Abstract:
A cleat-rod apparatus includes a unitary cylindrical rod member which extends and morphs into a cleat member, wherein the cylindrical rod member and cleat member have no parting-line, and wherein the cylindrical rod member is shaped for being snugly received within a fishing rod holder extending generally downward through a boat hull which may be at an angle and into an interior hull space, and further is configured to avoid damaging contact with hull surfaces when the installed cleat-rod apparatus is rotated in the holder.

Description:
This application claims priority based on my U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/821,239, filed Aug. 2, 2006. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to boating equipment, and more particularly to a portable boat cleat for attachment to a stern fishing rod holder. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   Boat owners endeavor to protect against hard-edged structures being brought abruptly against the boat hull. Fenders are used to avoid damage to the boat hull from such unwanted contact. Extra effort is also required to protect from scarring or other damage of the surface of most modern boats made with fiberglass, plastic or other synthetic material. Such care is essential to preserving the appearance, life and even safety of these boats. 
   Ordinarily, boats are constructed having cleats permanently attached to an upper surface of the boat hull along the gunwale. Cleat lines can serve to tether a boat to a dock, or can be used to tie off one craft to another (such as a dingy to a larger cruising vessel), or to hang fenders, bait and chum baskets, or the like to and over the side of the boat. Boats often have a small number of cleats, and there are times when additional cleats are desired. Permanent installation of additional cleats is possible. But at times it would be more desirable to provide a boat cleat adapted for being temporarily attached to an existing structure at along the gunwale. 
   Typically, cleats are either directly accessible or accessible through a hawser in the gunwale. As shown in  FIG. 1 , a typical sport fishing boat will tie up fore and aft when docking, with a fender  10  tied at the stern and with another fended tied on more forward. Fender  10  is attached by a line  11  to aft cleat  12  via howser  14  in gunwale  16 . But there is a risk of having a fender slip off of the beam when tied to such a corner cleat as indicated by arrow  18 , risking damage to the side of hull  20 . 
   A portable cleat assembly such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,487,984 can be used for attachment of a fender at a location along the hull where a cleat is not readily available and where a fishing rod-holder  22  is available. The &#39;984 patent teaches a portable boat cleat assembly having a cleat fastened to an upper surface of a substantial base plate and a cylindrical rod having an upper end welded to the lower surface of the base plate. The plate and cylinder meet at a right angle or with some light incline and form a substantially T-shaped assembly 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , a conventional fishing rod holder  22  features a cylindrical rod-receiving member  24  extending vertically downward through an upper hull surface  26  and reaching into the interior of hull  20 . One end of the cylindrical rod of the &#39;984 portable boat cleat assembly is inserted through hull opening  28 , the mouth of fishing rod holder  22 , and is received within the rod holder cylinder  24 . The attached cleat is now ready for attachment of a fender. 
   Fishing rod holders normally are at an angle to the surface of the hull. Typically the &#39;984 assembly is installed at a slight angle in rod holder  22  and is held in place thereat. This engagement assures that the base plate, typically mounted close to the hull in use, and at an angle, is prevented from rotating and turning into the hull surface and causing damage. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a safe and portable boat cleat apparatus which can be easily secured to an existing boat hull structure. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a safe and portable boat cleat apparatus which can be easily secured to an existing boat hull structure, and, as installed, may be rotated without risk of hull damage. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a strong, light-weight, cleat-rod apparatus, molded as a single part wherein the rod portion extends up to and morphs into the cleat portion without a parting-line transition. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide a portable boat cleat apparatus that is safe to use and easy to store. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a low-cost, strong, and light-weight cleat-rod apparatus, molded as a single part and having a rod portion and a cleat portion, wherein the cleat-rod apparatus does not have welds or screws or the like securing the cleat and rod portions together. 
   It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a strong, light-weight, cleat-rod apparatus, molded as a single part wherein the rod portion extends up to and morphs into the cleat portion without a parting-line transition and without a mounting plate. 
   The present invention meets the need in the art for an easily stored and used, light-weight, inexpensive, robust, portable fender tie-down for use in a fishing rod holder in a boat hull. One embodiment the present invention provides a portablecleat-rod apparatus to provide a fender-line tie-down for use with a fishing rod holder mounted in a boat hull. 
   The apparatus preferably has a single-piece cleat-rod, with an integral rod and cleat. In one embodiment the rod has a distal end with an outer dimension for insertion and holding in the rod-receiver, and wherein the cleat is formed as an integral part of the rod. The cleat-rod is a unitary molded part and does not have or need any post-forming fasteners for joining the rod and cleat. If the fishing rod holder is of the type that has a pin at its base, the cleat-rod is preferably provided with a distal end with a part for mating with the pin when the apparatus is installed in the holder. In one embodiment, the cleat and rod are formed as a unitary part without material separation or parting-line transition therebetween. 
   In one embodiment the cleat-rod can be seated in four positions in the receiver and wherein the cleat shape favors over to one of the directions when the apparatus is seated. 
   In various embodiments, the tie-down portion forms a cleat, yoke, eyelet or the like preferably in a form that the line cannot unintentionally slide off while still knotted such as by providing it with an opening for passing of a tie-line therethrough for suspension of a fender from the apparatus and along side the exterior of the hull. 
   In another embodiment, a single-piece fender-line tie-down apparatus has an elongate substantially cylindrical part with a shaped end, the part forming a cylindrical mounting portion with a tie-down portion at the shaped end. The mounting portion is for temporary and removable engagement within a fishing rod-receiver with the mounting portion extending below the hull surface and with the tie-down portion being exposed above the hull surface for removably suspending a fender from the hull via a fender line tied thereto, and wherein the mounting portion has a width defined by its cross-section and the apparatus has a maximum width defined by a projection of the tie-down portion over the mounting portion. 
   In an embodiment of the invention, the cylindrical part is oriented along a central axis and the tie-down portion has a length and width, wherein the tie-down portion is longer than it is wide and the tie-down portion length is oriented along or parallel to the central axis. In another embodiment the tie-down portion is oriented generally parallel to the central axis or at an acute angle to the axis. 
   Preferably the rod and cleat cooperate such that the apparatus has a total length, wherein the apparatus can be stored in a stored position on an elongate flat surface that is at least as long as the total length when the cylindrical part is oriented essentially parallel to the elongate flat surface in the stored position. This is adventurous in permitting compact storage thereof as opposed to the less efficient storage of a T-shaped configuration. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These and further embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a conventional sport boat at dockside; 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of an embodiment of a cleat-rod apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the rod member of  FIG. 2  taken through line  3 - 3 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a partial perspective view of a mold used in practice of the invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a partial side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , rotated 90 degrees; 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2  installed in a fishing rod holder; and 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention having a yoke with eyelet. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a cleat-rod apparatus  30 , having rod member  32  and cleat member  34  formed as a single part. Rod member  32  is for sliding engagement within a cylindrical rod-receiving member  24  of a conventional fishing rod holder  22 , wherein fender  10  can be suspended forward of the boat stern as needed to protect the hull from damage. 
   Preferably cleat-rod apparatus  30  is formed as a single elongate composite part by injection molding or the like, defining an integral rod member  32  and cleat member  34 . As a molded part, there is no significant difference in material composition of, and no parting line between, rod member  32  and cleat member  34 . As a result of this molding process, there are no welds, screws, bolts or fasteners that can wear or can be over-stressed and fail in practice of the invention. Cleat member  34  is formed as part of and an extension of rod member  32  and reaches out on one side of cleat-rod apparatus  30 . 
   Cleat-rod apparatus  30  can be molded as a solid part without relief. In a preferred embodiment, the weight and cost of cleat-rod apparatus  30  is controlled by forming rod member  32  with reliefs, such as having elongated ribs  36 ,  37  with formed disks  38  supporting the ribs at intervals, as shown in  FIG. 3 . The resulting part is lighter than if solid, and, by using less material, is less expensive. 
   Turning to  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment using conventional molding technology, two halves  40 ,  42  of a mold  44  are charged with carbon fiber material  45  and are processed and mated to form the molded cleat-rod apparatus  30  of  FIG. 2 . In doing so, a mating plane  46  is formed where the two charges of material  45  meet and bond during the molding process. Plane  46  has the potential to be a fault line within the formed part. Consequently, plane  42  is intentionally oriented within the part so as to be incidental to the function of the invention. Thus plane  46  has an orientation which is generally parallel to the direction in which forces F applied to the cleat do not cause separation of the mated charges of material  45 . The risk of failure of the formed part at plane  46  is thus minimized in normal use. As indicated by dotted line  48  in the partial view of  FIG. 5 , this plane  46  preferably is oriented to bisect cleat-rod apparatus  30  through the center of ribs  37  and cleat member  34  along the length of the apparatus. 
   An eyelet  33  is defined at cleat member  34  for feeding of a fender line  11  therethrough. As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the material strength of the formed part will be reflected in material selection. Therefore preferably material section  35  immediately below eyelet  33  is sized in view of forces F applied by a tied on fender, so as to further assure a robust part. 
   Turning to  FIG. 6 , it will be appreciated that the conventional fishing rod holder  22  includes mounting pin  50  at the distal end of cylindrical rod-receiving member  24  of the rod holder. Pin  50  is for cooperation with the mounting end of a conventional fishing rod. This mounting end typically is notched and mates over the pin. The pin prevents the rod from rotating in the fishing rod holder. Nevertheless, some fishing rod holders also have a swivel function that can permit rotation of the rod in use. Advantageously, owing to the slim design and absence of sharp edges of the present invention, the cleat-rod apparatus  30  can safely swivel and rotate in a holder without risk of damaging the hull surface, and therefore can be used in any rod holder. 
   In use, cleat-rod apparatus  30  is installed through orifice  28  in hull surface  26  at the proximal end of fishing rod holder  22 . Cylindrical rod member  32  of the apparatus is engaged in cylindrical rod-receiving member  24  of the rod holder  22 . With cleat-rod apparatus  30  installed, cleat member  34  is presented for suspension of a fender  10  by line  11  when needed. Preferably line  11  is secured through eyelet  33  and cinched about cleat tines  56 ,  57  and or neck  58 . 
   Furthermore, the distal end of cylindrical rod member  32  is formed as an adapter  52 , having notches  54 , similar to a conventional fishing rod, to be mated with fishing rod holder pin  50 . There are four equidistant notches  54  (only one notch is shown in  FIG. 6 ). This configuration allows apparatus  30  and thus cleat member  34  to be located at 90 degree orientations as desired, when installed with pin  50  mated in selected notches  54 . 
   The present apparatus is intended for attachment of a fender at any location along the hull where a cleat is not readily available and where a fishing rod-receiving cylinder is available. The cleat-rod apparatus of the invention is loaded into the rod-receiving cylinder and a fender is then suspended at that location to protect the hull. Attachment of a fender inboard rather than at the stern location eliminates the risk of having a fender slip off. 
   For hanging a fender, it has been found that the mere frictional engagement between the outer surface of the rod member and the inner surface of the rod-receiving cylinder is adequate to hold the apparatus in place even when acted upon by the pull of a fender line attached to the cleat member during use. 
   In use, one simply inserts the apparatus into any rod holder and then ties on a fender where it is needed. This can be done almost instantaneously. The apparatus works well for attachment of a fender. The cleat-rod apparatus is not intended for mooring, but might assist in an emergency. 
   This apparatus has a sleek design. As a result, it is unobtrusive both in use and as installed. A first step in this design is elimination of the flat plate used to secure a cylindrical rod and cleat, in the so-called T-shape, as in the prior art. Without a flat plate, the apparatus is sleek. As well, the major axis of the cleat member is generally aligned with the major axis of the rod member. Without a T-connection and with the cleat member so aligned relative to the rod member, the apparatus can be easily stored in a tight space. 
   In the present invention, the apparatus as installed can be lifted and rotated and reseated without fear of damaging or scratching the hull, as might occur when rotating a T-shaped device. This may occur, for example, when the rod-receiving cylinder is at an angle to the hull surface such that an edge of the T-plate can be rotated into contact with the hull. 
   In another embodiment of the invention, an integrated fender-line tie-down apparatus includes a yoke with an eyelet. As shown in one embodiment in  FIG. 7 , cleat-rod apparatus  60  includes cylindrical rod portion  32  and a yoke portion  62  having an internal eyelet  64  with open center  66  for tying a fender line and preferably cinched about neck  58 . 
   While cleat-rod apparatus  30  may be installed and used as a temporary fender tie-down, it also has an additional use of note. Returning again to the installed embodiment of  FIG. 6 , it will be appreciated that a support  68  is formed by cooperation of the end  32   a  of rod  32 , the recessed upper side  58   a  of neck  58 , and back side  57   a  of tine  57 . 
   In use, to assist with a large catch, cleat-rod apparatus  30  is installed in an available fishing rod holder, rapidly as the need arises. This quickly enables a fishing rod to be laid across support  68  and to be stabilized thereby. 
   While preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the claims. For example, although cleat-rod apparatus  30  is depicted having a particular cleat structure, other fastening structures could be employed, including, but not limited to, c-cleats, cam cleats, fairlead-type cleats, padeye-type cleats and the like. Furthermore, alternative types of attachments could be employed for anchoring the cylindrical rod member to the cylindrical rod-receiving member without deviating from the function and purpose of the invention. 
   What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.