DEVICE FOR HANDLING FISHING LINE AND ARRANGEMENT FOR FISHING

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for handling a fishing line, intended for use in fly fishing. The device comprises a frame section (1) and upper and lower holders (2, 3) for winding the fishing line. The line holders, separate from one another, are arranged spaced apart in the frame section and seen from the end of the frame section they point in different directions, forming an angle (B) between them. The device is to be held in the hand that does not hold the rod. The device serves as a storage for fishing line and it enables longer casts with the rod. Further, the basic idea of the arrangement in accordance with invention is that the arrangement comprises a device as described above for handling a fishing line and a separate rod.

Description: DEVICE FOR HANDLING FISHING LINE AND ARRANGEMENT FOR FISHING The invention relates to a device for handling a fishing line, the device being intended for use in fishing where a lure arranged in the fishing line is cast by means of a rod, the device comprising a frame section, projecting upper and lower holders arranged in the frame section separately and spaced apart from one another, around which holders at least some of the fishing line required in the fishing can be wound. The invention further relates to an arrangement for fishing comprising a rod with which a lure arranged in the fishing line is to be cast, the ar- rangement further comprising means for handling the fishing line, whereby the device used in handling the fishing line comprises a frame section, separate, projecting holders arranged in the frame section spaced apart from one another, whereby at least some of the fishing line required in the fishing can be wound around said holders. Fly fishing equipment typically comprises a rod, a reel attached to the rod, a fishing line spooled onto the reel, and a fly provided at the free end of the fishing line. Normally, the rod also comprises line guides or the like means for guiding the fishing line. The aim in fly fishing is to make as long casts as possible by means of the rod. In order to extend the casts, the fish- erman normally unwinds from the reel onto the ground or to the water such an amount of fishing line that is required for the cast. Thereafter he casts the fly as far as possible by means of the rod. However, the fishing line is easily caught in twigs or other litter on the ground, whereupon the line tends to get entangled. Moreover, the litter that is entangled with the fishing line wears down the line itself, as well as the line guides, and the reel. At a fishing site, it is often difficult to find a suitable place for laying down the fishing line. As a result, some fishermen have made a habit of winding fishing line onto loops in the hand that does not hold the rod in order to prepare for a cast. However, it is difficult to move about while carrying such a loop of fishing line and the fishing line tends to become entangled. A solution to prevent problems with handling the fishing line is a basket for fishing line. The fisherman typically fits such a basket around his waist at the front, so that he can unwind fishing line from the reel into the basket in an amount required for a cast. Thus, the basket for fishing line serves as a kind of portable carrier onto which the fishing line can be unwound into a bundle. However, the basket hinders the movements of the fisherman and the handling of the rod and as a consequence makes the fishing rather cumbersome. Furthermore, since the fishing line is not guided in any way, problems with the free flow of the fishing line my occur during the casts. It is difficult to handle and control the fishing line. The Finnish utility model 3759 discloses a device comprising a frame section and holders arranged in the frame section, around which holders fishing line required in the fishing can be wound. The object of the present invention is to provide novel and improved devices for fishing with a rod, which devices prevent prior art problems. The device in accordance with the invention is characterized in that line holders are arranged in the frame section such that, seen from the end of the frame section, they point at different directions and that the device is separate from the rod and it is to be manipulated with the hand that does not hold the rod. The arrangement in accordance with the invention is characterized in that the holders are arranged in the frame section such that, seen from the direction of the longitudinal axis of the frame section, they point at different directions and that the device used for handling the fishing line is separate from the rod and it is to be manipulated with the hand that does not hold the rod. The basic idea of the invention is that the device intended for handling the fishing line is separate from the rod and it can be used for storing the fishing line and for making the actual fishing more effective. During fishing, the fisherman holds the rod in one hand, and in the other hand, the device for handling the fishing line in accordance with the invention. The device com- prises a frame section and two projecting line holders provided in the frame section, spaced apart from one another, whereby at least the portion of the fishing line that is needed in the fishing is wound around the holders. According to the inventive idea, the holders are arranged such that, seen from the end of the frame section, they point in different directions. The axes of the holders are thus at an angle to one another. The mutual position of the upper and lower holders is arranged according to the user's handedness and the degree of the angle between them can be selected such that it is convenient for the fisherman. The basic idea of one preferred embodiment of the invention is that the holders are pegs. The idea of another embodiment is, in turn, that the holders are flat, preferably plate-like, pieces that are designed to comprise a convex side and a concave side. The concave sides face away from each other. Further, the basic idea of the arrangement in accordance with the invention is that the arrangement comprises a device as described above for handling the fishing line and a separate rod. The invention has an advantage that it prevents the fishing line from getting entangled and soiled, since there is no longer any need to lay the fishing line on the ground at the site of fishing. Therefore the fishing site can also be selected more freely than previously. Moreover, the fisherman can handle the fishing line more firmly and move about more easily. The fishing line can be wound onto the device more rapidly than onto a reel of a small diameter. When the holders are arranged in different directions with respect to one another in accordance with the invention, winding is further enhanced, since the fishing line slides along a sloping surface in the winding direction automatically towards the base of the holder, and consequently the fishing line loops align neatly around the holders and unwind therefrom without getting entangled. Further, the device makes casting more effective, enabling longer casts. It gives the fishing line a higher speed, and during casting the fishing line runs from the holders in accordance with the invention without getting entangled. The fishing line can also be wound around the upper holder so that the device for handling the fishing line, which operates as an extension of the arm, can be used to provide longer casts. Moreover, the movement of the fly in the water can be controlled better and there is no need to make all the necessary movements with the rod only. The device enables the use of shorter and lighter rods, which makes the handling of the fishing rod more comfortable. Another advantage is that the device facilitates fishing in a sitting position. Therefore, invalid people and others who have problems with moving can also do fly fishing since the movements made with the rod can be smaller. Fishing from a boat or some other place in a sitting position also becomes easier and more effective. When the line holders are arranged in accordance with the in- vention, the handling of the fishing line is considerably facilitated. The holders in a way grab the fishing line in the direction of winding, and correspondingly, release the line off the holders smoothly during unwinding. Further, the device makes the maintenance of the fishing line substantially easier since the line can now be maintained between fishing trips and even during the fishing with- out taking it off the holders. When the fishing line is freely accessible in an open place wound between the holders, it can be cleaned, waxed and pol- ished easily and rapidly without a risk of being entangled. Further, if no conventional reel is used but all the extra fishing line is wound onto the device according to the invention, it is very easy to replace the fishing line with another line with different properties even in the middle of fishing. Therefore the fisherman does not have to obtain several expensive rods and reels, but one and the same rod can be used with several devices according to the invention containing different types of fishing lines. Different fishing lines can also be wound onto separate devices, where they can be stored and transported easily. Due to its simple structure, the device has a rather low purchase price, wherefore it is affordable to purchase several such devices for different fishing lines. A preferred embodiment of the invention also has an advantage that substantially all the fishing line to be stored, i.e. both the base line and the cast line can be wound onto the device in accordance with the invention, and therefore there is no longer any need for a conventional reel secured to the rod or any other device secured to the rod for storing the fishing line. Another advantage is that since the fishing line is not wound onto a small-diameter reel, it suffers less from memory which means that the fishing line tends to spiral after the reel even when it is not wound onto it, wherefore the properties of the line deteriorate. Especially cheaper fishing lines suffer from memory. When the fishing line is stored in the device according to the invention wound onto a substantially larger loop, the fishing line does not become entangled that easily. Further, between fishing trips the storing of the fishing line no longer requires the line to be unwound and stored in separate racks or the like. The invention also enables the use of cheaper fishing lines that are easier to han- die. In the following the invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the attached drawings, wherein Figures 1 a and 1 b are schematic side views of devices for handling a fishing line in accordance with the invention, Figure 2 is a schematic view of the device of above figures, seen from direction A, and Figures 3a and 3b are schematic views of still further line holders to be used in the device for handling the fishing line according to the invention, and Figure 3c shows a device for handling the fishing line according to the invention, seen from the direction of a handle section. Figure 1 a is a schematic side view of a device in accordance with the invention. The device for handling the fishing line comprises a frame section 1. Two separate, projecting holders, an upper holder 2 and a lower holder 3, are provided transverse to the frame section and spaced apart from one another. A fishing line 4 is intended to be wound between these holders 2 and 3. When the device entirely replaces a reel, both a base line and a cast line, i.e. all the fishing line needed in the fishing, are wound onto the holders. The frame also comprises a handle section 1 a preferably at the end where the lower holder is placed. The handle section is not obligatory, but the device can also be manipulated between the holders. In the simplest form, the frame of the device is as shown in the figure, but depending on the design and dimensions it may also be different. The device enhances the cast, since in a way it adds to the length of the fisherman's arm. A suitable length of the device is about 20 to 60 cm, but the device can also be longer, if necessary. The cross- section of the frame can be round, oval, rectangular, a desired profile or tubu- lar, for instance. Peg-like holders can be formed of different cross-sectional shapes, preferably of a round or oval tube or solid material. The device is intended to be held in the free hand, i.e. in the hand that does not hold the rod. At the same time, the user can control the fishing line with his fingers during the fishing. The fishing line can also be handled and controlled by suitably turning the device. For controlling and fastening the fishing line, the device may further comprise line locking means not described herein. At the free end of the lower and/or upper holder it is possible to form a slot, in which the fishing line can be locked during fishing or for transportation and storing. To enhance locking, the narrow slot may comprise elastic material, such as rubber or silicone, which increases friction and hence effectively prevents the fishing line from sliding. In connection with the upper or lower holder, there may also be a flexible band, wherewith the fishing line wound onto the device can be locked to the holder by tying it suitably around the holder and simultaneously stretching it. Thereafter it is locked in a fastening slot or the like at the free end of the holder. Figure 2 shows the device of Figure 1a seen from direction A, i.e. from the direction of the frame's longitudinal axis 5. For clarity, the figure does not show the fishing line. At simplest, the frame section is provided with mounting holes of different directions, into which the peg-like holders are fitted and locked in place by glueing, with a locking pin or by shape locking. The holders 2 and 3 arranged in the mounting holes point in different directions, i.e. an angle B is formed between their axes 2a and 3a. Hence, in the transverse direction to the longitudinal axis 5 of the frame section 1 , the distance between the holders is shorter at their base than at their free end, i.e. L1 is larger than L2. The perimeter of the fishing line loop wound around the holders also in- creases as the distance of the loop increases from the base of the holders. Hence, the loop wound around the holders will not accidentally fall from the holders if, during the fishing, the device for holding the fishing line is turned in a position where the holders point downwards. Figure 1a shows a device intended for a left-handed fisherman, i.e. the device is manipulated with the right hand. Correspondingly, Figure 1b shows a right-handed person's device to be held in the left hand. It appears from the figures that the mutual position of the upper and lower holders depends on the handedness of the fisherman, i.e. in which direction the fishing line is wound onto the holders and in which direction it is released from the holders. The winding direction is indicated in the figures 1 a and 1 b with arrow C. When the holders stick out in the described manner, they in a way grab the fishing line while being wound. Correspondingly, the fishing line can run smoothly from the holders along the sloping surface. The frame section may comprise pre-arranged a plurality of holes in mutually different directions, and thus the holders can be fitted according to handedness. Alternatively, at the end closest to the frame section 1 the holders may comprise, for instance, a loop-like locking part which enables locking of the holder at a desired angle. Further, the frame section may consist of two parts, whereby the upper holder is arranged in the upper frame part, and cor- respondingly, the lower holder is arranged in the lower frame part. By turning the frame parts with respect to one another, it is possible to adjust the angle between the holders as is convenient for the fisherman. The handedness of the device can also be readily changed. In the figures the angle B between the holders is exaggerated. In practice, a smaller angle is sufficient, provided that the holders clearly point in different directions. Preferably the angle B is 10° to 20°. Figures 3a and 3b show yet another solution to provide holders in the device for holding the fishing line. In this case the holders are flat pieces, preferably of plate-like material, which comprise a convex surface 6 on a first side and a concave surface 7 on a second side. The concave surfaces 7 are always arranged to face away from each other. The concave surfaces serve in the holders as surfaces that grab the fishing line and the convex surfaces, in turn, allow the fishing line to run smoothly when it is unwound off the holders. The curved axes 9 depicted between the convex and the concave surfaces point in substantially different directions, when the holders are fitted in place in the frame section. Thus, the holders designed in this manner point in different directions and act in a corresponding manner as the obliquely positioned peglike holders described in the previous figures. When the holders are viewed from the handle 1a end, the holder in Figure 3a is arranged as the upper holder in the device intended for a right-handed person (corresponds to the solution of Figure 1 b), and the holder in Figure 3b curving in the opposite direction is arranged as the lower holder. In Figure 3c, the structure is shown from the direction of the handle as assembled. The upper holder 2 is indicated by a broken line and the lower one by an unbroken line. The holders may be provided with openings 8 for fastening the holders to the frame section. In that case, the frame section is provided with a locking portion, preferably a rectangular portion, which corresponds in shape to the opening 8 and into which the holder fits. In addition, the holder can be locked in place with glue or with a mechanical locking means, for instance. However, locking is preferably carried out by means of a wedge or a pin such that the holders are readily detachable. Locking may also be implemented such that the holders are Iockable at a desired point in the longitudinal direction of the frame section, i.e. the distance between the holders can be adjusted. Consequently, the fishing line loops can be loosened for storing by shifting the holders closer to each other. The holders may have different profiles, so by changing the holders it is possible to in- fluence the properties of the device and thereby customize the device to suit the particular needs of each user. The angle between the holder axis 9 and the frame section 1 may vary, as well as the curvature of the convex and concave surfaces. Handedness can be readily changed by turning the holders about their longitudinal axes at both ends of the device. To further improve the retention of the fishing line loops on the holders it is possible to design the holders such that a portion that is thinner than the thickest part of the holder tip is provided at the base of the holder. In other words, measurement L 3 is larger than measurement L 4 in Figure 3a. Fishing with the equipment in accordance with the invention differs somewhat from the conventional method. If the device is used as an auxiliary device in a normal fly fishing set comprising a reel, a required length of fishing line is drawn out from the reel and wound onto the holders of the auxiliary device. The device enables longer casts, since it serves as an extension of the fisherman's arm, resulting in longer casting movements. On the other hand, the cast is sharper, which in turn provides more effective drawing. After the fish has caught the fly, the fishing line can be fed rapidly, and correspondingly, pulled back quickly, since one round of fishing line around the holders corresponds to as much as over one meter, depending on the distance between the holders. The device for handling the fishing line can be manufactured of e.g. wood, composite material, light metal and suitable plastic material, or combinations thereof. The drawings and the related specification is only intended to illustrate the inventive idea. The details of the invention may vary within the scope of the claims. So, the frame section can be collapsible, or for instance, tele- scopic, permitting easier transportation and storing of the device. The holders can also be arranged such that, when necessary, they are foldable in parallel with the frame section or they can be easily detached from the frame section. It should be mentioned further that the device in accordance with the invention is applicable particularly in fishing with a one-hand fly rod, but is also applica- ble to other types of fishing with rod, such as angling. Furthermore, the upper and lower holders need not have the same profile, neither have their angles to the frame section be of the same degree. Still further, the peg-like holder may be curved, so that the locking holes of the upper and lower holders may be aligned and yet the pegs may point in different directions in accordance with the invention. The pegs may also extend to the other side of the frame section, whereby the device comprises two pairs of holders on the opposite sides of the device, which enables winding of two separate fishing lines onto the device.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A device for handling a fishing line, the device being intended for use in fishing where a lure arranged in the fishing line is cast by means of a rod, the device comprising a frame section (1), projecting upper (2) and lower (3) holders arranged in the frame section separately and spaced apart from one another, around which holders at least some of the fishing line (4) required in the fishing can be wound, characterized in that line holders (2, 3) are arranged in the frame section such that, seen from the end of the frame section, they point at different directions and that the device is separate from the rod and it is to be manipulated with the hand that does not hold the rod. 2. A device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the holders (2, 3) are peg-like elements that are arranged in drill holes or the like provided in the frame section (1). 3. A device as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the fishing line holders (2, 3) extend from a first side of the frame section (1) to a second side thereof, whereby the device comprises two sets of holders on the opposite sides of the frame section for winding two separate fishing lines around said holders. 4. A device as claimed in claim ^ characterized in that the holders (2, 3) are flat pieces which are arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the frame section and whose first edge is formed convex and a second edge concave and that the holders are arranged such that the concave edges face away from one another. 5. A device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the holders are arranged in the frame section to be readily detachable. 6. A device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the handedness of the device is changeable by turning the holders about their longitudinal axis. 7. A device as claimed in any one of preceding claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the holder comprises and opening (8), whereby it can be mounted in the direction of the frame section's longitudinal axis in a locking portion provided in the frame section, the locking portion being provided with a portion that matches with the shape of the opening and compris- ing means for locking the holders. 8. An arrangement for fishing, the arrangement comprising a rod with which a lure provided in a fishing line (4) is to be cast, the arrangement further comprising means for handling the fishing line, whereby the device for handling the fishing line comprises a frame section (1), projecting holders (2, 3) provided in the frame section separately and spaced apart from one another, and whereby at least some of the fishing line required for the fishing can be wound around said holders, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the holders are arranged in the frame section such that they point in different directions seen from the direction of the frame section's longitudinal axis and that the device for handling the fishing line is separate from the rod and it is to be manipulated with the hand that is not holding the rod.

Inventors: ROSNELL MARKKU, ROSNELL, MARKKU
Applicants: ROSNELL MARKKU, ROSNELL PATENTTI OY, ROSNELL, MARKKU
Application year: 2000
Main classification: A01K97
IPC codes: A01K91