Abstract:
This invention is a new portable and collapsible fishing line spool holder that can be hung from a fishing rod eyelet to permit the winding of the fishing line from the spool onto the fishing rod&#39;s reel. The present invention avoids common problems of twisting and line tension during transfer from spool to reel. Moreover, the present invention is collapsible, simple to load, and easily transportable.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates generally to fishing spool holders and more particularly pertains to a new portable and collapsible fishing line spool holder that can be hung from a fishing rod eyelet to permit the winding of the fishing line from the spool onto the fishing rod&#39;s reel. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The use of fishing spool holders is well known in the prior art. Over time, the fishing line on a reel must be replaced. The fishing line may be also be replaced voluntarily depending on the environment of the fishing rod&#39;s use. Fishing spool holders have been developed to aid in the cumbersome task of transferring fishing line from the spool to the reel. 
         [0003]    Many existing spool holders create tension on the fishing line when transferring to the reel. Such tension results in poor casting and inefficiency of use. Other spool holders can also introduce twists or kinks in the fishing line on the reel, which inhibits the efficiency of the rod and decreases the ability to cast properly. Many prior disclosures attempt to provide a system for transferring fishing line from rod to reel. These prior art use a clamp-type mechanism to attach the spool holder to the fishing rod, thus introducing tension onto the fishing rod that can result in breaks or fractures in the rod itself. Moreover, the designs of prior spool holders having a clamp-type attachment to the fishing rod work by pulling the fishing line from the spool, which creates tension in the top part of the fishing pole. These results are disadvantageous to the proper functioning of the fishing pole and the fishing line once transferred to the reel. 
         [0004]    For example U.S. Pat. No. 4,776,527 describes a spool holder that mounts onto the to the fishing rod itself via two pieces connected with a screw and a wing nut (a clamp-type mounting). A rectangular piece holds the spool and is attached to the fishing rod. The reel of the fishing rod is fed from the spool on the rectangular piece. The static attachment of the spool holder to the rod creates tension on the spool, and thus would introduce tension onto the fishing line when on the reel. Moreover, this spool holder may cause cracks or fractures to the fishing rod due to the clamp-type mounting, which would impact the performance and durability of the fishing rod. 
         [0005]    In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,484 describes a fishing line loading device that also attaches securely with a clamp-type securing structure to the fishing rod with fasteners that are to be tightened before the loading device is used. There securing structure is described as applying functional drag resistance to the supply spool. The application of resistance to the spool necessarily introduces tension in the fishing line, which will be in the line once transferred to the reel. This tension results in inefficient casting. The design of the apparatus is large and cumbersome, and again the clamp-type securing structure can introduce fractures and cracks into the fishing rod when in use, thus diminishing the performance and durability of the fishing rod. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,788 describes a collapsible tool for transferring fishing line from spool to reel. This spool holder is also designed to impose resistance on the line, thus introducing tension in the fishing line when on the reel and causing twists and kinks in the line. Again, the holder is attached to the rod with a clamp-type piece, which can introduce fractures and cracks into the fishing rod. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,742,737 describes a spool holder again securely anchored to the reel and an added piece feeds the line to the reel in between the spool holder and the reel. A nut is provided to adjust the pulling force between the spool holder and the reel. This design also introduces tension, as is taught in the disclosure. The attachment means to the rod may also introduce cracks and fractures into the fishing rod. Other patents describe essentially the spool holder that is securely attached to the rod and allows the user to add tension to the line (see also U.S. Pat. No. 6,609,673). 
         [0008]    These prior art do not provide for a device that virtually eliminates tension in the fishing line, and is easily removable from the fishing rod, so that the spool holder does not interfere with the use of the rod. Additionally, the present invention will not cause damage to the rod because it is not attached to the rod with a clamp, but hangs from an eyelet on the rod. Moreover, it would be advantageous to have a spool holder that is readily detachable, and is easily transportable to the site where the rod will be used. None of the prior art provide for a spool holder that may collapse into a smaller size for easy transport, as is contemplated by the present invention. 
         [0009]    Thus, there is a need for a fishing spool holder that not only is novel in its concept and design, but is easy to use, collapsible to be easily transportable, does not introduce fractures or cracks into the fishing rod, eliminates line tension in the line, and does not introduce twists or kinks in the line when transferred from spool to reel. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    According to one aspect of the present invention, the collapsible spool holder hangs from an eyelet on the fishing rod so that it is free to move, and thus does not introduce tension into the fishing line as it is transferred from the spool to the reel or introduce fractures or cracks into the fishing rod. 
         [0011]    According to another aspect of the present invention, the collapsible spool holder may be collapsible to fit into a cellular phone carrying case. 
         [0012]    Additionally, according to yet another aspect of the present invention, the collapsible spool holder is easily collapsible and transportable. 
         [0013]    Moreover, in another aspect of the present invention, the collapsible spool holder is triangular in shape, with the spool being held at the bottom side of the triangle such that the tension of pulling the line from the spool is placed at the top of the holder that hangs from the eyelet of the rod. 
         [0014]    In yet another aspect of the present invention, the collapsible spool holder contains the spool in between a tension mechanism of two tension nuts that are adjustable to the width of the spool, allowing the spool to be secure in the spool holder and not move from side to side, but without introducing tension into the fishing line when transferred from the spool to the reel. 
         [0015]    According to another aspect of the present invention, the left and right arm of the collapsible spool holder move in concert, such that when one arm is pulled from the top piece that hangs from the eyelet of the rod, the other arm moves approximately the same distance. 
         [0016]    Additionally, in another aspect of the present invention, the left and right arm of the collapsible spool holder connect with one another in a joint, that can be a ball and socket joint. 
         [0017]    In another aspect of the present invention, a top piece secures the left and right arm of the collapsible spool holder, the top piece having a hook-like element that hangs from the eyelet of the rod and also has a protrusion with a hole that feeds the fishing line from the spool on the collapsible spool holder to the reel. 
         [0018]    An object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible spool holder that does not introduce tension or twists or kinks into a fishing line when transferred from spool to reel. 
         [0019]    In yet another aspect of the present invention, the bottom piece of the collapsible spool holder opens to easily load the spool onto the apparatus. 
         [0020]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible spool holder that hangs from the fishing rod such that it is not securely attached to the rod when transferring the fishing line from spool to reel and does not introduce cracks or fractures into the fishing rod. 
         [0021]    In another aspect of the present invention, the integrity of the rod remains unaffected by the collapsible spool holder&#39;s use. 
         [0022]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible spool holder that is collapsible to be easily transportable to the sites of the fishing rod&#39;s use. 
         [0023]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible spool holder that is easily loaded with the spool. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    The foregoing aspects and many of the accompanying advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  is a front view of the collapsible spool holder, as in one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the collapsible spool holder as it hangs from a fishing rod in use, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of the parts of the collapsible spool holder, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of right bottom piece of the collapsible spool holder, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is an illustration of the left bottom piece of the collapsible spool holder, as in one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  is an illustration of a tension nut, as in one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  is an alternative view of a tension nut, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  is a back view of a side of the top piece with the protrusion, as in one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  is a front view of a side of the top piece with the protrusion, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  is a back of a side of the top piece with the hook, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 11  is a front view of a side of the top piece with the hook, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 12  is an illustration of the left arm of the collapsible spool holder, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 13  is an illustration of the right arm of the collapsible spool holder, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 14  is an illustration of the collapsible spool holder in its collapsed form, as in one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0039]    The invention described in detail herein generally relates to a collapsible spool holder for facilitating the movement of fishing line from the spool to the reel of a fishing rod. 
         [0040]      FIG. 2  shows the present invention as it is used on a fishing rod  154 . The spool of fishing line  150  rests on the present invention spool holder. The present invention is attached to the fishing rod  154  by hanging from an eyelet  153  on the rod by a hook on the spool holder. In the preferred embodiment, the spool holder hangs from the first eyelet of the fishing rod. The fishing line  151  is fed up from the spool, through a protrusion with a hole  132  in the present invention (see  FIG. 1 ). The fishing line  151  then attached and is wound onto the reel  152  by cranking the reel handle  155 . When not in use, the collapsible spool holder may be collapsed for easy transport ( FIG. 14 ). 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 , the spool holder is triangular in shape, as in the preferred embodiment of the invention. The triangular shape (see  FIG. 1 ) allows the tension created from moving the fishing line from the spool to the reel to be moved from the spool to the top piece of the collapsible spool holder (see  FIG. 2 ). The result is that the fishing line, once transferred to the reel, has very little tension and is able to be effectively and efficiently employed. Additionally, because the collapsible spool holder hangs freely from the eyelet of the rod, no fractures or cracks are introduced into the fishing rod (see  FIG. 2 ). The bottom arm of the triangle holds the spool of fishing line when loaded (see  FIG. 2 ). A left  117  and right arm  118  are attached to the bottom arm of the spool holder. The bottom arm of the spool holder can be separated at its approximate midsection  110  into a left  131  and right  130  bottom piece. The left  131  and right  130  bottom piece can be secured with a snap joint consisting of a male  120  and female  119  joint part ( FIGS. 3-5 ). The left  131  and right  130  bottom pieces are able to be separated so that a spool may be loaded onto the collapsible spool holder, and to collapse the spool holder as is subsequently described (see  FIG. 14 ). 
         [0042]    The bottom arm of the spool holder also has a left  111  and right  112  tension nuts that can be adjusted to the width of the spool so that the spool is secure in the holder and is not free to move along the bottom arm ( FIG. 2 ). As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , each tension nut ( 111  and  112 ) has a hole  129  that the bottom pieces pass through. A tension mechanism that does not include tension nuts can be used, as is known to those skilled in the art. For instance, a spring mechanism can be used on either side of the spool to secure it. Moreover, as in the preferred embodiment of the invention, each tension nut ( 111  and  112 ) has two parallel flat sides  137 . The flat sides  137  of the left  111  and right  112  tension nuts allow the left  131  and right  130  bottom pieces to be substantially parallel and adjacent to the left  117  and right  118  arm when in its collapsed form (see  FIG. 14 ). The collapsed spool holder can be readily put into a case or transported. In the preferred embodiment the tension nuts are 45′ chamfer on side, drilled and taped 5/16-18 hole. Other types of tension nuts or tension mechanisms may be employed, as is apparent to those skilled in the art. 
         [0043]    The left  131  and right  130  bottom pieces are attached to a left arm  117  and a right arm  118  of the triangular spool holder, as in one preferred embodiment of the invention. As is seen in  FIG. 3  each end of the bottom pieces have a hinge  113  and  114  that connects to a left arm  117  or a right arm  118 . The left  113  and right  114  hinge piece connects to the left  117  and  118  right arm pieces via a fastener in the provided openings  115  and  116  (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). As in the preferred embodiment, the fastener is a flat head screw, but as is known to those skilled in the art, other fasteners may be employed. The openings  115  and  116  in the bottom left  113  and right  114  hinge piece line up with and connect with the opening in the hinge pieces  121  and  122  on each left  117  and right  118  arm (see  FIG. 3 ). As shown in  FIG. 14 , when the bottom arm is separated at its midsection  110  the left  113  and right  114  hinge pieces on the bottom and two arms  117  and  118  move so that the left  131  and right  130  bottom pieces are substantially parallel with the left  117  and right  118  arm pieces, and the collapsible spool holder is compact and easy to transport. 
         [0044]    As depicted in  FIG. 13 , the right arm  118  of the spool holder connects to the bottom piece by a hinge  122 , and resides in the top piece with a socket  136  that connects to the ball  135  contained on the left arm  117 . The socket  120  is attached to the right arm  118 , preferably as a hinge, with an opening  123  for a fastener. The hinge attachment allows the socket  120  to move as needed when collapsing the spool holder. 
         [0045]      FIG. 12  shows the left arm  117  of the spool holder that connects to the bottom piece by a hinge  121  and resides in the top piece with a ball  135  that connects to the socket  136  on the right arm  118 . The ball  135  is attached, preferably with a hinge, to the left arm  117  with an opening for a fastener  124 . The hinge attachment allows the ball  135  to move as needed when collapsing the spool holder. The ball  135  and socket  136  function in a way that when the arms are separated, both left  117  and right  118  arm pieces move in concert. The motion of the left  117  and  118  arm pieces is accomplished by the mechanical force exerted on the ball  135  and socket  136  when separating the arms. For example, if force is exerted on the right arm  118 , which contains the socket  136  to separate the arms away from the top piece, the left arm  117  will move away from the top piece as well. The left  117  and right  118  arm pieces are able to be separated to facilitate loading the spool onto the holder. 
         [0046]    The top of the spool holder holds the left  117  and right  118  arm pieces with a hook-like piece that hangs from the eyelet of the fishing rod (see  FIG. 2 ). Two pieces  138  and  139  make up the top piece as shown in  FIGS. 8 through 11 . The first top piece  138  contains a hook  128  for hanging the spool holder from an eyelet on a fishing rod (see  FIGS. 2 ,  10  and  11 ). By hanging the collapsible spool holder from the fishing rod, tension in the fishing line is alleviated, thus reducing tension introduced when transferring the fishing line from the spool to the reel. Moreover, by hanging the collapsible spool holder from the eyelet of the fishing rod, no tension is applied to the rod and cracks or fractures are not introduced to the fishing rod. As shown in  FIG. 11  two openings  127  and  126  are provided to secure the first top piece  138  to the second top piece  139 . As seen in  FIG. 10  the inside surface  140  has a protrusion  125  that facilitates the attachment of the first top piece  140  to the second top piece  139  and provides a spacer so that the left  117  and right  118  arms are able to reside within the top piece (see  FIG. 3 ). 
         [0047]    The second top piece  139  is shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . This piece has a protrusion with a hole  132  in it where the fishing line is fed through from the spool to the fishing line. The protrusion with a hole  132  is oriented such that when the fishing line is taken from the spool to the hole, the fishing line is substantially straight and parallel with the fishing rod and at the approximate midsection of the spool. By feeding the fishing line through this hole  132 , tension is alleviated from the spool and thus the fishing line, so that no twists or kinks are introduced into the fishing line as it is being transferred to the reel. Two holes  134  and  133  are provided that match the holes in the first piece  126  and  127  so that the first piece  138  and the second top piece  139  can be attached to one another with fasteners. 
         [0048]    When the first top piece  138  and the second top piece  139  are attached to one another, the ball  135  and socket  136  of the left  117  and right  118  arm pieces are contained within the top piece. The ball  135  and socket  136  of the two arms are moveable when attached such that the spool holder may be collapsed so that the left  131  and right  130  bottom pieces are folded in towards the top piece and the left  131  and right  130  bottom pieces are substantially parallel to the left  117  and right  118  arm pieces (see  FIG. 14 ). 
         [0049]    The description contained herein is for purposes of illustration and not for purposes of limitation. Changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments of the description and still be within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, obvious changes, modifications or variations will occur to those skilled in the art. Also, all references cited above are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety, for background and to assist the reader of this disclosure. 
         [0050]    While the invention has been shown and described herein with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that the various additions, substitutions, or modifications of form, structure, arrangement, proportions, materials, and components and otherwise, used in the practice and which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements, may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various other modifications may be made by those skilled in the art which will embody the principles of the invention and fall within the spirit and the scope thereof.