Abstract:
A receptacle for holding spooled fishing line in a manner that allows the loading of a reel directly from the spool without need for additional tensioners. The relatively consistent resistance of the embodiment may be effected by selection configurations and materials to provide friction between the ends of the spool or other locations on the spool and a resistive area of the receptacle. In many embodiments, a surface having at least as high a coefficient of friction relative to the contacting surface of the spool as cardboard has relative to the spool works well. Some lighter weight spools may require higher friction. The resistance may also be caused by creating a snug fit between the spool and the receptacle. Other coefficients of friction or measures of resistance may be selected depending upon the tension desired to be applied to the intended reel that may be loaded thereby.

Description:
[0001]    This nonprovisional patent application claims priority to provisional patent application No. 60/404,179, filed on Aug. 16, 2002. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    This invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for transporting, storing, and retrieving fishing line. More particularly, but without limitation, the invention is directed toward a receptacle for receiving a quantity of spooled fishing line allowing for ready distribution of an amount of fishing line, or storage of the spooled line.  
           [0004]    2. Description of Related Art  
           [0005]    Fisherpersons frequently carry large quantities of spooled fishing line in tackle boxes in order to replenish the supply of line on the reel of a fishing pole. Spooled line is sold in bulk quantities, typically in the market. Of course, other volume and sized spools are available in the marketplace, with availability keyed principally to market demand.  
           [0006]    When carrying such spools, fisherpersons encounter difficulties related to the spooled nature and massive line volume. By way of example, spools left in tackle boxes may tend to loosen their coil on the spool, resulting in a tangled, loosely wound “bird&#39;s nest”. Spools in a bird&#39;s nest may be or become severely tangled, requiring painstaking unwinding or cutting of the bird&#39;s nested line. Such unwinding and cutting is frustrating, interfering with the relaxation sought by pleasure fishers, and time consuming in a manner detrimental to the success of sports fishers. Moreover, where the tangling is remedied by cutting through the bird&#39;s nest, line is wasted. Even where the uncoiling is not so severe as to cause a tangled bird&#39;s nest, the unkempt and loosely coiled nature of the spool results in inconsistent tension exerted by the spool against the off-loading of the wound line. For fisherpersons attempting to set proper, in some cases very precise, tension on a reel of a fishing pole, the inconsistent tension may be unacceptable.  
           [0007]    The art has developed a number of enclosures for retaining spooled coils of fishing line. Among these is a line of tackle boxes offered under the STREN® trademark, model numbers LLBOX, 01002-6, weighing in at approximately 7 lbs, and SLBOX 01001-9, weighing in at approximately 4 lbs. (Stren Catalog, 1997/1998). These tackle box-styled holders are large and are incapable of readily seating in a fisherperson&#39;s own tackle-box of choice. They are thus of limited use to fisherpersons who require or desire a special tackle box and do not want to carry multiple boxes. Furthermore and separately, the inventor has found no tackle boxes of this type that attempt to or reliably restrain the coil of the spool from loosening. Accordingly, rapid withdrawal of the line from one of these devices will cause the spool to continue to spin after the withdrawal force subsides, fostering bird&#39;s nesting and unkempt line. Bird&#39;s nests and unkempt line are also encountered following transport or storage even when excessive force is not used to unwind the spool.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    The present invention is a device and method variously and separably for transporting, storing, and retrieving fishing line as stored on a spool, limited only by the scope of the claims as ultimately allowed in this application, and in no way limited by the prior versions of the claims inserted in this provisional application which are inserted only purposes of priority and satisfaction of potential foreign filing requirements.  
           [0009]    The exemplary embodiment of the invention as described herein is a receptacle for holding a single spooled fishing line in a manner that allows removal of the line through an opening in the receptacle. As described below, the embodiment advantageously may cause the spool to exhibit relatively consistent resistance to spinning in the receptacle. The resistance variously may reduce the likelihood of the spool unwinding in transit, and may provide an appropriate tension to allow the loading of a reel directly from the spool without need for additional tensioners. The relatively consistent resistance may be effected by selecting configurations and materials to provide friction between the ends of the spool or other locations on the spool and a resistive. In many embodiments, a surface having at least as high a coefficient of friction relative to the contacting surface of the spool as cardboard has relative to the spool works well. Some lighter weight spools may require higher friction. The resistance may also be caused by creating a snug fit between the spool and the receptacle. Other coefficients of friction or measures of resistance may be selected depending upon the tension desired to be applied to the intended reel that may be loaded thereby.  
           [0010]    The exemplary embodiment of the invention as described herein provides a receptacle for holding fishing line. The receptacle is sized to facilitate the holding of a single spool of fishing line.  
         OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION  
         [0011]    The following stated objects of the invention are alternative and exemplary objects only, and no one or any should be read as required for the practice of the invention, or as an exhaustive listing of objects accomplished.  
           [0012]    As suggested by the foregoing discussion, an exemplary and non-exclusive alternative object of this invention is to provide a receptacle for receiving a quantity of spooled fishing line allowing for ready distribution of an amount of fishing line.  
           [0013]    A further exemplary and non-exclusive alternative object of this invention is to provide a receptacle for receiving a quantity of spooled fishing line allowing for storage of the spooled line with resistance to uncoiling or birds nesting of the line.  
           [0014]    A further exemplary and non-exclusive alternative object is to provide a receptacle for distributing fishing line that exhibits a relatively consistent resistance to withdrawal of the fishing line from the spool  
           [0015]    A further exemplary and non-exclusive alternative object is to provide a receptacle for fishing line that provides a tension in resistance to the extraction of line or the loading of a fishing reel of a minimum value  
           [0016]    A further exemplary and non-exclusive alternative object is to provide a standalone receptacle having any or all of the above stated objects.  
           [0017]    The above objects and advantages are neither exhaustive nor individually or collectively critical to the spirit and practice of the invention, except as stated in the claims. Other or alternative objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the invention.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]    [0018]FIG. 1 shows a pattern layout for a receptacle capable of operating in the design of the embodiment described below.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 2 depicts a cut-away section of a receptacle capable of operating in the design of the embodiment, with focus on the areas of interaction between the spool and the receptacle in an embodiment in which the friction between receptacle and spool is primarily located at the rims of the  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 3 demonstrates an alternative configuration in which friction is exerted by the receptacle against the outer ends of the spool.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 4 is a drawing of the device of the embodiment described below from the outside.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 5 is a drawing of one alternative embodiment in which the receptacle does not comprise a complete enclosure. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0023]    The following is a detailed exemplary description of an embodiment of the invention, in a number of its various aspects. Those skilled in the art will understand that the specificity provided herein is intended for illustrative purposes with respect to an exemplary embodiment, and is not to be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention or claims.  
         [0024]    Turning now to FIG. 4, the presently described alternative embodiment of the receptacle under the present invention is shown as an enclosed box  1 , having an aperture  2  for passage of fishing line  3 . The spool  5  containing fishing line  3  is deposited in the opening of the box  1 , which may be seen most clearly in FIG. 3. The spool  5  may be secured against accidental jostling from the box  1  by closing the lid  6 . The aperture  2  may advantageously be rimmed with reinforcement, such as a grommet  4 . The shown embodiment is conveniently sized to fit within a standard tackle box. It may be used as a free standing enclosure for the spool, or may be modularly deposited in operable configuration within a storage well or main enclosure of a tackle box.  
         [0025]    Looking more particularly at the interaction of the box  1  with the spool  5 , the present embodiment shows the spool  5  contacting the box  1  at least by the spool rims  7 . As will be apparent to those reasonably skilled in the art, pulling on the line  3  from the outside of the box  1 , as it is passed through the aperture  2 , will urge the spool  5  toward the front panel  8  of the box  1  having the aperture  2 . In addition, depending upon placement of the aperture  2  and rotational direction of the line  3  on the spool  5 , the spool  5  will also be urged toward another panel of the box  1  in rotational or counter-rotational direction relative to the spool  5 . Gravity will also have effect on the urging of the spool  5  into contact with panels such that in a configuration as shown, with the spool  5  wound and placed in the box  1  in such a manner that the line emerges from the top of the spool  5 , the spool  5  will contact at least the front panel  8  and the bottom panel  9 . Withdrawal of the line  3  through the aperture  2  will cause rotation of the spool  5 , which will rotate in a direction that with perfect friction and no gravity would cause it to advance toward and climb the front panel  8 .  
         [0026]    By means of such frictional contact in the embodiment pictured, the spool  5  also resists rotation to a degree dependent upon the amount of friction between the panels and the spool  5 . As shown, the friction exists at least between the spool rims  7  and the front panel  8  and bottom panel  9 . Greater friction will result in greater resistance to withdrawal of line  3  from the spool  5  and box  1 . In turn, greater resistance will result in an increased tension on the line  3  as it is pulled or wound onto a reel. Resistance can be increased by adding flaps, tightening the box  1  about spool  5  or other variations. Importantly, the level of tension can be set for any particular type of line to be the tension at which such type of line should be loaded onto a fishing reel (the “Loading Tension”).  
         [0027]    As one of many alternatives, the friction may be effected by contact between the sides  10 ,  11  of the receptacle and the ends of spool  5 , as shown in FIG. 3. Friction in such a system can be increased by reducing the width of the box  1  relative to the spool  5  such that the spool is more tightly “squeezed” between the side panels  10 ,  11 . Further non-exhaustive alternatives for providing such friction in embodiments of the invention include rounded mating receptacles  12  matched to the approximate size of the rim  7  of the spool  5  or of the spool  5  itself, with the degree of tension depending upon the relative size chosen, such as shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, the receptacles are formed from portions of the panels that are cut and bent inward. Rubber bands or other elastomeric tensioners or straps could be used. Some of these embodiments could be dynamically variably, such as by providing an adjustable securing strap, made of cardboard, rubber, or otherwise. Similarly, the level of friction and tension could be made adjustable by varying the configuration of the box  1 , such that in a first configuration friction is primarily a function of the force exhibited by the turning spool  5  against the contacting panels, and in a second configuration flaps are folded into contact with the spool  5 , such that the spool  5  is squeezed between two or more opposing sides of the box  1 . Additional alternatives may include roughening the rim  7  of the spool  5 . Still further alternatives would include providing a soft or sticky interior of the box at least at anticipated contact points, whereby the friction is increased or the resistance to rotation of the spool  5  is otherwise enhanced. Other alternatives within the spirit of the invention may be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art, and are not excluded from this disclosure by mere failure to call out each potential alternative.  
         [0028]    The weight of the spool 5 also may be taken into account in identifying and creating sufficient resistance to rotation to obtain the friction and/or tension desired. The inventor has reviewed several commonly available spool sizes, which work well in the invention. Among those are spools having flange, or rim, sizes, spool widths, and approximate near-empty weights in the unloaded condition as follows:  
                                                                                         Spool A   Spool B   Spool C   Spool D   Spool E                                    Flange Diameter   ¾″   2¾″   3″   4⅞″   6″       Width   4″   2⅝″   3⅞″   4″   4″       Weight   1 oz   1 oz   2 oz   4 oz   5 oz                  
 
         [0029]    Applicant believes based on current investigation that while a coefficient of friction the same as or greater than that between unfinished cardboard and smooth plastic is sufficient for relatively large weight spools (greater than one ounce), spools of one ounce or lesser weight will require either a higher coefficient of friction, or additional factors resistant to spinning (e.g., squeezing the spool, strapping it with rubber, or other methods) to exhibit the alternative tensioning effects described.  
         [0030]    The shown embodiment eliminates or reduces the need for pretensioning the line  3  as it is applied to a fishing reel. Stated differently, the line  3  can be wound onto a reel directly from a box  1  of the shown embodiment without subjecting it to additional tension, such as may be done by pinching the line between fingers between the spool  5  and a reel. By selecting appropriate materials and combinations, a box can be provided that automatically applies an approximately identified tension to the fishing line  3  as it is applied to a reel or to any other device. Different configurations and material selections can be employed to create a bank of different boxes, each having a specified tension, for selection in use with loading various reels for various purposes.  
         [0031]    The invention may be configured with a line holder. For this purpose in the shown embodiment the inventor uses a slit  13  at an edge of the box  1  through which the line  3  is passed for storage. Additionally, a cutter, such as a raised metallic burr or hook may be applied to the box, furthering the utility of the invention. The cutter may be metal or other material capable of holding an edge or capable of maintaining a “pinch” or notch for gripping and severing the fishing line.  
         [0032]    In particular, but without limitation, the inventor provides as FIG. 1 a cut-diagram for the construction of box  1 . As shown in FIG. 1, solid lines are cuts, while dotted lines show areas for folding. In assembly, the template shown in FIG. 1 may be laid flat as shown. Flaps  22  and  22 A will be folded vertically, facing the assembler, to a 90 degree angle with the front panel  8 . Next, sides  23  and  23 A are folded vertically, again, facing the assembler in a 90 degree relationship with front panel  8 . This folding will cause the previously folded panels  22  and  22 A to rotate inward, such that following the action panel  8 , flap  22  and side  23  are orthogonal (as will be panel  8 , flap  22 A and side  23 A). Flaps  21  and  21 A are then folded toward the assembler until perpendicular to bottom  9 . Bottom  9  is then folded toward the assembler (carrying with it flaps  21 ,  21 A,  28 , and  29 ) until it is flush against the flaps  22  and perpendicular to front panel  8 . Panels  21  and  21 A are then urged slightly interior of the planes of sides  23  and  23 A. Panel  29  is then folded further in the same direction as before, until panel  29 , bottom  9 , side  23  are orthogonal. Flaps  24  and  24 A are then folded toward the interior of the box  1  until parallel to sides  23  and  23 A, respectively. Pressure is required to force spurs  25  and  25 A into slots  26  and  26 A, respectively. At this point, assembly is substantially complete. Top  26  may be folded down to close the box for loading or storage, and may be secured in place by the tucking of flap  27  into the box and the insertion of tab  28  into opening  30 .  
         [0033]    The invention in any or all of its aspects may be sold as a prepackaged item, or as a receptacle without spool, for filling and refilling. The inventor also suggests that the invention in all or any of its aspects could be distributed with the spool included and enclosed, with the line protruding through the aperture and secured to the outside of the box for immediately available use of the product without configuration by the end user.  
       CONCLUDING REMARKS  
       [0034]    The foregoing represents certain exemplary embodiments of the invention selected to teach the principles and practice of the invention generally to those in the art such that they may use their standard skill in the art to make these embodiments or variations based on industry skill, while remaining within the scope and practice of the invention, as well as the inventive teaching of this disclosure. The inventor stresses that the invention has numerous particular embodiments, the scope of which shall not be restricted further than the claims as allowed. Unless otherwise specifically stated, Applicant does not by consistent use of any term in the detail description in connection with an illustrative embodiment intend to limit the meaning of that term to a particular meaning more narrow than that understood for the term generally.