Abstract:
A combined fishing rod and beverage holder for insertion into and removal from an opening in a marine vessel is disclosed. The combined fishing rod and beverage holder includes a substantially tubular hollow cylindrical member which is formed with an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has a diameter which is larger than the diameter of the lower portion. The diameter of the upper portion enables a beverage container with or without an insulating jacket to be placed within and retained within the upper portion of the combined rod and beverage holder. The upper portion includes an outwardly projecting flange which includes apertures through which fasteners can be placed to secure the combined rod and beverage holder to a surface, such as a gunwale of a marine vessel. Other types or secure devices can also be employed to secure the combined rod and beverage holder to any surface.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The instant invention relates to holders for both fishing rods and beverage containers. In particular the invention relates to a fishing rod holder which is used in conjunction with marine craft, i.e. boats, and can also function to hold and retain a beverage container, i.e. a soda can or bottle. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Marine craft, such as boats, are available in many styles and include many different features for the convenience and comfort of the operator and passengers. Many marine craft include beverage holders for the convenience of the passengers. Other marine craft, such as fishing boats, include fishing rod holders mounted into the structure of the boat. These fishing rod holders are usually mounted into the gunwale along the sides of the boat and also along the stern. The diameter of the fishing rod holders is normally slightly larger than the largest diameter fishing rod which could be used on that particular boat. Fishing rod holders are available in only a few different sizes. This is mainly because the fishing rod holder must be designed to hold and retain the fishing rod during all types of conditions that would be encountered during a fishing expedition. If the fishing rod holder were too large in diameter, the fishing rod could be readily removed from the rod holder when the boat encountered large waves or when an extremely large fish became hooked up. 
         [0003]    The fishing rod holder diameters cannot be too small either. The small diameter would prevent the ease of removal of the fishing rod from the holder once a fish has taken the bait and became hooked up. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
       [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,919,316 discloses a fishing rod holder for insertion into an existing beverage holder opening in a boat for the purpose of receiving and supporting the handle end of a fishing rod. The fishing rod holder includes a tubular body member having a flange at its upper end and a tubular receiver secured within the body member. The handle end of the fishing rod can be inserted into and retained within the tubular receiver. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,738 discloses a device for use by fishermen in and around fishing docks and boats which is designed to securely hold one or more fishing rods along with a beverage container. The device is of compact, integral metallic construction and includes a pair of fishing rod-receiving bodies each equipped with a beverage container-engaging segment rigidly secured thereto. The bodies are in turn supported for releasable connection to a rail or the like by means of an elongated channel of inverted, U-shaped configuration. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,200,967 discloses a device for insertion into an existing beverage holder opening in a boat, and receiving and supporting a handle of any length of a fishing rod. The device includes a cup and a tube. The cup is inserted into the existing beverage holder opening in the boat. The tube extends into, and upwardly, at an angle from, the cup, receives and supports the handle of the fishing rod, and has a bottom that is open so as to allow the handle of any length of the fishing rod to pass therethrough and be received and supported by the tube. 
         [0007]    U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2006/0261234 discloses a beverage holder that removably engages a fishing rod holder. In one embodiment, the beverage holder includes a beverage receiving portion and a rod holder mating portion orientated at an acute angle relative to a center line of the beverage receiving portion. The beverage receiving portion is configured to retain a beverage container in a beverage container receiving pocket. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    A combined fishing rod and beverage holder for insertion into and removal from an opening in a marine vessel is disclosed. The combined fishing rod and beverage holder includes a substantially tubular hollow cylindrical member which is formed with an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has a diameter which is larger than the diameter of the lower portion. The diameter of the upper portion enables a beverage container with or without an insulating jacket to be placed within and retained within the upper portion of the combined rod and beverage holder. The upper portion includes an outwardly projecting flange which includes apertures through which fasteners can be placed to secure the combined rod and beverage holder to a surface, such as a gunwale of a marine vessel. Other types or secure devices can also be employed to secure the combined rod and beverage holder to any surface. 
         [0009]    Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to provide a device which is a combined fishing rod and beverage container holder. 
         [0010]    It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide a combined fishing rod and beverage container holder which can be readily secured to a surface such as a gunwale of a marine vessel. 
         [0011]    It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide a combined fishing rod and beverage container holder wherein the beverage holder can readily hold and retain a beverage container with or without an insulating jacket on the beverage container. 
         [0012]    It is a still further objective of the invention to provide a combined fishing rod and beverage container holder wherein a device is provided in the fishing rod holder which prevents rotation of the fishing rod while it is positioned within the rod holder. 
         [0013]    It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide a combined fishing rod and beverage container holder wherein the beverage holder includes a resilient ring or washer to retain the beverage container. 
         [0014]    It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide a combined fishing rod and beverage container holder wherein the beverage holder includes a plurality of resilient members to retain the beverage container. 
         [0015]    It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide a combined fishing rod and beverage container holder including an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion is secured to the upper portion at an angle with respect to the centerline of the upper and lower portions. 
         [0016]    Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention with a fishing rod; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2 . is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention with a beverage container; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a side view of a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a front end view of a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a rear end view of a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a top view of a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention with a fishing rod; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention with a beverage container; 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a side view of a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a front view of a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a rear view of a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is a top view of a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  is a bottom view of a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  is a side view of a third embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 16  is a top view of a third embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 17  is a bottom view of third embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 18  is a top perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention including a fishing rod; 
           [0035]      FIG. 19  is a top perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention including a beverage container; 
           [0036]      FIG. 20  is a side view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 21  is front view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 22  is a rear view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 23  is a top view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 24  is a bottom view of fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 25  is a top perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention including a fishing rod; 
           [0042]      FIG. 26  is a top perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention including a beverage container; 
           [0043]      FIG. 27  is a side view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 28  is a front view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0045]      FIG. 29  is a rear view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 30  is a top view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0047]      FIG. 31  is a bottom view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0048]      FIGS. 32  A-C are the different angles that the fifth embodiment of the present invention can be formed to; 
           [0049]      FIGS. 33  A-C are the different angles that the fifth embodiment of the present invention can be formed to; 
           [0050]      FIGS. 34  A-C are the different angles that the fourth embodiment of the present invention can be formed to; 
           [0051]      FIGS. 35  A-C are the different angles that the fourth embodiment of the present invention can be formed to; 
           [0052]      FIG. 36  is a bottom perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention illustrating a drain feature; 
           [0053]      FIG. 37  is a bottom perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention illustrating a drain feature; 
           [0054]      FIG. 38  is a top perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention illustrating a drain feature; 
           [0055]      FIG. 39  is a sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention illustrating a drain feature; 
           [0056]      FIG. 40  is a sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention illustrating a different drain feature; 
           [0057]      FIG. 41  is a bottom view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention illustrating a drain feature; 
           [0058]      FIG. 42  is a sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention illustrating a different drain feature; 
           [0059]      FIG. 43  is a bottom perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention with a first type of fishing rod holder; 
           [0060]      FIG. 44  is a bottom perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention with a second type of fishing rod holder; 
           [0061]      FIG. 45  is a bottom perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention with a third type of fishing rod holder; 
           [0062]      FIG. 46  is a bottom perspective view of a first type of fishing rod holder insert; 
           [0063]      FIG. 47  is a side view of a second type of fishing rod holder insert; 
           [0064]      FIG. 48  is a top perspective view of a third type of fishing rod holder insert; 
           [0065]      FIG. 49  is a detailed view of the lower portion of the fishing rod holder with a place for an alignment tab on a rod holder insert; 
           [0066]      FIG. 50  illustrates a fishing rod adjacent a fishing rod holder of the present invention; 
           [0067]      FIG. 51  illustrates a variation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention including a separable drain portion; 
           [0068]      FIG. 52  illustrates the separable drain portion in  FIG. 51 ; 
           [0069]      FIG. 53  illustrates a fishing rod in combination with the present invention; 
           [0070]      FIG. 54  illustrates a plurality of the present invention devices used on a fishing stand; and 
           [0071]      FIG. 55  illustrates a plurality of the present invention devices used on a boat. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0072]    While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
         [0073]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-55 , in which like numerals indicate like parts, a combined fishing rod holder and beverage container holder will now be described.  FIGS. 1-7  illustrate a preferred first embodiment of the present invention. A combined fishing rod holder and beverage holder  10  is preferably formed as a tubular cylindrical member which includes an upper portion  12  and a lower portion  14 . The upper and lower portions are preferably permanently secured together. However, in certain instances the upper and lower portions can be readily removably secured together by means such as threaded connections, friction connections, telescoping connections with or without additional fasteners, or any other suitable connection means.  FIG. 1  illustrates a fishing rod  16  securely held in the combined fishing rod and beverage holder. The fishing rod is securely held in position by the size of the diameter of the lower portion of the rod and beverage holder. The relationship between the diameter of the fishing rod and the lower portion of the rod and beverage holder permits the fishing rod to be easily placed within the rod holder, securely retained therein and readily removed from the rod holder when a fish is on the line. The relationship between the fishing rod and the rod holder is such that the fishing rod will remain in the rod holder during various conditions that are encountered in a marine vessel on the water. Fasteners  18  secure the combined fishing rod holder and beverage holder to the marine vessel in various locations such as on a gunwale, a stern portion, a bow portion or any other suitable portion of the marine vessel. The fasteners  18  are secured through a flange  19  which completely surrounds the upper portion of the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder of the first embodiment. Flange  19  can also partially surround the upper portion of the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder. 
         [0074]      FIG. 2  illustrates the manner in which the upper portion of the combined fishing rod holder and beverage holder is constructed and arranged to hold and retain a beverage container  20 . While the beverage container is illustrated as a can, the container could also be a bottle, a glass or any other type of container which is capable of retaining a fluid. The beverage container  20  in  FIG. 2  also includes an insulated sleeve or jacket  22 . This sleeve or jacket  22  is readily securable to and removable from the beverage container. The sleeve or jacket serves a dual function, in that it keeps the beverage container cold or hot and also insulates the temperature of the beverage container from a user&#39;s hand, thereby providing protection from injury to a user&#39;s hand from an extreme temperature of a beverage container. 
         [0075]    A flexible ring or gasket  21  is illustrated in  FIG. 6 . This ring or gasket is formed from a material which is flexible, yet sufficiently resilient to retain a beverage container placed within the beverage holder. In place of the ring or gasket  21  a plurality of fingers or separate members  23  formed from a material which is flexible, yet sufficiently resilient to retain a beverage container placed within the beverage holder could be employed. 
         [0076]      FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  5  illustrate side, front and rear views respectively of the first embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 6  a device  24  is secured across the lower portion of the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder. The device  19  is preferably a bar or rod which is secured toward a lower end of the lower portion of the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder. The device  19  interacts with a comparable fitting on an end of a fishing rod to securely hold a fishing rod within the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder and prevent rotation of the fishing rod relative to the combined rod and beverage container holder. The lowest end of the lower portion of the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder is normally provided with a drain aperture  26  so that any water or other fluid which collects in the combined rod holder and beverage container holder is drained away from the device and into the bilge of the marine vessel. The drain aperture  26  can also be eliminated or plugged to prevent water and/or fluids from escaping from the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder. 
         [0077]    The upper and lower portions of the substantially hollow tubular member have been illustrated as being formed as a single piece. These upper and lower members can also be secured together to form a single element as by welding or other equivalent means. Further, the upper and lower members can be removably secured together. The upper and lower members can be threaded and screwed to each other. They can be telescopically secured to each other. They can be secured by utilizing a bayonet coupling system. The can be secured to each other with removable fasteners. 
         [0078]      FIGS. 8-14  illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention. A combined fishing rod holder and beverage holder  30  is preferably formed as a tubular cylindrical member which includes an upper portion  32  and a lower portion  34 . The upper and lower portions are preferably permanently secured together. However, in certain instances the upper and lower portions can be readily removably secured together by means such as threaded connections, friction connections, telescoping connections with or without additional fasteners, or any other suitable connection means.  FIG. 8  illustrates a fishing rod  16  securely held in the combined fishing rod and beverage holder. The fishing rod is securely held in position by the size of the diameter of the lower portion of the rod and beverage holder. The relationship between the diameter of the fishing rod and the lower portion of the rod and beverage holder permits the fishing rod to be easily placed within the rod holder, securely retained therein and readily removed from the rod holder when a fish is on the line. The relationship between the fishing rod and the rod holder is such that the fishing rod will remain in the rod holder during various conditions that are encountered in a marine vessel on the water. Fasteners  38  secure the combined fishing rod holder and beverage holder to the marine vessel in various locations such as on a gunwale, a stern portion, a bow portion or any other suitable portion of the marine vessel. The fasteners  38  are secured through a flange  39  which completely surrounds the upper portion of the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder of the first embodiment. Flange  39  can also partially surround the upper portion of the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder. 
         [0079]      FIG. 9  illustrates the manner in which the upper portion of the combined fishing rod holder and beverage holder is constructed and arranged to hold and retain a beverage container  20 . While the beverage container is illustrated as a can, the container could also be a bottle, a glass or any other type of container which is capable of retaining a fluid. The beverage container  20  in  FIG. 9  also includes an insulated sleeve or jacket  22 . This sleeve or jacket  22  is readily securable to and removable from the beverage container. The sleeve or jacket serves a dual function, in that it keeps the beverage container cold or hot and also insulates the temperature of the beverage container from a user&#39;s hand, thereby providing protection from injury to a user&#39;s hand from an extreme temperature of a beverage container. 
         [0080]    A flexible ring or gasket  33  is illustrated in  FIG. 13 . This ring or gasket is located in the upper portion  32  of fishing rod and beverage holder  39 . This ring or gasket  33  is formed from a material which is flexible, yet sufficiently resilient to retain a beverage container placed within the beverage holder. In place of the ring or gasket  33  a plurality of fingers or separate members  35  formed from a material which is flexible, yet sufficiently resilient to retain a beverage container placed within the beverage holder could be employed. 
         [0081]      FIGS. 10 ,  11  and  12  illustrate side, front and rear views respectively of the second embodiment of the present invention. In  FIGS. 13 and 14  a device  36  is secured across the lower portion of the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder. The device  36  is preferably a bar or rod which is secured toward a lower end of the lower portion of the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder. The device  36  interacts with a comparable fitting on an end of a fishing rod to securely hold a fishing rod within the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder and prevent rotation of the fishing rod relative to the combined rod and beverage container holder. The lowest end of the lower portion of the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder is normally provided with a drain aperture so that any water or other fluid which collects in the combined rod holder and beverage container holder is drained away from the device and into the bilge of the marine vessel. The drain aperture can also be eliminated or plugged to prevent water and/or fluids from escaping from the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder. 
         [0082]    The upper and lower portions of the substantially hollow tubular member have been illustrated as being formed as a single piece. These upper and lower members can also be secured together to form a single element as by welding or other equivalent means. Further, the upper and lower members can be removably secured together. The upper and lower members can be threaded and screwed to each other. They can be telescopically secured to each other. They can be secured by utilizing a bayonet coupling system. The can be secured to each other with removable fasteners. 
         [0083]      FIGS. 15-17  illustrate a third embodiment of the present invention. A combined fishing rod holder and beverage holder  40  is preferably formed as a tubular cylindrical member which includes an upper portion  42  and a lower portion  44 . The upper and lower portions are preferably permanently secured together. However, in certain instances the upper and lower portions can be readily removably secured together by means such as threaded connections, friction connections, telescoping connections with or without additional fasteners, or any other suitable connection means. A fishing rod can be securely held in the combined fishing rod and beverage holder. The fishing rod is securely held in position by the size of the diameter of the lower portion of the rod and beverage holder. The relationship between the diameter of the fishing rod and the lower portion of the rod and beverage holder permits the fishing rod to be easily placed within the rod holder, securely retained therein and readily removed from the rod holder when a fish is on the line. The relationship between the fishing rod and the rod holder is such that the fishing rod will remain in the rod holder during various conditions that are encountered in a marine vessel on the water. Fasteners  46  secure the combined fishing rod holder and beverage holder to the marine vessel in various locations such as on a gunwale, a stern portion, a bow portion or any other suitable portion of the marine vessel. The fasteners  46  are secured through a flange  48  which completely surrounds the upper portion of the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder of the first embodiment. Flange  48  can also partially surround the upper portion of the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder. 
         [0084]      FIG. 19  illustrates the manner in which the upper portion  52  of the combined fishing rod holder and beverage holder is constructed and arranged to hold and retain a beverage container. While the beverage container is illustrated as a can, the container could also be a bottle, a glass or any other type of container which is capable of retaining a fluid. The beverage container also includes an insulated sleeve or jacket  22 . This sleeve or jacket is readily securable to and removable from the beverage container. The sleeve or jacket serves a dual function, in that it keeps the beverage container cold or hot and also insulates the temperature of the beverage container from a user&#39;s hand, thereby providing protection from injury to a user&#39;s hand from an extreme temperature of a beverage container. 
         [0085]    A flexible ring or gasket  47  is illustrated in  FIG. 16 . This ring or gasket is formed from a material which is flexible, yet sufficiently resilient to retain a beverage container placed within the beverage holder. In place of the ring or gasket  47  a plurality of fingers or separate members  49  formed from a material which is flexible, yet sufficiently resilient to retain a beverage container placed within the beverage holder could be employed. 
         [0086]      FIG. 16  illustrates a top view of the present invention wherein a device  45  is secured across the lower portion  44  of the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder. The device  45  is preferably two bars or rods which are secured in a cross shape toward a lower end of the lower portion of the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder. The device  45  interacts with a comparable fitting on an end of a fishing rod to securely hold a fishing rod within the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder and prevent rotation of the fishing rod relative to the combined rod and beverage container holder. The lowest end of the lower portion of the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder is normally provided with a drain aperture so that any water or other fluid which collects in the combined rod holder and beverage container holder is drained away from the device and into the bilge of the marine vessel. The drain aperture can also be eliminated or plugged to prevent water and/or fluids from escaping from the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder. 
         [0087]    The upper and lower portions of the substantially hollow tubular member have been illustrated as being formed as a single piece. These upper and lower members can also be secured together to form a single element as by welding or other equivalent means. Further, the upper and lower members can be removably secured together. The upper and lower members can be threaded and screwed to each other. They can be telescopically secured to each other. They can be secured by utilizing a bayonet coupling system. The can be secured to each other with removable fasteners. 
         [0088]      FIGS. 18-24  illustrate a fourth embodiment of the present invention. A combined fishing rod holder and beverage holder  50  is preferably formed as a tubular cylindrical member which includes an upper portion  52  and a lower portion  54 . The upper and lower portions are preferably permanently secured together. However, in certain instances the upper and lower portions can be readily removably secured together by means such as threaded connections, friction connections, telescoping connections with or without additional fasteners, or any other suitable connection means. In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, lower portion  54  is secured to the upper portion  52  wherein the centerlines of the upper and lower portions respectively are at an angle with respect to each other. The angle can be between 1 and approximately 90 degrees. A preferred range is between 10 to 40 degrees. In the fourth embodiment, the angle illustrated is approximately 40 degrees.  FIG. 18  illustrates a fishing rod  16  securely held in the combined fishing rod and beverage holder. The fishing rod is securely held in position by the size of the diameter of the lower portion of the rod and beverage holder. The relationship between the diameter of the fishing rod and the lower portion of the rod and beverage holder permits the fishing rod to be easily placed within the rod holder, securely retained therein and readily removed from the rod holder when a fish is on the line. The relationship between the fishing rod and the rod holder is such that the fishing rod will remain in the rod holder during various conditions that are encountered in a marine vessel on the water. Fasteners  58  secure the combined fishing rod holder and beverage holder to the marine vessel in various locations such as on a gunwale, a stern portion, a bow portion or any other suitable portion of the marine vessel. The fasteners  58  are secured through a flange  59  which completely surrounds the upper portion of the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder of the first embodiment. Flange  59  can also partially surround the upper portion of the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder. 
         [0089]      FIG. 19  illustrates the manner in which the upper portion of the combined fishing rod holder and beverage holder is constructed and arranged to hold and retain a beverage container  20 . While the beverage container is illustrated as a can, the container could also be a bottle, a glass or any other type of container which is capable of retaining a fluid. The beverage container  20  in  FIG. 19  also includes an insulated sleeve or jacket  22 . This sleeve or jacket  22  is readily securable to and removable from the beverage container. The sleeve or jacket serves a dual function, in that it keeps the beverage container cold or hot and also insulates the temperature of the beverage container from a user&#39;s hand. Thereby providing protection from injury to a user&#39;s hand from an extreme temperature of a beverage container. 
         [0090]    A flexible ring or gasket  53  is illustrated in  FIG. 23 . This ring or gasket is formed from a material which is flexible, yet sufficiently resilient to retain a beverage container placed within the beverage holder. In place of the ring or gasket  53  a plurality of fingers or separate members  55  formed from a material which is flexible, yet sufficiently resilient to retain a beverage container placed within the beverage holder could be employed. 
         [0091]      FIGS. 20 ,  21  and  22  illustrate side, front and rear views respectively of the second embodiment of the present invention. In  FIGS. 21 and 24  a device  56  is secured across the lower portion of the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder. The device  56  is preferably a bar or rod which is secured toward a lower end of the lower portion of the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder. The device  56  interacts with a comparable fitting on an end of a fishing rod to securely hold a fishing rod within the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder and prevent rotation of the fishing rod relative to the combined rod and beverage container holder. The lowest end of the lower portion of the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder is not provided with a drain aperture so that any water or other fluid which collects in the combined rod holder and beverage container holder is drained away from the device and into the bilge of the marine vessel. The drain aperture can also be eliminated or plugged to prevent water and/or fluids from escaping from the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder. 
         [0092]    The upper and lower portions of the substantially hollow tubular member have been illustrated as being formed as a single piece. These upper and lower members can also be secured together to form a single element as by welding or other equivalent means. Further, the upper and lower members can be removably secured together. The upper and lower members can be threaded and screwed to each other. They can be telescopically secured to each other. They can be secured by utilizing a bayonet coupling system. The can be secured to each other with removable fasteners. 
         [0093]      FIGS. 25-31  illustrate a fifth embodiment of the present invention. A combined fishing rod holder and beverage holder  60  is preferably formed as a tubular cylindrical member which includes an upper portion  62  and a lower portion  64 . The upper and lower portions are preferably permanently secured together. However, in certain instances the upper and lower portions can be readily removably secured together by means such as threaded connections, friction connections, telescoping connections with or without additional fasteners, or any other suitable connection means.  FIG. 25  illustrates a fishing rod  16  securely held in the combined fishing rod and beverage holder. The fishing rod is securely held in position by the size of the diameter of the lower portion of the rod and beverage holder. The relationship between the diameter of the fishing rod and the lower portion of the rod and beverage holder permits the fishing rod to be easily placed within the rod holder, securely retained therein and readily removed from the rod holder when a fish is on the line. The relationship between the fishing rod and the rod holder is such that the fishing rod will remain in the rod holder during various conditions that are encountered in a marine vessel on the water. Fasteners  68  secure the combined fishing rod holder and beverage holder to the marine vessel in various locations such as on a gunwale, a stern portion, a bow portion or any other suitable portion of the marine vessel. The fasteners  68  are secured through a flange  69  which completely surrounds the upper portion of the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder of the first embodiment. Flange  69  can also partially surround the upper portion of the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder. 
         [0094]      FIG. 26  illustrates the manner in which the upper portion of the combined fishing rod holder and beverage holder is constructed and arranged to hold and retain a beverage container  20 . While the beverage container is illustrated as a can, the container could also be a bottle, a glass or any other type of container which is capable of retaining a fluid. The beverage container  20  in  FIG. 26  also includes an insulated sleeve or jacket  22 . This sleeve or jacket  22  is readily securable to and removable from the beverage container. The sleeve or jacket serves a dual function, in that it keeps the beverage container cold or hot and also insulates the temperature of the beverage container from a user&#39;s hand, thereby providing protection from injury to a user&#39;s hand from an extreme temperature of a beverage container. 
         [0095]    A flexible ring or gasket  63  is illustrated in  FIG. 30 . This ring or gasket is formed from a material which is flexible, yet sufficiently resilient to retain a beverage container placed within the beverage holder. In place of the ring or gasket  63  a plurality of fingers or separate members  65  formed from a material which is flexible, yet sufficiently resilient to retain a beverage container placed within the beverage holder could be employed. 
         [0096]      FIGS. 27 ,  28  and  29  illustrate side, front and rear views respectively of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 30  a device  66  is secured across the lower portion of the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder. The device  66  is preferably a bar or rod which is secured toward a lower end of the lower portion of the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder. The device  66  interacts with a comparable fitting on an end of a fishing rod to securely hold a fishing rod within the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder and prevent rotation of the fishing rod relative to the combined rod and beverage container holder. The lowest end of the lower portion of the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder is normally provided with a drain aperture so that any water or other fluid which collects in the combined rod holder and beverage container holder is drained away from the device and into the bilge of the marine vessel. The drain aperture can also be eliminated or plugged to prevent water and/or fluids from escaping from the combined fishing rod and beverage container holder. 
         [0097]    The upper and lower portions of the substantially hollow tubular member have been illustrated as being formed as a single piece. These upper and lower members can also be secured together to form a single element as by welding or other equivalent means. Further, the upper and lower members can be removably secured together. The upper and lower members can be threaded and screwed to each other. They can be telescopically secured to each other. They can be secured by utilizing a bayonet coupling system. The can be secured to each other with removable fasteners. 
         [0098]      FIGS. 32  A-C and  33  A-C illustrate the fifth embodiment of the present invention. A combined fishing rod holder and beverage holder  60  is preferably formed as a tubular cylindrical member which includes an upper portion  62  and a lower portion  64 . The upper and lower portions are preferably permanently secured together at various different angles. 
         [0099]      FIGS. 34  A-C and  35  A-C illustrate the fourth embodiment of the present invention. A combined fishing rod holder and beverage holder  50  is preferably formed as a tubular cylindrical member which includes an upper portion  52  and a lower portion  54 . The upper and lower portions are preferably permanently secured together at various different angles. 
         [0100]      FIGS. 36-38  illustrate the fifth embodiment including a drain  70  to remove water and other fluids which may collect in the rod holder. 
         [0101]      FIGS. 39 ,  40  and  42  are cross sections of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. This illustrates the specific construction of how the water and other fluids are collected from the rod holder and directed to the drain  70  so they can be removed from the present invention. 
         [0102]      FIGS. 41 and 42  illustrate an opening in the lower end of lower portion  64 . The drain  70  can be secured to this opening utilizing friction fit, threaded couplings, slip fit, etc. The slip fit and friction fit can optionally employ an adhesive to help secure the drain to the device. 
         [0103]      FIGS. 43-45  illustrate a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment various retainers  72 ,  74  and  76  are employed to retain a fishing rod within the rod holder. 
         [0104]      FIGS. 46-48  illustrate various retainers  78 ,  80 , and  82  for holding a fishing rod in a seventh embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 49  illustrates a seventh embodiment of the present invention. On the lower end of this embodiment, there is at least one keyed receptacle or notch  84 . On retainers  78 ,  80  and  82  there are at least one keyed projection  86 . 
         [0105]      FIG. 50  illustrates how a fishing rod  88  engages the retainer secured to a lower end of the fishing rod holder.  FIG. 51  illustrates a fishing rod positioned within the rod holder, which is shown in phantom. 
         [0106]      FIG. 51  illustrates a variation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention wherein a separable drain portion  69  is secured to a lower end of the fishing rod and beverage holder. The drain portion  69  is preferably welded to the lower end of the device. It can also be secured utilizing various other methods. A fishing rod holder  71  can be incorporated into the drain portion  69 , as shown in  FIG. 52 . 
         [0107]      FIG. 54  illustrates the manner in which a plurality of the devices of the present invention can be employed on a fishing stand normally employed on a boat.  FIG. 55  illustrates the manner in which the present invention can be employed on a boat. It can be utilized in conjunction with a fishing stand and/or secured to the hull of the boat. 
         [0108]    All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
         [0109]    It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein. 
         [0110]    One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.