Foldable frame for transporting fishing equipment

Foldable frame devices designed to transport fishing equipment and assorted items while functioning as a table and which are capable of being stored in confined spaces are disclosed. In an aspect, a foldable frame device may be carried by a user. The foldable frame device includes a rotating flat surface area which may be moved between a folded position and a usable position. In the folded position, the foldable frame device has a compact profile, thereby occupying a small amount of space for transportation or storage when not in use. In the usable position, the flat surface area extends away from the frame and may support items, such as fishing equipment.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to foldable frame devices and more particularly foldable frame devices for transporting fishing equipment and assorted items.

BACKGROUND

Many people of all ages enjoy the activity of fishing. Fishing can take place in various locations such as the beach, lake, river, wharf, dock, jetty, bridge, land outcropping, or the like. In order to participate in the activity of fishing, one must transport the necessary fishing equipment such as buckets, bait, hooks, lines, nets, rods, reels, tackle boxes and the like, to the fishing site. Fishing equipment may be carried by hand or transported by a fishing back pack.

An existing fishing back pack discloses a carrier, rod holders and sand spikes. The carrier may have one or more pockets and one or more removable bags. The pockets and removable bags may be used to carry fishing equipment, a built in cutting board and the like. The carrier may be transported by way of a harness. The carrier may be placed in a stationary position by way of the sand spikes. Rod holders may be configured on either side of the carrier.

The fishing back pack described above allows for transportation of only two fishing rods and reels. The many pockets and removable bags make it difficult to locate items, as well as hampering the size of gear which can be transported. It is also difficult to clean. One may also inadvertently leave behind necessary fishing tackle following the removal of one of the bags. The current fishing back pack cannot be modified to form a flat surface area to hold items such as a fishing bucket. To further complicate matters, the current fishing backpack is bulky and cannot be folded for storage in compact spaces.

Given the foregoing, what is needed is a foldable frame device capable of transporting fishing tackle by an individual. Additionally, foldable frame devices are desired which may be used as multifunctional tables and which are capable of being folded during transportation or storage in small spaces.

SUMMARY

This disclosure addresses the above-described needs by providing folding frame devices configured to transport assorted items. Assorted items include, but are not limited to, fishing tackle.

Aspects of the present disclosure provide a device configured to facilitate the transportation of assorted items such as fishing tackle and provide for a multifunctional surface area, without taking up significant storage space. Devices configured in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure are foldable, compact frames that can be carried on the back of a user or can be removably placed on a surface, such as a jetty, a beach, or a bank. Such foldable frame devices can also be folded into compact form during transportation and storage. Products according to the present disclosure are ideal for users who desire to carry fishing tackle to engage in fishing. They may also eliminate the need to transport a separate flat surface area such as a table, thereby decreasing the load that must be carried by the user.

In an aspect, a foldable frame device is configured to increase the amount of items that can be transported by a user during fishing and to conserve space when being stored. Such a foldable frame also renders transporting items easier, especially over difficult terrain such as a trail, sand dunes, or a jetty. Two straps are secured over the shoulders of a user to support the weight of the foldable frame and any objects placed on the foldable frame. The straps are secured at the top of the foldable frame and a rotatable leg is moveably attached to the bottom of the foldable frame. When in use, the leg is placed in an extended position by rotating the leg into a position approximately perpendicular to the body of the frame. Objects to be transported during fishing are placed on the extended leg for transportation. Such configuration allows for transportation of larger items such as buckets. Additionally, such configuration may also function as a large surface area similar to a table for cutting fish, holding fish, baiting hooks and the like. In some aspects, when the device is in use, it is configured to be folded for transportation of slim items such as rods and reels. This configuration may also allow for the foldable frame to be placed onto a surface such as sands, rocks, grass or the like. In an aspect, the foldable frame may further comprise deployable support poles. The deployable support poles may be extended from the foldable frame and support the foldable frame when placed on the ground. When the device is not in use, it is configured to be folded for storage in compact spaces.

Further features and advantages of the systems and apparatus disclosed herein, as well as the structure and operation of various aspects of the present disclosure, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to devices and attachments which allow for transporting assorted items. Assorted items include, but are not limited to, fishing equipment (e.g. fishing rods and reels, tackle boxes, buckets and the like). Such devices may enable easier transportation of fishing equipment, increased carrying capacity and provide for a flat surface and/or an elevated surface suitable for multifunction use.

In an aspect, a foldable frame device comprises a body, a base and a leg. The foldable frame device is configured to hang from two straps removably wearable on the back of a user, similar to a harness. The body connects to the base. The base is rotatably connected to the leg. The leg rotates from a stored, vertical position to an in use, horizontal position which is perpendicular to the body. Assorted items may be placed on the extended leg to provide the user with a flat multifunctional surface.

In some aspects, the foldable frame device is configured to be folded into condensed form for transportation. In condensed form, the leg is rotated vertically and significantly in parallel with the folding device body. In such aspects, the user may choose to carry or store slender items such as rods and reels.

In some aspects, when the foldable frame is not in use, it is configured to be folded into condensed form for storage. The leg is rotated into the storage position significantly in parallel with the folding device body.

Unless otherwise noted, for the purposes of the present disclosure, “user” and its plural forms refer to adults and children which may participate in fishing or otherwise utilize foldable frame devices of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 1, a side view of a foldable frame device100being used, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, is shown.

Foldable frame device100comprises a body102, a base104and a leg106. Body102is a rigid support structure configured to position foldable frame device100on the back of a user120as shown inFIG. 7and support the weight of assorted items placed thereon (e.g., during transportation). Body102may be constructed of one or more sturdy materials such as plastic, aluminum or the like. In some aspects, the material chosen for body102may be configured to be lightweight, enabling folding frame device100to be easily picked up and carried each time it is used to transport assorted items.

Referring now toFIG. 2, a front view of foldable frame device100wherein leg106is extended, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, is shown.

In an aspect, body102comprises one or more cross members108(labeled, for clarity, only as cross members108a-binFIG. 2) and one or more vertical members110(labeled, for clarity, only as vertical members110a-binFIG. 2). The back of body102may be a flat surface as shown inFIG. 6, configured to contact the back of user120as shown inFIG. 7. Vertical member110defines the overall length of folding frame100. The length of vertical member110is chosen such that foldable frame device100may be placed on the back of user120. Vertical member110may be approximately two to three feet long. In an aspect, four vertical members110are horizontally positioned equal intervals apart and rigidly connected by four cross members spaced at equal intervals along the length of cross members108.

In a second embodiment, two vertical members110are positioned approximately two feet apart and rigidly connected by four cross members spaced at equal intervals along the length of vertical members110, as shown inFIGS. 9-18andFIG. 20.

In an aspect, cross members108are firmly connected to vertical members110at end portions of cross members108. Firm connection may be made by a bolt, screw, bonding agent or other connection means as will be appreciated by those having skill in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein. The firm connection may be a permanent or removable connection.

Cross members108and vertical members110may be constructed of two to three-inch bars. These bars may be made of metal, aluminum or some other suitable sturdy material.

Base104comprises the bottom cross member108of body102, one or more cross members108and one or more vertical members110. Cross members108are firmly connected to vertical members110at end portions of cross members108. The length of base104is equal to the length of cross members108. The width of base104may be approximately one fourth the length of the vertical members110located on body102. Base104is configured to connect to leg106at rotatable connection114. Rotatable connection114(labeled as rotatable connection114a-binFIG. 2) may be comprised of one or more hinges or other means as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein for suitable rotation.

In an aspect, base104is configured to transport assorted items during fishing. In another aspect, base104is configured to make contact with a surface such as the ground, sand, rocks or the like. Leg106comprises a flat surface area112and one or more rotatable connectors114. In an aspect, leg106may be configured so that the length of leg106is approximately one-third the length of body102as shown inFIGS. 4, 5 and 6. Leg106may comprise two or more cross members and two or more vertical members of various arrangements as shown inFIG. 2. Flat surface area112is configured to support assorted items during fishing. In an aspect, flat surface area112may comprise a sturdy material such as plastic, mesh or the like, as may be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein. Flat surface area112may be placed in two positions: a usable position wherein leg106is perpendicular to body102(FIG. 2) and a folded position (FIG. 4) wherein leg106is parallel to body102.

Holder116(labeled, for clarity, only as holder116a-binFIG. 2) is configured to attach to body102at cross member108. Holder116may be configured to support assorted items such as rods and reels during fishing. Holder116may be constructed of one or more sturdy materials such as plastic, metal or steel. Holder116may be shaped similar to that of a cylinder. Holder116may vary in length, width and height. Holder116may be connected to cross members108by bolts, screws or other adhesive, as may be appreciated by those having skill in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein. In an aspect, foldable fame device100comprises four holders116. In alternative aspects, foldable frame device may comprise more or less holders116.

In an aspect, foldable frame device100may further comprise deployable support poles (not shown). The deployable support poles may be extended from foldable frame device100, elevating and supporting foldable frame device when placed on the ground.

Referring now toFIGS. 3A and 3B, a three quarters view of a of a foldable frame device100, displaying strap118(labeled as straps118a-binFIGS. 3A-B), in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure is shown.

Strap118is removably attached to foldable frame100at, for example, the top cross member108of body102. Straps118may be placed equal distances apart on top cross member108so as to maintain the balance of foldable frame100. Straps118are adapted to removably connect foldable frame device100to a user120. Straps118may be curved extending over the shoulders of user120and underneath the armpits of user120, similar to a harness, backpack, or the like as shown inFIGS. 7 and 8. Straps118may be positioned evenly under the armpits to sustain the weight of the assorted items placed on foldable frame100. In some aspects, straps118may be designed with varying widths. Straps118may be adjustable for varying the positioning of foldable frame100on the back of user120. Straps118may be constructed of one or more soft materials such as nylon jersey or mesh. In alternative aspects, one or more handles (not shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B) may be securely attached to top cross member108of body102, either removably or permanently, instead of or in addition to straps118, to facilitate the movement of device100via being gripped and carried by a hand of user120.

Referring now toFIG. 4, a front view of a foldable frame device100wherein leg106is in the folded position, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure is shown.

FIG. 4depicts leg106and flat surface area112in its folded position. In some aspects, foldable frame device100may be folded at rotatable connector114(labeled as rotatable connection114a-binFIG. 4) for transportation or storage of slim items such as rods and reels or the like. In other aspects, foldable frame device100may be folded at rotatable connector114for storage in compact spaces. As shown inFIG. 5, foldable frame device100occupies a volume with a similar height, width and approximately three quarters the thickness when folded.

Foldable frame100may be used with a variety of lengths and widths of cross members108and vertical members110.

Referring now toFIG. 9, a perspective view of a second embodiment of a foldable frame device100being used, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, is shown.

The second embodiment of device100is substantially similar to the above described version of device100and has many of the same parts and components, with a slightly different configuration. In an aspect, the second embodiment of foldable frame device100comprises two vertical members110(labeled as110c-dinFIG. 9) positioned approximately two feet apart and rigidly connected by four cross members108(labeled only as108ainFIG. 9, for clarity) spaced at equal intervals along the length of vertical members110. In such an aspect, leg106may contain two cross members108(labeled only as108cinFIG. 9, for clarity) and four vertical members110(labeled only as110einFIG. 9, for clarity), or alternative arrangements as may be appreciated by those having skill in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein.

Referring now toFIG. 10, a three quarter view of a second embodiment of a foldable frame device100wherein the device leg106is extended, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, is shown.

The second embodiment of device100includes additional items. Specifically, the second embodiment of device100may further include at least one flexible member1002(labeled only as1002ainFIG. 10, for clarity); at least one belt component1004(labeled only as1004ainFIG. 10, for clarity); at least one padding element1006(labeled on only as1006ainFIG. 10, for clarity); female clasping mechanism1008; and a male clasping mechanism1010.

Flexible member1002may securely attach to a vertical member110or a cross member108of body102at one end and a vertical member110or a cross member108of leg106at the opposite end. Flexible member1002may comprise a cable, wire, rope, or similar element with an appropriate tensile strength as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein as being capable of supporting the weight of leg106and any one or more of a variety of objects that may be placed thereon, including buckets, fishing gear, and the like. Furthermore, flexible member1002may function to prevent leg106from rotating more than approximately 90 degrees relative to body102when leg106is in the extended position, as shown inFIG. 15. In some aspects, a stopping and/or locking mechanism is integrated with rotatable connector114in order to prevent movement of leg106past the approximately 90 degree point relative to body102. In such aspects, flexible member1002may or may not be included with device100. In yet some further aspects, the length of flexible member1002and/or the configuration of a stopping and/or locking mechanism integrated with rotatable connector114may be such as to vary the angle at which leg106may be extended relative to body102, either less than or greater than 90 degrees.

Belt component1004may be securely attached to vertical members110positioned at the outermost opposing sides of body102. Belt component1004may be integrated with one or more clasping mechanisms, such as, by way of example and not limitation, female clasping mechanism1008and male clasping mechanism1010. Belt component1004may comprise a webbed fabric, nylon jersey, mesh, or similar material as may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein as capable of restraining on object positioned on flat surface area112, such as bucket902(shown inFIG. 9) and the like, when the clasping mechanisms1008and1010are secured within each other. Additionally, belt component1004may keep leg106in its upright folded position, as shown inFIG. 16.

Padding element1006may comprise foam-like material, or any other similar material that is soft to the touch as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein. Padding element1006may provide a comforting barrier between vertical member110and/or cross member108and the back of user120when device100is worn thereon for transportation, as shown inFIGS. 18 and 21.

Referring now toFIG. 17, a three quarter view of a second embodiment of a foldable frame device100being used atop a paddleboard1804, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, is shown.

In some aspects, device100may include an additional strap1802. Strap1802may comprise material similar to belt component1004and be used to removably secure device100to a variety of surfaces/objects, such as, by way of example and not limitation, paddleboard1804. In some aspects, one or more straps118and/or belt component1004may be removed from device100and reattached to different parts thereof in order to secure device100to surfaces/objects in conjunction with/instead of strap1802.

In some aspects, device100may be configured as a tree stand. Device100may include one or more attachment devices suitable for securely, removably connecting device100to a tree at a desired height including a tree strap, pitons, and the like. Device100may further include a seat cushion and/or back supports for comfort.

While various aspects of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary aspects.

In addition, it should be understood that the figures in the attachments, which highlight the structure, methodology, functionality and advantages of the present disclosure, are presented for example purposes only. The present disclosure is sufficiently flexible and configurable, such that it may be implemented in ways other than that shown in the accompanying figures.

Further, the purposes of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the relevant art(s) who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure. The Abstract is not intended to be limiting as to the scope of the present disclosure in any way.