Abstract:
The presently disclosed technology is directed to an outrigger assembly for a sport fishing boat. The outrigger assembly is provided with a base plate that mounts on the forward area of a T-top of the fishing boat. An outrigger pole containment assembly is in turn mechanically affixed to the base plate. A pair of telescoping outrigger poles is positioned within the outrigger pole containment assembly such that they are in a horizontally opposed configuration. Each pole is formed from a plurality of elongated tubular extensions, in a nested relationship, and is extensible outward to either the starboard or port side of the boat when being deployed. The outrigger assembly is provided with a plurality of manual or electrically operated reels for traversal of several fishing lines through line guiding means provided integral with the telescoping poles.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to sport fishing boat outriggers, particularly to a horizontally opposed outrigger assembly, and most particularly to an outrigger assembly useful for teasers. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Outriggers are useful when trolling for surface fish. Outriggers are generally deployed on sport fishing boats where they assist in covering a larger fishing area, enabling the use of a plurality of lines, and thereby improving the chances for making a catch. 
     Outriggers are most commonly seen on offshore and Great Lakes fishing boats. Generally, outrigger assemblies are formed from fixed or telescoping poles, which are swung outward at a wide angle (generally 90°) from the boat. The use of outriggers allow for a spread of multiple lines adjusted behind the boat to avoid tangling. Outriggers are generally mounted on the side or top of a cabin or T-Top, on radar arches, or on the gunwale. 
     In some instances, the outrigger assemblies are stored vertically, and released when it is desired to lower them to an effective trolling position. An alternative design mounts the outriggers above the T-top. A handle, which may extend below the T-top, is turned from within the cabin or below the T-top in order to swing the outriggers outward and away from the boat to their deployed trolling position. The storage and running position of T-top outriggers is a straight-back position, which facilitates passing under low bridges, trailering, and the like. 
     It is common to use outriggers to troll both hooked baits and “teaser” baits. Teasers are generally set out to draw fish up close to the surface, at which point the fish can be coaxed to take one of the several hooked baits in the spread behind the teasers. When teasers are deployed from the same outriggers as the rest of the spread, it can often be difficult to retract the teasers while fish are hitting the hooked baits. Another problem is getting the teasers out of the way when it becomes necessary to fight a fish while walking around the boat or back and forth through the cockpit. 
     In an embodiment, the present invention provides an outrigger assembly where the telescoping outrigger poles reside in an assembly that positions them in a horizontally opposed configuration. In an embodiment, the assembly is positioned below the T-top of a boat, forward of the helm area, where the captain of the vessel can easily deploy and retract the teaser rigs while the remainder of the crew is free to fight the fish in the cockpit area. In such an embodiment the telescoping poles may be easily retracted to conform to the width of the boat for docking and to navigate in narrow channels to avoid any collisions. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,193,964 is directed toward an outrigger fishing line guide, which is attached to a halyard deployed upon a pole extending outwardly from a vessel. The bait may be extended inward or outward from the boat by pulling the halyard through sheaves attached to the pole. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,388,774 discloses a fishing system for a recreational, commercial or pleasure type boat (B) which includes an inner pair of fishing poles ( 10 ) mounted near the gunwales (GW) of boat (B) to position inner fishing lines ( 12 ) closely adjacent the sides of boat (B). A rearwardly extending pair of fishing poles ( 14 ) are carried by holders ( 16 ) mounted on the stern of boat (B) to position lines ( 18 ) laterally inwardly of lines ( 12 ). An outer pair of fishing poles ( 20 ) are mounted on the outward end portions of elongate booms ( 38 ) to position outer lines ( 24 ) at a location a relatively large distance laterally outwardly from lines ( 12 ). Booms ( 38 ) are disposed transversely to the length of boat (B) and are supported by antifriction support assemblies ( 40 ) which support booms ( 38 ) for extensional travel outwardly from one side of boat (B) and for retractional travel towards the opposite side of boat (B). 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,869,195 discloses a pair of aligned elongate members for extension transversely across and mounting on a boat, a connection between the inner ends of the elongate members, locating pins on the elongate members for engagement in the rod holders of a boat, and fishing pole receivers on the elongate members and connector, for trolling bait and lures behind a boat. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,901,469 is directed towards an expansible device attachable to the stern of a boat for mounting fishing rigs such as downriggers thereon. The device includes a framework which extends horizontally across the stern of the boat, with a pair of expansible members disposed near the outboard edges of the framework. The expansible members include extensions telescopically received in the framework which move from a retracted position to an extended, outboard position by means of linear actuators to provide an extended mounting area. 
     The references fail to teach or disclose an outrigger assembly, mountable on the forward portion of a boat&#39;s T-top, wherein the assembly has a pair of telescopingly extensible outrigger poles, each pole having a proximal end and a distal end, and arranged such that each telescoping pole is substantially fully stored within an outrigger containment assembly when in the retracted or storage position, and where each telescoping pole is configured to be extensible in a horizontally opposed direction opposite to the other during deployment. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The presently disclosed technology is directed to an outrigger assembly for a sport fishing boat, which is easily deployable by a person operating the boat, and is readily adaptable for use with teaser rigs. The outrigger assembly is provided with a base plate that mounts on the T-top of the fishing boat. An outrigger pole containment assembly is in turn mechanically affixed to the base plate. A pair of telescoping outrigger poles is positioned within the outrigger pole containment assembly such that they are in a horizontally opposed configuration. Each pole is formed from a plurality of elongated tubular extensions, in a nested relationship, and is extensible outward to either the starboard or port side of the boat when being deployed. The outrigger assembly is provided with a plurality of manual or electrically operated reels for traversal of several fishing lines through line guiding means provided integral with the telescoping poles. 
     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 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a boat illustrating the installed outrigger assembly in a deployed configuration; 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a boat illustrating the installed outrigger assembly in a substantially retracted configuration; 
         FIG. 2B  is a close-up perspective view of the installed outrigger assembly of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an outrigger assembly in a substantially retracted configuration; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of one embodiment of an outrigger assembly in a substantially retracted configuration; 
         FIG. 5  is front view of one embodiment of an outrigger assembly illustrating one of several mounting configurations; 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of a telescopic pole embodiment in a substantially retracted position; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an outrigger assembly including electric reels; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an outrigger assembly in a substantially retracted configuration; 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of an embodiment of an outrigger assembly illustrating an alternative mounting design. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view is shown illustrating the installed outrigger assembly of the present invention in a deployed configuration. More particularly, sport fishing boat  10 , is illustrated as having an outrigger assembly, generally referred to as element  20 , mounted to a T-top  22 . The outrigger assembly  20  includes a base plate  24 , and a telescoping outrigger pole containment assembly  26  in mechanical engagement with said base plate  24 . Dependent upon whether the containment assembly  26  is configured for a pair of telescoping outrigger poles  30  which are parallel to one another (as more clearly illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) or are in coaxial relationship (as more clearly illustrated in  FIG. 8 ) containment assembly  26  may be a single tubular element, or a pair of tubular elements, designated  26 A and  26 B. For simplicity, the containment assembly is generally referred to as element  26 , unless illustrated in greater detail, as in FIGS.  3 , 4  and  8 . As illustrated, the mechanical engagement is accomplished using a pair of short tubular sleeves to house elements  28 , which may be attached to said base plate  24  and said outrigger pole containment assembly  26  by any conventional means such as welding, riveting, use of a variety of fastener elements, e.g. screws, or the like. The means for mechanical engagement is not critical to the invention, so long as the function of the respective elements  24  and  26  are preserved. The outrigger assembly  20  is further characterized by a pair of telescoping outrigger poles  30 , each of said poles having a proximal end  32  (seen in  FIG. 6 ) and a distal end  34 , each of said poles being formed from a plurality of elongated, hollow tubular sections  36 , 38 , 40 , 42  of successively smaller cross-section, each said poles being telescopingly joined and movable between a retracted position (see  FIG. 2A  which illustrates the outrigger poles in a substantially retracted position) and an extended position as shown herein. It is noted that the telescoping outrigger poles  30  are illustrated as containing four sections, but are in no way limited by such illustration. The outrigger poles  30  may contain more or less tubular sections than herein illustrated. The telescoping outrigger pole containment assembly  26  is adapted for reception of the proximal end  32  (as particularly shown in  FIG. 6 ) of each of said telescoping outrigger poles therein. Insertion of the proximal ends  32 , of each of said telescoping outrigger poles  30  within opposite side openings  46  of the outrigger containment assembly  26  positions the telescoping outrigger poles distal ends so that they are arranged to extend in opposite and horizontally opposed directions from one another. 
     In an embodiment the material of construction is anodized aluminum, a material particularly suited for meeting the harsh demands of a saltwater environment. Other alternative useful materials are stainless steel, brass, copper, molded plastics, fiberglass and graphite fiber reinforced materials. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the telescoping outrigger poles  30  extend in a horizontally opposed fashion when extended from their retracted positions within the containment assembly  26 . In an embodiment, the outermost tubular section  42  has a lower open end (not shown) and an end cap  44  affixed to the outermost end thereof. This end cap serves an aesthetic purpose, as well as functioning to keep any matter from entering the hollow tubular sections. The telescoping outrigger poles  30  have means  48  affixed to each tubular section for guiding a fishing or teaser line (not shown). In one illustrative, albeit non-limiting embodiment, the means  48  for guiding a fishing or teaser line is an eyebolt. The outrigger assembly  20  further includes a plurality of reels  50 , in mechanical engagement with the base plate  24 , each said reels  50  controlling a line adapted to traverse said means  48  for guiding said fishing or teaser line. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2A , a similar perspective view is illustrated, albeit with the outrigger poles  26  in a substantially retracted position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2B , a close-up perspective view of the outrigger assembly of  FIG. 2A  is illustrated. Further illustrated herein are locking means whereby said plurality of elongated tubular sections are provided with the ability to be locked to one another. In an illustrative, albeit non-limiting embodiment, the locking means include at least one locking button  56  attached to one of said plurality of elongated tubular sections adapted to be receivably engaged within at least one aperture  58  in an adjacent section. The locking button/aperture combination may include any metallic or non-metallic biased tab or the like having a raised button associated therewith which is urged into the aperture  58  to provide secure engagement. Alternatively any equivalent fastener such as a cotter pin, spring biased retention clip, bayonet type locking element, or the like device suitable for securing one section to another is contemplated by the present invention. 
     Further illustrated are means for fastening said outrigger assembly  20  to said T-top  22  of said boat  10 . In one embodiment the fastening means include at least one mounting element  52  and at least one coupling element  54 , constructed and arranged for secure nesting engagement there between. In practice a locking pin (not shown) is configured to secure the mounting element  52  to the coupling element  54 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , which each respectively shows a perspective and bottom plan view of one embodiment of an outrigger assembly in a substantially retracted configuration. In this embodiment the containment assembly  26  is illustrated as being formed of two parallel tubular elements ( 26 A/ 26 B) a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an outrigger assembly in a substantially retracted configuration each having a telescoping outrigger pole  30  inserted into a side opening  46  (particularly shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ), whereby the outrigger poles are positioned for horizontally opposed extension from their retracted position. When fully retracted, the ends of the telescoping poles  30  will be essentially flush with the sides of the boat. In these figures fishing line  60  is illustrated traversing through guide elements  48 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , a front view of one embodiment of an outrigger assembly is shown illustrating a mounting arrangement. In this arrangement a mounting element or bracket  52  and a coupling element  54 , are provided and are constructed and arranged for secure nesting engagement there between. A locking pin  62  is configured to secure the mounting element  52  to the coupling element  54 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 6 , a front view of a telescopic pole embodiment in a retracted position is shown. Pointed end  44  is inserted into the most distal tubular section  42 , which is secured thereto by interaction with eyelet  48 . Adjacent sections  42 ,  40 ,  38  and  36  are illustrated as including guiding flanges  64  to which the eyebolts  48  are secured. Proximal end  32  is shown to be positioned within containment assembly  26 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , an embodiment is illustrated wherein the plurality of reels  50  are electrically operated, by virtue of electric motors  66 , which are in mechanical engagement with reels  50 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 8 , a perspective view of another embodiment of an outrigger assembly in a substantially retracted configuration is shown. In this embodiment the containment assembly  26  is illustrated as being formed of a single tubular element. Each telescoping outrigger pole  30  is inserted into a side opening  46 , of said containment assembly  26  whereby the outrigger poles are positioned for horizontally opposed extension from their retracted position. In this embodiment, each of the outrigger poles  30  are coaxial with the containment assembly  26  and with one another. In this figure fishing line  60  is illustrated traversing through guide elements  48 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , an alternative mounting design for the outrigger assembly is illustrated. In this embodiment, as compared to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the means for fastening of the outrigger assembly  20  to the T-top  22  include at least one clamp  68  adapted for mechanical engagement with said base plate  24 , and further adapted to be removably engageable with said T-top  22 . It is understood that T-Tops for boats are supplied in a variety of configurations, e.g. as hard T-Tops, generally formed from fiberglass or the like material of construction, and as soft T-Tops, such as those formed from a combination of a material, e.g. canvas or the like, mounted upon and strung to a tubular framework, e.g. aluminum or stainless steel tubing, or any acceptable modification thereof. The invention fully contemplates any mode of attachment useful with any particular T-Top, and may include, albeit is not limited to, mechanical fasteners such as screws, mounting plates and assorted hardware, clamping devices, and the like modes capable of achieving mounting of the outrigger assembly to the particular T-Top. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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.