Abstract:
A combination fishing pole holder and cleat has a bezel portion for affixing to a surface. The bezel portion has a first hole for accepting an object and a shaped indentation to accept and fit a cleat portion. The bezel portion has a pair of studs, each having a cavity formed there within. The cleat portion is shaped to fit within the shaped indentation and has a second hole, also for accepting the object. A pair of legs extends from the cleat portion and through respective studs. Each of the legs is terminated by a device/end that is wider than the cavity of the studs. A tubular portion extends from a side of the bezel and is aligned with both the first hole and the second hole for insertion of the object. The cleat portion moves between a retracted position and an extended position.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/800,085, filed Jul. 15, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,422,030 issued Aug. 23, 2016; which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/059,872 filed on Oct. 4, 2014, the disclosure of both are incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This invention relates to the field of marine equipment and more particularly to a device for holding a fishing pole and for attaching a line. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In many marine applications, vessels are often equipped with what are known as fishing pole holders. Although often used to hold objects other than fishing poles (e.g. gas grills), fishing pole holders are well known. Fishing pole holders typically have a bezel where the fishing pole holder is attached to the gunnels or other surface of a marine vehicle and a typically tubular extension that extends through the surface of the vessel, providing a typically tubular cavity into which a handle end of a fishing pole is inserted. The bezel is typically arranged to be substantially parallel to the vessel surface on which it is mounted while the tubular extension is typically at a non-right angle with respect to this vessel surface, thereby, when a fishing pole is inserted into the fishing pole holder, the fishing pole extends from the fishing pole holder at this non-90 degree angle, typically preferred by users. 
     Likewise, most marine vessels have at least one cleat to which a line (e.g. rope) is attached for anchoring, tying to other vessels, tying to a boat slip, etc. The typical cleat is fixed, usually made of metal such as stainless steel, and often has a bezel portion that attaches to a surface of the vessel and, extending there from, has a “pi” shaped (π) portion. The shape of the cleat allows for the line to be properly wrapped to securely fasten the line, being that tides, wind, and waves constantly work to try and undo the line. 
     Some newer cleats pop-up when needed, in that, when not in use, the “pi” shaped portion retracts and lays flush with the bezel portion, reducing snagging and tripping issues. 
     Unfortunately, the surfaces of the vessel where it is desirable for locating cleats is also desirable for locating fishing pole holders, for example, the port and starboard stern corners. This competition often results in cleats being mounted in the prime locations, being that the cleat is needed for proper docking, etc. The location of these cleats then dictates that the fishing pole holders must be located at sub-optimal locations. 
     Further, during manufacturing of vessels, having separate cleats and fishing pole holders requires additional labor for locating, drilling, installation, and fastening of two distinct devices, along with that associated probabilities of error. 
     What is needed is a combination fishing pole holder and cleat that solves this problem through co-locating both at the same location. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a combination fishing pole holder and cleat is disclosed having a bezel portion for affixing to a surface (e.g. a deck or gunnels of a boat). The bezel portion has a first hole for accepting an object and a shaped indentation, shaped to accept and fit a cleat portion. The bezel portion has a pair of studs, each of the studs having a cavity formed there within. The cleat portion is shaped to fit within the shaped indentation and has a second hole, also for accepting the object. A pair of legs extends from the cleat portion and through respective studs. Each of the legs is terminated by a device/end (e.g. a screw) that is wider than the cavity of the studs. A tubular portion extends from a side of the bezel opposite from the shaped indentation and the tubular portion is aligned with both the first hole and the second hole for insertion of the object. The cleat portion moves between a retracted position in which the cleat portion is contained within the shaped indentation and an extended position in which the legs extend from the respective studs and the cleat portion extends away from the bezel portion for affixing lines. 
     In another embodiment, a combination fishing pole holder and cleat is disclosed having a bezel portion for affixing to a surface (e.g., of a vessel). The bezel portion has a first hole for accepting an object and a shaped indentation. The shaped indentation is of size and shape as to accept and fit an outline of a cleat portion. The bezel portion also has a pair of studs, each of which have a cavity formed there within. In this, the outline of the cleat portion is shaped to fit within the shaped indentation. The cleat portion has a second hole, through which the object can pass. The cleat portion has a pair of legs, each of which extends from the cleat portion and through the cavities in respective studs. Each of the legs is terminated by an end device that is wider than the cavity of the studs, thereby preventing the legs from completely exiting the cavities in the respective studs. A tubular portion extends from a side of the bezel opposite from the shaped indentation. The cleat portion moves between a retracted position in which the cleat portion is contained within the shaped indentation; and an extended position in which the legs extend from the respective cavities within the studs and the cleat portion extends away from the bezel portion for affixing lines. 
     In another embodiment, a method of securing a boat to a dock is disclosed. The boat has a combination fishing pole holder and cleat as described. The method includes starting with the cleat portion being retracted such that the cleat portion rests within the shaped indentation of the bezel portion such that a face surface of the cleat portion is flush with a face surface of the bezel portion. Now, a butt end of a fishing pole is placed into the second hole such that the butt end of the fishing pole passing through the first hole and resting at least partially within the tubular portion. Next, the butt end of the fishing pole is removed from the second hole, the first hole and the tubular portion and the cleat portion is extended, out from the shaped indentation. Now, a first end of a line is tied onto the extended cleat portion with a second end of the line being secured to the dock. 
     In another embodiment, a combination fishing pole holder and cleat is disclosed having a bezel portion for affixing to a surface of a vessel. The bezel portion has a first hole substantially central to the bezel portion for accepting an object like a fishing pole, and the bezel portion has a pair of studs. Each of the studs has a cavity formed there within. The bezel portion has a shaped indentation that is of size and shape as to accept and fit an outline of a cleat portion. Likewise, the outline of the cleat portion is shaped to fit within the shaped indentation. The cleat portion has a second hole substantially central to the shaped indentation, and a pair of legs. Each of the legs extend from the cleat portion and through the cavities in respective studs. Each leg is terminated by an end device that is wider than the cavity of the studs, thereby preventing the legs from completely exiting the cavities in the studs. The cleat portion moves between a retracted position in which the cleat portion rests within the shaped indentation and an extended position in which the legs extend from the respective cavities within the studs and the cleat portion extends away from the bezel portion. 
     In another embodiment, a combination fishing pole holder and cleat is disclosed having a bezel portion for affixing to a surface. A first side of the bezel portion has a shaped indentation. A pair of studs extend from a second side of the bezel portion (opposing the first side); each of the studs having a cavity formed there within. A cleat portion has a pair of legs. Each of the legs extends from the cleat portion and into the cavities in respective studs. Each of the legs has a device that is wider than the cavity of the studs, thereby preventing each of the legs from completely exiting a respective cavity in the studs. The cleat portion is shaped to fit within the shaped indentation and a hole is formed in both the cleat portion and the bezel portion for supporting an object therein. The cleat portion moves between a retracted position in which the cleat portion is contained within the shaped indentation and an extended position in which the legs extend out of each respective cavity and the cleat portion remains distal from the bezel portion for affixing lines to the cleat portion 
     In another embodiment, a method of securing a boat to a dock is disclosed. The boat has a combination fishing pole holder and cleat. A cleat portion of the combination fishing pole holder and cleat is extended such that the cleat portion extends outwardly from a shaped indentation of a bezel portion. The cleat portion has a pair of legs and each of the legs extend from the cleat portion into cavities in respective studs of the bezel portion. The bezel portion is affixed to a surface of the boat. The boat is secured to a dock by tying a first end of a line onto the cleat portion and a second end of the line is secured to the dock 
     In another embodiment, a combination fishing pole holder and cleat is disclosed. The combination fishing pole holder and cleat has a bezel portion for affixing to a surface (e.g., the gunnel of a boat). A pair of studs extends from a first side of the bezel portion. Each of the studs has a cavity formed there within. A shaped indentation is formed on a second side of the bezel portion (opposing the first side). A cleat portion that sized and shaped to fit within a shaped indentation has a pair of legs that extend from the cleat portion and into the cavities of respective studs. A hole passes substantially central through the shaped indentation and the cleat portion (e.g. for holding a fishing pole). The cleat portion moves between a retracted position in which the cleat portion is substantially within the shaped indentation and an extended position in which the cleat portion rests extended away from the bezel portion for tying a line thereto. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a combination fishing pole holder and cleat with the cleat portion retracted (stowed). 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a side perspective view of a combination fishing pole holder and cleat with the cleat portion extended (ready for attaching of a line). 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a top perspective view of a combination fishing pole holder and cleat with the cleat portion extended (ready for attaching of a line) 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a combination fishing pole holder and cleat with the cleat portion extended also showing the boat deck. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures. 
     Throughout this description, the term “cleat” is used to refer to a marine device that is typically mounted to a surface of a vessel and used for attaching a line. Such cleats are available in many sizes and shapes and are made of various materials. Likewise, the term “fishing pole holder” refers to any of a common set of devices attached or integrated into a surface of a vessel (e.g. boat) and used for any conceived purpose, one of which is to hold and support a fishing pole. Note that the typical fishing pole holder has a portion that typically extends below the surface of the vessel in which a portion of the supported object (e.g. fishing pole handle end) is inserted. The butt of the object typically extends far enough into the fishing pole holder as to physically retain the object within the fishing pole holder, usually at an angle that is other than 90 degrees with respect to the surface on which the fishing pole holder is located. There are other known types of fishing pole holders that affix externally to surfaces, as is typically mounted along the sternward surfaces of a top covering a center console of a center-console boat. 
     The term vessel will be used to refer to any watercraft or non-watercraft on which such objects are often mounted. For example, cleats are often mounted to docking surfaces, pilings, decks, etc. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a combination fishing pole holder and cleat  10  is shown with the cleat portion retracted (stowed). In this mode, the combination fishing pole holder and cleat  10  is ready to accept a fishing pole (not shown) and is not ready for attaching a line (e.g. a rope, also not shown). The combination fishing pole holder and cleat  10  has a bezel portion  14  that typically lays substantially flush against a surface of the surface  30  of the vessel (see  FIG. 4 ), and is typically affixed with fasteners (not shown) that pass through orifices/holes  22  (4 orifices/holes  22  are shown, though any number are anticipated). 
     The cleat portion  16  is shown retracted, snuggly fitting within a similar shaped outline  21  (see  FIG. 3 ) within the bezel portion  14 , preferably lying substantially flush with the bezel portion  14 . 
     A tubular portion  12  extends from the bezel portion  14 . When mounted on a surface  30 , the tubular portion extends below the surface  30  and beneath the surface  30  of the vessel, providing a cavity  15  in which the handle-end of, for example, a fishing pole is inserted. Although the tubular portion  12  is shown as being cylindrical, there is no limitation on the size or shape of this portion  12  and, hence the cavity  15 . 
     It is anticipated that the combination fishing pole holder and cleat  10  be made from any suitable material such as steel, stainless steel, plastic, nylon, etc. 
     Although not required, the holes  22  through the bezel are typically countersunk to allow heads of the fastening screws to sit flush or below an outer surface of the bezel portion  14 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , perspective views of the combination fishing pole holder and cleat  10  are shown with the cleat portion extended (ready for attaching of a line—e.g., in a raised position). In this mode, the combination fishing pole holder and cleat  10  is ready to accept a line (e.g. a rope, also not shown). Note that, depending upon how the line is attached, the combination fishing pole holder and cleat  10  is often able to also accept an object such as a fishing pole, as long as the line doesn&#39;t block the cavity  15 . 
     In this view, the angle of the tubular portion  12  is visible. Although any angle, including 90 degrees, is anticipated, it is desired that fishing poles, when inserted in fishing pole holders, including combination fishing pole holder and cleat  10 , rest at an angle that is less than 90 degrees, angled toward the stern of the boat. 
     The cleat portion  16  is shown extended away from the bezel portion  14 , and supported by two legs  17  that extend from mating cavities and extend through the bezel portion  14 . The cavities (not visible) are formed within studs  19  of the bezel portion  14 . The ends of the legs  17  are capped (e.g., with a screw and washer) to be larger than the diameter (or cross-sectional width) of the cavities by, for example, screws  18 , such that, during manufacture, the legs  17  are inserted into the studs  19  and then the screws  18  are affixed to, for example, threads at the ends of the legs  17 , thereby retaining the legs  17  within the cavities within the cavity within the studs  19 , but allowing linear sliding of the legs  17  within the studs  19 , for extension and retracting of the cleat potion  16 . 
     In some embodiments, the cleat portion  16  is extended by pulling up on the cleat portion  16 . In some embodiments, the cleat portion  16  is spring loaded (not shown), having a flip-flop-like device (not shown) for locking the cleat portion  16  in the retracted position. In such, pushing on the cleat portion  16  (towards the bezel portion  14 ), releases the lock and the cleat portion  16  pops up, then pushing the cleat portion  16  down, against the bezel portion  14 , locks the cleat portion  16  in the retracted position until a future release by the same steps. In some embodiments, the cleat portion  16  remains extended by force of friction between the legs  17  and the cavities within the studs  19 . In such, this friction serves to maintain the cleat portion  16  in either the retracted position (as in  FIG. 1 ) or the extended position (as in  FIGS. 2-4 ) until the cleat portion  16  acted upon by a pulling or pushing force sufficient to overcome the friction. In some embodiments, one or both studs  19  have a spring that urges a ball or other protrusion (not shown) towards the respective leg  17  such that, the ball or other protrusion enters a detent or depression (not shown) in the respective leg  17  when the cleat portion  16  is in the extended position, thereby maintaining the cleat portion  16  in the extended position until sufficient force is exerted against the cleat portion  16  to move the detent beyond the ball or other protrusion. 
     In some embodiments, the bezel portion  14  has one or more finger pull areas (not shown) around where the cleat portion  16  rests to allow a finger of a user to grasp the cleat portion  16  when moving the cleat portion  16  from the retracted position. Likewise, in some of such embodiments, the cleat portion  16  is also chamfered in the area near the finger pull areas to allow the fingers to get under a surface of the cleat portion  16  to facilitate overcoming, for example, the friction between the legs  17  and the cavities within the studs  19 . 
     A tubular portion  12  extend preferably extends from the bezel portion  14 . When mounted on a surface  30  of the vessel, the tubular portion  12  and the studs  19  extend through the surface  30  of the vessel and typically the tubular portion  12  extends far enough through the surface  30  of the vessel to capture an end of, for example, a fishing pole to support the fishing pole, even when the vessel is under way. The tubular portion  12  provides a cavity  15  in which the handle-end of, for example, a fishing pole is inserted. Although the tubular portion  12  (and cavity  15 ) is shown as being cylindrical having a substantially circular cross section, there is no limitation on the size or shape of this tubular portion  12  and, hence the cavity  15 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view of a combination fishing pole holder and cleat  10  is shown with the cleat portion  16  extended also showing a portion of the surface  30  of the vessel (e.g. gunnels of boat, deck of boat, etc.). In a preferred embodiment, the tubular portion  12  is at an acute angle with respect to the surface  30  (acute with respect to the direction of the bow of the vessel of which the surface  30  is part thereof). In this manner, a fishing pole (not shown) inserted into the cavity  15  rests at a similar acute angle with respect to the surface  30 , angled out toward the stern of the boat. The tubular portion  12  extends a certain distance below the surface  30 , deep enough to support the object (e.g. fishing pole) at this substantially similar angle (e.g., it is anticipated that the handle end of the exemplary fishing pole has a smaller outer diameter than an inner diameter of the tubular portion, and therefore, this fishing pole will rest at a more acute angle than the acute angle of the tubular portion  12 ). 
     There is no limit to the length or shape of the tubular portion  12 , yielding to typical marine dimensions. Note that, in some embodiments, both ends of the tubular portion  12  are open, allowing fluids to drain out of the bottom of the tubular portion  12  and into the bilge of the vessel in which it is mounted, which is typically later removed by a bilge pump. 
     Also note that the angles at which the legs  17  meet the cleat portion  16 , and the angles at which the studs  19  meet the bezel portion  14  are similar to the acute angle of the tubular portion  12  with respect to the bezel portion  14 . These angles are not limited, but by having similar angles, the hole in the cleat portion  16  maintains alignment with the tubular portion  12  when extended (as in  FIG. 4 ) and, therefore, it is possible for an object such as a fishing pole butt to be inserted into the combination fishing pole holder and cleat  10  while the cleat portion  16  is extended. It is also possible that the legs  17  and studs  19  be at different angles (e.g. at a 90 degree angle with respect to the bezel portion  14  and the surface  30 ). It is anticipated that in embodiments in which the angle differs, the differences in this angle will limit the use of the combination fishing pole holder and cleat  10  as a fishing pole holder while the cleat portion  16  is extended. 
     Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result. 
     It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.