Abstract:
A telescopic wading staff with a full size, integral fishnet is disclosed. The preferred embodiment includes a retractable, extensible pole that can be moved between a first, fully compacted (retracted) configuration for transport or storage and second, fully extended configuration for wading, especially when traversing a stream or riverbed for fly-fishing. Other embodiments include a hook extension from the lower staff end for retrieving tangled lines, lures and the like.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/520,209 filed on Jun. 6, 2011, entitled WADING STAFF WITH INTEGRAL FISHING NET, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    Disclosed is a device for sportsmen who want or need to use a walking staff to reach their favorite fishing spots, but are reluctant to use one because a walking staff would add another piece of equipment to the already numerous pieces of fishing gear to carry. This invention provides for a walking/wading staff with a fully sized, integral fishnet. 
         [0004]    Fishing whether onshore or in the water is a popular pastime that requires transporting multiple pieces of fishing gear to a desired fishing spot, usually at a location that is somewhat inconvenient for walking. In the course of arriving at that site, sportsmen traverse woods, sloped hills and ragged shores before finding their ideal fishing location, while usually wearing rubbery boots/footgear. On such travails, these sportsmen encounter uneven terrain with rocks and stones, riverbeds with hidden foot-catching crevices and slippery stream bottoms; any of which may cause them to lose balance and fall. There is a need for standard piece of fishing equipment that can double as a walking staff, so as not to burden fishermen with an extra piece of gear. 
         [0005]    2. Relevant Art 
         [0006]    The net portions of the present invention are directionally distinct from those shown in Heritage U.S. Pat. No. 752,550. In Harris U.S. Pat. No. 1,258,632, a small “landing net”, element  11 , is depicted. The walking cane of Watterson U.S. Pat. No. 2,033,408 includes a pocket/bag for other sporting reasons. In FIG. 1 of Lee U.S. Pat. No. 7,269,921 there are tips at both ends of a net. 
         [0007]    Several known fishing rod-walking cane configurations includes those in Edgerly U.S. Pat. No. 475,852; Lobit U.S. Pat. No. 849,481; Grandjean U.S. Pat. No. 1,972,518; Demetris U.S. Pat. No. 7,210,264 and Govero Pending Application No. 11/681,476. Meanwhile, Kelley Pending application Ser. No. 09/776,866 focused on a particular “survival stick” for fly-fishing. 
         [0008]    Telescopically extending or folding fishnets are the focus of Morseth U.S. Pat. No. 2,595,597; Gerritsen U.S. Pat. No. 4,050,177 and DePoe U.S. Pat. No. 6,032,399 while Needham U.S. Pat. No. 6,898,891 and Ericksen U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,538 showed hooks for fishing tools and/or wading staffs. Finally, Thomas U.S. Pat. No. 7,395,629 showed a combined fishing accessory with numerous elements, even an added light. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention relates to a fishnet that can also be efficiently used as a walking/wading staff. The fishing net staff has the typical rounded frame that holds a full size, fully deployed (i.e., not retractable or foldable) fishnet and uses the traditional elongated “handle” as a support pole that may or may not be telescopically collapsible, or otherwise compactable. The improvement disclosed is that the proximal end of the frame is comprised of a handle specifically for the sportsmen to grip while using the support pole of the fishing net staff to brace themselves while walking, wading, or hiking on dry land trails to or from their favorite fishing site. It preferred that the support pole be compactable and more preferred that the support pole be telescopic. Being compactable allows the fishing net staff to be more easily stored on a person especially while wading in the water. The disclosed device may further include a hook extension for retrieving otherwise out-of-reach fishing lines and lures. 
         [0010]    In a preferred embodiment of the embodiment of the fishing net staff, the pole has a structurally supportive telescopic design that includes a plurality of interconnecting elongated segments that move slidably in telescopic manner relative to one another from a first, fully compacted (or retracted) configuration, to an intermediate length, to a final, fully extended configuration. Preferably, these pole segments easily, yet temporarily interlock to one another after being slid into an extended use position so as to support a person who is using the fishing net staff as a walking or wading stick. It is not necessary to lock the segments together while in a retracted/compacted state. In fact, the opposite may be preferred. Segments that are locked together while compressed will slow down the speed at which these staffs may be deployed for safer walking/wading and/or extended fish catching. 
         [0011]    The aforementioned staff may be made from one or more functional materials. Preferred versions are made from metal, i.e. aluminum or stainless steel. Alternate versions have staff sections made from carbon fiber, fiberglass or plastic. Fancier, more natural versions may have components made from hardwood or bamboo. 
         [0012]    Preferably, the fishing net staff further includes an integral hook at or close to the staffs distal (bottom) end. When extended/extracted from the staff, this hook may be used to retrieve a badly cast fishing line or lure otherwise tangled in brush or trees beyond the fisherman&#39;s normal reach. It may also be used to gather in snagged hats, apparel or possibly small rafts and other equipment that has started to float/drift away. This hook may be integrally built into one staff segment and most preferably made fully (or at least partially) retractable so as to cause less interference with brush during transport. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the fishing net staff with an un-segmented pole support and a rod shaped handle; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a front view of one embodiment of the fishing net staff with an un-segmented pole support directly aligned with handle; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a front view of one embodiment of the fishing net staff with an un-segmented pole support and ergonomic hook shaped handle; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a front view of one embodiment of the fishing net staff with an un-segmented pole support and a non-aligned handle with a wrist/forearm rest; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5   a  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the fishing net staff with a segmented pole support fully extended; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5   b  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the fishing net staff with a segmented pole support with intermediate extension; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5   c  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the fishing net staff with a segmented pole support fully retracted; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6   a  is a perspective view of one embodiment of fishing net staff with a distally extending hook; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6   b  is a front view of one embodiment of the fishing net staff with a perpendicular hook; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7   a  is a preferred embodiment of a retractable hook in a closed position; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 7   b  is a preferred embodiment of a retractable hook in an opened position. 
       
    
    
       [0024]    Further features, objectives and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when referring to the following detailed description made with reference to the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0025]    The present invention solves a problem encountered by many fishermen during their day of sport/relaxation. While walking/wading through streams, ponds, marshes, swamps, and river or lake shores, they run into unseen perils including sharp rocks, litter and other foreign objects, tree branches, and surprise terrain drop-offs any of which may cause the fishermen to fall and risk serious bodily injury. Such perils may be averted by using a walking/wading staff for better balance. It may prove difficult, however, for one to carry his/her own tackle box, fishing rod/reel, netting and several other accessories while traversing to one&#39;s favorite fishing spot. The present invention alleviates these problems. 
         [0026]    Disclosed is a fishing net device that can also function as a walking/wading staff. It comprises a handle situated over the fishing net on the side opposite of the traditional “handle” which doubly functions as a support pole. The handle can be any feasible shape; for example the handle can be a rod shape, a billy club shape, or a bell fountain shape. The handle may also have a nub on top. The handle can also be an ergonomic shape such as a hook or Fritz handle. The handle may or may not have finger indentations. The handle may have grips or be textured. Though the handle can be placed anywhere on proximal end of frame, preferably the handle is placed centrally in direct alignment with the support pole. Alternatively, a non-centrally placed handle can be used. Either may be used with or without a wrist/forearm rest support. 
         [0027]    Though the accompanying drawings show one preferred fishnet shape frame (i.e., teardrop), it should be understood that any other size and shape of a fishnet frame may be substituted for the frame as shown in the drawings. Likewise the invention contemplates using any style, length or depth of netting. The support pole for the present invention can be any non-compactable or compactable style as long as the fully extended pole length is in a range to be a useful walking/wading staff for adult humans. Some embodiments of a non-compactable style include a solid pole, a hollow pole, or a pole made of segments that can be twisted together and apart like many common pool cue sticks. However, it is preferable that pole be compactable and it is most preferred that the pole be telescopic. Having a compactable fishing net staff is preferred for easy storage on one&#39;s person or with one&#39;s fishing gear. 
         [0028]    Another problem experienced by many fishermen, especially those who fly-fish or stream fish on foot, is line/lure snagging. When castings get caught on a branch a few feet above normal reaching level, a pole hook can become quite useful. Yet another problem for standing/wading sportsmen involves reach. A windblown hat, loose floating object, even small raft may be more easily retrieved with a pole hook. The hook is preferably a retractable hook located at the distal end of the pole support. Any way to retract the hook known in art is contemplated by invention. The hook can extend either in the distal direction or in a direction perpendicular (to the side of) to the support pole. 
         [0029]    The examples set forth in the drawings show only some possibilities for present embodiments. After studying same, still further invention variations may be made clear. 
         [0030]    In  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of the fishing net staff  8  is comprised on frame  1  which holds net  2 . On the top or proximal portion  6  of frame  1  is connected handle  4  with nub  5  attached. On the bottom or distal portion  7  of frame  1  is un-segmented support pole  3 . In  FIG. 2  is depicted an embodiment of the fishing net staff  10  is depicted with handle  12  connected to frame  14  in direct alignment with un-segmented support pole  13  also connected to frame  14 . 
         [0031]    Handle and elongated support pole can be connected to fishnet frame via welding, melting, physical attachment (i.e. bolting) and/or strong adhesive depending on the materials selected for making respective components. Alternatively, the handle and elongated poles can be part of one piece contiguous piece with the frame. The fishing net staff should minimally measure about four feet; and more preferably between 48 to 60 inches in total length. The handle of the fishing net staff should roughly be 4 to 6 inches in length and about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 3 and 4  depict fishing staff embodiments with different handle designs.  FIG. 3  depicts an embodiment of the fishing net staff  15  with a handle  16  that is an ergonomic hook design. On the top or proximal portion  17  of frame  18  is connected handle  16 . On the bottom or distal portion  19  of frame  18  is un-segmented support pole  11 .  FIG. 4  depicts a fishing net  20  staff with a handle  21  that is not directly aligned with the support pole  22 . On the bottom or distal portion  23  of frame  24  is un-segmented support pole  22 . On the top or proximal portion  26  of frame  24  is connected handle  21  located off to the side of the midline  27  of fishing net staff  20 . Some embodiments of this design may further comprise wrist/forearm rest  28 . The handles for fishing net staff can be any feasible design (such as the ones described above) that can be used for a walking/wading staff and are not limited to the ones depicted in these figures. 
         [0033]    In a preferred embodiment of the embodiment of the fishing net staff, the pole has a structurally supportive telescopic design that includes a plurality of interconnecting elongated segments that move slidably in a telescopic manner relative to one another from a first, fully compacted (or retracted) configuration, to an intermediate length, to a final, fully extended configuration. For elongated telescopic poles, preferred embodiments include pole supports with three segments.  FIG. 5  depicts one embodiment of a fishing net staff with a segmented support pole that telescopically retracts. In  FIG. 5   a , fully extended fishing staff  30  is comprised of frame  31  which holds net  32 . On the top or proximal portion  33  of frame  31  is connected handle  34  with nub  35  attached. On the bottom or distal portion  36  of frame  31  is segmented support pole  37 . Support pole  37  is comprised of bottom segment  38  which includes butt  39 , middle segment  40 , and top segment  41  which connects to the bottom or distal portion  36  of frame  31 . To retract, bottom segment  38  first slides into middle segment  40  until it reaches the butt  39  to form combined segment  42 .  FIG. 5   b  shows this partial retraction. Then the combined segment  42  is pushed through top segment  41  over net  32  and is stopped by butt  39  as depicted in  FIG. 5   c.    
         [0034]    It is preferred that the telescopic fishing net staff range between 48 to 60 inches in total length. When fully compacted onto itself, it is preferred that overall staff length range between about 20 to 30 inches. For a three-segmented support pole the bottom and middle segments should measure about 16 to 22 inches in length, and the top segment should measure about 3 to 9 inches in total length. If overall smaller, telescopic segments are preferred (for materials selection and rigidity reasons), depending on the size of respective segments, four or more segments/sections may be substituted. 
         [0035]    Though not clearly visible in the accompanying drawings, adjacent staff segments maybe made to easily “lock” together using an orifice with a mated, spring-loaded ball. Alternate interconnecting means include spring-loaded pins and orifices, threaded lock rings and/or force fit, interlocking ends. Preferably, these pole segments easily, yet temporarily interlock to one another after being slid into an extended use position so as to support a person who is using the fishing net staff as a walking or a wading stick. It is not necessary to lock the segments together while in a retracted/compacted state. In fact, the opposite may be preferred. Segments that are locked together while compressed will slow down the speed at which these staffs may be deployed for safer walking/wading and/or extended fish catching. 
         [0036]    In one preferred case, the staff proper is made from aluminum or stainless steel. Alternately, various components may be manufactured from polymers, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene, nylon, steel, fiberglass carbon fiber or other composites. More “natural”, aesthetic versions may have hardwood or bamboo components. The composition and the design of the fishing net staff should work together so that it can be structurally supportive to brace a person while walking over challenging terrain. 
         [0037]      FIG. 6  depicts preferred embodiments of the fishing net staff with a hook on the distal end. A hook is useful for retrieving poorly cast fishing lines/lures, fishing gear/apparel or any other equipment that accidentally floats away while wading in the water.  FIG. 6   a  shows an embodiment of fishing staff  50  with hook  51  positioned within butt  56  on support pole  60  extending distally. In distally extending hook embodiments, the hook needs be retractable so that the fishing net staff can effectively function as a walking stick.  FIG. 7  shows a preferred retractable method/embodiment. In the closed position portrayed in  FIG. 7   a , connected to support pole  60  is butt  56  made up of cylinder  58  and nub  59 , has opening  57  in which hook  51  rests and through which hook  51  can swing out into the distal position. In  FIG. 7   b  hook  51  is in the open position extending distally from opening  57  in nub  59 . The mechanism to swing out hook  51  can be a lever release mechanism, a spring release mechanism or any mechanism known in the art. Alternatively, the hook  53  may extend perpendicular to the support pole  54  from butt  62  as shown for fishing staff  55  in  FIG. 6   b . Preferably hook  53  is partially or fully retractable. 
         [0038]    One object of this invention is to provide a new and improved walking staff-fishnet combination. Another provides a walking/wading/hiking staff with its own, fully sized, fully functional fly-fishing net. Yet another object is to provide a walker-fishnet combination that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture so that the consuming public (mostly sportsmen) will reap the reward of safer, strolling to and from one&#39;s favorite fly-fishing “spots”. 
         [0039]    A combined walking staff/net for fly-fishing enthusiasts has been described. While enhancing anyone&#39;s abilities to hike on rugged terrain, it most benefits those sportsmen susceptible to slipping and losing their firm footing when passing through cold running streams on their way to anchoring in said streams for repeated fly-fishing castings. While sportsmen wade in shallow waters to their preferred casting sites, the fishing net staff of this invention, when firmly held by its handle can help locate many underwater perils by feel. 
         [0040]    The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the accompanying drawings and claims that various changes or modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited except by the appended claims.