lightweight and protective
material as outer wall 116 with plastic being preferred. Preferably,
second compartment 110 comprises second longitudinal axis 122, as
shown. Preferably, second longitudinal axis 122 runs through the
center of second compartment 110, preferably defining the axis of
rotation for cylindrical wall 120, as shown.
Preferably, cylindrical wall 120 of second compartment 110 is
permanently joined with outer wall 116 of first compartment 108, as
shown. Most preferably, cylindrical wall 120 and outer wall 116
comprise a single one-piece molding, as shown. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as, cost of materials, material selection,
etc., other compartment joining arrangements, such as, permanent
bonding of multiple extrusions or moldings, removable attachment
using mechanical connectors, flexible attachment using elastic
materials, etc., may suffice. Preferably, cylindrical wall 120 is
joined with outer wall 116 such that first longitudinal axis 118 is
situated essentially perpendicular with second longitudinal axis
122, as shown.
Additional protection is afforded to second compartment 110 by
installing second compartment cover 106, as shown. Preferably,
second compartment cover 106 comprises a substantially flexible
cover 128 having an interior pocket-like portion adapted to closely
surround cylindrical wall 120. Preferably, flexible cover 128
comprises elastic structures adapted to assist in maintaining second
compartment cover 106 in place and to assist in maintaining the reel
within second compartment 110. Upon reading the teachings of this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues
such as, intended use, reel design, etc., other protective cover
arrangements, such as, for example, rigid covers, zippered covers,
swing-away covers, lanyard attachments, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, open end 112 of housing 102 comprises passage 124, as
shown. Preferably, passage 124 extends along outer wall 116 before
turning to intersect second compartment 110. Passage 124 is thus
preferably arranged to couple the rod-encasing interior of first
compartment 108 with the reel-encasing second compartment 110, as
shown.
Preferably, open end 112 is protectively covered by end cap 104, as
shown (at least embodying herein at least one removable cover
adapted to removably cover such at least one passage). Preferably,
end cap 104 comprises a removable cover having an interior diameter
sized to fit over the outer diameter of outer wall 116. Preferably,
end cap 104 is retained to outer wall 116 by a frictional engagement
with outer wall 116. Preferably, end cap 104 further comprises cap
extension 126 adapted to protectively cover passage 124 when
installed over open end 112. Preferably, cap extension 126 is
further adapted to assist in securely positioning the reel within
second compartment 110. Additionally, cap extension 126 comprises a
preferred shape complementary to passage 124 to provide a smooth
essentially seamless appearance to outer wall 116 when coupled
together/installed. Preferably, end cap 104 comprises a lightweight
and substantially rigid material with plastic being preferred. Most
preferably, exterior wall 116 comprises an impact resistant moldable
plastic such as acrylic, butyrate (ABS) or poly vinyl chloride (PVC)
matching housing 102.
In addition, housing 102 preferably comprises shoulder strap 134, as
shown. Preferably, shoulder strap 134 allows rod and reel protection
system 100 to be conveniently supported by the user during
transport. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those
with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as, user
preference, transporting requirements, etc., other user support
arrangements, such as, for example, handles, belt clips, hook and
loop fasteners, etc., may suffice.
FIG. 2 shows perspective view of a typical fly-fishing reel 136 and
partial perspective view of a fly-fishing rod 138. The typical
fly-fishing reel 136 shown in the Figures herein comprises a spool
140 mounted on a spool carrier 142, as shown. Mounting foot 144
extends from spool carrier 142 to allow fly-fishing reel 136 to be
mountable to fly-fishing rod 138, as shown.
Clamping fly-fishing reel 136 to fly-fishing rod 138 is accomplished
using a stationary clamping sleeve 146 mounted near the end of
fly-fishing rod 138, and having a slot into which one end of
mounting foot 144 slips, and slidable clamping sleeve 148 with a
slot into which the other end of mounting foot 144 slips. Slidable
clamping sleeve 148 is guided towards the stationary sleeve by
rotating threaded nut 150 and mating (engaging) threaded portion of
fly-fishing rod 138, as shown. Thus, mounting foot 144 of
fly-fishing reel 136 is clamped and held stationary within and
between stationary clamping sleeve 146 and slidable clamping sleeve
148 of fly-fishing reel 136, as shown. This customary means of
clamping fly-fishing reel 136 to fly-fishing rod 138 results in a
portion of mounting foot 144, located between fly-fishing rod 138
and fly-fishing reel 136, to remain accessibly exposed.
FIG. 3 shows a sectional view, through a longitudinal section of rod
and reel protection system 100 protectively encasing fly-fishing
reel 136 and fly-fishing rod 138 of FIG. 2. Preferably, passage 124
comprises interstitial channel 152 joining first compartment 108
with second compartment 110, as shown (at least embodying herein
wherein such at least one passage comprises at least one
interstitial channel adapted to provide at least one interstitial
channel connecting such at least one first compartment with such at
least one second compartment). Preferably, interstitial channel 152
is structured and arranged to closely fit about mounting foot 144 of
fly-fishing reel 136, as shown. The preferred width of interstitial
channel 152 is matched to the width of mounting foot 144 to allow
fly-fishing reel 136 to be easily installed/removed from second
compartment 110 while effectively restraining potentially damaging
movement of fly-fishing reel 136 during transport (this arrangement
at least embodies herein at least one size matcher adapted to size
match such at least one foot contact to the at least one rod
mountable foot of the at least one attached reel portion).
Preferably, the physical size and shape of interstitial channel 152
is matched with the physical size and shape of mounting foot 144, as
shown, to provide steady positioning of fly-fishing reel 136 within
housing 102, such that only mounting foot 144 contacts housing 102,
as shown. Preferably, fly-fishing reel 136 is isolated from contact
with housing 102 (this arrangement at least embodies herein wherein
such at least one interstitial channel comprises at least one foot
contact adapted to contact essentially only the at least one
rod-mountable foot of the at least one attached reel portion). This
unique and preferred suspension or "floating" arrangement of
fly-fishing reel 136 within housing 102 significantly improves
protection of the reel during transport (at least embodying herein
wherein such at least one foot contact comprises at least one fixed
suspender adapted to assist fixed suspension of the at least one
spool portion within such at least one second compartment).
For convenience, most fly-fishing-fishing rods are designed to break
into smaller, manageable segments, as shown. Preferably, the
interior diameter and length of first compartment 108 is adapted
allow storage of fly-fishing rod 138 when broken down into segments,
as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those of
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user
preference, intended use, etc., other housing configurations, such
as, housing compartments adapted to receive a full-length
(un-segmented) rod, multiple compartments to compartmentalize
individual rod segments, etc., may suffice.
Preferably, fixed end cover 154, comprises an interior diameter
sized to fit over the outer diameter of outer wall 116, and is
permanently bonded to closed end 114 of first compartment 108, as
shown. Preferably, fixed end cover 154 comprises a lightweight and
substantially rigid material. Most preferably, exterior wall 116
comprises a material matching outer wall 116, with impact resistant
moldable plastic being most preferred. Upon reading the teachings of
this specification, those of ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as preferred molding methods, intended use, etc., other end
closure arrangements, such as, integrally molded closures, removable
closures, closures comprising addition storage compartments, etc.,
may suffice.
FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of fly-fishing rod 138 and attached
fly-fishing reel 136 partially inserted into rod and reel protection
system 100, according to a preferred step in the method of using the
present invention. Advantages of rod and reel protection system 100
are clearly illustrated by describing the system during use.
Preferred arrangements of rod and reel protection system 100 allow
fly-fishing rod 138 and attached fly-fishing reel 136 to be quickly
and conveniently installed within, and removed from, housing 102, as
illustration in the following Figures.
Preferably, fly-fishing rod 138 and attached fly-fishing reel 136
are protectively positioned within housing 102 by initially
inserting the end of fly-fishing rod 138 (opposite fly-fishing reel
136) by passing the end of fly-fishing rod 138 into open end 112 of
first compartment 108, as shown. Preferably, as fly-fishing rod 138
moves into first compartment 108 mounting foot 144 (of fly-fishing
reel 136) is positioned to generally align with passage 124 (of
outer wall 116), as shown.
FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of fly-fishing rod 138 and attached
fly-fishing reel 136 partially inserted into rod and reel protection
system 100, according to a subsequent preferred step in the method
of using the present invention. Preferably, fly-fishing rod 138 and
attached fly-fishing reel 136 are advanced forward into housing 102
with fly-fishing rod 138 moving further into first compartment 108
and fly-fishing reel 136 approaching second compartment 110, guided
by mounting foot 144 moving along passage 124, as shown (at least
embodying herein wherein such at least one passage comprises at
least one guide structured and arranged to guide the at least one
reel portion to a position within such at least one second
compartment). As mounting foot 144 moves to a stopped position
adjacent second compartment 110, passage 124 transitions from a slot
having a linear orientation essentially parallel with first
longitudinal axis 118 to a slot comprising interstitial channel 152
having a linear orientation following the outer diameter of exterior
wall 116 and substantially parallel with second longitudinal axis
122, as shown. Preferably, fly-fishing rod 138 and attached
fly-fishing reel 136 are rotated to place fly-fishing reel 136
within second compartment 110, as shown.
FIG. 6 shows perspective view of fly-fishing rod 138 and attached
fly-fishing reel 136 protectively encased within rod and reel
protection system 100, according to a preferred method of using the
present invention. Preferably, in such protected position (of FIG.
6), fly-fishing rod 138 and attached fly-fishing reel 136 are
essentially ready for transport. It should be noted that fly-fishing
rod 138 passes only through first compartment 108 during
installation. Preferably, the user places the remaining segments of
fly-fishing rod 138 within first compartment 108 and secures end cap
104 over open end 112 (see FIG. 3). User may also install second
compartment cover 106 over second compartment 110 to provide yet
further protection to fly-fishing rod 138 and attached fly-fishing
reel 136 during transport.
Following the above-described steps in reverse removes fly-fishing
rod 138 and attached fly-fishing reel 136 from housing 102. It
should be noted that that users of rod and reel protection system
100 will generally be able to perform the above-described
installation and removal steps in a matter of seconds rather than
minutes. It is also significant to note that even without the
installation of end cap 104 and second compartment cover 106,
attached fly-fishing reel 136 is essentially "locked" within housing
102 as long as any portion of fly-fishing reel 136 is contained
within second compartment 110, as shown (this arrangement at least
embodies herein continuous blocker means for continuously blocking
the removal of the at least one rod portion from such first
compartment means when any portion of the at least one attached reel
portion is compartmentalized within such second compartment means).
FIG. 7 shows a side view of the rod and reel protection system 100
according to the embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 shows a sectional view
through the section 8-9 of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 shows a sectional view
through the section 9-9 of FIG. 7. Referring to FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and
FIG. 9, preferred embodiments of rod and reel protection system 100
are generically sized to accommodate the physical storage
requirements of a plurality of commercially available fishing rods
and reels. In addition, alternate preferred embodiments of rod and
reel protection system 100 are adapted to house a specific rod and
reel combination (or group of similarly dimensioned combination rod
and reels). Moreover, preferred embodiments of rod and reel
protection system 100 are preferably supplied in the form of a
packaged rod and/or reel kit. It should be noted that the dimensions
of FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9 are representative of only one
preferred illustrative embodiment and that other embodiments
comprising other preferred dimensions are within the scope of the
present invention.
Preferably, first compartment 108 of housing 102 comprises an
overall length "A" of about 30 inches and an interior diameter "B"
of about 11/2 inches. Preferably, second compartment 110 comprises
an inner diameter "C" of about 31/2 inches and an interior depth "D"
of about 2 inches. Preferably, passage 124 (extending from open end
112 essentially parallel with first longitudinal axis 118) comprises
a slot width "E" of about one half inch. Passage 124 preferably
turns to essentially align with second longitudinal axis 122 and
form interstitial channel 152 having a slot width "F" of about
1-inch. Preferably, interstitial channel 152 is approximately
centered on second longitudinal axis 122, as shown.
Thus it is illustrated that passage 124 preferably comprises an
essentially "L"-shaped slot aperture having at least one first slot
portion and at least one second slot portion (interstitial channel
152); such at least one first slot portion extending from a first
end (open end 112) of first compartment 108 essentially parallel
with such at least first longitudinal axis (first longitudinal axis
118); and such at least one second slot portion (interstitial
channel 152) extending from such at least one first slot portion
essentially parallel with such at least one second longitudinal axis
(second longitudinal axis 122).
Preferably, interstitial channel 152 extends past first longitudinal
axis 118 a distance "G" of about 9/16 inch. Preferably, the linear
distance "H" as measured between longitudinal axis 122 and open end
112 is about 21/2 inches.
FIG. 10 shows a diagram illustrating a preferred method of
designing, manufacturing and selling rod and reel protection system
100 according to the present invention. As previously discussed,
housing 102 of rod and reel protection system 100 is adapted to
closely engage mounting foot 144 of fly-fishing reel 136. Many
popular reels comprise unique dimensional characteristics and thus
require specific housing arrangements within the present invention.
The development of reel and rod specific embodiments is accomplished
by means of the following preferred method of the present invention.
First, a source entity identifies a plurality of commercially
available fishing reels as illustrated in step 202. Preferably, the
source entity gathers physical measurement data on available reel
models from a variety of target manufactures. In some cases, the
source entity may receive physical data directly from manufacturers,
for example, after entering into an agreement with a reel
manufacturer to supply rod and reel protection systems for OEM
(Original Equipment Manufacturer) branding and distribution.
Preferably, after the source entity has assembled measurement data
for each target reel, the source entity designs and manufactures,
based on the measurement data, rod and reel protection systems 100
matched to each specific reel model/brand as indicated in step 204.
Preferably, the step 204 comprises such actions as; contracting with
one or more manufacturers capable of producing the specific rod and
reel protection systems 100, providing design specifications
generated from the gathered measurement data, providing product
shipping data allowing the manufacturer to distribute finished
product to retail sites, etc.
Finally, source entity offers rod and reel protection system 100 for
sale as indicated in step 206. Preferably, reel protection system
100 is offered for sale independently of the reel to be contained.
Alternately, as preferred aspect of the sale step 206 as embodied
herein, reel protection system 100 may be sold in combination with
fly-fishing rod 138 and/or fly-fishing reel 136.
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments
of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of
this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and
sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims
as read in connection with the above specification.
Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and
the below claims.
* * * * *
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